5 Tips for Taking your Business Online (Now and in the Future)
CRE has been inching closer to a digitally-integrated business for some time now as technology has been the biggest focus for industry pros over the past few years.
Things were already moving quickly when the coronavirus crunched the timeline to near immediacy. Anyone who wasn’t ready is surely feeling the heat – but don’t think the online-pressures will subside once this pandemic blows over.
A new reliance on digital tools to conduct real estate transactions will likely keep going after COVID. Use this opportunity to establish a strong online foundation for your business that will support all the changes, curveballs, and new trends of tomorrow.
Here are some of the best tips for agents and brokers to streamline the digital transition and make the switch as painless as possible.
Reshape the Workflow
While the digital transition can be executed seamlessly, that doesn’t necessarily mean that every order of ‘physical’ business can be copy-and-pasted online.
This is one of the most important considerations to make while moving your business on the web. Tasks need to be redesigned to fit the new platform module, meaning that workflows also need some adjusting.
Right now, you can start by settling into the WFH life. Redesign your daily routine, figure out what works for you, and find the balance between productivity and self-care. Plan with the future in mind to create a flow that will last even when the virus blows over.
Set Up Google My Business
If you’re going to be doing business online, clients will need to know how to find you. Organize your web presence with Google My Business, today’s most enhanced version of SEO optimization.
It consolidates your contact information, web pages, social media profiles, and just about everything else to make it simple for people to get in touch. Invest the time here to keep your sales funnel flowing amid the platform shift.
Create a Social Media Community
If you’ve been procrastinating on creating a strong business-centric social media community, it’s time to get on the bandwagon.
Social media is an incredibly powerful tool for modern-day business, especially for CRE. The industry has a strong presence on social platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, and if you’re not getting involved here, you’re missing out on the chance to network, market, and gain recognition – all in one place.
Build Up Your Tech Tool Belt
An agent’s tech tool belt is their greatest asset during the online transition. PropTech isn’t what it used to be. Real estate technologies have attained new levels of sophistication, and there’s a software for just about everything nowadays.
With so many options, CRE pros need to choose wisely to find what works best for them. Do your homework and perform due diligence to create a fully-customized pack of real estate software.
Talk To Other Agents
Remember, this is a global shift. You’re not alone in this. Everyone in the industry is facing similar pain-points and trying to make things work during this unprecedented age.
Reach out to your friends and team members and start a conversation about optimizing digital transitions. Share your tips and insights and see what other people are doing.
Teamwork makes the dream work, so get connected and help each other adjust to the ‘new normals’ of CRE.