What Social Platforms Can Work For New Homebuilders?

By pb on Mar 12, 2014

For many potential home buyers in Canada, new homes are literally just a click away. Where buyers in the past used to peruse newspaper advertisements and drive around checking out the latest Ontario new developments in the area, today's buyers discover new homes on social media sites such as YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Socially savvy new home builders recognize this trend and showcase their new developments across social media sites.

If you're relatively new to social media, the options could quickly become overwhelming. After all, social media use has exploded in recent years with dozens of platforms vying for your attention. Fortunately, you don't have to be on every social media site in order to showcase Ontario new homes for sale. Use the tips below to select the most effective social platforms.

Start with What You Know

If you're already active on social media sites personally, switching gears and starting a business presence will be easier than starting from scratch. Thus, if you're comfortable using Facebook and Pinterest, consider starting with those sites. That said, before jumping in, make sure that there's a good likelihood that homebuyers actually use your preferred social media sites. For example, if a social media site caters primarily to Ontario new home builders as a means of professional networking and development, it wouldn't have a user base consisting of actual buyers.

Consider Where Prospective Home Buyers Hang Out

As a new home builder, it makes sense to go where your prospects go for information about new homes. Some go directly to YouTube so they can check out videos of the newest developments; others find new homes for sale on Pinterest.

Consider How You Prefer to Convey Your Message

Do you prefer to set your Ontario new home developments apart through the written word, photos, audios, or videos? Your preferences and skills play a part in your social media decisions. For example, if you enjoy writing and blogging, choosing a social media platform that is suitable for sharing articles and text (such as LinkedIn, Google Plus, or SlideShare) perfect sense. On the other hand, if you'd rather share photos and videos, you'd likely want to choose a different platform such as Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest. Note that some platforms such as Facebook are appropriate for sharing virtually any type of content you may produce while others have a narrow focus.

Consider Social Media Platforms that Offer Targeted Ads

Some social media platforms allow you to pay to reach your target audience. Facebook's advertising program is an excellent example of targeted advertising. For example, you can create an ad that targets only users living in a given postal code area as well as specify age range, gender, and specific interests. You could even target users based on their relationship status. For example, if you want to target people living in Ontario who are recently engaged with the idea that they will be in the market to buy a new home in Ontario, you could easily do so.

Each of these considerations can work together, helping you to select the best social media platform for your business. Transferring your current personal social media experience to a business page can be a good starting point. However, you need to be where your prospects are. You should also choose a social media platform that is suitable for your preferred communications method. Targeted advertising is like icing on the cake, helping to ensure that your message reaches those interested in Ontario new home builders.

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