REALTORS® are focusing on other traditional marketing methods instead of the vastly popular video-sharing app TikTok or just simply more enhanced video content as also seen in reels and shorts. As you know, every single real estate agent is posting on Facebook and now Instagram, so it feels crowded and like you’re all saying the same thing. The opportunity with TikTok is that with so few marketers and entrepreneurs having made the move over, you could be one of the first – especially in your particular niche. You wouldn’t have to compete with all the other real estate agents, as you do on the other platforms.
While the app – which is used by over 1 billion monthly users – is known for its dance, DIY, and glow up videos, it’s becoming increasingly more popular with realtors, who are turning to the app to market themselves in creative ways, while also being able to showcase the fun and personal side of their real estate business.
So, why should a realtor use TikTok to grow their business? While the app is made up of 60% of Gen Z users – those born between 1997 and 2012 – many of those users are entering their prime first-time buyer age (or at least beginning to think about real estate). If your target demographic is on TikTok why aren’t you?
If you’re interested in using TikTok to market yourself as an agent, but not sure where to start, try using some of these tips to start creating video content that can reach the millions of users who fit the homebuying cohort.
- Home tours: Turn your listings into virtual home tours by using TikTok’s filters, effects, and music features on the app.
- Market updates: Walk your audience through what’s happening in your local market.
- Home staging: Give a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into staging a new listing.
- Home buying Dos and Don’ts: Provide value by sharing things that potential buyers need to know.
- Trending audio: If you’re not ready to fully commit to making original content, you can find trending audio within the app and apply it to common real estate experiences.”
- TikTok duet: This feature allows users to hop-on trends quickly and easily by starting with another creator’s video and producing a side-by-side ‘duet’ where your video and that of another creator play simultaneously on-screen next to each other.
Tips for success:
- TikTok trends: On your “for you page” you’ll begin to see videos that follow a similar format to others, but with different content. Use this to your advantage and get creative with how you can incorporate real estate into these trends.
- Hashtags: Whether you’re providing tips for first-time homebuyers, doing a virtual home tour, or participating in a TikTok trend, make sure you use relevant hashtags. If a trend has a corresponding hashtag, don’t forget to include it.
- Be creative: Consider trying something new. TikTok uses an algorithm with artificial intelligence to make sure the user’s content will be seen. You can create a video that will go viral without even expecting it to happen.
- Captions: Be sure to use short captions to keep people’s attention on the video.
- Have a niche: To differentiate yourself from all of the other users, focus on a niche, like condos, first-time buyers, or the market where you work. Focusing on one niche will ensure that your content is consistent and aligns with your brand and audience.
- Consistency: The best practice is to post regular content. The more you post, the more exposure you’ll likely get. If you can’t stick to a consistent posting schedule, aim to put out two to three videos a week.
So, you’ve created content, now what? Similar to other social media apps, the best way to grow your account is to engage and interact with other similar users. You can also follow relevant industry hashtags like #REALTORtok to follow along with what other realtors are sharing, or focus on local trends by following #realestateontario.
You can also share your videos on other social media apps which will bring an audience from your clients, friends, and family to follow and engage with you. You can even consider including your TikTok handle in your other social media bios, your email signature, and on your website if you really want to improve your exposure.
Like all social media apps, TikTok takes time to get the hang of, but luckily it’s user-friendly plus you can also find videos within the app sharing tips and tricks in case you’re looking for some extra guidance. And just remember, it gets easier the more you use it.