While Facebook, Instagram and Twitter may not be your first-choice options when promoting your available units or searching for other real estate professionals for future partnerships, it’s time to take another look at the opportunities. Using real estate social media tools the right way can help investors grab more contact information with sign up forms, get more direct calls and ultimately, find solid buyers.

We’re sharing our top three social media for real estate investors tips to help you diversify your marketing, increase your ROI and build a lucrative investment business.

Be Visual

Share lots of videos and photos of your properties on social media. When people hear information, they’re likely to remember only 10 percent of that information three days later. However, if a relevant image is paired with that same information, people retained 65 percent of the information after three days.

Use various image and video types. Some of the best examples include:

  • Satisfied customers: Snap a picture of your clients holding their keys outside a recently purchased property or get a short video testimonial about your services. People want to work with people who have a proven rate of satisfaction. Use photos and videos to show your value.
  • Before and after: When you renovate a space, show it off on social media. It not only shows the work you’ve put into a property, but it’s like to grab a lot of engagement with shares.
  • Community work: Are you involved with a volunteer group that helps refurbish damaged homes? Maybe you offer free workshops on how to renovate on a budget. If you perform any type of community involvement or volunteer work, post about it. It’s just as important to show your personal side as it is your professional.

You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take advantage of the power of images on social media. Use your smartphone and run the photos through an easy editing app to give it a more professional look or to add your branding.

Do More Than Sell

When you market your properties, it can be easy to turn a social media platform into a sales channel. While that’s certainly the end goal, the content must be filled with useful information and you should take the time to listen to feedback.

Social media fans and followers may ask questions about tools or products you used in a renovation or they may simply ask for your thoughts on neighborhoods in a community to which they’re moving. Be prepared to engage with social media fans, not just spew your sales speech.

Use “Stories” To Feature Your Work

Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat stories are the go-to platform for social media users. Your real estate social media strategy should include this tool. The stories element is a top-notch marketing tool.

Real estate investors should use stories to promote properties and clients. Record a walk-through of your newest property, showing off upgrades and amenities. This is also a great opportunity to include a specific call-to-action. At the end of your story, tell people where they can go to find more information or exclusive photos of the property.

Consider including a client in an upcoming story. It doesn’t have to be long or high-polished. The goal is to show you’re happy to work with people and help them discover a property they love.

When you dive into new opportunities for marketing yourself as a real estate investor on social media, you’ll attract potential buyers, meet industry experts and ultimately, make more money. Find the platform and voice that works best for your brand and stick with it.