Digital marketing is making its way into many industries. As more and more of our lives become digital, so does the marketing around us. Furthermore, digital marketing has made its way to the real estate industry. How customers find and buy homes is moving to the online space, so top realtors are needing to adapt to keep up. As a result, realtors are expected to have a strong online presence. In this article, we will discuss how digital marketing will transform the real estate industry in 2019.

Email Newsletter

No matter what industry you are in, an email newsletter goes a long way. This newsletter, at least in the real estate industry, should contain updates and information that is valuable and relevant to your clients. The idea is to push the people who read the emails towards a specific action. Normally, that action is a click through. However, according to Smart Insights, the average open rate of emails for real estate businesses is around 27%, with a click-through rate (CTR) of 3%. The more relevant your email is, the more likely people will click through to your page, so think carefully about what you want to include in your newsletter. Make sure information and images are tailored to the audience you want to target. An email newsletter should also include links to your social media, like Instagram or Twitter, so you are easy to find across the internet.

User and Mobile Friendly Website

When potential customers or clients do click through to your website, make sure the website they land on is up to the task. Nothing will make a customer hit the back button faster than a poorly created website, especially on mobile. Take the time to ensure your website loads quickly and that the layout looks how you envisioned. There are plenty of website builders, such as Wix or SquareSpace, that you can use to improve your website.

An important factor when creating a website is to optimize it for mobile viewing. Almost half of all web browsing is done on mobile so it is crucial that your website performs correctly. Thankfully, the aforementioned website building services ensure your website is ready for mobile viewing.

Additionally, your website you should include the listings you currently have open for showings. You can also post content to walk customers through the buying process and answer any questions they might have.  It is a good idea to also include links to other services they might need. Someone who is shopping for a house might also needs movers, a home inspector, or a lawyer.

Pay Per Click Advertising

Pay Per Click advertising is a common marketing practice that could greatly benefit realtors looking for to create new leads. This is done by running ads across the internet that pay every time someone clicks on them. These types of ads are seen everywhere, from banner ads to pop ups. It is hard to go anywhere on the internet without seeing Pay Per Click ads. Not only does this method of advertising net you money, but it also directs potentially interested customers to your website.

Virtual Tours

Virtual tours can make a realtor’s job much easier and make the shopping experience easier for customers. Being able to get a sense of what a house is like before touring it in person can help customers eliminate houses. This saves both the realtor and customers time. These virtual tours do need to be of good quality to be effective. A good virtual tour will use real footage, not an artist’s rendering. However, before you post a tour, make sure to go through it yourself to ensure everything is working correctly and is easy to use. If you are going to go through the effort to record a virtual tour, make sure it can be viewed without complications.

Digital marketing practices are popping up in every industry and real estate is no exception. Realtors are sending out email newsletter to keep their customers engaged and informed. Custom websites from real estate agents showcase their listings while answering their customers questions. A website can even showcase virtual tours to make the buying process easier for buyers.