Videos, videos, videos — they are everywhere on Facebook and Instagram. And if you’re a real estate agent (if you’re reading this, you most likely are) then you know the future — wait, I mean the now — of selling homes is branding videos. And maybe you’ve started by creating listing videos. That’s awesome news.
According to Michael Thorne, co-host of Mobile Agent TV and Re/Max Little Oak Realty (and all-around real estate video guru), 73 percent of homeowners say they will list with an agent offering a video.
Thorne also said you will get 403 percent more inquires with a video on a property than without. Say what? Yep, 403 percent more. So you’re doing listing videos, showing off the fine attributes of the home and playing some nice upbeat modern music (no elevator, easy listening).
But there’s more than just listing videos to be done. You need to promote yourself and your town as well. How? By doing a lifestyle video.
They are little more challenging because, well, you have to talk about yourself. And though we like to do that, we also don’t like to do that — at least not for the camera.
But every business must promote itself, including well-established stores and mom-and-pop establishments. So it’s time for you to suck it up, put on your attitude and get in front of the camera. Here are five tips I learned from doing my own lifestyle video.
1. Hire a pro
Yes, it’s going to take a little cash out of pocket, but it’s your best bet to make a big first impression. It’s crucial to interview your video professional.
Make sure your visions are his or her visions. Tell your ideas, and listen to his or her thoughts (and he or she should have some). It shouldn’t be all yes, yes, yes.
A good relationship with your videographer equals a drop-the-mic video in the end. Ask about experience level with shooting real estate videos along with other types of footage.
The videographer should have examples to show you (a YouTube page, commercials, etc.). And ask how many cameras and microphones will be used — these are good and appropriate questions.
2. Practice does make perfect
Write out your script, revise it, read it aloud, say it to other people, take a selfie video doing it, revise it again and practice once more! Know what you are going to say to the same level that you know your name, your phone number and your website. You know those by heart, right?
So at first, keep it short and sweet. Two minutes or less is best! If it’s just introducing yourself at the beginning of the video, then do it, but do it well. Do it like you’ve got nothing to lose!
3. Embrace yourself and your town
You need to know who you are as well as the community you’re representing. So if you love horses, you’re comfortable with horses and that’s what you sell — then I say: saddle up cowboy!
The more comfortable you are, the better the video will be. And yes, it can seem odd, even self-indulgent to promote yourself, but this video is about why customers should call you, and you’re one of the only people that can give them that answer.
You do it every day when you a customer calls you on the phone. So now you’re just putting a face to it — your face.
4. Show your warts
Got flaws? So what? We all do. Everyone worries. I need to lose 10 pounds. I don’t like the way I sound — I’ve heard all the excuses, and I’ve got a few of my own.
But you know what I do? I make sure everything within my control is at it’s best. My hair is having a great hair day, my clothes are ironed and fit me well and my nails are done. Because when I feel good and look my best — I will do my best.
So make this a moment in your life that you know you are at the top of your game, pump up some inspiring music (“Fight Song” by Rachel Platten does it for me), and go for it!
5. Pump it out there
Once it’s done, don’t just hope YouTube is going to make it trend because it won’t. You have to be the one to get it out there. I post it on Facebook, along with ads. I shorten my video and throw it up on Instagram as well.
With Twitter — same thing — along with a link to the entire YouTube video. And I do it more than once. Yes, my friends can get oversaturated with my pink ways, but when they need to sell a house, what do they think? Pink, of course.
You can always adjust your audience, so you’re not annoying your friends all the time. But you need to keep posting the video — in the end, consistency is the key.
Are you nervous? That’s OK. It can be nerve-wracking, but so was the first time you took out a buyer or sat down with a seller to talk pricing.
It’s just another step in moving your business forward, and as much as it can be stressful, it can also be exciting. This is your moment, so own it like the rockstar you are.
As Thorne said, doing videos — lifestyle or otherwise — will bring you the biggest return on investment you’ve ever seen. And once you go forward, there’s no going back. Welcome to 2016, the year of the video!
Sue Benson is the Pink Lady of real estate. Find her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter @sueispinky.