Building Online Communities for

RealtorsMarch 14, 2017

RIAOCAnaheim, CA

Agenda

• About Me• The Modern Customer Journey• Introduction to Social Communities• Starting Your Social Community• Closing Thoughts

About Me

• Technology and marketing professional focused on Cloud / DevOps space – past experience at Cisco, HP, and Ingram Micro• Founder, Albert’s List – jobs community

with 22,500 members • Members have found work at companies

like Google, Cisco, GoPro, and Twitter

Part 1: The Modern Customer Journey

Buyers are Spending More Time Researching…

• 81% of shoppers conduct online research before buying (Adweek)• 95% of shoppers prefer brands provide information in the

buying process (Marketbridge) • 72% of shoppers use social media to research solutions

(MarketingProfs)

…While Younger Buyers are More Tech Savvy

• 39% of millennials engage with their phones more than people (MarketWatch)• 85% of millennials own smartphones (Neilsen) • Millennials represent $1.3 trillion in spending power (Boston

Consulting Group)

What’s the best way to reach and engage new customers?

Part 2: Introduction to Social Communities

What are Social Communities?

Platforms that provide relationship building and direct business opportunities to help stay top-of-mind while positioning an organization as an expert through:• Messaging Boards • Social Media Groups (Public/Private) • Public Social Media Presences

Why are Social Communities Important?

• A path along the buyer’s journey• Earned attention is more engaging• Top of the Business Funnel• Hub for your marketing strategy

Social Media Usage >

How Do You Use Social Communities?

• Creating attention• Building relationships• Customer success stories• Helpful news and buying tips• Expertise positioning

And Not?

• The hard sale • Politics and ranting• Inappropriate business frustrations

Part 3: Starting Your Social Community

Step #1: Start With Why

• Know your value• Harness your ambition• Embrace your passion

Step #2: Create Your Content

• Develop thought leadership• Engage creatively • Create awareness

Step #3: Select Your Platform

Go where the audience is (Recommendation: Facebook Groups)

Step #4: Attract and Build

• Use existing marketing• Leverage your content • Be human and engage

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

• Communities are not built overnight • Become an advocate for you • Amplify the customer experience• Be authentic and appropriate

Have fun!

Q&A

Thank You