Have you “Googled” yourself recently or looked yourself up on REALTOR.com or Zillow?
With spring just around the corner, now is the crucial time to update or input your information and images. Don’t wait until the market heats up-get ahead of the game and ensure your online presence is ready for the influx of potential buyers.
According to the “2024 Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers Highlights,” 43% of buyers start their search online. However, 86% of buyers will use an agent to purchase their home. And even though 43% of buyers start their search online, 98% of buyers will look for their home online before asking an agent to see it.
So, how are YOU showing up online?
Is your information current, and is there a profile picture at least within the last 3 years? Or are you the dreaded gray silhouette?
If your agent image is just a grey silhouette, you may lose valuable buyers who will click “next” if you don’t have an updated online presence. You may get passed up if you don’t display enough information.
You could be missing out on current business and future business. The potential loss due to an outdated online presence is significant, and it’s crucial to act now to avoid missing out on valuable opportunities. Every click on ‘next’ due to a grey silhouette is a potential client lost.
What Should You Do?
First, update your headshot if it’s over 5 years old. This is a must – as much as we hope we haven’t changed over the years, we have. You want to show current and prospective clients that you’re serious about your business and a professional. Your headshot is often the first impression a client gets of you, so it’s crucial to make it a good one.
Next, look at your write-up or (gasp) Agent Bio.
Writing an agent bio is not just a task; it’s a crucial element for your online presence. Your website’s ‘About Us’ page, which typically includes agent bios, is the third-most visited section of your website, according to Hubspot. This underscores the importance of crafting a clear and compelling bio, especially when 55% of users spend less than 15 seconds on a webpage (The Close). Your bio is your chance to grab attention and keep visitors engaged.
Although writing your bio may be overwhelming, it’s vital to shaping your digital identity. Also, avoiding overused, clichéd terms in your bio is crucial, as they can make you sound like every other agent in your area. Your goal is to stand out and highlight what makes you unique, so be mindful of your language.
Winning Tip: Highlight how you serve your clients rather than just listing your achievements. Prospective clients are likelier to choose an agent whose bio speaks to their needs. This client-focused approach makes your bio more compelling and showcases your real value.
Avoid using These Self-Centered Words:
I – Overusing “I” can make the bio feel self-centered rather than client-focused.
Me – Like “I,” it diverts attention away from the client.
Myself – Repetition can seem overly self-important.
Expert – Without proof, this can come off as boastful.
Perfect – Suggesting perfection can sound unrealistic and arrogant.
By crafting an engaging write about you and your services and a current headshot, you’ll have a better chance of attracting more of the 43% of buyers who start their agent search online.
Would you like more tips for drafting your Online Agent Bio?
Attracting the other 57% is for another newsletter …
