How to Do Real Estate on MySpace

To compete in today’s market, real estate agents must utilize the internet to promote their business. The social networking site, MySpace, is a free venue the real estate agent can utilize to increase their online exposure. For real estate agents with a limited advertising budget, MySpace is an ideal solution. MySpace allows its members to use the site for promotional purposes. But, if MySpace feels a member has overstepped their welcome, they reserve the right to remove any content.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet Connection
• JPG image of yourself on your computer

Instructions

Signing Up

1. The first step is to join, by going to www.myspace.com and clicking on the tab that says “Sign Up!”. After you click the tab, you will complete the online form, and be asked to upload your picture. Remember, you will be using this as a promotion for your business, so keep it professional. During this process you will be asked to read and agree to their terms. Review the terms, so you will understand your limits in using this site for your business.

2. As soon as you join up, you will be given the opportunity to invite people you know to join as your MySpace friends. Skip this for now. You want to first set up your MySpace profile before inviting friends or potential clients to see it. Instead, click the link that says “Start using MySpace”.

3. Once you enter your account, you will be asked to verify your email. Click on the link, and then go to the email account you used when signing up for to the site.

4. When you return to your MySpace account, you will be asked to choose your MySpace URL. Once you choose a name, you cannot change it. Choose something professional, that accurately reflects your business. After the URL is successfully chosen, you will be given an opportunity to enter your name, so others can find you on MySpace.

5. By hitting the Home link, you will be returned to the page that allows you to edit your profile. This is not the same as your profile page. To see your MySpace Profile page (the page others see) click on “Profile”.

6. When you return "Home," you can begin editing your profile and the information you want others to see. Take time to surf around on the page, get familiar with the format and links. If you get lost, hit the "Home" link, to bring you back. When Home, click on the "Edit Profile" link to edit your information.

7. When editing your profile you can start out simple, completing just the basics, such as filling out the forms asking specific personal and professional questions. Depending on the degree of your expertise, you can change the overall look of your profile, including fonts, backgrounds and images.

Features

1. Profile: Your Myspace Profile page can be your online virtual office. Take the time to create an attractive page. If you don’t have the computer savvy to do it yourself, hire someone to “Pimp” your Myspace page. Look at other MySpace pages to get ideas.

2. Photos/Pics: You have the option to add photographs to your MySpace account, which are organized in albums. Visitors to your site will be able to view these photo albums. This is your opportunity to show off your community, your neighborhood, your office and your listings.

3. Videos: You have the option to add videos to your account. Perhaps you will add a video of a listing, a neighborhood tour, or an infomercial to those visiting your MySpace account.

4. Blog: You have the option to blog on your MySpace account. According to several internet marketing guest speakers at the 2007 National REALTOR® Association convention, held in Las Vegas Nevada, blogs are considered superior to the traditional web page for real estate marketing.

5. Bulletin: You have the option of sending out bulletins to your MySpace friends. This is an excellent format to send brief messages and updates to your MySpace friends. It might be a notice of an open house, a change in local real estate laws, or some market update.

6. Friends: Start by adding friends and acquaintances who have existing MySpace accounts. Send email invites to clients, or include your MySpace information on your business card, which will allow a potential client to check out your account, without feeling pressured. Search MySpace members from your community. Some may deny your friend request, yet if you develop a good introduction, many will allow you to add them as your friend.

7. Mail: MySpace has a message center, similar to email. Since it is a free service, MySpace will delete some older messages to free up space. Tip: If a message is important to you, print off a copy for your files.

8. Groups: When clicking on “More” in the menu bar, a drop down menu will give you various choices, including “Groups”. There are a variety of groups you can join, including real estate groups, under the category “Professional Organizations.” This is a good place to network with real estate agents from other parts of the country, which may lead to future referrals.

Resources

• MySpace