Today's homebuyers love video – and as a real estate agent, so should you!

One reason why Homesale Realty agents have been so successful over the past few years is our early adoption of video marketing. Video's popularity has skyrocketed as more people are using their smartphones to browse home listings. It's fast, fun, and helps buyers feel like they're there.

And video isn't just great for home listings. You can use it to build your brand!

All other factors being equal, people are much more likely to watch a video than they are to slog through a lot of plain text. Even when you have captivating photos, a video will still garner plenty of attention. When you're introducing yourself to a first-time website visitor, video is the next best thing to being there.

Let's look at some of the best ways to use video to grow your business:

• Property Walk-Through Videos
  A property walk-through video is a terrific way to enhance the still photos and virtual walk-through on your listing. Think of it as a tour, showing off all the property's best features the same way you would if you had buyers in tow. Start in the front yard and take a pre-planned route through the property so you know what you'll focus on next. A good microphone is essential, and you'll want to wait to film on a sunny day.
  
  
• Educational Videos
  Educational content is an essential foundation for any real estate pro's content marketing strategy. It starts by identifying your target market and writing blog posts that answer their burning questions. While blogs can be very effective, they capture more attention with video. You might be able to say in two minutes what would otherwise take a 600-word article to communicate, and viewers will remember the main points better.
  
  
• Introductory Videos
  In any industry, people need to know, like, and trust you before they will work with you. That can be a challenge when your website is getting hundreds or thousands of hits per month and most of those people are comparing half a dozen agents. An introductory video lets you communicate who you are, who you serve, and what makes you different. First-time visitors will be much more comfortable hearing the facts right from you.
  
  
• Neighborhood Tours
  Real estate experts have an unparalleled opportunity to advocate for what makes their local community special. It's difficult to truly understand a neighborhood's "vibe" by having it described – with a neighborhood tour, you act as the trusted guide who helps people see it for themselves. You can showcase any amenities you like on a neighborhood video, including favorite restaurants, museums, and anything else that appeals to your audience.
  
  
• Drone Listings
  They take some setup, but drone videos provide drama and excitement. With a drone video, a breathtaking view of the surroundings becomes closely intertwined with the home you wish to sell. Drone videos help you create emotional resonance. They're not as effective at detail work as other real estate videos, but they are perfect for creating the spark of anticipation that will draw people to look at more of your content.
  
  
• Social Media
  Video is a natural fit for social media, but remember that you may need to change the resolution of a video file or condense it to a shorter runtime depending on which platform you're using. In general, short videos perform better on social media. "Front-load" important details at the start; more people click away as seconds tick by.

Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to find out more about how video marketing can elevate your practice.