The world needs another blog about how important it is for agents to build and maintain a positive social media presence like Eskimos need ice.
But, I'm a big fan of technology. I figure anything that is out there that can help me do my job better, more efficiently, and with less effort on my behalf has to be a good thing. Plus, I'm a numbers junkie. Numbers and statistics to me are undeniable proof that certain truths exist.
And, I guess I'm not the only one that feels that way.
The 2008 Use of Technology Survey tracks the current trends in technology. The survey is conducted in the 3rd quarter annually and is sponsored by the California Association of Realtors. For the purpose of the survey, agents are asked about everything from computers to phone and internet usage.
Some of the statistics that I read don't really surprise me. For example, according to the survey, 93% of Realtors use email, 90% use the internet to check online listings, 89% use the net to check the local MLS, 59% use it to access brokerage websites, and 55% of users access the WINForms electronic forms online. But, aside from those, here is a stack of statistics that I read that stood out....
- On average, 48% of a Realtor's business originated on the internet in 2008! That is up from 44% last year. This is expected to increase to as high as 60% in the next 3 years! (If you ever needed a reason to start working in social media and getting your name out there for clients to see...Here it is!)
- On average, 33% of agents use a laptop or tablet computer in the field. Again, that is up from 27% from last year further proving that agents are taking advantage of the technological advances to help in both presentations and closings. 70% of those that use a laptop in the field use it for listing presentations. That alone is up from 2007 by roughly 13%.
As a sign of the struggling economic issues associated with housing currently, only 13% of agents bought a new computer in 2008. That is down from 20% the year before. (This does not surprise me in the least...everyone has had to cinch the belt down a bit...)- 58% say that keeping up with emails is the greatest technological challenge. (I spend probably 3 hours of my day just responding to or generating emails. So, I would have to agree with this.)
- 11% say that they send their clients an electronic newsletter via email. (I'm surprised that this is as low as it is...maybe that is because I work for an internet company and literally everything we do is online. Maybe I'm desensitized...)
- 45% honestly believe that the technology that they use gives them a competitive advantage over other agents in the field. (That would explain increase in people using it. If you weren't using it before and were getting clobbered in the field, you would want to use it now. Makes perfect sense...)
- And, the kicker ---- ONLY 7% of agents that responded to the survey say that they participate in an online group/forum or post blogs!! (Are you kidding me?? I don't know why I'm surprised at this statistic...but only 7%?? That means I'm ahead of the curve by 93%!!)
Now, I don't know about you, but some of these statistics are just incredible to me.
But, even more incredible to me are the statistics that were quoted in the 2009 Social Media Marketing & PR Benchmark Guide published by the Marketing Sherpa. This marketing survey is taken annually to measure the power of social media with reference to companies big and small across the country and globally.
- 76% of the companies surveyed agree that social media is dramatically changing the way that companies communicate with potential and existing customers. (The practice of marketing and communicating with customers isn't dead...but, it is changing!)
- 48% of companies that were surveyed all plan on INCREASING budgets with regard to online marketing and social media.
- By the same token, the same businesses in this survey are all planning a decrease in spending in "traditional" forms of marketing
- 22% are decreasing spending on telemarketing
- 52% are decreasing on direct mailings
- 57% are decreasing on events such as trade shows
- 60% are spending less money on print media
- 83% are decreasing spending on radio or TV ads
And, the most impressive statistics of all...
- 94% of the companies agreed that social media can directly influence the reputation of a company's brand in the eyes of it's potential customers.
- 91% agreed that it is effective in ensuring brand awareness.
- 87% agreed that social media has improved their specific search engine rankings and can increase website traffic.
- When asked what factors were stopping companies from setting up a social media presence, 46% of the companies surveyed claim that there isn't enough knowledgeable staff in place to help support the effort. (Considering the massive number of consultants and "social media gurus" that are out there, I find this number to be a bit off...But, hey, what do I know?)
Now, having said all of that...I fully realize that writing a blog about how important social media is in this market is a lot like giving a firearms demonstration to the NRA...somewhat futile since 99% of the people that will see it believe in it already.
But, as far as I'm concerned, these statistics are convincing enough to make anyone with any form of connective brain tissue realize that having a social media presence isn't optional any longer. It's needed. Not only is it needed, it's mandatory if you plan on keeping up with those around you.
So, start blogging. Join social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, ActiveRain, and Twitter. Get your name and your face out there as much as humanly possible.
Times change; markets change. And, with those changes, adaptations must be made by those that intend to survive. In this internet-ruled world, social media is now king. You can either adapt to that change...or be overcome by those that do -- Your choice.
If you would like information on www.recr.com, please feel free to contact Clint Miller at 800-977-7058. Or, follow me on Twitter on www.twitter.com/recr.
By TwitterButtons.com
I am surprised that the blog number was THAT low, but not surprised that it IS low. Practically no one in my marketplace (other than me) blogs on a regular basis...Nice research here!
Clint, I am no longer surprised that real estate agents are so behind on all the trends. It seems like it's easier to follow same old, same old for many.
There is so much opportunity with social media and internet marketing. I can see it in my own business. I went from 89% referral to close to 60% internet related - my business is growing daily!
Clint,
I like statistics, also, and these are some meaty ones, I must agree...but, be careful...statistics do lie and liars do use statistics...!!! Thanks, Fran
Hi Lesley!! I was fairly surprised that it was as low as they stated...but, it is low. To me, 20% would be low...lol. Either way, the majority of these numbers are kinda shocking...some more than others.
@Chumley21 says "@recr great post about Social Media effect buddy."
Thanks, my man! Much appreciated!
Irina -- Im not either...the more I find that are using it, the more shocked I am that there are so many that arent. Im glad you can see it in your own business!! That just furthers the proof for me and should do so for others as well.
Fran, my man!!! -- You are true about that...luckily, the sources I have here are fairly stable. ;-)
Clint, well put together. This is great information. Thanks.
Clint - I wonder if the blogging number was low because bloggers are to busy writing to answer yet another survey. When NAR did the 2008 Realtor Technology Report, I was reading through it (and wrote a post about it) and saw something that shocked me. Here are my comments from that:
Back in July 2008, 40,000 random selected Realtors were asked to complete a survey via email. Want a shocking number? The survey results are based on 942 completed surveys. That's a low 2.35% of the original invitations. According to the survey, that is enough to be considered statistically valid, but to me it seems really low. Guess that's why I'm not a statistician.
The fact that a stat can be based off of a 2.35% return response seems a bit low to me. Like Fran said, stats are great, but they can also be used to say what you need to say.
Clint, you just keep getting smarter and smarter...more importantly, you continue to provide our agent community with information we can use. This is why we love you so :-)
Great post-- amazing---but as Lesley said---not surprising stats.
Thanks for this effort.
TD
Those are some astounding figures Clint. Not only astounding, but scary. I believe those who either know how to use techonology or will change their ways to learn how to use it, will be the ones who succeed.
Marzena -- Thank you so much!
Matt -- Im in complete agreeance with you on that, actually. And, I was aware of that stat, but couldnt remember the source. So, thank you for that!
Tamara -- Awwwww...youre making me blush! :-)
David -- Some of them literally made my jaw just drop. I couldnt agree with you more!
Sent here by @tamaradorris - Social media at work!
Your timing is great for this, Clint. I talked myself blue in the face the other day with someone who refused to understand the value I have found in using social media. Some view it as "playing around" or say "who has the time" Information and connection, baby. I see colleagues across the country whose businesses are soaring because of wise blogging and other media usage. These numbers really hit it home.
I am a bit behind in putiing all this into practice, but am now throwing myself into that effort. I have confidence that my business will soon reflect my efforts. The unmentioned plus here -- it's FUN!
Clint-
Great job on the blog! Great stats on our business!
I would say overall the Real Estate Industry has embraced the new technology as it has come out and for the most part has been on the cutting edge using it. Think about it--who was the first group to jump in and use the cell phones? Real Estate Agents! The computer? Real Estate Agents! Electronics such as Palm Pilot, key cards, pagers? Real Estate Agents! Websites? Real Estate Agents! I think the reason the Blog is slow right now is because most Real Estate Agents are not writers! But I think it will pick up as they see the benefits!
Thanks for listening from @RochesterREguy.
Were folowing each other on Twitter, by the way!
Elaine! I have been down that road so many times, I have lost track. My wife even....lol. And yes, it is fun...once you get the hang of it. :-) Thank you so much for commenting!!! Much appreciated!
Steve -- Thank you so much for stopping by and for the insightful comments!! And, to your credit, I would have to agree with you! I think you have a valid point and Im happy that you shared it with everyone here!
I'm a numbers and statistics junkie as well. Thanks for this great post!
I plan on using a few of these statistics in upcoming training seminars for agents who want to learn about or are on the fence about social media.
James - thanks, man! Im glad you liked it. Feel free to use the whole damn post if you want. :-)
Clint - Obviously, you know how I feel about this topic already. Great job putting these interesting numbers into perspective. We may need to discuss this post on Twitter Tuesday tomorrow.
Jason -- I know how you feel on this...lol! Thank you so much...and I would be honored if you and Ken wanted to do that. Much appreciated!
Clint:
I like numbers because they are hard to argue with - I LOVE this post.
I never really got twitter, but I've added it to my sidebar and my clients and prospective buyers love it. I did a tweet about finally getting a date night and going to the movies. This buyer called and left me a voice mail, "Enjoy the date night because I know how rare they are. Call me tomorrow about a home that I want to go visit."
My sellers now know what I am doing and where I am doing it and they call. It's really given me more time instead of wasting it.
Again, great post!
Jessica -- Thank you so much! Awesome voicemail from your buyer!! That is cool. And a great testiment to the power that Twitter can truly offer...thats awesome! So happy you shared that with all of us!!
Hi Clint! I thought the blog number would be low but I had no idea it would be that low. Those who do not blog and realize the benefits seem to think it is a waste their time. I am always surprised at how many agents still do not fully use all technology to enhance and grow their business! Thanks for the taking the time to put the stats together!
Mary
Congrats on the feature and I did learn about this from your tweet!! Great post that just confirms that I am not just wasting my time here in cyberspace, even though I am having fun!!
Wow, you mean we're 93% ahead of most of our competitors. Thanks Clint - that's just the boost we needed this morning :) Nice post, I'll have to bookmark this one.
Mr. Miller, I have one thing to say: SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
:-) Nat
ps. Congrats on the feature.
Hi Clint. If you didn't see Nancy Golliday's post yesterday, you may want to check it out as well. The most shocking part of it is that realtor responses don't come anywhere near comsumer expectations. The last two bullets were about online responses (generally email, I would think):
* 50% of realtors respond within 54 hours
* 50% of realtors never respond
Shocking ...
I have to say that the 7% number is so crazy - but makes me feel good that I am at least in the front part of the curve!
Thanks for the post - I am a statistics junkie too!
Congrats on the feature!
Mary -- I was surprised it was that low...but, by the same token, not. ;-) And, thanks for taking the time to comment!
Dawn -- Thank you so much! And, I hope WE arent wasting our time. :-)
Monica -- Yes! Yes we are! :-)
Clint - I did use the whole post! I just re-blogged it.
wow! thats a lot of numbers! So many in fact that I had to re-read it 3 times in order to really wrap my head around some of those numbers. Speaking of numbers...
if X = the amount of times I usually read one of Clint's post and 3= the amount of times I read this post,
what would be the distance Clint would have to travel to buy me 6 pints of beer in Portland, OR on April 23rd 2009?
Jason Farris
@Fresyes
Natalie -- LMAO!
Bob -- I did read that post! And was also shocked at those stats!
Emily -- Thank you for commenting!! And yes...were in the good side of that curve (for me, thats a first...LOL)
James -- you da man!
Jason -- LMAO! Glad you liked the post, my friend. dont sweat it, Im gonna be there. :-)
I honestly expected the blogging number to be even lower vased on the dropped jaw responses I get at times from other real estate agents.
Great posting. Every broker need to read this and encourage agents to be online.
Courtney -- Yeah, I knew it would be low...Ive seen stats that say 11% most recently, but Im holding firm on this one since it is confirmed. :-)
Norma -- Thank you so much! And, I agree. :-)
HI Clint, Not surprised by the 7% at all. You only need to look at the overall percentage on sites like this and elsewhere. That 7% however refers to actively blogging as a larger number sign up or blog part time.
Great presentation and layout. Reblogging this.
Castellum -- That 7% is actively blogging...And by active, they mean 1 post a week. And, thanks for the compliment, the comment, and the reblog! Much appreciated!
Clint,
The numbers don't lie. Thank you for this post, I printed it out and put it on my broker's desk! Maybe this will get her butt into gear ;)
-Lisa
Lisa -- I sure dont think they do. ;-) You are welcome and thank you for taking the time to comment on it. LOL @ putting this on your brokers desk. Thats funny... ;-)
You mean to tell me I'm actually "ahead of the curve". That's almost funny :) i always consider myself to be behind on everything, but according to all that you just said, I'm with you...ahead of 93% of the gang. Yea for us!
It's about time people are cutting back on Print ads. SO many agents in my area continually waste money on print and many can't track sales back to the print. I can proudly say I "kicked 'em to the curb" a couple of years ago :)
Great post and I loved all the statistics.
Clint, Great post, Congrats on the feature. I also picked this up on Twitter. I can't say I have any business so far from social networking. I can say this is a great way to learn more about real estate. The interaction here an active rain is wonderful. Make me feel like part of a great big team. I recently wrote a post called "How many balls can you keep in the air?" I was looking for input as to how many social networks can you keep up with. So far the most any agents have replied back was 5. Most seem to be here on active rain and maybe one other site. I am not supprised at the low number of agents on social networking. Most other agents I have spoken to seem to think there is just no time for it. I think that is just fine for them lets enjoy and let them keep believing it.
Thanks Clint! Your post reconfirms the importance of blogging at least every couple of days during the week! I'm sort of new at it and was embarrassed when I saw I initially subscribed to Active Rain almost two years ago and had done nothing until the last couple of weeks with it. I try not to end my day until I've done something with social blogging somewhere! I love to read so I'm finding a wealth of information out there!
Elizabeth -- Yup! You and me both...lol! Im a firm believer that print is dead...and has been for a while.
Randy -- Thank you so much! Learning is a big part of social media. I use it for that, but I have had sales come from it as well. So, its a win-win for me. Keep on it!
Maribeth -- Youre welcome! Keep on it! It will reward you, I promise!
Clint- I am a stat gal also...have to be if your backbone is in sales. I have been reading the CAR Trends Report for years and have also quoted that 7% soc. media and blogging in a post, which some questioned seemed to be on the high side.
But what you have to remember is that CAR is traditionally ahead of other associations technology wise, though I think others are gaining the space where it dominantly has always occupied.
Rebecca -- Yeah, that 7% number seems to be the one that people usually pick up on. Glad that someone else here reads that kind of crap...LOL!
Oh Clint, I just can't keep up with dude! I'm constantly telling my agent clients and associates why they need to blog. Now I've got some fire-power for my argument! Thanks for the stats, mind if I pass them around?
~Renae
Renae -- LOL! Yes, feel free to pass them around as needed. My pleasure!
And yet... there are some really good agents who are afraid of technology that still sell lots of homes! Experience in real estate DOES count, and it is most effective when combined with technology. But don't rule out the competition that has been farming by mail or walking around for 20 years - they have a loyal following.
Clint,
There is one thing that does not ever lie: numbers! I was kind of shocked with some of the numbers, the one is a real shocker is the number of people that do not keep up with their emails. Emails are becoming more and more obsolete by the day, so imagine how much business they will be getting in a number of years: none!
Margaret -- That is very true. I cant deny that point in any way. Valid arguement. Im not saying that they are doing it wrong. Im just saying that there are others out there that do it different.
Rocha Team -- Agreed. And I agree with your entire comment. So, I shall leave it at that.
I'm curious to see how pervasive blogging becomes for agents over the next several years.
The number that blew me away was not the blogging percentage (well, okay, that did too)- but only 89-90% of the agents surveyed used MLS info and listing information from the Internet? These are active residential sales agents? Please! If your clients are there- and they are, in ever-increasing numbers- we should be too!
Awesome information. Blogging is one of the nicest, least-commercial ways I can think of to let people know who you really are. Even though it happens on a high-tech platform, it is as simple as writing a letter to a friend. In fact, that is really what it is.
Very interesting numbers! I recently tried to help an entire office of Realtors learn to blog...21 signed up and you know how many are actuallly blogging? Zero! I truly was amazed.
Clint, you are speaking to the choir with me. I have taught it at numerous both social media and blogging and VERY few follow through. Oh a few do but statistically not many.
I told the last office I spoke on that I was not coming back UNLESS they put what I had taught into practise. Look most of us learned it on our own, now we are training HOW and WHY to do it.
Thanks for the great post and great to see you on Twitter! SOCIAL MEDIA ROCKS!!!! Best to you in 2009~Cheers from Reno!
Wendy Svoboda
www.twitter.com/homeisnevada
http://www.myspace.com/394209998
and facebook as well as many others:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=594485090&ref=profile
It is about time somebody woke up. I reserved SocialMediaSystems.com as my choice, with everything available, two years ago. How much more were the visionaories who saw all this comming when a computer had a CRT monitor and was an XT.
Now the question is; what are you going to do about it?
OK, Clint, I had to laugh at one line in particular: "I spend probably 3 hours of my day just responding to or generating emails" or is that just responding to all of us on Twitter? LOL
Pretty impressive numbers and the technological age is here to stay. Anyone who is not embracing it whole heartedly will be out of business in less than a year (just my humble prediction)
I'm not surprised by these numbers. It amazes me the number of agents that still have a problem using their cell phone proficiently!!!
This was a well put together post. Great attention to detail.
By the way did you know that 60% of statistics are made up on the spot? Just kidding, great job Clint!
Loved what you said about the lack of knowledge - loved it!!!! It is sooooooooooo true.
Also, the one who knows the numbers usually wins.
Very nice post - good research - I'm a technology/social media fan also.
Great statistics. I can't believe only 33% of agents use a laptop in the field. The other 67% are being left behind very quickly.
Clint - Boy you are NOT kidding! I have been talking tech, taking classes and self training when necesary, trying hard to stay on or near the cutting edge, using these "new" resources as leverage so to speak. While I recognize it for what it is, and I am still a bit of a "newbie", I am not amazed when I get business from one of my sites, or blogging. What does amaze me however is how many of my colleagues and associates are still not in the game at all! It seems like such a no-brainer kind of thing to me. If we are going to offer our clients what they want, need, and deserve, and have any shot at working smarter, and not JUST harder, then technology is it! I am proud to say that I am one of those beating some of your quoted odds Clint. Thanks for spreading the word & keep up the good work!
Hey Clint, Remember those are stats from last year. There has been significant interest in blogging & social media in the Ann Arbor area. Our Board had a seminar on this. It was sold out in one day. So they scheduled a 2nd seminar. Same thing- sold out in one day. So far the Board has scheduled & filled 4 seminars in one month! So that tells me that the smart Realtors(R) are getting it!
Thanks for the numbers. I am not surprised about the blogging numbers, as most I talk to think it is a joke; more think social networking is a joke. 4 years ago I thought podcasts were a joke....but I jumped on anyhow. Now, who dominates podcasts in Austin. That would be our group....Nice post...
Wow Clint, this is quite detailed. Well presented. Congrats on the feature. It was deserved.
I guess I spend too much time here on AR. I had no idea that so few agents actually post blogs.
Great stats. I haven't seen a lot of these. The fact that 7% only use blogs/forum. That is awesome.
Great Info Clint. Most in our industry doubt blogging means anything but we have proved it does. The newest agent in our office used facebook to ignight her career and had a client from her SOI within the first week.
Clint, very glad the AR gods included this post in their daily email. Your stats are awesome and very interesting indeed. Just last night was having another round of discussions with some nay-sayers on the merits of SN. Can't wait to send them your post. Well deserving of the
BTW.
Clint, thanks for your post, these are excellent statistics that prove we need to have an online presence if we want to stay ahead. Following...
Chris -- Im with you! Looking forward to the 2009 stats as a comparison.
Diane -- That MLS number shocked me as well...but, your comments about this being just like writing a letter to a friend....awesome comment! Thanks!
Diane -- I have talked about blogging to just about every agent I speak with almost daily. Most of them tell me its a waste of time. Im going to use this as ammo from now on. ;-)
Missy! So glad to see you here...You are correct. I learned this on my own by following people like you and Jason Crouch. Hopefully, we can get more and more to listen to us...then again, maybe not and we can keep a larger piece of the pie. lol
Wendy -- I flippin love Twitter. :-)
Isreal -- Nice call on buying that URL! Thats one I think I would take advantage of in a major way.
Connie -- Shaddupayouface. :-) The numbers are impressive...but, as I stated above, Im really looking forward to seeing the ones from 2009.
John -- Me either. LOL @ the cell phone comment.
Todd -- LOL! 60% of all statistics are made up on the spot...but, that only happens 50% of the time. :-)
Sandy -- So glad you liked the post. Thanks!
Pam -- Thank you so much!
Naoma -- I know, right? I was floored when I read that stat.
Stevie -- Investing in yourself is always a good ROI! Glad that you are doing that to put yourself into a better position for the future. Face it, you are ahead of the curve by roughtly 93%. :-)
Marian -- Oh,I completely agree. I am very much looking forward to seeing the 2009 stats when they come out. I will be happy to write a comparison post. :-)
Tim -- Most of the people I talk with think its a joke also...good to see that you are way ahead of the curve! And reaping the rewards for it also!
John -- Thank you very much, my friend.
Christine -- LOL! Yeah, I think you and I are in the same boat.
Mike -- Thank you for taking the time to comment! Much appreciated.
Paddy -- Thank you so much! Yes, we have proved it does do something...something great.
Lee & Pam -- Im glad they did as well! That is awesome...I didnt know that part. :-) Thanks!
Debbie -- Thank you for the comment...and thanks for the follow! Much appreciated!
This is a great post and full of completeley relevant stats! I found the post so interesting and it affirms that what I am doing isn't "wasting my time" as some of the agents in my office think when they see me online so much. But then again they wonder why I am so busy closing deals and they are not.
Sonya -- Thank you so much! One of the main reasons I wrote this was to drive home to my manager that what Im doing isnt a waste of time. LOL!
Carrie -- Welcome to the fun side of the island...LOL
Very informative, I actually forwarded the link to this post to all of the Technologically challenged Realtors in my SOI along with your Twitter pseudonym. Sorry for the delay in commenting it's starting to pickup here.
Bill
Bill -- Thank you so much!!! I appreciate that!!
What we have to remember is some agents have been in this busneiss for 20 or 30 years. And this is a lot of change for some to embrace. But as I mentioned in my blog, "Is blogging replacing customers?", it will be interesting to see how all this progress changes over the next few years. Thanks for the numbers!
Shelly -- Of course this is going to change...That is really the only constant in the world, isnt it? Im looking forward to the CAR survey coming out for 2009 so I can compare directly! :-)
Good facts and figures. Thank you for sharing.
Alice and Jim -- Youre welcome!
I completely agree with the strong suggestion (perhaps command? lol) to get more involved with new social networking mediums - this is an aspect our company is aiming to maximize with our agents, and with the right direction we are seeing almost immediate results.
The only statisitic I would have liked to see included is the number of users and demographics that are utilizing and engaging with the above-mentioned social media outlets. Knowing who your audience is can play a huge part in refining your message.
Thanks for contributing the good work!
Katie
http://mportlandhomes.com
Katie -- it is possible to see results very fast using social media the right way. And, I completely agree about knowing who your audience is...Excellent point.