I’d like to start things off by having you watch this video the Duct Tape Challenge at Zappos, popular online retailer:

Now, you’re probably asking, “What does a Duct Tape Challenge have to do with teaching real estate agents how to use social media?” Well, there’s actually a lot you can learn from how Zappos uses social media to promote their company and core values.

Much has been written about how effectively Zappos uses social media (see here, here and here). Their CEO, Tony Hsieh, was an early adopter of Twitter. Their company blogs are loaded with posts and videos. And, they make use of tools like Facebook too. All of this works together to create an engaging web presence that easily attracts the interest of the average web user.

All of this online interaction has helped Zappos communicate their core values and distinctives: Customers know that Zappos provides great products and great customer support all the while having fun while they’re doing it. It’s a winsome combination that has garnered business and fans from quite a few shoppers, yours truly included.

Applying the Zappos Model to your Real Estate Social Media Strategy

As we’ve said before, at TechShorties we help you move from just “being” online to “interacting” online. Zappos is a great case study in that principle. Consider the video embedded with this post. I watched it simply because it was unique and interesting. In the process, it reminded me of the Zappos brand. The next time I’m shopping online for clothes or shoes, I’m very likely to check out Zappos.com and see what they have to offer. Likewise, we can glean some principles here that you can apply to your own social media strategy:

• Share your story.
  The more I watch videos and read posts about the goings on at the Zappos offices, the more engaged I am with the company. Knowing a little about what’s going on at Zappos causes me to have an emotional attachment to the company. I like them, they’re cool folks. Are you using social media to share your story with potential clients? Do you give them opportunities to connect with you as a person first, and a real estate agent second?
• Be creative.
  I really enjoyed seeing all the creativity expressed in the Duct Tape Challenge. I kept watching just to see what each department would come up with. Are you creative in your use of social media? For example, have you thought about writing a post about your top five favorite quirks of your market? Or, have you thought about using video for a series on things to look for when buying an older home?
• Have fun.
  Part of the appeal of Zappos is that they’re a fun company, and we’re all attracted to that. What are ways that you can have fun as you take advantage of social media tools? Have you secretly always wanted to have your own TV show? Why not put that creative urge to work in making a weekly video series for your blog?

Hopefully I’ve gotten the “pot stirred” a little with this post. Have I sparked an idea for you? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below.

By the way, perhaps you’re thinking, “I want to share my story, be creative and have fun using social media, but I don’t know how!” Well, you’ve come to the right place! That’s what we’re here for. Drop us a line, and we’ll see how we can help.