As the latest studies have shown, the way people do the research for buying a home nowadays has changed dramatically. It is no longer common to drive or walk around a neighborhood that you fancy and just look around for signs of houses that are for sale. Neither is the habit of visiting open houses familiar to home buyers today. Actually, the majority of home buyers are looking for a new home online. The recent study conducted by the National Association of Realtors, in U.S. shows that over 90% of those who buy a new home do that by looking online.

The process of finding a new home usually takes 6 to 12 months and is definitely a well documented one. The idea of simply taking the first offer is no longer standing. Home buyers are even doing their research regarding which real estate agent they choose to work with. Talk about investing in an online presence and a good online marketing reputation!

For those of you that want to stay focused on the online marketing and be consistent and relevant for your target audience, here are 3 simple rules that will help you achieve your goals:

Be present on social media

As people are starting to rely on the information provided online, the first check point they turn to is social media. Having a Facebook or Twitter account is definitely as important as having a business card on you at a client meeting. Make sure you follow trends and update your online marketing For instance, Pinterest is now one of the fastest growing platforms, with millions of users worldwide. Simply having an account is no longer sufficient. Posting regularly and providing relevant information on a daily basis is the way to keep going.

Register on local review sites

As the amount of information out there is growing, review sites are getting more and more traffic. It is more than just a proof of being reliable, people like to have some way of checking the information they find and personal reviews are the most trustful source. Having happy customers is the best way to market yourself!

Present a well designed and easy to use website for your business online marketing

Your website is the most powerful tool that you have. Having it done by a professional is more important than you might think. Consider constant improvement based on the feedback that your visitors are providing and be an authority in your domain of business! Look into the latest trends and give your customers what they need. If virtual tours are the way they prefer looking for a house to buy, wait no more! Proving that you know their needs is the way to get closer to closing the deal!