Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn have proven to be effective marketing tools for many REALTORS®. But to stay competitive, it’s crucial to find new ways to reach people online.

YouTube has over 2 billion monthly users, and its videos rank high in Google searches—it only makes sense to utilize the powerful platform for your business. But according to the National Association of REALTORS® 2020 Member Profile survey, only 16% of REALTORS® use video hosting websites to showcase their listings. Don’t miss this huge opportunity to promote yourself or your properties.

If getting in front of the camera or coming up with on-going ideas feels daunting, start slow. The key is to be authentic. Besides virtual tours and listings, demonstrate your expertise. Produce a series of videos sharing information on the local amenities, the pros and cons of living in the area, and answers to commonly asked questions. The more knowledge you provide, the more viewers will subscribe and return to your channel.

Your videos don’t have to be long. Shorter videos—under three minutes—tend to get more engagement. Another tip is to be consistent. Commit to posting the same time and day so that your viewers know when to check back.

To drive traffic to your channel, add the YouTube icon to your website and emails—linking it to your channel. Also, to maximize your content and exposure, post the videos directly on your social media pages.

To set up your channel, sign in to YouTube or create a new account. In settings, select the option to Create a channel. Add your business contact information and branding, and then upload your videos. You can also use the Playlists feature to segment your videos into different categories.

While it won’t happen overnight, the more you add informative content and gain trust with your subscribers, the more you will stand out from the competition to increase your business.