A common question or hot topic that’s being discussed by real estate professionals today is: “How do I use social media to increase my business?”

For starters, stop flooding your audience’s Twitter and Facebook feeds with nothing but house listings. It’s annoying – especially if your listing announcements are in ALL CAPS – and it doesn’t differentiate you from the other REALTORS® that are marketing real estate via online and social media channels.

People are attracted to social networking sites because it gives them an opportunity to connect with other people; have real conversations that are relevant to their life. They don’t want to have relationships with products or property listings. They’d rather have one with you.

So, instead of acting as a machine pumping out dozens of just-sold and just-listed announcements online, try sharing useful and entertaining information that will get more people to follow you, engage in conversation and refer others to you.

1. Feature small businesses located within your farming areas. Record quick video interviews with business owners and post them to your website or on YouTube.
2. Share images of a street or neighborhood via Flicker, Twitpic and Facebook. Add comments to the photos that will help describe the character of the area.
3. Use your blog or social media sites to highlight subjects that potential sellers and buyers want to learn more about such as: improving curb appeal, retrofitting houses to be more energy efficient, top things to consider when choosing a new neighborhood, local nightlife, etc.

Those are just a few examples of topics to talk about in between listing announcements. The point is, share your personality and the personalities of the neighborhoods in which you do business. Become the local expert and sell YOU as a brand.

For more real estate marketing tips and/or to ask a related question, join @RealEstate_QD on Twitter.