For the last 10 years, we’ve been obsessed with search – and getting our business and our listings well placed in search results.  Times are quickly changing and social media is becoming as important as search.  Not only does Facebook have more US visitors than Google, Facebook is now driving more traffic to the web’s biggest sites.

In addition, people are using Facebook to solicit trusted recommendations. Now, instead of searching on Google, consumers are increasingly turning to their social networks for referrals.

An effective social media strategy should include the ability for consumers to easily find your business – and your listings. It does not need to be confusing nor time-consuming, but should include:

1.    A professional Facebook Page (and a professional Twitter profile)

2.    A base of fans and/or friends on Facebook and followers on Twitter

3.    Raising your visibility within your community by sharing information and participating in conversations

One great way to get started is to use Oodle Pro.  Oodle Pro enables agents and brokers to user their listings to fuel their social media strategy. 

Your listings are:

· Promoted on the Facebook Marketplace (powered by Oodle) and Twitter where they are seen by the entire Facebook community, not just friends.

· Automatically shared on Facebook and Twitter providing added visibility. As consumers share and discuss listings with their friends, they gain valuable viral exposure.

· Tied to your professional profiles on Facebook, enabling you to promote you’re your brand and your listings.

· Added to your Facebook Page so you can automatically showcase your listings

We live in time of big change as we witness the rise of social media.  This means big opportunity for those that take the time to figure it out (just like those folks that first figured out how to use search tend years ago).    Those that learn how to use social media will stand out from the crowd and have a huge edge in growing their business. I strongly encourage you to get started now.

Craig Donato is the founder and CEO of Oodle, the fastest growing classifieds service in the US, including Facebook Marketplace and Oodle.com.

Twitter: @craigoodle

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/craigdonato

Craig’s blog: http://blog.oodle.com/