Written by: Frances Flynn Thorsen, SRS, e-PRO
Online newbies struggle mightily with Netiquette issues. I ponder this sometimes and wonder, “What would Sister Malachy have to say about all this misbehavin’?” Careful, thoughtful answers on Trulia Voices can help you attract your ideal client – IF YOU ANSWER QUESTIONS WISELY and follow these rules!
1. Read the WHOLE question before answering it.
The first part of the question appears in bold face type. Often there is additional information in light typeface below it. One of the most common mistakes I see real estate professionals make is miss important points of the question. There seems to be a rush to answer questions first … many first answers are hastily written and thin on content. Take your time, read the whole question, and respond with a thoughtful answer.
2. Read the Trulia Community Guidelines.
Trulia Community Guidelines are designed to create a Web presence that nurtures online participation and information and knowledge gathering. If you have not read them yet, read them NOW! Here are some other thoughts about Netiquette that are more general in nature:
3. NEVER say, “call me” in an answer.
That is the surest, quickest way to turn off a consumer and create a contentious setting with fellow real estate professionals. “E-mail me” is equally offensive. When consumers read answers that contain rich answers they will click the profile link for additional contact information.
4. Sign up for e-mail alerts in your market area.
Answering questions in your locale will give greater weight to your profile when consumers search for real estate professionals in your area. Sign up for additional e-mail alerts in your niche areas of expertise – financing, going green, rent vs. buy. Many of these questions originate in other areas but advice may be just as valuable from a real estate professional across the country.
5. Use caution responding to questions in other states and market areas.
Avoid answering questions governed by state regulations that vary widely. Example: Agency Questions – buyer agency, seller agency, dual agency, transactional representation. Real estate rules and regulations concerning agency and representation are good questions to address in your market area, but do not assume that your state’s direction applies elsewhere.
6. Respect other business models.
The real estate industry offers a variety of business models. There are full service brokers, discount brokers, ,limited service brokers, MLS-only brokers, buyer agents, real estate consultants, and other business models. Consumers have many choices.in real estate. Respect and honor all business models.
7. Avoid sarcasm.
Sometimes humor can be misinterpreted as sarcasm. Be careful with edgy humor that others might find offensive.
8. Answer the question directly.
Cover all points in the question. Do not use canned responses that are the same from one question to another.
9. Do NOT answer the question if you do not have sufficient expertise.
Don’t give in to the temptation to weigh in on a question if your level of expertise required in an answer is not excellent. Strive for excellence each time you post! Read your answer twice and ask yourself, “Is this an excellent answer?” If the answer is,”No,” do not post it.
10. NEVER use profanity.
11. Be generous with praise.
If another poster makes a good point, click the Thumbs Up button and feel free to acknowledge good answers with online praise. How do you feel when someone compliments you on a job well done? You can share good energy online with personal acknowledgment. This creates a feeling of warmth and solidarity within the community. You can accomplish this in Trulia Voices Q&A and in blog comments.
TIP: Make it a practice to say something nice about someone or another person’s question or blog post each time you visit the community.
12. Be patient when real estate professionals make errors.
Contact other realty pros personally and let them know when they make a mistake, and flag answers so the moderators at Trulia can take action. The best response to a poorly worded or uninformed post is a post that is well written and contains useful content. A good answer speaks for itself.
13. Proofread your answer before you post.
Check spelling and grammar and read your answer completely for sense and completeness.
14. Check your tone and tenor.
Do not chide, insult, demean, or attack another member of the community. When you have a difference of opinion with another member, outline your points on the merits of fact and experience. Do NOT make it personal.
15. The GOLDEN RULE is equally important online as offline.
Behave online as if you were face-to-face with other people on the discussion thread.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Good suggestions. Thanks Frances.
Your blog is so informative … ..I just bookmarked you….keep up the good work!!!!
I’m Out!