After working in video for 15 years with folks like Prince, Ellen DeGeneres, and fortune 500 companies - it’s become second nature to observe different industries and business verticals, and to see the trends in video. So many realtors are embracing video and that pumps me up! But, I’ve been noticing a few things that realtors could do to improve their authenticity and trust level, so I figured - hey, it’s time to write up a quick blog!
I also recently produced some fun micro-content videos with Katrina DeWit - after her national debut on House Hunters. So, I’ve featured a few of those videos at the end of this post, for some fun examples and inspiration!
Talk with your hands!
Having your hands in front of you actually builds trust. It dates back to the caveman days, so it’s in our DNA to subconsciously recognize this. Have you ever trusted someone with their hands behind their back? Think about it. It’s because our ancestors associated that with their enemy attacking them with a rock or weapon! So, keep those hands out front - and use them to reiterate your points. No more of this “hold your hands in a diamond” thing…because it looks so unnatural - basically, why would you stand with your hands that way, if you’d never do that outside of filming a video?
Put some personality into it!
People can tell if you are reading a script, or if it’s memorized - because it sounds much different in tone, than if you’re telling a story. So, instead of using a prompter or memorizing lines, print out your main points onto post it notes, and put them up right next to the camera - that way you have something to fall back on, but you’re not memorizing stuff word for word.
”Your clients know you as you already, so you should feel comfy putting that into the world!” - Katrina DeWitYou will always be your own worst critic
There is something about working with realtors that I’ve really noticed: you nitpick yourselves, soooo much. Be yourself. Laugh. Smile. Be silly. Set yourself apart by being confident and empowered in who you are as a person! The key to getting over this, is practice. The more you see yourself on camera, the more you’ll get used to it and won’t pick yourself apart anymore.
Time is money - outsource when warranted
Of course, your daily videos you want to learn how to do - so you’re saving money, I get that! But, if you are going to be looking at producing videos that are more “high end” looking, think about the amount of time you’d be spending learning all of these new techniques, and whether or not it’s worth it - or, if your time is better spent prospecting.“Sometimes it’s more cost effective to just hire someone to do it, so you can spend that time actually calling clients. Instead of watching tutorials on YouTube about editing, lighting, audio, and techniques.” - Katrina DeWit, Engel and Volkers
Be Vulnerable and Share Stories
Sharing stories about an experience actually will engage a different part of the brain of your viewer. Personalize the experience, the tour, and what it’s like to work with you. Are you in Minnesota like I am? I want to hear about how the room will stand up to Minnesota winters - and even your funny stories about surviving winter! In addition to personalizing the video during a tour - you may want to consider sending personal messages to your clients via video, too. That way they can see the excitement in your face!Get Personal
Are you sensing a theme here? The biggest mistake I’m seeing realtors make, is forgetting to set themselves apart. Tell me about WHY you do what you do. What do you do in your spare time? Let me get to know you, so I trust you! There is such a thing as appearing so polished that you seem robotic - avoid this by sharing, joking, and being considerate by listening, as well.
Here are a few examples of some videos with a higher production video than just your smartphone - for some context, we booked a half day of shooting with Katrina - and ended up with 6 pieces of micro-content, due to great planning! A mixture of tips, stories, and honest advice.
I hope this gave you some ideas for how you can tackle video in the future! Please know that you have the power to do it, and do it well - you’ve got this! If you’re looking for any help, I offer one-on-one coaching and critiques of self made videos, so you’re able to improve your video game without breaking the bank!
Also, I just finished brainstorming a list of 50 CREATIVE VIDEO IDEAS - so feel free to take any of my ideas and run with them - I can’t wait to see what you create! Keep puking rainbows, you’ve got this :)
Erica Hanna
Owner, Puke Rainbows
Producer/Director/Speaker/Online Course Creator