Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and for real estate professionals, it’s a powerful tool for networking, client engagement, and brand building. However, the digital landscape can be particularly challenging during an election year. Maintaining a professional online presence becomes even more crucial with heated political debates, confrontational comments, and a surge in polarizing content.

Here’s how to manage your social media effectively and keep it positive and professional during these turbulent times:

Focus on Positivity and Professionalism

Election years often bring an influx of negativity and political rants. Focus on sharing positive, engaging, and professional content to stand out in contentious posts. Highlight the positive aspects of your business, such as successful transactions, client testimonials, and personal achievements. Share insights and tips related to real estate that offer value to your audience, and keep the tone upbeat and encouraging.

Showcase Your Brand Through Positive Content

Your social media profiles reflect your brand. Use this opportunity to showcase the aspects of your business that bring joy and satisfaction. Share wholesome and relatable moments from your life—whether it’s a family gathering, a community event, or a personal hobby. These posts help humanize your brand and create a connection with your audience, making you more approachable and memorable.

Manage Your Feed Wisely

To avoid getting caught up in the negativity, take control of your social media experience. Use features like Facebook’s “Manage Newsfeed” to curate the content you see. You can hide posts from certain sources or categories that don’t align with your professional goals. Use the Mute feature on Instagram to keep up with accounts without seeing their content in your feed. This helps maintain a more focused and positive online environment.

Avoid Controversial Topics

Political discussions and heated debates can quickly derail a professional image. Avoid posting about controversial topics or engaging in contentious discussions. Focus your social media presence on content reinforcing your expertise and positive attributes as a real estate professional.

Be Aware of Professional Standards

Remember that the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has strict guidelines about professionalism and conduct. Article 10 of the NAR Code of Ethics prohibits any form of harassing or hate speech toward protected classes, including race, religion, gender, and more. Ensure your social media interactions reflect these standards, maintaining a respectful and inclusive tone in all communications.

Educate Yourself on Media Literacy

With the prevalence of fake news, it’s important to be discerning about the content you engage with and share. Learn to identify unreliable sources and avoid spreading misinformation. If you encounter fake news, use the “Snooze” feature temporarily or “Unfollow” permanently to avoid such content. Keeping your feed free from misleading information helps maintain your credibility and focus.

Engage with Positive Content

Spend your social media time engaging with content that inspires and educates. Like, share, and comment on posts that bring joy and add value to your network. Interactions can foster a more positive online community and reinforce your professional brand.

Managing your social media presence during an election year requires a strategic approach. You can navigate the online landscape effectively by focusing on positivity, managing your feed wisely, avoiding controversial topics, and adhering to professional standards. Remember, your social media profiles are often the first impression potential clients have of you, so keeping them professional and engaging can significantly impact your success in the real estate industry. Stay authentic, stay positive, and let your social media reflect your professional excellence.