Creating an Engaging Facebook Business Page

Your Facebook business page is prime real estate for growing your audience, building your brand, and developing meaningful relationships with potential clients. With an increasing number of consumers visiting and ‘liking’ agents’ Facebook pages, it’s important for your page to be as engaging as possible, so that your audience keeps coming back for more.

The goal is to build positive perceptions about your brand by engaging your audience, so that they will think of YOU when they (or their friends) need an agent.

How exactly does one create an engaging Facebook business page?

Some rules of thumb to follow are to post regularly, make content interesting, provide value, and stay engaged.

Post regularly—or have an app do it for you!

Staying in front of your audience is key. You’ll want to post content often enough so that your fans (those who have ‘liked’ your page) are aware of your presence, but not so often that you clutter their news feeds. Posting 3-6 times a week during prime hours of 1-4 pm EST is ideal.

It’s easy to schedule your posts in advance with Wordpress or Blogger, or you can try a post-scheduling application such as that finds relevant content for homebuyers and sellers, and posts it for you!

Make Content Interesting

You only have a few seconds to capture your fans’ attention when they are scrolling down their news feed, so you want your posts to stand out.

Studies have shown that consumers are most compelled to ‘like’ and ‘share’ posts that include strong imagery. Posts with 90-120 characters or less also compel more interest than longer posts.

Provide Value

Think about what would be of value to your audience—for instance, home trends, tips, design, and local stories of interest. Show your audience you’re paying attention to topics relevant to them. Of course, you can also post about your listings, services and open houses but be sure to include a variety of content types rather than just your own stream of promotional posts.

Stay Engaged with your Page

Be sure to log in to Facebook to check on your page engagement. Respond to questions and comment on posts. If you want to go the extra mile, network with local businesses by commenting on their posts to increase your exposure.





DON’T use a personal Facebook profile to market your business—it violates Facebook’s terms of use.
DON’T constantly post listings or promotional content—you don’t want your audience to tune you out.

DO create a Facebook page for your real estate business
DO post a mix of interesting, relevant content that speaks to your audience.
DO choose a ‘vanity’ name for your business page to boost your visibility in search engines (Ex.facebook.com/RealEstateAgent)

Can you believe it-- Indian Springs, Oak Mtn. Schools and under 200k?! Lovely new hardwoods main level, totally updated & beautiful 3BR/2 1/2 Baths plus a new huge basement, den, laundry and half bath. 2 car garage, big deck on a corner lot and full brick. Come see it-but be quick! $199,900

Sparkling clean with many upgrades incl: fresh interior paint, new carpet, new tile floor in baths, and more- all done within the last 30 days. Most popular floorplan has living room with tall ceiling,, wood floors & fireplace. Spacious kitchen with eating area has door that opens to yard for grilling. Big master has private bath and great closets. There are two other bedrooms and another full bath. Flat fenced private yard-- Ready to move in TODAY! $159,900

Looking for that special Homewood house that has tall ceilings, old time charm with modern updates, cool built in's and a fireplace? This is it!!! This home has an updated kitchen, 9' ceilings, charming archways & beautiful hardwoods and tile flooring throughout. Homewood at it's best! Walk to schools, parks and restaurants There is alley access & room for ample parking and storage. $239,900

Loads of space and renovated in Belle Meade. Chicago Brick exterior. Formal Entry. Beautiful hardwoods throughout. Master Suite on the Main Level with double-sink vanity, glass shower and large walk-in closets. Second Master upstairs, currently used as a Media Room, along with two additional Bedrooms and two Full Baths.. Huge closets, and hardwoods under carpet upstairs. Large Formal Dining Room. Living Room/Keeping Room is open to the Kitchen. Kitchen has granite countertops and travertine floors. Huge Den with wood-burning fireplace and french doors to the backyard and parking pad. Main-Level Laundry Room. Two-car, main-level garage with workshop. Whole house generator. Award winning Cherokee Bend school and convenient to everything! $549,900

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Historic home built in 1921 with 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a half bath located in Highland Park. Captivating screen porch with stone columns and tile flooring sets the stage for the rest of the home. Living room has a beautiful stone fireplace with a unique mantle, tall ceilings and tons of space! Updated kitchen with stainless appliances, beautiful cabinets and lots of countertop space perfect for entertaining.One bedroom along with a half bath on main level. The master bedroom & bathroom along with additional bedrooms have beautiful hardwood floors. Fenced backyard is a great area to play. With just a short distance to great restaurants, grocery stores, parks and major highways this home has everything you need! WELCOME HOME!

Incredibly charming brick cottage on HUGE lot! Located in the very desirable Edgewood neighborhood, walking distance to food & fun! Must see- beautiful hardwood floors, spacious rooms and great details. Living room, sep dining room PLUS study and two bedrooms. Big surprise- it has a basement! Perfect for sporting goods, bikes, all those extras that you need a place for (RARE in Homewood!) More details and photos to follow but don't wait or you will miss out! MLS#568166 $259,900

One level, full brick, new kitchen appliances, refinished hardwood floors, full unfinished basement. Great location.Seller to pay $2000 toward purchasers closing costs. $199,000 MLS 562376

Dressed for success with an outstanding resume to boot! This lovely home offers more than average with vaulted ceilings, fireplace, BONUS ROOM, and privacy fence. An abundance of windows in the kitchen let light pour in as you enjoy your new home. Optimal floor-plan includes bonus room that is begging for a flat screen tv and a big comfy chair. Actually enjoy your back yard and patio with the privacy fence. This back yard is perfect for playtime and parties! Family relocating out of state due to corporate transfer.Surround sound throughout. $177,500 MLS#563852

SOOO much here you MUST see to believe! Wonderful family home on Historic Register located on a quiet street and sited on a double lot. Appx 4650 square feet of living space with 2700+ on main level featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 baths; lower level appx 1850 SF with 2 bedrooms, 3 baths and full custom kitchen.On the main level you will find a lovely living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and wood-burning fireplace adjacent to formal dining area. Totally remodeled sunny kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances, Samsung French door refrigerator, gas stove, double ovens, Bosch dishwasher, beverage fridge and pull-outs in lower cabinets. Laundry nook off of kitchen with shelving on either side of stairs to HUGE floored attic with fan on temp control. Cozy library with heart of pine panelling. Enter the sunroom/breakfast room from either kitchen or library featuring seagrass floor covering, wood-burning fireplace and Mitsubishi split system heat pump with remote control. $550,000

This home is fabulous. It has a contemporary feeling - move in condition - new paint - refinished floors - den in tree tops w/bay window - excellent condition. Basement could be finished easily - also workshop area. New landscaping. Many updates throughout - Owner likes to entertain so living room is his dining room - new driveway - new AC - roof new in 2005. Easy to show and priced to sell! $225,900

Lots of space in this wonderful family home within walking distance to middle school! Inviting front porch - perfect for swinging on warm summer nights. New hardwoods floors throughout main level (installed June '13), fresh paint and smooth ceilings throughout. Main level Master Bedroom has hardwood floors, separate shower, tub and large walk-in closet. Bright kitchen with tons of cabinets. Separate laundry room with utility sink and room for second fridge. Two nice bedrooms upstairs with full bath, plus lots of walk-in attic space with dormer windows that is just waiting to be expanded into playroom and/or 4th bedroom and bath. Both A/C units have Aprilaire allergy filter system.. Large, fenced-in yard, two-car garage, plus HUGE basement easy to finish out for media room or whatever! Come see this fabulous home!$289,900

Great 3 BR 1 BA ready to move in! Large eat in kitchen. Roof and A/C & heat newer. Large back yard with deck. Laundry room outside.

$159,900

When only the best will do! Not a drive by- Great for entertaining- large rooms, new kitchen, tons of space, storage galore. Formal Living Room with fireplace, banquet sized Dining Room, separate Breakfast Room and Kitchen with island. Two masters on opposite sides of the house. Oversized Den upstairs, large Playroom and another Den downstairs. Encapsulated basement with work area and bath. Walk-up floored attic. A beautiful manicured yard with lots of parking complete this home. An Architectural Digest Dream Home!$799,000

A piece of history in charming, historical Cahaba Homestead part of Trussville! PRECIOUS cottage w/ TOTALLY updated kitchen w/top-of-the line stainless appliances, gorgeous quartz countertops & beautiful new cabinets! You won't believe your eyes when you enter from the covered parking adjacent to the back door. Full sized laundry closet in kitchen. SPECTACULAR yard-gardeners DREAM, right out of SOUTHERN LIVING w/ stone work, glorious landscaping & koi pond w/fountain! Wander to back of the gorgeous deep lot & find a lovely little playhouse - are there fairies lurking inside?? Floors are heart pine & den is so cozy w/original knotty pine & fireplace, bonus room in front for dining room, music room, library or home office. Added flooring installed in attic. Enclosed work shed attached to carport & LIFETIME steel roof. Conveniently located close to schools, parks, downtown Trussville & interstates but you'll feel you've escaped back to a more tranquil time. $187,000

Unbelievably well done 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home in Fultondale. Granite counter tops with beautifully tiled backsplash and breakfast bar. Huge downstairs den with half bath for entertaining. Outdoor space on the back deck as well as lower patio. Truly in move-in condition!! $229,900

This charming home is nestled on a big corner lot. Living room has a ventless gas fireplace with pretty carved wooden mantel and brick hearth. Separate formal dining room has chair rail. Large updated kitchen has stainless appliances(2008), island, pantry and eating area. Laundry area off kitchen. Nice size master bedroom has big closet and own bath. Master bath has shower and pedestal sink. Spacious second bedroom has big closet. Hall bath has beadboard walls, tub/shower and pedestal sink. Bonus room off living would make perfect nursery-currently used as office. Hardwood floors, crown molding and recessed lighting. Security system. Hot water heater-2010. Great deck with builtin speakers overlooks lovely stone patio-ideal for entertaining! Partially fenced yard has detached workshop wired for electricity. Enjoy the community feel of living on the Trak Shak running route and within walking distance to Gianmarco's. You'll love the convenient location just minutes to UAB, I-65 & Hwy 31.$254,900

Outstanding opportunity for Cherokee Rd under $400k!! Beautiful 4 bedroom 3 1/2 bath home priced to sell! What a location! Gracious large living room and dining room with beautiful dentil moulding.Spacious kitchen w/ granite, eat in area and desk space,and cabinets galore! Large laundry room w/ utility sink off kitchen, and three large bedrooms with large closets up, one bedroom down with full bath. Workshop area in basement and tons of storage!!! Don't miss out! Owner is licensed Realtor.$399,000

Spacious 2BR/2Bth townhouse only minutes off of I-65 and conveniently located to everything!! Off street parking, small yard to allow for spending your time at nearby Oak Mountain State Park and shopping. New HVAC motor 5-15-13. $104,900

Immaculate full brick three bedroom/2 bath garden home in Greystone Ridge located on the fairway of Greystone. One level living w/gorgeous hardwood floors and crown molding in foyer, living room and dining room. Large kitchen with separate pantry, white cabinetry, lots of counter space and cabinets galore. Kitchen has spacious sunroom/breakfast room and eat-in counter, plus floor length windows overlooking precious patio area with total privacy - covered patio area for grilling. Living room has fireplace w/gas logs. Property including security system. It won't last long!

AgentOwned/AgentInterest?:N $195,900

DON'T MISS THIS! Absolutely fabulous home with spacious rooms, perfect floorplan, updated kitchen (just finished!) culdesac, flat yard and MORE! Fresh on the market and ready to move in! Main level has living room with raised ceiling (all others on main are 9') dining room, BIG kitchen-all with hardwood. Family room with good looking fireplace, WONDERFUL master suite and laundry. You will love the kitchen with loads of cabinets, center island, granite, updated appliances. Eating area will hold a big farm table, perfect for family & friends. Upstairs three bedrooms (all large) two baths plus loft area. Finished downstairs with large rec/media plus sep room used as bedroom and full baths. Closets galore, super storage everywhere. Screen porch overlooks PRIVATE FLAT BACK YARD. Updates incl roof 2013, kitchen just finished, and more! $549,900

Convenience! Convenience! Location is just bout everything! But, this is a wonderful home too. 3 large (2 masters...one up& one down)bedrooms, 2 full baths LR, Dr, eat in kitchen (with bay window), fireplace, 2 car garage! Hardly any yard work. Beautiful carpet throughout. Don't wait...this beauty will be gone! $259,000

Wow! You have to see inside of this beautiful home on a great flat culdesac in Vestavia. One level huge 2642 sq.ft. according to Court House Records and beautiful!!! This 4 bedroom 3 bath home has very nice sized rooms with hardwoods in the living room, dining room and den. The foyer, living room and dining room have amazing crown molding and 9 ft ceilings that you must see. From the moment you enter you know you are going to see a very special home. The foyer is extra wide and inviting. The den has exposed beams, a wall of built-in bookcases, brick fireplace and a view of the backyard. The large kitchen has an eat-in area that has a view of the hydrangeas and woods beyond. There are three baths all with tub/showers and nice vanities. The two car garage also has a nice sized storage room or is large enough to be a workshop. Landscaping in the front of the home gives you privacy from the culdesac and the woods behind give complete privacy in the back.$274,900...MLS#565321

AgentOwned/AgentInterest?:N

Wonderful family home located on a beautifully landscaped lot! Welcoming foyer opens up to nice living room. Separate formal dining has chair rail. Eat in kitchen has some stainless appliances and bay window. Family room off kitchen has brick gas fireplace and wonderful pine floors. Master bedroom has two closets and attached bath with shower. Two nice size bedrooms share hall bath with tub shower combo and large vanity. Wonderful sunroom off family room has wood beams and overlooks flat backyard- new windows 2012. Bonus room on lower level is perfect for a third living, exercise or play room. Large cedar closet in basement has tons of room for storage. Irrigation system. $269,900

Gorgeous Lakefront Home on Cul de Sac. Gleaming Refinished Hardwoods carried throughout the Main Level. A 2 Story Great Room with Floor to Ceiling Windows offers tons of Natural Light. Open Kitchen and Keeping Room leads right out onto the Deck overlooking the Lake. Large Master with Walk in Closet on the Main. 3 Bedrooms 2 Full Baths and a Bonus/Play Rec Room upstairs. Plenty of walk in attic space that could be expanded upon. 2 Car garage on the Main Level as well as 2 in the Basement. Stained Concrete Floors throughout the Basement Bedroom, Bathroom and Basement Den, currently used as an Exercise Room. The Movie Room is wired for Surround Sound. Beautiful Landscape features have been added to the Backyard. Exterior Lighting, Stone Walkways, 2 Patios and a Fire Pit all lead down to 115+/-feet of waterfront! $799,900

This full brick home on one level in desirable Cahaba Heights is move in ready! Features include a cozy den with a wood burning fireplace and hardwood floors throughout. Smooth ceilings, crown molding, security system and a fenced yard with a heated POOL! ~ what more could you want? Convenient to everything~ interstate, shopping, and restaurants. Don't miss out on this cute bungalow, zoned for award winning Vestavia schools. Cute A-frame on the property can be used as rental income, pool house, office, man-cave ~ the possibilities are endless! $226,000

Year old roof - Sewer available at street. Lovely, lovely front porch - Come & sit a spell! Wonderful den w/exposed beams and large brick fireplace. Kitchen is somewhat updated and open to den. Large LR and DR w/a huge extra den. The yard is flat & private w/lots of greenery. A well loved home and the feeling is warm!

Beautiful full brick family home located on Wellington Road in the desirable Mayfair area. This home just Feels Right! Beautiful hardwood floors, tall ceilings, an updated kitchen that opens to a cozy den are just some of the things this home has to offer. Cook dinner and watch the kids play in the landscaped back yard from the kitchen window. Or, relax on the screen porch and listen to the church bells that abound throughtout Homewood. Hardwood floors, both up and downstairs, his & her closet, beautiful master bedroom and bath, plus in the basement, is a playroom, extra bedroom w/ a full bath and jetted tub, a large laundry room and a garage. Sprinkler System& Central Vac $649,900

Fabulous home full of surprises in heart of Crestline Park/Mountaindale. Rare 4 Br/2 Ba has 2,748 sq feet per tax records!! Living room, separate dining, updated kitchen with open floor plan! Natural sun filled rooms thru-out. Kitchen features SS appliances, refrigerator, gas stove, granite countertops & cabinets galore! Breakfast bar opens into huge den w/ great flow for entertaining. Wood deck overlooking fenced in backyard. 3 nice sized true bedrooms (no walk thru), 2 full baths. The 4th BR w/ built-in bookcases down the hall from den w/a private entrance. Two years NEW: roof, kitchen, 4th BR addition, exterior paint, hot water heater. Crown molding, smooth ceilings, gleaming hardwood (also under carpet in bedrooms), security system, pull down attic, generator, washer/dryer to remain. Cannot emphasize the storage, numerous closet space! Convenient to Crestline Shopping, La Paz and SAW'S Restaurant, UAB, Interstates. Showing Now!! MLS#564142 $263,988

Hurry on Home to the best street in Crestline Park!! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath is done! Updated kitchen, gleaming hardwoods, nice size bedrooms and great back deck, fire pit area and privacy fenced backyard. Per seller: roof in '05, exterior paint '08, hot water heater '11 and interior designer colors. Door from carport takes you right into house! This one is special!!MLS558747 $236,000

Always admired & now available! A long winding drive leadso this distinctive traditional home situated on 2 acres with dynamic view. It offers many amenities including spacious rooms, abundant hardwood floors, tall ceilings and custom finishes. Custom designed as the builders own home, it features three fireplaces including one in the master suite. Large living room and banquet sized dining for entertaining. Inviting family room features large windows overlooking the view of distant mountains, hardwood floors and a fireplace. The back door opens directly to the level backyard and deck. Lovely master suite focuses on the view and is split from the other bedrooms for maximum privacy. Updated kitchen with eating area and loads of cabinets. Upstairs is a bonus/ study plus a HUGE attic. Must see! MLS#547406 $599,900

This charming home is completely updated, move in ready, and nestled on a large corner lot! Living room has gas fireplace with stone surround. Big kitchen has new cabinets, granite tops, stainless steel appliances, and tumbled marble backsplash. Dining area has bead board walls with chair rail. Nice size bedrooms share hall bath that has commode vanity. Nice bonus/utility room off kitchen would make a great second living. Hardwoods throughout, recessed lighting, and crown molding. Flat fenced backyard has open deck and ample room to do a Master bath addition. Covered parking. New Hot water heater-2012. Great location- convenient to shopping, restaurants, and walk to school! MLS#561544  $279,900

Rare chance to own one of the first homes ever built in Crestline. This 1925 Craftsman is still owned by the original family. Located on TW0 BEAUTIFUL LOTS it offers the chance to make the house your own on either one large lot or to divide and build on two separate lots. MLS#562341  $450,000

Peaceful mountain view from a private balcony with three separate entrances. The second bedrom has been renovated into a study with a built in desk, bookshelves and hardwood floors. The dining room chandelier has been replaced and ceiling fans have been installed in all rooms except bathrooms. New carpet in the living/dining room and master bedroom. The kitchen has been completely renovated from floor to ceiling with all new appliances. All rooms repainted except master bedroom and bath. Storage unit available for extra storage. 24 hr. Security Gate and beautifully maintained grounds. Convenient location with easy access to UAB, shopping and restaurants.MLS# 563440  $179,900

An Email Interview with Laura Silsbee

On Mar 29, at 8:02 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
So what's the current state of the Birmingham real-estate market?

laurasilsbee@lahrealestate.com wrote:
Times are a changing again in the real estate market, but this time for the better! We are having less inventory this year as compared with last year which means that there are more people buying again. Just in LAH alone on the residential sales side we have seen a dramatic difference in the upward swing. Our company had a total sales volume of $225 million compared to $170 million the year before. That is a 32% increase. In 2012 we had 797 closings and the year before we had 612. A 30% increase. Plus the average sales price has increased to: $282,498 from $278,897. All of this is very positive for our city.

On April 2, at 9:02 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
What about commercial real estate?

laurasilsbee@lahrealestate.com wrote:
The LAH family is unique because we are both a residential and commercial company. On the commercial side we are seeing a much different world than what we saw in the past few years. In the early and mid 2000s we saw a lot of speculative development for shopping centers with large "anchor" stores, new office & industrial developments being built.

Now that the Birmingham real estate market is coming back after the recession, the transactions we are seeing and involved with are primarily owner-occupied small businesses. The "mom and pop" business owners of the town.

Another interesting thing is that office space is moving very slowly right now. The medical tenants are the main businesses that are moving into the vacant offices in town.

On April 3, at 7:42 p.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
Is there is a major resurgence in the small "mom and pop" businesses?

laurasilsbee@lahrealestate.com wrote:
There are not necessarily more mom and pop businesses. However, as their leases expire these businesses are realizing it is cheaper to purchase a building instead of renewing the lease. The drive for this happening is because of the lower interest rates and the lower prices of the buildings. So it ends up being cheaper for these businesses to own instead of lease

On April 3, at 3:40 p.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
Is it a buyer's or seller's market now?

laurasilsbee@lahrealestate.com wrote:
Actually, it is both a buyer's and a seller's market, which is highly unusual. It is a buyer's market because most sellers are pricing their homes reasonably from the start, we have a good number of homes on the market to select from and the mortgage rates are still fantastic!!!

It is a seller's market because there are many buyers now wanting to purchase again after a lull, the rates are great (which encourages the buyers to buy), and we have seen multiple offers on several properties.

On April 8, at 12: 12 p.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:
So you started Mountain Brook Trading just a few months ago on Facebook, and you already have something like 14,000 members; what's going on with that group?

laurasilsbee@lahrealestate.com wrote:
I really had no idea it would grow to be that big at all. I didn't even know MBT would take off. But when I started it my plan was to sell some good things that my family and I did not use anymore. These items were still of excellent quality and really too nice to donate. So I invited my local friends on Facebook, and then they invited their friends and so on. There are some great items being posted for sale everyday.

I have since started a Facebook page and I am working on a website to help promote our locally owned businesses within Birmingham. We have such a great town with great people that support these local businesses and I want to see them succeed.