Making good use of social media is a must-do for anyone who wants to be noticed in today?s marketplace. However, it?s understandable that some people and businesses may shy from taking advantage of social media?s boons because this new world can be quite overwhelming. There?s Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and a plethora of other platforms out there! Which of these services would work best for you and your business?

Below we provide a rundown of the prominent features of the four most widely-used platforms that can benefit realtors and others in the real estate world:

Facebook works best for personal interaction, and is actually not the most effective platform for businesses to use. However, realtors can employ Facebook?s many features to share tips, photos, to make announcements to garner attention and generate leads. The current downside, though, is that Facebook has started to require users to pay for increased visibility.

?Twitter requires that all posts be limited to 140 characters, yet it also allows users to include a link or photo. A great way to network with potential clients without sharing too much, Twitter can be a good means of garnering a following, especially if you provide intriguing tidbits based on your specific realtor expertise. People look to this platform as a source of news as well, so make sure you use it to say something newsy, more than to solely advertise.

LinkedIn is a good place to interact with others in the real estate industry. The platform allows others to see your credentials and to provide endorsement of your skills. Potential clients looking to size you up can view background information about you. This platform is also an ideal place to forge relationships, with businesses requiring your real estate expertise.

Google+ is a great way to boost your SEO (Search Engine Optimization), as Google favors anything posted there (This means that your Google+ profile has a greater likelihood of being ranked higher in search engine results). Additionally, the site also combines the best features of both Facebook and Twitter.

If you have limited experience with using social media to establish and spread your online presence as a realtor, don?t fear! As with any new strategy, there will be a learning curve initially, but it won?t be as steep as you think. Remember that it?s okay to try out different platforms to find those that have features you enjoy and are effective for your work. Before you know it, you will be creating inspired realtor content that gets shared. Now, get started! Soon enough you?ll be wondering why you weren’t involved years ago.