Maximizing LinkedIn for Real Estate Success: Insights from Jared Tallmadge

Many real estate agents often overlook LinkedIn as a key tool for business development. Understanding how to leverage LinkedIn for lead generation and networking can make all the difference.

In this episode of the Realizations Podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Jared Tallmadge, a seasoned LinkedIn expert and author of “The LinkedIn Real Estate Agent”. He shared insights on how real estate professionals can use LinkedIn to boost business growth, build relationships, and establish a credible online presence.

Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from our conversation:

Jared’s Background: From Mortgage to Marketing

Jared’s journey to LinkedIn marketing began with his extensive experience in the mortgage industry. Having worked in various capacities for banks, brokers, and even owning companies, Jared spent 30 years navigating the financial side of real estate.

Around 15 years ago, he shifted gears and started teaching social media to real estate agents. He initially focused on Facebook but shifted to LinkedIn as it gained popularity as a professional networking platform.

During his career, Jared realized that many agents were not leveraging LinkedIn effectively. This prompted him to write the book, “LinkedIn Real Estate Agent,” designed to teach agents how to utilize LinkedIn for business success. If you're a new real estate agent, having a mortgage broker in your network can be a valuable resource for navigating client relationships and offering financial guidance.

The LinkedIn Advantage: Why Real Estate Agents Should Use It

As real estate agents, we often find ourselves relying on traditional methods like cold calling or door-knocking to generate leads. Jared emphasizes that LinkedIn is a more effective platform for building meaningful connections with clients and professionals.

He offered practical tips for maximizing the platform, suitable for both beginners and those refining their approach to it. Jared and I discussed the power of LinkedIn for real estate agents. Jared believes LinkedIn enables agents to connect with serious business professionals, unlike Facebook and Instagram.

• Professional Networking: LinkedIn enables you to connect with individuals who prioritize professional growth over social interaction.

• Google Integration: With LinkedIn profiles ranking well in Google search results, having an optimized profile can significantly increase your visibility and credibility.

• Building Your Reputation: LinkedIn helps you establish a professional online presence, which is essential for agents looking to build trust and attract potential clients.

LinkedIn also serves as an incredible database of professionals, which can help agents build a network that extends far beyond their immediate sphere of influence.

Jared’s Book: The LinkedIn Real Estate Agent and Its Success

Jared's book, The LinkedIn Real Estate Agent, is a detailed guide for agents to enhance their LinkedIn presence. After years of teaching LinkedIn strategies, he recognized the need for a resource for agents to reference post-training, prompting him to write a book.

The book quickly gained recognition, with Inman calling it one of the best business books for real estate agents. Jared's book sales increased significantly after he gained recognition, demonstrating that his insights resonated with real estate professionals seeking to enhance their online presence.

LinkedIn Isn’t About Selling—It’s About Relationships

A central theme in our conversation was the idea that LinkedIn is not about the hard sell; it’s about building relationships. Jared advised that agents should focus on providing value first. Instead of a sales pitch, he suggests providing helpful content, sharing industry insights, or meaningfully engaging with birthday notifications.

Jared's approach is rooted in human connection. Listening to real estate podcasts also offers valuable insights that help agents foster genuine relationships and create long-term business opportunities.

How to Get Started on LinkedIn: Building Your Profile

For new agents or those just starting on LinkedIn, Jared’s advice is simple: start with a strong profile. He recommends reaching 500 connections to enhance credibility and show potential clients and partners that you are a serious professional.

• Connect with People You Know: Begin by reaching out to coworkers, previous clients, and individuals within your existing network. This creates a solid foundation for your LinkedIn presence.

• Personalize Your Connections: Always include a personal message with connection requests to build trust and rapport.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile: Make It Work for You

Once you’ve built a solid network, the next step is to optimize your LinkedIn profile. Jared shared his strategy for making sure your profile stands out.

Here’s how to optimize your profile:

• Banner Image: Choose a professional banner image that reflects your brand.

• About Section: Write a compelling "About" section that highlights your experience and what you offer as a real estate agent.

• Recommendations: Seek out recommendations from clients and colleagues to build credibility and trust.

These small changes to your profile can help you rank higher in Google search results and make a stronger impression on potential clients.

Don’t Use LinkedIn for the Hard Sell

Jared made it clear that LinkedIn is not a platform for cold sales. Instead, it’s a space for nurturing relationships. The key is to build rapport first and establish trust before introducing any sales pitch.

He likened this approach to a blind date, suggesting that just as one wouldn't propose marriage on a first meeting, LinkedIn relationships should also grow gradually.

Jared encourages agents to provide value to their connections first. Focus on building relationships through informative articles, market insights, and helpful real estate tips, rather than solely focusing on sales.

Jared’s Lead Generation Strategy on LinkedIn

Jared is a strong advocate for free lead generation on LinkedIn. Through leadgenerationpreview.com, he offers free LinkedIn strategies for lead generation, helping businesses avoid paid ads.

For real estate agents, consistency in delivering valuable content and engaging with their network is essential. Regardless of whether you use the free or paid LinkedIn version, consistency and providing useful information are crucial.

The Power of Offering Free Value

Jared’s philosophy is rooted in the idea of giving before asking. He doesn’t sell directly on LinkedIn. Instead, he offers free resources, such as newsletters, articles, and lead generation strategies. This approach enables him to build trust with his audience and establish himself as an expert in his field.

Real estate agents should provide valuable content, such as neighborhood guides, home-buying tips, and market analyses. Providing value upfront increases the likelihood that potential clients will choose you when making decisions.

Tune in to REalizations Podcast for LinkedIn Marketing Insights with Jared Tallmadge

This episode with Jared has been a game-changer for LinkedIn success. Jared’s insights into LinkedIn marketing for real estate agents are both practical and inspiring.

His social media strategy emphasizes relationship-building, providing value, and prioritizing long-term success over quick wins. Enhance your LinkedIn profile, build connections, and share valuable content to maximize the platform's potential.

Ready to dive deeper into LinkedIn marketing? Connect with me on the Realizations Podcast for expert tips and inspiring discussions that will enhance your connections and help you grow your business.