WTF, the app Nextdoor?

I had the incredible opportunity to speak on a pod panel in Dallas, Texas recently, where I joined a panel discussion to share my experiences with Nextdoor and its potential for real estate professionals. As I prepared for the event, I was a mix of emotions—proud, nervous, and ready to dive deep into how this platform can be a game-changer in our industry. After opening up that curtain and walking out to almost 15,000 people live, I can say that it was an incredible experience I hope to do again!I still can't believe that my little town is only 19,000 people, it was almost every person who lives in my market, looking at me.

One of the standout moments from my talk was discussing a specific post I created on Nextdoor, where I was on the hunt for a particular type of property for my buyers. The response was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting how effectively Nextdoor can be used to engage with local communities and find exactly what clients are looking for.

What’s fascinating about Nextdoor is its algorithm. Unlike many other social media platforms that rely heavily on paid ads, Nextdoor thrives on authentic, community-driven interactions. The algorithm prioritizes posts from local neighbors and those that are actively engaged in the community. This means that genuine connections and organic posts often receive more visibility than paid advertisements. As real estate agents, this presents a unique opportunity: rather than investing in paid ads, we can focus on building real relationships and contributing to our local neighborhoods.

Moreover, Nextdoor’s emphasis on local engagement allows you to showcase your expertise and genuinely assist your neighbors, which can be more effective than any ad campaign. Whether you're sharing valuable real estate tips, answering questions, or simply being an active, supportive community member, these actions help establish you as a trusted local expert.

For a practical example of how to utilize Nextdoor effectively, I’m sharing a snapshot of the post that generated significant interest. It’s a testament to how targeted, community-focused messaging can yield impressive results. You can check out the attached image to see firsthand how this approach works.

There are some key points here I need to of course make sure you acknowledge

• Do not ask for something unless you actually have it. As in, do not ask on behalf of a buyer when you don't have one thinking it's going to get you a listing

• Honesty is the best policy

• These posts have led to over 6 listings and 4 new buyers in 2024

• I do not run them paid

• Select the everyone button when sharing or else you will be stuck in your own subdivision.

In summary, while Nextdoor’s algorithm favors organic connections over paid ads, it offers an invaluable opportunity to engage with your community in a meaningful way. By focusing on genuine interactions rather than traditional advertising, you can connect more deeply with potential clients and make a lasting impact in your local real estate market.

Feel free to explore the attached image for a sample of my Nextdoor post and see how you might apply these strategies in your own community. Here’s to making real connections and thriving together in the dynamic real estate market!