Estate agents on the Costa del Sol
Harnessing Social Media: 8 Ways Facebook Can Help You Start Your New Life On the Costa del Sol
Social media is becoming more and more intricately linked with our personal and professional lives, and at The Spanish Estate Agent we are acutely aware of this. If you found us via our Facebook page, welcome! Facebook is no longer just for sharing pictures and chatting with your friends - you can now find and sell just about anything there, did you see the viral story about someone who tried to sell their baby on Facebook?! Now, that is an extreme example, but it just goes to show that nowadays many people's first resource when they have a question is social media. This is particularly true when it comes to local knowledge! We pride ourselves on market expertise and local knowledge, which we certainly supplement through the local Facebook groups we have joined (shout out to Manilva Coffee Chat!). How can you work this to your advantage? Here are my personal favorites:
1) Build your community
Moving to a new place is nothing if not scary - for one thing, what is it going to be like to live there? Who will I be able to rely on in times of need? Before you even pack your bags, you can join local Facebook groups with a simple click and post there with any concerns, queries or general conversation starters! Other expats know how difficult it can be to integrate into a completely new and unknown community, so harness the online tools available so you don't feel too lonesome when you arrive.
2) Find people with similar interests
The Facebook groups you join could be targeted towards specific interests, but in your local groups, if you post a question asking if anyone else likes crocheting/shot putting/dog grooming, you'll be that much closer to finding events and people who share those same interests!
3) Make money selling things you don't need
For this one, you may want to post specifically on selling groups, so don't forget to read the rules and regulations associated with each group before you post. The benefit of posting to local groups here, is that you can sell your cupboard or TV without having to carry it or send it anywhere, normally people are willing to come and pick the items up from your home! This takes a lot of the inconvenience out of selling. You can get creative about the items you sell, too, whether it be old baby clothes, plants, DVDs or even your own crafted goods!
4) Ask and give advice and recommendations
These types of posts are the most commonly found on local Facebook groups: "Does anyone know the best local plumber/taxi driver/private chef?". People love giving advice so you're sure to get some quick responses, especially in groups with many members or tight communities.
5) Find and rate local businesses and freelancers
As I mentioned above, businesses are noticing that social media is an excellent place to find and engage with potential clients (guilty as charged...) so having a look through who's posting what could give you an idea of what kind of restaurants, gyms or expat markets might be out there. Since many groups are targeted to a certain community, find yours, and you'll be able to point your wallet towards businesses with good reviews and that represent your values!
6) Find your lost kitty
You've probably already thought of this one if you've ever lost a beloved pet, but it's good to remember that local groups are infinitely more effective when searching for a lost pet - your neighbour who you've never met may be looking through the group with Whiskers on their lap! Plus, it's a free way to post as many pictures as possible to avoid getting responses from well-intentioned but misguided people.
7) Find your new job
There is absolutely no need to pay for a job-seeking service nowadays, you don't even need to leave your social media site, if you go through your local Facebook groups frequently enough you're sure to find job offers that suit your profile. You can even post to ask for advice, but you will often find many eclectic job offers on the group regardless.
8) Stay connected through moments of crisis
When a massive storm wiped out power and left many people stranded in Estepona, the local Facebook groups were alive with chatter, from people requesting assistance to others offering services, posting pictures and updates. This is an excellent way to not feel despaired when something disruptive is going on in your community - make a quick post and see if anyone has been experiencing anything similar - a worry shared is a worry halved!
We hope you can benefit from this social media advice, and that by joining local virtual networks you feel at home and secure when you move into your brand spanking new, beachfront Costa del Sol property! Don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly sales agents for more information and advice regarding your big move!