SCOTUS upheld the TikTok ban. Here's what agents should do

[ad_1] The Supreme Court docket’s determination to uphold TikTok’s divestiture deadline leaves actual property brokers racing to adapt their advertising methods. Specialists Katie Lance and Cynthia Seifert share the best way to diversify platforms, deepen consumer connections and construct resilience because the app’s future hangs within the steadiness.

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The clock is ticking for TikTok within the U.S., with a ban on the platform set to take impact on Jan. 19. T he Supreme Court docket upheld a legislation requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based guardian firm, to promote its U.S. operations by Jan. 19 or face an efficient ban. ByteDance has to date refused to conform, leaving many U.S. customers going through the chance of dropping entry to the app.

The courtroom’s unanimous determination upholds the Defending Individuals from International Adversary Managed Functions Act, which President Joe Biden signed into legislation in April 2024. The ruling asserts that TikTok poses vital nationwide safety dangers as a consequence of its knowledge assortment practices and ties to a international adversary.

With ByteDance exhibiting no indicators of divestiture, the app’s future now relies on President-Elect Donald Trump, who has expressed conflicting opinions on TikTok and is ready to take workplace the day after the ban’s implementation. ByteDance has additionally threatened to close the app down totally if the ban is upheld.

The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s destiny has left brokers scrambling to organize. With the platform’s disappearance imminent, business specialists are urging actual property professionals to shortly adapt their methods to take care of visibility, join with audiences and construct resilience in a shifting digital panorama.

This presents a big problem for actual property brokers: In accordance with a latest white paper from the Nationwide Affiliation of Realtors (NAR), 1 in 6 brokers depend on TikTok as a part of their advertising methods.

The platform’s algorithm has been instrumental in connecting brokers with international audiences and youthful demographics. Its loss may disrupt what number of professionals generate leads and construct their manufacturers. The stakes are even increased, given the business’s ongoing stress.

Diversify to remain forward Cynthia Seifert, founding father of KeyLeads, stated in an electronic mail that whereas the TikTok ban is disruptive, it additionally presents a possibility for brokers to reassess and strengthen their advertising methods.

“The approaching TikTok ban may considerably influence actual property brokers who've leveraged the platform to interact youthful audiences, showcase property excursions and construct private manufacturers by way of artistic short-form video content material,” Seifert stated.

She recommends that brokers deal with diversifying their methods by pivoting to platforms like Instagram, which gives comparable short-form video capabilities by way of Reels or experimenting with alternate options like YouTube Shorts and Fb Tales.

Actual property advertising skilled Katie Lance agrees that diversification is vital. “Whereas TikTok could also be driving lots of engagement and leads, it’s necessary to not put all of your eggs in a single basket,” Lance stated. She highlights the worth of repurposing current TikTok movies for different platforms, guaranteeing brokers can keep their visibility and reference to their audiences.

Construct relationships past social media Each specialists highlighted the significance of proudly owning a communication channel that isn’t topic to sudden modifications. Lance stated electronic mail advertising as a vital instrument. “Your electronic mail record is one thing you personal,” she stated. She’s encouraging brokers to drive TikTok followers to their web sites or lead magnets the place they'll subscribe for updates.

Seifert provides that strengthening on-line presence by way of Search engine marketing-driven blogs or optimized YouTube channels may also present a gentle supply of visibility and leads.

This shift isn’t nearly transitioning to new platforms — it’s about constructing lasting relationships. Lance suggests leveraging Instagram’s DMs and Tales to create deeper connections. Seifert recommends exploring offline strategies resembling internet hosting native occasions or taking part in neighborhood actions to reestablish ties with shoppers. These methods are important for sustaining belief and visibility in a quickly altering panorama.

Act quick to redirect followers Time is of the essence. Brokers ought to act shortly to redirect TikTok followers to different platforms, Seifert stated. By linking Instagram and Fb accounts to TikTok and posting common updates encouraging followers to attach elsewhere, brokers can mitigate potential disruptions earlier than the ban takes impact.

The TikTok ban additionally presents a possibility to broaden video methods. Lance encourages brokers to spend money on instruments and expertise that work throughout platforms, resembling creating long-form YouTube movies, internet hosting stay Q&A classes, or utilizing Fb Stay for digital property excursions. These efforts not solely present short-term options but in addition place brokers for long-term success in an ever-evolving digital panorama.

Whereas the lack of TikTok is a setback for a lot of, it’s a stark reminder of the significance of agility in actual property advertising. By diversifying platforms, strengthening direct communication channels, and deepening consumer relationships, brokers can navigate the challenges forward and emerge stronger.

As Lance stated, “The very best technique is to remain forward by diversifying your efforts and specializing in platforms and techniques that construct long-term relationships and belief.”

Jessi Healey is a contract author and social media supervisor specializing in actual property. Discover her on Instagram , LinkedIn , Threads, or Bluesky .