National building franchise Hotondo Homes reports its first sale as a direct result of its Facebook site, launched last year as part of its commitment to embrace social media. The Facebook site includes a page for house and land packages, and a page for people who are thinking about becoming a Hotondo Homes franchise.

February was a turning point for Hotondo Homes when the franchise in Warragul sold its first house and land package as a direct result from Facebook.

Jodie Flower, national marketing manager for Hotondo Homes said, “The Facebook site was set up to provide another avenue to be able to reach potential customers. Before the first sale we had received comments from several franchisees who had received enquiries from the house and land packages they have displayed on Facebook, but when we found out that a sale had been made we were so excited.

“The amount of people that like us, combined with the enquiries that we have been receiving, is proof that social media works.”

At the beginning of 2011 Hotondo Homes launched its new look, user-friendly website [pictured]. “We need to keep evolving the brand, but at the same time we need to provide a professional service to our franchisees and keep demonstrating that we are providing value of money for the services that we offer,” said Flower.