I watched a web seminar this afternoon the subject of cellular messaging. The reason for joining the meeting was to find ways to create visibility our expired listing lead service from RedX. The information presented was very useful; especially if you have a number of prospective clients that you are finding difficult to contact. The technology has evolved where you can now provide your prospects a way to stay constantly in contact with your product offering. This type of approach is not new. There are online corporations that provide information on homes for sale in response to a particular cell phone text numbers that you can place on your listing. Unfortunately, these systems regularly provide a single interaction with your prospective client, and some basic contact information from which to follow up.
Most real estate agents are aware of this approach which is different than what was presented at the webinar. The model that was provided was a message that was sent out from during a concert to those who had registered to receive mobile updates. The communication included a voucher code and a request to send that coupon on to each of the recipient's contacts which effectively made the message viral. Now I understand that you are not putting on large rock concerts, and likely do not have that large of a budget; also, real estate is a completely distinct animal. However, the strategy remains the same.
This is the way I would personally recommend use of this technology:
1) Attracting leads: Establish a relationship with a SMS text service contributor so that you may put special text codes on discrete listing signs and promotions that you place. There are a number that serve up the real estate industry, but make certain that they have an autoresponder system so that after the initial text is sent, the textee is provided a follow up requesting permission to provide additional updates. You want your list of leads to opt in to the communication.
2) Sending a list of listings may be trite, let's face it, we all do it as a standard of practice with little differentiation. To differentiate yourself, choose to send out information or reports that are unique to the services that you offer. If you link the text digits to an individual promotion, you can at least assume some things about the individual who requested the data. From there, you can create follow-on texts that may suite the prospect's interest. These can incorporate new listings that are similar to what originally prompted the text. For differentiation and the viral spin, you may want to send local updated on local events. You may also go as far as approaching some of the advertisers in the local clipper magazines and mailers and request permission to forward their offer to your target list. Let's face it, when was the last time you received a free pizza or 20% off dinner at your local Chinese restaurant from your Realtor?
Most real estate agents are aware of this approach which is different than what was presented at the webinar. The model that was provided was a message that was sent out from during a concert to those who had registered to receive mobile updates. The communication included a voucher code and a request to send that coupon on to each of the recipient's contacts which effectively made the message viral. Now I understand that you are not putting on large rock concerts, and likely do not have that large of a budget; also, real estate is a completely distinct animal. However, the strategy remains the same.
This is the way I would personally recommend use of this technology:
1) Attracting leads: Establish a relationship with a SMS text service contributor so that you may put special text codes on discrete listing signs and promotions that you place. There are a number that serve up the real estate industry, but make certain that they have an autoresponder system so that after the initial text is sent, the textee is provided a follow up requesting permission to provide additional updates. You want your list of leads to opt in to the communication.
2) Sending a list of listings may be trite, let's face it, we all do it as a standard of practice with little differentiation. To differentiate yourself, choose to send out information or reports that are unique to the services that you offer. If you link the text digits to an individual promotion, you can at least assume some things about the individual who requested the data. From there, you can create follow-on texts that may suite the prospect's interest. These can incorporate new listings that are similar to what originally prompted the text. For differentiation and the viral spin, you may want to send local updated on local events. You may also go as far as approaching some of the advertisers in the local clipper magazines and mailers and request permission to forward their offer to your target list. Let's face it, when was the last time you received a free pizza or 20% off dinner at your local Chinese restaurant from your Realtor?
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