Real Estate Text Messaging Lead Capture

Are you integrating text messaging into your real estate lead generation systems yet? If not, why not?

• Is it because you’re just not too sure how to go about it?
• Maybe you’ve tried a code on a sign and just didn’t get a response?
• Too expensive?

Or maybe you just hadn’t considered the concept yet?

A small percentage of agents out there are using text messaging codes in their marketing efforts, usually on for sale signs and very occassionally in a print ad. I’ve also recently seen a txt code used very ineffectively in a Craig’s list post. But I have to give the agent credit for trying, and hey, it was a shock to see here in Central Pa, where the real estate community is still frantically wandering around in search of their listing books.

So Why Text Messaging Codes For Real Estate?

The reason I’m quickly becoming a huge fan of Lead Capture via txt messaging is because we’re talking about a technically progressive tool that will only work for folks who understand what it takes not to come off like a real estate face at every turn. In other words, if you can say 10 words to a prospect and not scare them away with  smelly, Gil Like desparation, you’re going to clean up by using Real Estate Text Message Codes!

So Frakking Simple! -  How To Handle A Real Estate Text Message Lead…

Here’s how to do it. Someone hits your Text Messaging Code. You get a txt with a phone number. What do you do?

Step 1 – CALL THE NUMBER!

Step 2- Say “Hi Thanks for calling about (insert the about here). Did you get the information you were looking for?”

Step 3- Be Quiet. Be Very Quiet They’ll tell you what they need….

After the person is done explaining to you why they hit the code and what they’re all about, you can then move onto…

Step 4- Offer something of value that gives you the right to recontact… If they’re a neighbor calling on a listing, offer to send a monthly list of new area listings so they can keep abreast of property values. If it’s a renter calling in for the first time buyer’s tip, offer to send your first time buyer’s tool kit. If it’s the owner of an expired listing, offer to evaluate the previous agents marketing effort to suggest some things that can happen differenltly this time around…

Now The Good Stuff – Text Messaging Real Estate Lead Capture Ideas and Implementation

For Sale Signs – Common But Effective, Be Sure To Mention “See The Mobile Website” or something similar that both grabs buyer attention and impresses neighbors.

Property Listing Print Ads – Offer More Pictures Via The Mobile Website and/or add multiple text codes for the other capture offers we’re about to mention.

Just Listed Cards - In the ReTechulous Store, we’ve got a service up called “TXT Listed” which is just a spin on traditional Just Listed cards. The service sends 100 just listed cards with the property’s associated text messaging code. The key to this approach is to leave the sale price off of the card! By doing so, you’ll prompt neighbors who receive the card to use the txt code to access the price. Your job will be to use the script to add neighbors into your “eventual listings” database.

Just Sold Cards – Same as Just Listed, but include another code that offers a “First Time Real Estate Investors Kit” or something similar.

On Your Website or Blog – You’ll notice today that we’ve got a Text Message Offer at the top right of ReTechulous.Com. Why not encourage interaction and grab the phone number of your visitors by including a code. (If you haven’t already, I’m sure you’re dying to see what this week’s tip is Also be sure to include this same offer at the bottom of every post. (Note to self- do this now..)

On Your Facebook and Twitter Profiles – Similar to the Website/Blog approach. Why not offer a code on your facebook profile?

In Your Expired Listing Campaigns - (See Expiromatic.Com for elaboration.)

Open House Flyers – Stop squandering those open houses. Leave a code for access to your “Buyer’s Kit” on the flyers you lay out at open houses.

In Your Recruiting Efforts – Offer Details about your “Agent Technology Package” via txt code in a postcard campaign you send out to agents at competing offices.

In Your Drip Email Campaigns – Are you dripping on past clients? Why not offer that First Time Investor’s kit via text code in the PS of every email?

On Craig’s List - Use the code for individual properties, sure. But also offer some compelling tip or kit at the top and bottom of each ad.

Postcards To Renters – The postcard should read something like “SEE WHAT YOUR LANDLORD IS DOING WITH YOUR MONEY” – Then a text code. Be sure to have a funny pic of your landlord at the strip club in the mobile website.

Click for more info about Real Estate Text Message Codes