Come Here Often? Terrible Opening Lines to Avoid When Picking Up Leads

How's your conversion rate for new leads? Are they answering your emails? If not, you may be going about things the wrong way. There's a right way and a wrong way (actually, a lot of wrong ways) to start an email to a new lead if you want them to get back in touch with you. Find examples and tips below!

Wrong Way: Trite, Shallow Email Introductions

While meant to be polite and to break the ice, opening lines like these just demonstrate a lack of connection between you and your lead. Your lead probably received dozens of other emails with the same opening line recently. Some overused openings include:

• Hi, my name is...
• I'm just following up...
• I hope you had a great day/week/weekend...
• I hope you're doing (or "this finds you") well...
• I realize you're very busy, but...
• Happy [day of the week]!

Right Way: Focus on Solutions

Instead of using a trite introduction, jump right into it. State the reason you're reaching out—usually something that will get your buyer or seller one step closer to transacting. Just remember to make the solution about them, not you.

• I found some other properties you might be interested in...
• Check out this new listing and let me know when you want to schedule a tour.
• Can you tell me a little more about what you're looking for?
• It looks like your home may be worth around...

Wrong Way: Making It All About You

You want to help your lead buy or sell a home. You want to send them a CMA report or show them available listings. You, you, you. That's not a good way to start a conversation with a new buyer or seller. Don't use these opening lines:

• I'm just emailing to...
• I was hoping we could...
• I just wanted to send you a quick note to...
• I just wanted to reach out to you...
• I would like to introduce myself...

Right Way: Focus on How You Can Help

If you are going to talk about yourself, make sure it's something suitably impressive that enforces your desirability as an agent. For example, instead of talking about how many homes you sold last year or how big your company is, focus on why your business or qualifications are beneficial for your clients.

• I helped [someone your lead knows] sell their home for more than asking price...
• X percent of homeowners I work with sell their home within [impressive time frame]...
• I've helped over [how many] first time buyers find their first home.

However you start your conversation, Homes.com can help you convert. Our agent and broker websites were designed for real estate professionals, are mobile friendly, and are easy to customize and set up. Learn more here.

To view the original article, visit the Homes.com blog.