Tips for Text Message Marketing for Real Estate

Mobile technology is exploding – its speed, ease-of-use, and effectiveness make it a favorite of consumers and businesses alike. Adopting text message marketing is a definite feather in your cap, but this relatively new marketing medium is about more than simply thumbing out a text. The success of your text message marketing endeavors rests squarely on your shoulders.

Heed these do's and don'ts to ensure text message marketing success:

Basics

• DO introduce/identify yourself in every message, and respond promptly.
• DON'T leave prospects wondering who sent them, or dawdle with responses.

Building a contact list.

• DO build your list from scratch, adding information from consumers and prospects as you initiate communication.
• DON'T purchase a bunch of phone numbers from a vendor. The chances a bunch of strangers you send a random marketing text to will look to you for their business are slim to none.

Developing messages.

• DO send short, insightful, relevant texts: Open house reminders, new listings, appointment reminders, sales and discount information, etc.
• DON'T send long or useless texts (over 160 characters) or, on the flipside, those too short to be relevant ("Huge sale! Act now! – Bob"). In addition, avoid messages intended only to fly your banner, e.g., "Happy Spring from Bob the Realtor!"

Inciting response.

• DO include a call-to-action in all messages, such as spreading the word about upcoming sales or replying with a code to receive special offers.
• DON'T buy telephone numbers for this. We can't stress this enough.

Simplifying text message marketing.

• DO take advantage of technology, such as lead capture platforms offering lead alerts, auto-responders, group messaging, and QR capability.
• DON'T overlook texting as an effective marketing medium.

To view the original article, visit the Properties Online blog.

Further Reading

• 3 Ways to Use Text Messages in Your Marketing and Client Retention Strategies
• Real Estate Lead Texting: When and What to Text for Phenomenal Response Rates
• Go Mobile or Go Home: Texting and Mobile Strategies
• DOs and DON'Ts of Texting for Real Estate Agents