The usage of SMS services and marketing has increased in the property sector in the last few years, however some agencies are still not benefitting from all this service has to offer.
The goal of using SMS and text messaging is to create a database of potential buyers, sellers and tenants, which an agency can use for the marketing of their products as well as advising of promotions, open houses and to generally promote their brand in this competitive market.
Most people are happy to leave a mobile number, all of which contributes to the size and effectiveness of the database. This opt-in service attracts a niche audience which is keenly interested to receive information in this manner.
Many agencies now offer the chance to request property details via text service which also adds to the size of the database, ie: Text ‘House14’ to 60090 for full details of this property. All of the properties on an agent’s book can be assigned a different name and with the use of an SMS short code, a potential buyer or tenant can be provided with the property details in a fast effective manner, with a saving on time and cost for the agency. This automated texting service enables house hunters to request and receive property information 24/7.
Agencies can use all of the contacts and other information they have obtained to create effective low cost marketing campaigns. Whether it is the promotion of an open house, advising of a reduction in price of a property or a general agency promotion, SMS marketing is a great tool to use alongside traditional methods; for example “‘We have lots of students looking for accommodation now, please text ‘STUDENT’ TO 60090 to arrange a call back?”
Text messaging has also been adopted by property professionals for use as an effective communication tool. Viewing appointment reminders have been shown to reduce the amount of ‘no shows’ which are of course frustrating and time wasting. Tenants can be reminded of maintenance work appointments and progress which assists in customer service and negates angry workmen. Polite rental reminders, such as “Viewing arranged at: 3 Cottage Crescent, Guildford, GU14 6SN. Thursday 3th July 13 at 14:00 please meet Reggie at the front gate”, also work well for both agency and tenant alike.
SMS marketing is a proven tool for property professionals and is very likely to grow in popularity in the coming years. The property market remains very competitive and agencies not adopting SMS may have a lesser overall marketing impact than their competitors. Kindly prompters to interested buyers, such as “the final apartments at the very popular ‘Glades Development’ overlooking Dartmouth Harbour are to be released this month, please call to arrange viewing”, may very well put you one step ahead of the competition.
For more information on how TextAnywhere can help you drive your business communications, please contact our Customer Service team on 0845 122 1302, they will be happy to help.