Classically, the vast majority of estate agents opt to publish their property details on one or all of the following media; popular web portals, local and national newspapers or in their office windows. However, there is a medium that has been grossly undervalued by many agents across the UK and has the potential of being the difference between securing the sale and losing it to your competitor.
The benefits of this medium can impact all areas of an estate agent’s business; money, time, coverage, customer service and more importantly communication.
Estate Agent Today exclusively talks to Michael Green from specialist mobile marketing firm anySchedule.
Why Mobile Marketing?
There are now more mobile phones (over 67 million) than people in the UK. And with the increasing popularity of ‘all-in-one’ mobile phones like the iphone, the mobile phone is now an essential part of everyday life.
By simply using a mobile marketing expert like anySchedule, you will be able to reach massive numbers of mobile phone users on demand.
Mobile marketing is the only communication medium where you can guarantee that your message will actually get through – 94% of mobile phone users will always open a new text message. Think about it, when did you last delete a text message before you read it?
The instant nature of mobile marketing allows potential customers to obtain property details direct to their mobile phone at anytime of the day, and more importantly, wherever they are; e.g. noticing a sign board whilst on the bus, in a café overlooking a new development, or even walking the dog.
And all of this information can be given to the potential customer without the estate agent lifting a finger!
How does this happen? What services does anySchedule provide?
Short Code Keyword – e.g. Text: REF PROP 123 to 80818”
With a quick-response Short Code Keyword included on estate agency sign boards, potential customers can simply text the short code directly to the estate agent and within seconds the customer receives the full property details including photos and maps directly to their mobile phone.
A short message is then sent to the estate agent to let them know that information has just been sent to mobile phone number 07000 999 999 (example). The astute agent can then follow up immediately to arrange a viewing.
We create your very own WAP site
A WAP site is essentially an internet site/property portfolio that has been reformatted to suit a mobile phone. anySchedule can effortlessly create a WAP site for any estate agent with no more than just the website’s URL.
Savvy Communication Tool
Estate agents are able to keep customers informed at every step of the sale, purchase or letting process with convenient text messages.
We have set it up so that you can receive reply messages from the customer via email or phone so even if the agent is out of the office, they will be able to get back to the client immediately.
The agent can even schedule a text message to be sent out on Monday morning to customers that viewed properties over the weekend to see if they need any further information or have any feedback.
How much does this cost?
Contrary to belief, the initial setup costs and maintenance are actually nominal. After these small costs, the estate agent only actually pays for the outbound messages. So, THIS IS EFFECTIVELY A PAY AS YOU GO SERVICE.
How long does this take to set up and will agents need any technical knowledge?
Immediately…we can have you ready in days and even help with your signage requirements.
Estate agents don’t need any technical knowledge as we take care of everything and provide support every step of the way.
Your property details are automatically entered into the Web Property Management System, and can then be sent to clients or retrieved by them – either way you have a client log/database and can follow up with closing dates, price revisions, new properties, etc, all for pennies, not pounds.
How should agents get in touch with you?
Please contact me, Michael Green on 0845 638 1421 or email info@anyschedule.co.uk and I would be happy to discuss your mobile marketing needs and provide you with a FREE DEMO. Please quote Estate Agent Today for a swift reply and trade price.
Comments
We are currently using a different company to push this and although the take up has not been brilliant, the coverage we have received from the local press has been great. We are the only agent in Reading to have this service and have made the most of promoting that fact.
I totally agree with your comments and would support any move to persuade rightmove to recognise the current economic climate agents are operating in. I know it will be difficult to convince agents to come off rightmove as it is still the most effective lead generating website there is- unfortunately! but without agent support it would not be half as effective and with the new naea website coming on line anyday that would seem the obvious choice to support.
Whilst a good idea, my personal experience is that buyers still prefer to pick up the phone and to speak to someone at the other end. Traditional estate agency rules!
We tried this a year ago but unfortunately it didn't take off - I thought it was pretty impressive but sadly our area is not that progressive, I would try it again if our office was based in a city.