Real Estate Text Marketing Basics

In the last episode, we did a review of Real Estate Email Marketing. In this episode, we’ll review the basics of Rea Estate Text Marketing (Also known as SMS Marketing – SMS stands for Short Messaging Service). In the intricate world of digital marketing, there emerges a significant yet often overlooked medium – Text Marketing. Those simple messages can indeed play a pivotal role, especially for real estate professionals.

Why Real Estate Text Marketing is Important

In the diverse arena of real estate marketing techniques, text marketing shines due to its adaptability:

• Ever Present: What do you always carry with you? It’s your cell phone. Cell phones are ubiquitous and the best way to reach your clients is through your cell phone.
• Instant Property Alerts: A prompt text about a new listing can make a real difference. It not only keeps clients in the loop but showcases your proactive nature.
• Appointment Reminders: A well-timed reminder can significantly decrease no-shows, ensuring your appointments go off without a hitch.
• Follow-ups: A short message after an interaction can foster trust and solidify client relationships.

In essence, text marketing offers a direct and personal channel to engage with clients with their omnipresent cell phone.

Crafting Effective Text Messages

Crafting a text might seem intuitive, but effectiveness lies in the nuances:

• Brevity is Key: With limited character space, clarity and conciseness become paramount.
• Offer Value: Each message should resonate with the recipient’s interests, whether it’s an update, exclusive invitation, or insightful information.
• Clear CTA: Direct the recipient with an unambiguous call to action, making their next steps evident.
• Personalize: Aim to make your texts bespoke, giving the recipient a sense of importance.

Here’s an example of that incorporates all the elements:

Hi [Name], it’s [Your Name] from [Agency]. Spotted a 3BR home in [Location] you might adore. Interested? Reply YES or click [Link].

Best Practices for Text Marketing

The power of text marketing stems from its execution:

• Ensure Consent: Before initiating contact, always secure explicit permission. It’s essential for legal reasons and showcases respect for the client’s preferences.
• Maintain Relevance: Every message dispatched should be pertinent, bestowing genuine value to the recipient.
• Stay Concise: Given the brevity of texts, each message should be impactful and straightforward.
• Timely Communication: Gauge and pick the best times to send messages for optimal engagement.
• Review and Refine: Periodically assess the efficacy of your messages and finetune your strategies accordingly.

Real Estate Text Marketing Tools

To maximize the efficacy of your text campaigns, here are some commendable tools:

• SimpleTexting: Streamlining text marketing with handy features like auto-responses and scheduled dispatches.
• Textedly: Facilitates both mass and individual messaging with a user-centric design.
• EZ Texting: Acclaimed for its comprehensive reporting mechanisms.
• SlickText: A blend of advanced features in a user-amicable package.
• Mozeo: A cost-effective alternative, charging solely for the messages relayed.

Utilizing these tools can significantly elevate your text marketing initiatives, leading to richer and more meaningful interactions.

Text marketing should be integrated with other pillars of your digital marketing approach, including email, social media, and SEM, to ensure a unified and robust outreach. Though it may seem elementary, text marketing can yield substantial outcomes when orchestrated correctly. In the next episode, we’ll discuss content marketing.

About the Author

Larry Hales is a seasoned and multi-faceted technology professional. His passion all-things tech began with his first computer in 1984 and it has stayed with him ever since.  Larry is the CEO and Co-Founder of MarketingHero.   Previously, he served as the Marketing Technology Director at West, Williston Financial Group Company, where he coaches and guides Real Estate Agents on how to better leverage technology in their business. His 25 years of photography, design and printing, combined with his knowledge of digital advertising and brand building, gives him a unique perspective of marketing from different angles. When he isn’t busy being a proud computer geek, Larry enjoys trail running, hiking, mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, and anything else that gets him outside.