Advantages Of Real Estate Mobile Marketing

Everyone knows how much real estate has suffered since the 2008 recession. Realtors are cutting operating expenses across the board, and one place they sacrifice is advertising. One cost-effective solution to consider is real estate mobile marketing.

Mobile marketing means that a realtor communicates with prospective buyers on their mobile devices. By doing this, realtors can drum up and keep more leads. It also provides an edge over competitors who have not yet become tech-savvy. Additionally, realtors can be available to prospective buyers all the time.

Prospective property buyers utilize their devices in one of two ways. The first way is to send and receive text messages. The second is to browse real estate listings on the web. For this reason, having a technologically updated plan makes sense, especially because today's target demographic relies more on high-tech devices.

Web listings and print ads tend to place a realtor in a position that is reactive. Realtors have to wait for buyers to find listings and then make contact. On the other hand, realtors can be more proactive using text messages. Realtors could send targeted texts to clients. One group of clients might be texted about a new listing. Another group might be texted about an open house.

Two new technologies are especially noteworthy. The first is SMS, or Short Message Service. It allows clients to text a keyword to a realtor and, in return, to get property specifics back from the realtor. Realtors no longer have to fill up boxes of flyers at their properties. They also don't have to rely on 800-numbers, which can become very expensive.

A second technology is Location-Based Services, or LBS. When the client drives near a property that is for sale, the LBS tracks the location of the client. It then sends an automated text message with property specifics. Future technology will allow the LBS to send automatic texts to anyone who walks or drives up to a property.

Realtors should also evaluate the quality of their websites. Today's websites need an alternate version for smart phone viewing. Without that interface, the site may be tough to navigate on a smart phone. This is also true of websites with a great deal of Flash content.

A marketing company can be of assistance. Most of these companies offer website and content development as well as SMS technology. They also insure that listings rank higher on search engines by optimizing MLS listings. Additionally, they help realtors to set up regular postings in social media, like Twitter or Facebook.

Some realtors cannot afford to maintain their own websites. In this case, realtors should consider adding their listings to Trulia or Zillow. Both sites have excellent mobile offerings. A realtor simply visits a site, opens an account, and begins uploading listings manually.

Real estate mobile marketing is the future of advertising. Customers like the fact that the realtor is available all day, every day. Mobile marketing is cheaper and helps a realtor to gain a competitive advantage. With today's lousy market, a realtor needs every possible advantage.

Dave is a real estate expert who specializes in techniques for real estate marketing.