Today’s consumers are beyond smart, which is an understatement, to say the least. They’re also extremely tech-savvy, which fuels their hunger for fast information. Gone are the days of shooting an email, hoping it’s received and opened, and awaiting a response. Today’s homebuyers are on-the-go and know what they want, craving immediate satisfaction and the most up-to-date data possible. For brokerages that aren’t with the times and for agents behind on the latest mobile technology, the leads are theirs to lose. The companies and agents that want to stay competitive and truly understand the needs and demands of their marketplace—they have VoicePad.
Having the very best tools, especially when it comes to mobile, can make all the difference for modern-day brokers and agents. In addition, having a mobile solution in place that works cohesively is key for busy agents who want to work smarter, not harder. With VoicePad’s integrated mobile technology, the need for multiple mobile vendors is reduced significantly; from a tracking-enabled mobile website, to text and call lead capturing, agents are equipped with everything they need to capture prospective buyers’ contact info while the homebuyers, themselves, can receive information however they’d like.
For Tracy Wieland, UAS director of marketing for Comey & Shepherd REALTORS® in Cincinnati, Ohio, VoicePad is a strong lead generation tool for the firm, having been introduced to the company after a merging of offices seven years ago. One of the offices had been using VoicePad, so the system was brought on across the board.
“We onboarded the software system, starting with the signage and 24/7 rider. Consumers could drive by and receive an audio presentation if they wanted,” says Wieland. “We introduced it and left it up to the agents to see if they utilized it.”
At first, a small fraction of the company’s agents incorporated VoicePad into their business. What struck Wieland, though, was the incredible lead generation that was brought in.
“It became apparent that we needed to put it in front of agents and keep it top of mind to them,” she says.
By having one easy phone number posted on signage, print advertising or any other marketing material, consumers can receive information 24/7 by calling or texting for information on any given home, or by visiting an agent’s branded, mobile-friendly website. Audio presentations are automatically assembled and updated from a brokerage’s listing data, so users calling in can be told about the property at any time of day while literally standing in front of the home. Brokers can easily create and manage text keywords and automated responses for users preferring to text the number at hand. All of the outgoing communication can be managed and edited by agents or brokers from within the VoicePad dashboard.
The audio presentations have become a huge tool for Comey & Shepherd. After an MLS worksheet is submitted, featuring an array of checklists of various features found throughout the home, VoicePad auto-compiles an audio presentation for every property. Agents and brokers can then listen to that presentation, and edit or enhance it. When users land on a property’s mobile-enabled landing page, VoicePad displays all of the property’s photos in an easy-to-view slideshow for the home shopper to peruse.
“It’s comparable to a virtual tour—with an announcement of the house paired with the photos,” says Wieland.
For the past four years, Wieland has handled training as well. She runs two to four training sessions a month to teach agents how to use the system, including extra sessions for any updates that come through the pipeline.
“After years of intense training, I’d say we have about 70 percent of our people using it. That number might even be higher,” she adds.
Charles Hunt, associate broker for HUNT Real Estate, simply changed their legacy Telecom carrier on their yard signs to VoicePad. Now, the same phone numbers listed on their signs can provide automated property information, but VoicePad can also route calls and leads, provide an office dial-by-name directory, and deliver the same value that used to be performed by (more expensive) call-center personnel. They can also track every call that comes in from a yard sign.
“We operate in five regions. Those regions are all different area codes, so on our yard signs we have one single phone number that serves as a regional call number for all of our listings,” says Hunt. “When a consumer calls it on a specific property to get info, the listing agent is notified via text and email that someone has called in for that listing. This notification includes the caller’s phone number and name. It’s now an actionable lead. We wanted to keep it as simple as possible for our people.”
Hunt’s company finds VoicePad to be much easier for everyone involved. With “Info 24/7” added next to their phone number on their yard signage, Hunt’s theory is that consumers will react more readily to their yard signage; and they are! The company is going on their third year with VoicePad, and Hunt expresses his commitment to the system that facilitates their lead generation efforts. As a matter of fact, VoicePad now delivers 52 percent of their total leads on Hunt properties. “These are real numbers with a significant bottom line effect for our company.
“We fully embraced VoicePad as our mobile curbside lead generation strategy,” Hunt says. Hunt also utilizes the VoicePad mobile website in lieu of the site provided by their Web vendor. “It’s just a better consumer experience.” As of seven months ago, his agents have begun setting up their own personal VoicePad mobile websites and text keywords to enhance local lead generation as well.
Both Wieland and Hunt view VoicePad as being a major differentiating factor for their business.
“I would recommend VoicePad to anybody who does not compete in the market with us,” adds Hunt. “No other company offers the unique solution that VoicePad brings to the table. That’s a big win for us. It’s one of the best things that we do and it’s been very well received by all of our salespeople and customers. It’s a great differentiator for listing presentations, too.”
Wieland echoes Hunt’s sentiments. VoicePad remains one of Wieland’s areas of concentration, as it also helps her company recruit local talent and make an impressive impact in a market with strong legacy players.
“Everything is so mobile, people want information now, at the touch of their hands,” she says. “Once I explain everything VoicePad does, it’s clear to see that it’s one of our best recruiting tools out there.
“It’s got listing advantages for presentations, there’s the lead generation aspect of it, as well, and you also have a buyer benefit with the mobile app. It’s a trifecta for real estate agents. All of your bases are covered in this one set of software.”
For more information, visit www.voicepad.com.
