For a career that requires constant adapting, traveling, meetings and research, mobile technology has become critical for real estate professionals everywhere. But it’s how you use it that determines whether or not this technology can help you succeed at what you do.
Currently, many of your prospects are already doing their own research on the local real estate market. A surprising 68 percent of prospective homebuyers that use mobile devices in their home search go on to contact a real estate agent because of this search. As an agent, you know it’s more important to be a “service” person than a “sales” person; the meat of your business is the personal service you provide to your clients. Through the use of mobile technology, you are better able to service your clients by providing a comprehensive website, a social media presence, a professional app and 24/7 accessibility.
The fact that half of all prospective homebuyers are using mobile services in their search and that two-thirds of these prospects are actively seeking an agent in this search means that interested homebuyers are even easier to target now.
Currently, there are hundreds of thousands of real estate apps available, many designed by agents themselves. Although running your own personal app would prove impressive, it’s a large and often unreasonable task for many. However, there are other ways to make sure you’re keeping up on your mobile real estate game:
1. Tweet, Post, Tweet. Staying active on social media can open a new door for your business. Post valuable industry information as well as your own listings and prospects are sure to follow. Social media is yet another channel to help boost your SEO.
2. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly. Make sure your website renders correctly in a mobile format. This includes picture galleries and tap-to-call and tap-to-map capabilities. Mobile users have little patience for dysfunctional sites, and the difference could cost you a listing.
3 Stay Fresh on Technology. With the advent of smartphones and tablets has come a new era of accessibility. Consumers now expect agents to be available 24/7 for all their real estate needs, which is why flip phones and desktop computers aren’t going to cut it anymore. If you’re not available to service your clients, they will find someone who is.
Sticking to these mobile tenets and adapting to new ones will ensure that your mobile marketing strategy aligns with your prospects’ real estate search.
Anita Young is marketing coordinator for Home Warranty of America.
