People communicate via text messages more than any other form of communication. In fact, 97% of text messages are opened and read within the first three minutes of being sent.
Text marketing (or SMS marketing) is an excellent way for real estate agents to reach more potential buyers and sellers. Agents can connect with more people in their local community by sending out text alerts about new listings, open houses, and other special events. They can also use text marketing to stay in touch with past clients and keep them updated on the latest news in the real estate market.
In this article, we will discuss:
- What is text marketing and how can it be used in the real estate industry
- How to stay in compliance with the TCPA
- Examples of text marketing campaigns for real estate agents
- Tips for creating successful text marketing campaigns
- The future of text marketing
What is text marketing, and how can it be used in the real estate industry?
Text message marketing blew up in the early 2000s as a way for businesses to reach out to their customers. Today, text messages are still an effective form of marketing, especially for local businesses like real estate agents.
Text message marketing (or SMS marketing) is a form of real estate marketing that allows businesses to send text messages to their customers. Companies can use text message marketing to promote their products or services, offer discounts and coupons, or just stay in touch with their customers.
Text messaging is an effective form of marketing because it has a high open rate—97% of text messages are opened and read within the first three minutes of being sent. This is much higher than the open rates for emails (20%) and even push notifications (44%).
Texts are also a great way to reach people who are on the go. According to one study, 74% of people said they would rather text than talk on the phone. This is especially true for younger generations like millennials and Generation Z.
How to stay in compliance with the TCPA
Although text messaging is a very effective form of marketing, real estate agents must ensure they stay within the TCPA compliance rules. The TCPA (or Telephone Consumer Protection Act) is a set of laws that govern how companies can use texts for marketing purposes.
The TCPA requires businesses to get express written consent from consumers before they can send them texts. This means that real estate agents must have their clients’ explicit permission before they can start sending them SMS messages.
Tips to stay in compliance
There are a few ways that real estate agents can get express written consent from their clients:
- Have them opt-in to your text messaging list by text or on your website
- Include a checkbox on your contract that says they agree to receive SMS messages from you
- Get verbal consent from your clients before you start sending them texts
If real estate agents do not obtain express written consent from their clients, they could be fined up to $16,000 per text message. This is why it’s important to ensure you comply with the TCPA before starting a text marketing campaign.
Examples of text marketing campaigns for real estate agents
Once you understand how to acquire a client or potential client’s permission to send texts, it’s time to start a campaign. Here are 10 examples you can use to start your next campaign.
1. New listing alerts
Send your database of clients a text that includes the address, price, and other essential information when a new listing that meets their criteria is available.
2. Open house reminders
Use text messaging to remind your clients of upcoming open houses. You can also use texts to send them the address and directions to the open house.
3. Just sold/just listed congrats
If you’ve recently sold or listed a home, text your clients to let them know and congratulate them on their success.
4. Neighborhood market updates
Send texts to your clients with market updates for their neighborhood. This can include information on average prices, days on market, and other relevant data.
5. Personalized property recommendations
Use text message marketing to send your clients personalized recommendations for properties that meet their needs.
6. Promotions for homebuyers/sellers
Text your clients special promotions that they can use if they’re thinking about buying or selling a home. For example, money back at closing.
7. Contract update alerts
Keep your clients up-to-date on their contract status by sending text message alerts. This includes information on inspections, appraisals, and other essential milestones.
8. Closing day reminders
Send your clients a text message reminder of their upcoming closing date. This can include information on what they need to bring to closing and any final steps they need to take.
9. Referral program information and requests for reviews
Let your clients know about your referral program and how they can earn money by referring their friends and family to you. You can also text them to request a review of your services.
10. Thank you messages
Send your clients a text message to thank them for their business. This is a great way to stay top of mind and build long-lasting.
There are many more ways you can utilize text message marketing. These are just a few examples to get you started. If you need help getting started, we can provide you with the resources and support you need to succeed.
Tips for creating successful text marketing campaigns
Now that you have some examples of text marketing campaigns for real estate agents, let’s go over some tips to ensure your campaign is successful:
1. Keep it short and sweet: When crafting your messages, make sure they are short and to the point. Your clients are busy and they don’t want to read a novel. Keep your message no more than 160 characters to minimize overpaying for each text.
2. Use strong calls to action: Include a strong call to action in your text so your clients know what you want them to do. For example, “reply NOW to schedule a showing” or “click here to learn more.” Use a link shortener such as Bitly to reduce character count.
3. Personalize your messages: Add a personal touch by including the client’s name or other personal information. This will help your text stand out and show that you care about your clients.
4. Timing is everything: When you send your messages can be just as important as the message itself. Make sure you are sending your texts at a time when your clients are likely to see them and act on them.
5. Test, test, test: Before you launch your text message marketing campaign, make sure you test it out first. Send a few test messages to yourself and some friends or family members. This will help you work out any kinks and ensure your texts look and sound the way you want them to.
By following these tips, you can create text marketing campaigns that are successful, engaging, and informative. You’ll be able to reach more clients and grow your business in the process.
The future of text message marketing
As text messaging becomes more and more popular, text marketing will likely become a staple in the real estate industry. It’s an efficient and cost-effective way to reach clients and allows you to build relationships with them. Real estate SMS marketing will likely continue to trend, and its sophistication will continue to increase.
As a real estate agent, now is the time to start if you’re not already using text marketing for your real estate business. With the help of a text message marketing service like West Gray CRM, you can easily create and launch text marketing campaigns that will help you reach more clients and close more deals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you grow your business.`
How West Gray Marketing can benefit your real estate business
West Gray Marketing’s CRM includes robust solutions to help you with your real estate marketing. Including strategic real estate text message marketing in your arsenal will only enhance your business, and West Gray will take care of it for you. No more having to learn a new system or think up campaigns to test. Our proven approach and tools — and dedicated marketing assistant – will manage everything for you while you do what you do best — sell houses! Book a consultative call today to see how West Gray can help you level up in 2023.
