Text Capture: The New Generation of Lead Generation

Call Capture is a GREAT tool, and it will bring leads. However, if you are on a REAL push to capture every possible lead, then you've got to embrace technology as it advances. Now you have the power to send information about your listing or service via text message. How does this work? Visit Text Capture Hotline for more information, but here are a few general facts:

• Text capture works just like call capture, except the prospect will text the number you have posted for more info, and an auto-generated text message will send them more info on the property/service.
• Advantage: You now have a cell phone number, and you know this person prefers text messages. You can contact them to get their general 'wants' on a home, and every time you run across one in the marketplace, you could text them. If they are a seller, you could text them tips for selling their home. When they ask you to stop texting you, just call them back and tell them you'd love to meet with them face to face so you can learn more about their needs and remove them from your text campaign. Bold? Yes!
• You now have access to a cell phone number, a much more effective way to reach potential clients than a home phone that rings and rings and rings...does anyone even stay at home anymore?

Utilizing a Virtual Assistant to set up these lead capture systems is a smart investment in the future of your business. Contact A Virtual Genie for more information on using a Real Estate Virtual Assistant to increase your prospects on a regular basis.

Gaining Leads for the Team - Old School

You've compared methods for increasing your pool of potential buyers, who could also be potential sellers. The methods range from 'OUCH! That's pricey!' to 'That's not so bad, but will it work?'

Not ready to dive into the expense of SEO just yet? Print advertising? Slowly but surely going the way of the dinosaur, right? Door hangers? Most communities have laws against this stuff; and since you're trying to enhance your reputation, you should probably skip it (it's still a great idea for open house invitations). What then? Call capture.

This technology has been enhanced over the years, allowing you access to dozens of prospects who have initiated contact with you. The easiest way to start this project is to attach the number to your listings. No listings? No problem! Most agents in your office would love some assistance in selling those listings! Most states allow agents within the same brokerage to advertise each other's listings, but get permission from the listing agent and your broker. Now what? Post this 'property info line' to as many places as possible. All online free advertising sites. Send an e-blast to your sphere of past clients, friends, family. You can make a sign rider with the number and attach it to the For Sale sign. Get the idea? Instead of 'getting your name out there' - get your call capture number out there!

Some Realtors don't use these numbers to promote listings, they use call capture as an information line for consumers on a wide range of real estate topics. While this is a great idea, it's harder to get the number 'out there' because there isn't a listing to attach it to. But it can be done. We'll be sure to post more call capture advice later in the week, including the best providers in the business, a link to sample scripts, and tracking your results.

Until then...build your team, one lead at a time.

For more information on Real Estate Virtual Assistance, visit us online at A Virtual Genie