Marketing via text message has emerged as a powerful tool for agents and brokers looking to effectively connect with leads. With high open rates and quick response times, real estate SMS marketing can significantly enhance your reach and engagement. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to utilizing SMS marketing to grow your real estate business, as well as ten helpful texting templates you can start using today.
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Benefits of real estate SMS marketing
Affordability: SMS marketing is cost-effective, offering a high return with minimal investment. Most vendors charge just cents per message or a low flat fee.
Personal touch: SMS messages typically come from known contacts. Crafting thoughtful, customized messages strengthens client relationships.
High open and response rates: Unlike emails, which can more easily end up in spam folders, SMS messages are likelier to reach clients directly, bypassing common digital roadblocks. In fact, the typical response rate is 45% (compared to the 8% to 10% range for email) and SMS has a 98% open rate, compared to email, where a 10% rate is more typical.
Rapid responses: With 90% of text messages read within three minutes of receipt, SMS marketing ensures quick responses, crucial for time-sensitive real estate deals.
Getting started with SMS marketing
- Identify your target audience: Understand who you are trying to reach by defining their demographics, preferences, and pain points. This allows you to craft messages that resonate.
- Build a database: Collect phone numbers from your network, leads, and clients. Ensure you have their consent to receive SMS messages to comply with legal requirements.
- Choose the right tools: Select an SMS platform that fits your needs and budget and make sure your CRM can help you plan, track, and monitor your SMS marketing outreach.
Crafting effective SMS messages
By incorporating SMS marketing into your strategy, you can enjoy direct, personal, and effective communication with prospects, driving engagement and business growth. Take note of the following best practices when integrating this tool in your plan.
Be concise and clear
Keep messages brief and to the point, always reflecting your brand voice and delivering value to the recipient.
Include compelling information
Send messages that leads and clients want to receive, such as open house details, appointment reminders, new listings, and price drops.
Create urgency
Use genuine urgency to drive responses, particularly around hot listings or upcoming open house invitations.
Avoid over-texting
Balance frequency to avoid annoying recipients and getting blocked. Tailor your strategy based on your typical lead and client engagement patterns.
Use emojis (sparingly)
Using emojis in SMS marketing makes messages more engaging and personable. Emojis can help capture attention and convey a friendly tone, making communications more effective. However, it’s important to use them sparingly and ensure they are relevant to the message.
Measure your success
Track performance metrics to refine your approach, using insights to improve engagement and conversion rates. Most CRMs are able to track this kind of information in their system for easy reference.
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10 SMS text message scripts
These scripts are designed to engage leads effectively, providing them with valuable information and maintaining a personal touch.
New listing alert
“Hi {name}, it’s {your name}. I have a new listing that matches your criteria! When would you like to schedule a viewing? 📅”
Open house reminder
“Hi {name}, don’t forget about the open house at {property address} this Saturday from 1-3 p.m. See you there! 🏡”
Price drop notification
“Hi {name}, great news! The price for {property address} just dropped. Let’s schedule a tour this week!”
Follow-up on inquiry
“Hi {name}, it’s {your name}. Just following up on your inquiry about {property address}. Can we set up a time to discuss further?”
Appointment confirmation
“Hi {name}, confirming your appointment to view {property address} on {date} at {time}. Looking forward to meeting you!”
Client check-in
“Hi {name}, just checking in! Have you seen any properties you’re interested in? Let me know how I can assist.”
Market update
“Hi {name}, quick update: The market is heating up with some great new listings in {neighborhood}. Want to take a look?”
Event invitation
“Hi {name}, join us for a special real estate event at {location} on {date}. RSVP to secure your spot!”
Mortgage rate update
“Hi {name}, mortgage rates have just been updated and it’s a great time to buy. Let’s discuss your options!”
Personal touch
“Hi {name}, I came across a property that I think you’ll love. Let’s chat soon to arrange a visit!”
SMS marketing + Luxury Presence
SMS marketing should be a part of a comprehensive marketing plan, which includes building your brand and online presence. At Luxury Presence, we provide a suite of products and services to help you elevate your real estate marketing efforts. From award-winning website designs to expert marketing solutions, we are here to support your success.
