Few would argue that the property market is pretty hot in Australia right now.
Buyers are out in force, properties are selling quickly and for a lot more than they were in recent years.
While some may tout now is the time for agents to sit back, relax and reap the rewards of a buoyant market, that’s precisely what I believe you should not do.
Instead, now is the perfect time to capitalise on the hot market so that when the inevitable slow down and slump comes, whether it be this year or well into the future, agents have worked to future proof themselves and their brand.
It’s also worth noting that while properties are being snapped up at great prices, there’s not a lot of stock around, so anything agents can do to make themselves front of mind right now is well worth the effort to secure listings in a highly competitive market.
The best way to do this is to ensure you deliver great service and communication in a way the consumers or clients want to receive it.
Text is the quickest, simplest way to communicate and one of the most effective, with data showing just 18 per cent of emails are opened compared to 98 per cent of texts.
It’s also important to remember that in our COVID-affected world, staying in contact with your clients in the simplest, quickest way has never been more important.
When you want to be the agent of choice in your market, there are many things you can do, but these are the three most important.
1. STAND OUT
Make sure you stand out as the obvious choice in your marketplace on Google. With potential clients searching for “the best agent in Randwick”, you want to ensure you have a high Google rating and show up in the search results.
The best way to do this is with strong Google reviews. You should ask each client and connection, such as a tradie or mortgage broker, for a positive review.
The best time to ask for a review is when the client is happiest with you. If a client’s property has just sold at auction for $200,000 above the reserve, that’s when you say, “If I text you a review link, could you please leave us a great review. It really helps us.”
2. CONVERT TRAFFIC TO LEADS
Once you’ve shown up as the top agent in your area on Google, you need to ensure you convert that traffic to a genuine lead. Potential vendors will invariably move to your website to scope you out, and it’s here you can again use text message to communicate with and capture the client.
Inquiries left via your website contact form can be immediately converted to text and sent straight to the relevant agent, who can then reply. You can even automate the initial texts and include details on when you’ll be back in touch.
While you’re waiting for one client to reply, you can be texting another.
3. MAKE COMMUNICATION SIMPLE
If you’re fighting for a listing against four other agents in your area, one thing that will make you stand head and shoulders above the rest is using simple communication channels. Potential clients don’t want to have to contact you multiple times and wait hours for a reply.
If you have a quick, simple communication system that you like using, then it will be fast and enjoyable for your clients too.
The best news is, if you’re asking for a review or a listing, your communication system makes it easy for them to do and they’re starting from a happy base. That means they’re far more likely to say something wonderful about you.
Inviting someone to leave a review via text will generate a much higher response rate than a group email, which is likely to get lost in an inbox in a sea of emails.
With Podium, the review invitation text can see clients able to leave you a review in as little as two clicks.
- Podium is currently offering a $600 EOFY discount for new customers who sign up before the end of the current financial year. For more information, visit podium.com/eofy-2021
