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7 Texting Tips Etiquette
It seems that a majority of us have and regularly "Text Message" on a cell phone. Texting is a great tool to use because its fast and convenient to use on the fly.  If you ever need to get a hold of someone who seems to not be picking up the call or is quite busy in a meeting, try texting the person to grab their attention.  Chances are the person on the receiving end might find texting you back more convenient than call you back at the moment.
However, there are some things to consider when Texting, whether its Business or Personal.  Below are 7 simple but effective tips to consider.

  1. Ask Permission.  Don't be too hasty when texting your client.  Not everyone out there will have a Text service where they have unlimited texts.  They might have a cap on Text Messages they receive or even get charged per text, rule of thumb here is to first ask permission if it's ok to text.  You don't want to lose a client because you racked up hundreds of dollars because of texting.
  2. Keep it professional. Don't pass on Chain Text messages, don't send silly and pointless texts.  Nobody likes a spammer and you want to keep your client as a professional relationship because you never know if they will get offended or turned off.  Rule of thumb, keep it professional.
  3. Don't use slang. When texting it can be very easy to get caught up in using slang like "O.M.G" or "T.T.Y.L" again these are your clients and not your friends and family.  Treat your clients with respect and the professionalism they deserve.
  4. Don't just rely on texting. Although texting is super convenient and a great multi-task friend, you don't want to lose that personal touch with your client.  Don't forget to drop your client a phone call or in person.  Even if its just to say hi, you don't want to lose your human side of the transaction.
  5. Avoid “text yell.” Remember that when you text in all caps the receiver might view that as you yelling.  I know how sometimes its easier to have your cap lock on but be mindful when it's your client, don't text yell.
  6. Respect privacy. Keep in mind when texting to not pass on sensitive and private information like a social security number.  Make sure you are on a secured network like a company e-mail but be careful when texting because hackers have an easier target on phone networks.
  7. Focus on driving. Practice cell phone responsibility while driving. Don’t text while driving in heavy traffic, hazardous driving conditions or better yet driving at all.  Hundreds die each year due to careless accidents like this. Text when your vehicle is not moving, and use a hands-free device to help focus attention on safety. 

     

     

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61 Comments on 7 Texting Tips Etiquette

MAR
26
118,614 Points 2 Featured Posts

Justin - I rarely text but this is good practice for those that do. Thanks for the lesson in etiquette

8:36pm • #1

TEXTING or Blogging .

It takes time and effort to make money

Hope you can sell more this year also. 

Good luck to you in 2009.

Karina

8:37pm • #2
5 Featured Posts

Great Tips...thanks for sharing. 

8:42pm • #3
279,301 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Texting -- I am just starting to add a little more texting to my business,, it can be a great time saver

8:42pm • #4
12 Featured Posts

@Robert - you should text more often, you will be surprised how this might make things easier :-)

@KArina - I agree thanks and good luck to you too!

@Tina - Thanks for stopping by!

@Eric - thats great!  It is a great time saver!

@Troy - thanks for stopping by!

9:10pm • #6
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Good stuff Justin. I can see how sometimes when one has a great relationship with a client one might tend to get sidetracked and start to lose a bit of the professionalism by using slang 

9:21pm • #7

Good information, all common sense tips.

DW

9:22pm • #8

Do you guys use texting a lot in your day to day business? I personally love texting, but I don't know if clients would like it.

9:25pm • #9
12 Featured Posts

@Winston - Exactly, hope these tips help remind us to stay professional

@Donald - thanks for stopping by!

@Jeffrey - I use texting a lot because I find it easier to communicate with the Generation Y's not so much with X and baby boomers

9:30pm • #10
MAR
27
336,503 Points Outside Blog

Texting while driving is just plain wrong -- it can attribute to accidents.

1:06am • #11

Thanks for sharing, great tips. I need to pass these along to my clients!

4:18am • #12
189,047 Points

Nice post Justin, I have been texting for a year or so and I get some surprising results. Have a great day!

8:40am • #13

I would add this: it drives me crazy when people use a text to say "OK," or worse, just "K." It's such a waste of one of the texts I'm alloted a month, and makes me feel like I'm not worth more than one single letter, just a couple pushes of the thumb. Far better would be "Sounds great!" or "I'll look into it" or something along those lines.

Also, if using auto-text, make sure your text says what it means to say. One common mistake: "home" requires the same buttons as "good," and good is the more common word so it will come up first. Don't be so hurried that you say "I hope you enjoy your new good!"

Thanks for writing...and letting me vent! JM

11:11am • #14
114,654 Points

Thanks for letting me know this.  I am not a texter yet..

Getting there..

Ginger of southport

2:53pm • #15
250,430 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I have been guilty of texting all the time w/folks i know prefer that method.  I do need to pick up the phone every once and awhile though! Km

3:39pm • #16
209,142 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Great to hear from you Justin. I havent read any of your blogs lately. Congratulations on the featured post my friend. You are absolutely right. You have to ask permission if you should text them because everybody is not in to texting like my texting behind-LOL. Plus you don't want to rack up your clients bill unless you are going to pay for it. By the way do you text a lot or little? Great post.

3:44pm • #17
115,104 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

just started to get more into texting. Have had some younger clients and it has been really good communication tool.

4:01pm • #18
137,726 Points 22 Featured Posts

Hi Justin,

These are some great tips, and congratulations on the feature! I love texting but some people hat it, it is important to find out how your clients view the matter. Great post!

-Lisa

4:23pm • #19
358,955 Points 95 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I text frequently and so do my customers, acquaintances and friends.  One thing I agree with is texting in the car..not smart...at all.  I do have a question about ettiquette...a direct message from twitter...which comes through my cell phone..I sometimes respond back with a smiley face..rather than words because I am tied up that moment.  Sometimes I just send a smiley acknowledging the following..don't laugh I am serious...should I not do that or wait to type a proper response out? 

4:38pm • #20

I think that texting must be moderated under the conditions of the relationship that you have with the person on the other end. If you are using shortcuts or slang to articulate your message, it shows a lack of formality- which, in turn, can be a reflection of you. Never use slang when dealing with clients OR individuals who have the ability to give legitimate referrals.

4:45pm • #21

Thank you for the texting etiquette tips. I love texting but I do believe there are some rules that should be followed depending on the type of relationship you have with the person. If it is a professional relationship keep the texting professional.

4:57pm • #22
Outside Blog Hit Router

Justin, Good points to remember. Especially the fact that not all have the same unlimited texts and characters available without getting charged.

5:20pm • #23
258,243 Points 30 Featured Posts Outside Blog

My favorite was ask first because not everyone has unlimited texting-I know as my grand daughter racked up $75 in texting costs in one night by going over my 500 limit on that particular phone.

6:01pm • #24
237,458 Points 2 Featured Posts Hit Router

Hi Justin -- Great tips.  Esp. #1 as not everyone has totally free texting, and that is easy to forget in this text happy society we live in.

6:04pm • #25
373,237 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Justin: Great tips... Texting is becoming more popular these days.

6:12pm • #26
12 Featured Posts

Wow thanks for the great comments and featuring my posts, much appreciated!

@DMT - those are some great tips you have provided there my friend, thanks for sharing!

@Lanre - Yes I have been out of the loop lately but I am still here! :-) Thanks for your support.  I actually text a lot and I love how my clients encourage it!

@Midori - Twitter is a different beast in general and just by replying with a smiley is adorable and I see no harm in this :-)

@KAthy -WOW, thats exactly the reason why to ask permission!

6:30pm • #27

Very useful.  I text often for business and with your permission I would like to pass this blog on to my LO's.  We all text alot.

7:03pm • #28
12 Featured Posts

@Lester - Sure thing!  Feel free to re-blog or pass out!

7:05pm • #29
306,853 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

It's easy to get in the habit of texting only, or calling a client's cell only, or emailing only. Make sure that's the way the client prefers to be talked to.

7:45pm • #30
211,184 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Justin~ It is hard to believe that I actually LIKE receiving texts, it saves a lot of time and decreases the amount of playing phone tag!

8:05pm • #31
548,376 Points 95 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Good advice and wisdom, Justin.

We do a lot of texting in Ann Arbor and the younger clients like it best. Also the younger Realtors like it best too.

Many will answer a text before the phone.

8:07pm • #32
508,800 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Justin - I love texting for the quickness and simplicity. And hopefully more states will adopt laws against driving while texting; that's such a huge potential liability.

8:52pm • #33
111,135 Points Localism Sponsor Hit Router

I love texting it is very time efficient. Seems like the younger clients love it too. And I agree NO texting and driving.

9:03pm • #34
157,179 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I rarely text clients.  My younger buyers DO want me to text, but most would prefer an email or a phone call.  I don't text and drive...I've tried that a few times....won't try that again, lol.

9:15pm • #35
561,325 Points 34 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Today I had a buyer deliver his first contact via text message.  It is a great way to communicate in many situations.  He was doing it because it was better for him than talking in an open office. 

Be respectful of the ways your consumers choose to contact you... and let them tell you how they wish to be contacted.

10:15pm • #36
9 Featured Posts Outside Blog

#2 is huge. Forwarded messages annoy and abuse the fact that you have their number.

10:49pm • #37
156,121 Points

That reminds me of the car infront of me on the interstate the other day, I thought the driver was drunk. When I passed them, they were texting.

11:26pm • #38
288,496 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Justin, it's good to see you posting again. I don't typically receive text messages from clients, but I do from my daughter....;-)

Pepper

11:29pm • #39
330,295 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

These are all great tips for texting.  I find myself texting in response to clients' text often these days.

11:42pm • #40
MAR
28
222,784 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

I have started to use texting more with customers. I was faily surprised when one of my 45+ year old clients texted me last week.  That opened the door for me to do it back.

12:17am • #41
1 Featured Post

Young folks want communication by text, not phone or email.  So...I have developed a new skill.  Pretty awesome as I'm fifty something. 

Thanks for your post.  I usually don't text anyone until they text me first.

12:35am • #42
Great tips! A lot of people never learn to use etiquette but they should. I have been texting for years with friends and family. As for clients, I have been texting more recent if necessary and I ask permission! It's a new age and texting is becoming the norm. Having text etiquette is very important. Thanks for the post.
2:56am • #43

Great tips, Justin...  I will always ask a client up front, what their preferred methods of communication are...  I agree with you- texting can be a great tool.

4:35am • #44
155,948 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

Justin,

Thansk for the tips..it's a great toolfor some clients!

6:46am • #45
141,765 Points 4 Featured Posts

I love texting becasue it is wiki. However you are right about permission. Permission based marketing whether text or email is still a standard. Safety is important too. Fortunately I don't have the skills to drive and text at the same time. You used to see people looking ahead and on the phone. Now when I see them looking down to text, I speed up to get away from them.

9:04am • #46

Thanks for sharing your tips, Justin!

9:20am • #47
196,206 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

So far my client base, which are usually retirment age, have not used text.  Thank goodness, because I'm an old lady too and those little letters are too small on my phone.  I do use my computer to text my daughter sometimes.

9:21am • #48
116,824 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

good tips, seems like common sense things we should know from emailing...

 

9:43am • #49

Justin,

These are great tips to live by. Thank goodness I don't know a lot of texting terminologies, so my texts are direct.

9:48am • #50

Thanks for the post. you would think that this was basic info to know if you own a cell phone, but I'm amazed at how many break these minimal rules. i hope the post was an eye opener for those folks

10:10am • #51
1 Featured Post

You gave some great tips on texting but also I would say it goes for emails as well.

I receive so many emails from agetns that keep the caps button locked and use a lot of slang. Sometimes I have to call them and ask then what they mean with certain slang words.

11:35am • #52
172,396 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Thanks for the info...texting is it today! I just can't do too much. to me it is annoying...

1:15pm • #53
147,886 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Great post! Texting is more and more important as Gen Y and beyond begin to buy homes. I had one client that used texting as their primary mode of communication. Learn to speak your target's language.

1:56pm • #54

Nice post! These tips are definitely worth reviewing. Thanks!

2:32pm • #55
155,144 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Justin..i am working with an agent who text me book messages...not funny or productivewords

4:36pm • #56
173,552 Points 1 Featured Post

All good tips for sure.....thank you for the post today.

 

Portsmouth NH Real Estate

4:51pm • #57
1 Featured Post

Tip 8:

Do not text while in a meeting -- it is disrespectful to the meeting participants. If you want to text, excuse yourself from the meeting.

Tip 9:

Do not text while in a conversation with someone -- it is disrespectful to the person(s) with whom you are speaking. If you want to text, excuse yourself from the conversation momentarily.

 

11:03pm • #58

Nice points on the basics.  I switched my phone plan to unlimited texting after getting my license.  I like to communicate in the medium that my clients do.

11:20pm • #59
MAR
29

Funny how texting has become just another way to avoid actually having to talk to someone.  Our society has become so insular, one can do everything almost without having to see, hear, or talk to anyone at all.  Kind of a sad state of affairs in a way. 

11:11pm • #60
MAR
31
1 Featured Post Hit Router

All excellent tips.  These should be obvious but for some reason are not.  And thank you, thank you, thank you for mentioning that you should not text while driving!!!

12:09pm • #61

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Justin Williams - Loan Officer

Virginia Beach, VA

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Prosperity Mortgage

Address: 317 30th Street, Virginia Beach, Va, 23451

Office Phone: (757) 490-9200

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