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Microsofts Tag Beta Program: The latest advertising tool.. Free!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Casa Grande Realty

Microsoft Tag is a Beta test out right now for mobile devices.  It is basically a bar code system, only this system can point prospects to relevant information on their mobile web browsers.  I can see a few great applications for this type of software in our world.  

Microsoft Tag Pic

Imagine students walking past your office, more times than not they are going to stroll right on past your listings and do some searching when they get home.  Granted you have listings prominently displayed for folks to look at.

Now make it Simple:  Put a barcode on a flyer of the listing for each property.  If you have too many properties, then break them up into more simple barcodes, one, two, three, four, five+ beds barcodes etc.  Now you have engaged the prospect by allowing his or her mobile web browser to open up your listing by your company with your branding everywhere! 

Possible Applications:

  1. Open House Signs & Flyers
  2. C.L. & Postlets Flyers

Pros:

  1. Less waste!
  2. Client Interaction
  3. Brand Recognition

Cons:

  1. Student has to download the program to their mobile device. (Solution: List bud url on flyer to get mobile software.)
  2. Microsoft will eventually start charging for this service. 

See more helpful tips at www.AffordableAustinHomes.com you can also follow @AffordableATX for updates on this blog and other Central Austin Real Estate.

Matt Stigliano
Kimberly Howell Properties (210) 646-HOME - San Antonio, TX

Paul - This is a pretty interesting idea.  I just played around with it for a few moments and it works pretty well.  Even when taking the photo of the tag on their website and the photo coming out absolutely horrible, it still recognized it.

Mar 31, 2009 02:44 AM
Tina Allen
Exit Realty Tri-County - Mount Dora, FL

Sounds like it will take off for the tech savvy!

Mar 31, 2009 02:56 AM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

I've seen this and haven't really looked into it...but you've motivated me to put it on my list.

Mar 31, 2009 02:56 AM
Paul Perez
Casa Grande Realty - Austin, TX
TAHS

This little approach definitely will have its advantages in the ever increasing mobile web.  I hope you folks are preparing yourselves for the revolution.  Just as everyone is acclimating themselves for the web, the increasing using of mobile devices to access the web will further set us apart from average REALTORS!

Mar 31, 2009 07:38 AM
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Paul - This is a good idea for easy access to information, and the benefit is it can be stored on electronic devices, and the client would probably have access to more detailed information as well.

Mar 31, 2009 04:51 PM
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I don't have that kind of a phone but am due a new one.  This would really be cool if you have the right one.  I am going to check it out.

Apr 02, 2009 03:44 AM
Paul Perez
Casa Grande Realty - Austin, TX
TAHS

Troy, 

In our case, we will be able to allow pedestrians walking by our office to quickly scan the tag, which in our case will point to our listings,  in turn allowing the then prospect to take your company with them on their phone.

 

Evelyn,

Do your homework when looking for a new "smartphone".  They are not always as intuitive and user friendly as we hope.  The palm centro would be a great starter smartphone.  Let us know how the new phone search goes. 

 

Cheers,

Premier Paul

Apr 02, 2009 03:55 AM