Call Capture Hotlines vs. Listing Texting Services

Call Capture Hotlines have been a popular tool for generating leads for many years. Agents put signriders on their property signs with their own unique 800 number. When homebuyers drive by, they call the number to listen to an audio tour of the property and the 800 number captures their contact information. The agent then has a lead to follow-up with.

Recently, listing text services have emerged as the new generation call capture hotline. They work basically the same as call capture hotlines. Buyers text a unique code and receive basic property information and pictures and the agent gets a lead.

Though texting services may be newer, we don't think that necessarily makes them better. Many mobile users do not text. While this number is increasing, it can't compete with the number who are more comfortable with calling a phone number.

Another reason we think 800 numbers are better is that they're free to the user. Unless the homebuyer has unlimited texting (and many don't), the texts they receive from your service will cost them money. And yes, texts are generally more expensive than minutes!

Those are just 2 reasons we think 800 numbers are still better lead generating tools than texting. What are your thoughts? What have your experiences been with call capture hotlines vs. texting services?