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Click to Text Widget for Your Website & Blog

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with RealSupport Inc.

Last week we wrote about speaking the language of Generation Y. With all that we know about this demographic, it only makes sense to offer as many avenues of communication for them as possible on your website. Here is a widget that will allow your prospects to send you a text message from your website and/or blog – best of all – it’s free!  Keep reading to find out more and follow the 3 easy steps to get this widget installed on your own website and/or blog…

What is it?

It is a no pressure way for your prospects to contact you via text message, while browsing your website. Simply paste the code that is given to you on your website and a small form appears that allows visitors to text you via the website. This sends a text message to your cell phone. And get this, you can even respond via text message! Think of this as another lead capture form for your website. You’ve now got a hot prospects cell phone number!!

However, let me warn you – DO NOT CALL THEM.

Whether you’re dealing with a Generation Y’er or a Boomer, you must adapt to the way THEY want to communicate with you.  If someone opts to text you from your site, they do not want a phone call. If they wanted a phone call, they would have called.  Use this opportunity to start a relationship using texting as your avenue of communication. At some point, you’ll have the opportunity to ask if you can call them or if they can call you, but again, I warn you, do not do this too early in the relationship.  Let them begin to feel comfortable with you via texting first! Bottom line, you must speak your prospects language!

In three easy steps you can start capturing these prospects on your own website:

1) Download the Code:

Go to http://www.realestatetechnologyonline.com/widget/ and fill out the form. You’ll need to indicate your cell phone number as well as indicate your cell provider so that the widget can generate the appropriate code for you.  You can choose from two different widgets, both are very nice and sleek. Here’s a screenshot of the two options:

After you fill out the form to receive your widget, you’ll be given a text box with the html code for your very own widget.  Copy that code.

2) Adding the Widget to Your Website

If you’re not too tech savvy, you may need help with this part, so send the the code to your webmaster, website service provider, or virtual assistant (or better yet, just send them to this blog and ask them to implement this for you). Indicate where on your site you would like the widget to be placed.

If you know html code, great!  Add this code to your website, putting it in the place you want your widget to appear.

3) Test the Widget

Regardless of who ads this widget to your website for you, you’ll want to test the service to make sure it is working properly!

You’re now in business and soon you’ll be communicating to this new and exciting generation that is entering the real estate market with money in their pockets and an eager drive to buy their own home.  This widget may also work on your blog and perhaps some of the social networking sites!

Share your experiences with us please.  We are excited to hear how this will work for you!

Jen Miller
Project and Design Coordinator

Comments (8)

Malcolm Johnston
Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate LTD., Trenton, Ontario - Trenton, ON
Trenton Real Estate

That is pretty cool Jen, you're right, some people probably would be more at ease texting me than phoning. Thanks for sharing this neat widget.

May 04, 2010 02:37 AM
Rebecca Gaujot, RealtorĀ®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Jen, now that is a really cool widget to put on your website, but I am concerned about spam...I will check into this. Thanks for sharing the info.

May 04, 2010 02:45 AM
Julia Odom
Select Realty Professionals - Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga Homes for Sale

Nice addition. I used to have a click to call button on my website but you're absolutely right about the no pressure, break the ice value of texting.

May 04, 2010 03:53 AM
Al Raymondi
Ocean View Realty Group in Ormond By The Sea Florida - Ormond Beach, FL
Ormond By The Sea Florida - Home and Condo Sales

Looks like a neat tool for getting those that are into texting to contact us.  Thanks.

May 05, 2010 02:10 AM
Adam Brett
The Adam and Eric Group - Fullerton, CA
The Adam and Eric Group, Fullerton's Finest

Very cool idea. I will for sure be using this! Thanks. 

May 17, 2010 09:07 AM
Sandy McAlpine
RE/MAX EXECUTIVE - Cornelius, NC
Search Lake Norman Homes For Sale - Lake Norman NC

Thanks so much for sharing! I have added it to my site. Do you get a lot of texts?

Jul 27, 2010 03:04 AM
Jim Paulson
Progressive Realty (Boise Idaho) www.Progressive-Realty.info - Boise, ID
Broker / Owner - Progressive Realty Corporation

Thanks for the post on Widgets, I am just bookmarking sites for now to do my research on them to see where to start for my brokerage here in Boise, Idaho.

Jan 09, 2011 03:33 PM
RealSupport, Inc.
RealSupport Inc. - Schaumburg, IL
- Virtual Real Estate Marketing

Thanks Everyone for your responses!  This is a great tool for interacting with your clients, especially Generation Y!  Let us know how it goes for you and the responses you receive!  Thanks for stopping by and reading!

Jan 12, 2011 04:57 AM