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How should you communicate with Internet prospects?

By
Real Estate Agent with Tierra Antigua Realty

Who has the best answer to the question, "How should you communicate with Internet prospects?"

Everybody has an opinion on this topic. What really works, not in theory or concept, but, in practice? Personally, I think asking questions of a prospect is a turn off. I like to start out with offering information and advise without being apparent about it. Leaving it up to the prospect to take it to the next level. Here are two samples:

"Many homebuyers, especially first time homebuyers, are not fully informed about home inspections. Leaving themselves open for problems down the road. On my website, I talk about the importance of home inspections. To read more click here."

"Selecting the right lender can make a big difference. On my website, I talk about the importance of lender selection and preparation to buy. To read more click here."

What did I do?

  1. I provided a brief message giving the buyer control to either click and read more or ignore the message.
  2. I didn't ask anything of the prospect.
  3. I increased opportunity to get the prospect to my blog site.
  4. I am setting up my rapport with prospects to win them over before I ask them, "How can I help you?"

How many times have you walked into a store and had a salesperson come up and ask right off the bat, "How can I help you?" How many times did you want to respond with, "By leaving me alone?" Remember, home buyers on the Internet want to be in control. Let them have control. Be  smart about how you put yourself in front of them.  Not all buyers read blogs. Not all blog readers are buyers. Creating a mix from website to blog site to provide invaluable service is a key to success in my book.

So, I leave you with this thought, "How best should I communicate with Internet prospects?"

 

Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Douglas, you're really asking 2 questions (1) how to entertain them which you're doing and (2) how to communicate - which would be email after you establish contact.

May 20, 2008 12:27 PM
Ron Parise
LocateHomes.com - Cape Coral, FL

So, I leave you with this though, "How best should I communicate with Internet prospects?"

The answer is by telephone.

While many folks my read all the info you provide on your website The real reason they come is to search the mls. We allow unlimited searching on our site, but if someone wants any detali on a particular listing we ask them to register

As soon a someone registers  I am notified with a text message to my cell phone. They should get a call back immediately. You are correct that some people want to be left alone  but there is no way to know that until I ask and I find the best way to do that is by phone.

 

May 20, 2008 12:33 PM
Douglas Trudeau
Tierra Antigua Realty - Tucson, AZ
MBA, Assoc. Broker, Selling Tucson Real Estate

Steve & Ron - thank you.

 

Whenever possible I like to tie in a phone call with an email. There are times though, when there is no phone number or a bogus number and all you can do is email. In any case a message with something to offer is much better than asking of the prospect.

May 21, 2008 12:10 PM