Nielsen is preparing to report their Q1 2008 findings for mobile buyers.
What do these stastics mean for you, the real estate professionals, and your consumers? As usage of text messaging increases overall, so does the increase of adoption and implementing it into other uses; product/service information and purchase decisions. As consumers continue to see the value in receiving information via text message about products and services, it opens up another stream for real estate professionals to get information out to them.
Why do people love it? It's simple (for most), it's convenient, and it's fast. They don't have to waste time talking on the phone, when they can easily flip open their mobile phone (something you can nearly guarantee is attached to their hip) and read a quick message. It's fun. It's generally not interrupting. It's both personal and impersonal; you can have private conversations without everyone around listening to your conversation. From a consumer point of view, they don't have to call someone; rather, the information is available to them right then and there.
Text messaging gives consumers power. They can participate in voting for nationwide competitions, like American Idol. Why do you think politicians added it to their campaigns? They can find out information on their own first. It makes them feel like they are the ones in control and as a consumer, and they should be.
It's not just the youngsters anymore either. Text messaging was initially thought of as a "younger generation" thing. Well, those younger generations are five years older now and entering into, if not already, interest in the real estate market. They are teaching their mom's, dad's and even grandparents that texting is the best way to get things done, in a hurry. It's not longer "call me". It's "text me".
Of course, as with all technology, you will always have people who resist; just like the internet. Not everyone prefers using the it, but if companies didn't have it, they would lose a large quantity of customers. And that is why you are online, blogging, right now! :)
The avenues and opportunities of marketing to your potential customers are opening up; are you ready to utilize them?
Erika
Comments(16)