Click or call. It's a choice we often have.
- ~ Shop on-line or call a bricks and mortar store
- ~ Arrange a flight on-line or contact a travel agent (yes, they still exist, and yes, they can add value)
- ~ Make a restaurant reservation at Open Table or call directly
Our prospects are faced with these choices as well. At first, the tendency, for many, is to click. On a blog or a website, a link on Google. We know that about 80% of buyers are clicking before they are calling.
So, of course we need to be there so they CAN click.
At some point the choice becomes more complex - click to send that email, or pick up the phone and call the agent?
The choice depends on many factors...time of day, comfort level, need, and the tendency of that buyer or seller to use technology or to prefer a good old fashioned phone call (this can be generational, as we all have learned).
Similarly, as REALTORS we, too, have that choice, all things being equal. A prospect signs up for emailed listings through our website IDX and leaves a phone number as well as an email.
What to do?
Do we click or call?
- Do they really want us to call, if not asked specifically to do so?
- What will happen if we do call?
- At what point is it OK to cross that line and pick up the phone, assuming a number of provided?
- Do we assume that because they are clicking on the Internet that they do not want a call?
Mariana Wagner is a favorite blogger of mine in Colorado Springs. You all know her. She spoke recently at REBlogWorld08 in Las Vegas about the cycle "Click to Close," and as I was writing this I was reminded of a powerful statement she made in her talk (which was tremendous and the first of the day).
Once folks are into the cycle and at the relationship phase, and were contacted by someone on her team, "0 yelled at us for contacting them."
Powerful, because it is a huge reason why her lead conversion is so good, but also because it suggests that we, as agents, may often mistake how we should respond to our Internet leads.
Do we click or call?
While the choice MAY be simple, the impact can be tremendous, depending on what happens after the choice is made. As Mariana also said, when you contact these prospects..."be the expert you prove you are in your blog."
Of course with new technology the meaning between click and call is much more blurred. Consider Skype and Txt2day, for example.
The choice is ours to make. Whatcha think?
BTW, the mousepad I used in my photo is no mistake. Some powerful messages there
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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
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