Making the Transition from Mobile-friendly to Mobile-first

Kim Garst, writing in The Huffington Post, notes that it is hard to argue that social media has changed the face of digital marketing -- or marketing overall, for that matter.  She suggests that companies are finally accepting the fact that they MUST have a digital strategy to succeed.

One component of this marketing shift is the importance of mobile.  Garst suggests that the importance of mobile has transitioned from a "mobile friendly" website to utilizing mobile in every aspect of marketing including blogs, emails and social media posts.

Mobile website is the first step!

What can that mean for a new home sales person?  You'll want to consider how to catch the attention of an audience that is "on the go" either literally or in their use of mobile devices.

Jeff Shore, an expert new home sales/marketing, suggests agents use short, cell phone videos as a follow-up to prospect visits. Why not pre-record a quick introductory video for each of your models? Then, couple a short text message highlighting key points from the prospect visit with your cell phone video.

Text message?  As a way to followup with prospects?  Mobile means text for many -- and studies suggest the more quickly you're able to reach out to a prospect, the better  chance you have for meaningful contact.

The immediate text message with video gives you the third critical mobile component: personalization. 

There -- you've made the transition to mobile-first -- and, satisfied today's home shopper's need for information, delivered quickly and efficiently!

Putting Digital Tablets to Work in Your New Home Sales Office

Did you know 2015 digital tablet sales are scheduled to surpass PC sales worldwide?  Tablets -- whether iPad, Android or Microsoft Surface -- are changing what can be referred to as the computing world by providing a very user-friendly experience that meets the many needs of today's businesses and their connected customer.

Our Solutions Blog (back in 2012) talked about the Connected Customer as a "class of consumer" whose behavior and habits mimic, says Brian Solis in Meet Generation C, those associated with Millenials in that traditional marketing efforts aren't very influential in their decision-making process.

At a minimum, it appears the traditional marketing "funnels" aren't as effective and that businesses should consider multiple engagement strategies. We've mentioned tradigital previously -- taking traditional marketing processes and applying digital technology for an enhanced result.  Think about the ways your prospects register at the sales office -- why not add a digital registration tablet or kiosk?  Start your CRM process with an engaging consumer experience!

Another idea: take the traditional sales brochure and turn it into digital exploration!  There's an opportunity to take a large touchscreen presentation and use it on a Windows Surface tablet -- or create an entirely new iPad/Android downloadable app for your prospect to browse in the sales office and at home.

An added benefit associated with adding tradigital: adding a memorable customer experience that enhances the sales process for your agents. It's a soft benefit that can result in improved employee morale with long-term profitability impacts through a quicker sales cycle, decreased turnover, reductions in collateral materials and decreased employee turnover.  Those benefits can be calculated!

Creating a community that truly provides a
memorable experience shifts work from a sales-oriented model

to an experience-oriented model.

 

Gen Y and Housing..beyond Tech to Location!

Gen Y, Echo Boomer, Millennial...regardless of label, we're looking at z population demographic whose members were born between the late 70's and early 2000's.

Much has been written regarding their approach to just about everything: technology, shopping, relationships, family.

Of course, they're more tech-savvy (although many "connected consumers" aren't part of this demographic). A current term is "digital native" (as compared to digital immigrant, for example).

As a result, according to a J Turner Research Study, What Do Residents Want? Trends in Resident Technology and Communication Preferences (read it here), Gen Y members shop using smart phones, laptops and tablets.  And, they use these devices when searching for a home, as well.  In fact, it might be noted that the younger the prospect, the more likely they will use social media and the internet to search. 


What's nearby? Try highlighting the neighborhood!

We'd suggest "test driving" your marketing processes on some of these devices; how do you measure up?

What has also been found when analyzing housing "hot buttons" for this group is: Gen Y housing wants/needs aren't that different from previous generations.  Builder, in a 9/25/12 article, suggests "satisfying the needs of those prospects still seems to be an exercise driven by community location and service reputation."

Location trumps design and amenities and McDonald states "location, efficiency and adaptability" as critical decision points.