Every single day, about 23 billion text messages are sent worldwide. Wow! It might seem like the world is inundated with text, and that includes your clients. But one reason why Homesale Realty is so successful is because our agents learn to adapt to client preferences.

Everyone in the world has communication preferences. Some people love to spend time on the phone; others loathe it. Some find it easiest to absorb the information they receive in text and might consider email perfect for their needs.

Many real estate pros are extroverts who enjoy face time with clients. But to maximize your relationship with each lead, you need to be attuned to subtle signals about what they appreciate most. Just like any other communication media, text can be ideal in certain situations. The key is using it correctly within your complete relationship management toolkit to build trust with your leads.

So, how can you make text messages work for you? Keep these tips in mind when it's time to follow up with leads or clients.

1. Provide Concise, Useful Information
   Have new real estate leads or market info that can help? Communicate it quickly, clearly, and concisely. Don't make your leads scroll – they're much more likely to remember what you have to say if you can get it into one sentence.
   
   
2. Ask Questions to Start Conversations
   Remember, texting is a two-way street. No matter how long it's been since you heard from your lead, getting a response is the ultimate win. People don't like to ignore questions, and you can guide them into a productive discussion.
   
   
3. Use Weekends and Holidays to Your Advantage
   Holidays give you a natural, organic opportunity to spark a chat. All you have to do is say "hi" and show your leads you're thinking of them: They will often do the rest. Targeting your texts on days off also ensures they have fewer other priorities vying for attention.
   
   
4. Ask For a Little Input
   Just like you, your clients all have areas of expertise. From doctors to auto mechanics, most don't mind helping a friendly acquaintance. Flip the script by asking your lead for advice about their world and you could start a whole new talk that leads back to real estate.
   
   
5. Use the Legendary "10-Word Email"
   The concept of the "10-word email" is well known in internet marketing circles and it applies just as well in text. It's simply something like this: "Barbara, are you still looking for a house in Henrico?" It's short, low-pressure, and can revive long-frozen leads.
   
   
6. Keep It Simple
   When you're sending texts to your leads, you should never give a one-word answer. On the other hand, it's a good idea to structure your responses so they can answer in 1-3 words. This raises response rate and gives you good reasons to transfer the talk to email later on.
   
   
7. Make Sure Leads Truly Opt-In
   You could be getting leads from all kinds of sources, so be certain all of them really want to be there. Put rigorous safeguards in place so anyone who subscribes to your email messages or other lead capture lists knows they may receive texts from you. This prevents sore feelings later!
   
   
8. Always Add Value
   Make sure each text message you send makes leads' life easier or better in some way, moving them toward their goals. If you're not sure, read your own message aloud before sending it. Ask yourself if you would really respond, then make changes if the answer is "no."

Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to find out more about strengthening your valuable relationships with leads and clients.