Last week we wrote about speaking the language of Generation Y. With all that we know about this demographic, it only makes sense to offer as many avenues of communication for them as possible on your website. Here is a widget that will allow your prospects to send you a text message from your website and/or blog – best of all – it’s free!  Keep reading to find out more and follow the 3 easy steps to get this widget installed on your own website and/or blog…

What is it?

It is a no pressure way for your prospects to contact you via text message, while browsing your website. Simply paste the code that is given to you on your website and a small form appears that allows visitors to text you via the website. This sends a text message to your cell phone. And get this, you now have their cell phone number so you can send a text message back! Think of this as another lead capture form for your website. You’ve now got a hot prospect’s cell phone number!!

However, let me warn you – DO NOT CALL THEM.

Whether you’re dealing with a Generation Y’er or a Boomer, you must adapt to the way THEY want to communicate with you.  If someone opts to text you from your site, they do not want a phone call. If they wanted a phone call, they would have called.  Use this opportunity to start a relationship using texting as your avenue of communication. At some point, you’ll have the opportunity to ask if you can call them or if they can call you, but again, I warn you, do not do this too early in the relationship.  Let them begin to feel comfortable with you via texting first! Bottom line, you must speak your prospects language!

In three easy steps you can start capturing these prospects on your own website:

1) Download the Code:

Go to http://www.realestatetechnologyonline.com/widget/ and fill out the form. You’ll need to indicate your cell phone number as well as indicate your cell provider so that the widget can generate the appropriate code for you.  You can choose from two different widgets, both are very nice and sleek. Here’s a screenshot of the two options:

After you fill out the form to receive your widget, you’ll be given a text box with the html code for your very own widget.  Copy that code.

2) Adding the Widget to Your Website

If you’re not too tech savvy, you may need help with this part, so send the the code to your webmaster, website service provider, or virtual assistant (or better yet, just send them to this blog and ask them to implement this for you). Indicate where on your site you would like the widget to be placed.

If you know html code, great!  Add this code to your website, putting it in the place you want your widget to appear.

3) Test the Widget

Regardless of who ads this widget to your website for you, you’ll want to test the service to make sure it is working properly! (UPDATE: This widget will not work on WordPress without installing a plug-in that will allow you to post iFrames.  Email me if you need more information on this!)

You’re now in business and soon you’ll be communicating to this new and exciting generation that is entering the real estate market with money in their pockets and an eager drive to buy their own home.  This widget may also work on your blog and perhaps some of the social networking sites!

Share your experiences with us please.  We are excited to hear how this will work for you!

Carrie Gable of RealSupport, Inc. is our “VA Quick Tip” columnist offering expertise in real estate marketing, technology and more. RealSupport’s office and team of 9 full-time staff members is located near Chicago, IL. Their successful team works virtually for many top real estate agents nationwide. Pioneers in the Real Estate Virtual Assistant industry, RealSupport offers marketing, website and logo design, branding, lead generation, technical support, transaction management and more.

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