Think of the past, and how the average home shopper did their research and drive-by looks at homes. They jotted down information from newspaper and magazine ads, took off in the car, and tried to drive by as many as possible. It's a very different process now. They do a lot of online research, and many take off with their cell phones and mapping in place to locate homes for sale.
It's much more efficient, and it's much better for those real estate professionals who have made the effort to leverage the power of Internet mapping to promote their listings as well as their individual businesses and websites. Using Microsoft maps, and Google mapping, you can place your listings on public maps that allow them to be located in searches. And, that includes mobile searches today. So, the home shopper can access Google maps from their mobile unit and go right to them.
Right now, you can also easily place a video into your map listing. Yes, you can have that video virtual tour pop right up to play from the map icon in Google. It's really easy if you use YouTube and the embed code provided. You can link back to the listing on your website or blog as well. So, when that mobile consumer is searching the area for homes, are you going to be there with the information they want and a fast way to contact you?
What's the ultimate service to the prospect and a great way to capture a buyer in the mood? Your cell phone number and an interior video of your listing at the map icon is the way to go. Visualize the buyer sitting in front of your listing with real interest and a question or two. Yes, you can have that text message response, and a link to the listing on your website. But, what if they're so interested they want to know if they can see it today? Your cell number is right there as well. It's an exciting marketing world.
