In the competitive world of real estate, the difference between landing a deal and losing out often comes down to one thing: effective follow-up. For both investors and agents, the ability to consistently and efficiently follow up with potential leads is crucial. However, with so many tools and systems available, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones will truly make your life easier while helping you close more deals.
In this blog, we’ll break down some of the easiest and most effective follow-up systems that real estate investors and agents can use to find more deals. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your existing processes, these strategies will help you stay organized, save time, and ultimately, close more deals.
Before diving into the systems, it’s important to understand why follow-up is so critical in the real estate industry. In a market as competitive as real estate, especially in rapidly growing areas like Tooele and Salt Lake, Utah, leads can go cold quickly. If you’re not following up promptly and consistently, someone else likely is.
Consider this: according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 80% of sales require at least five follow-up calls after the initial meeting. Yet, many agents and investors give up after just one or two attempts. By not following up, you could be leaving a significant amount of money on the table.
1. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems
CRM systems are the backbone of any successful follow-up strategy. They allow you to track your interactions with potential leads, set reminders for follow-up, and automate parts of the process. Here are a few user-friendly CRM systems that are particularly popular among real estate professionals:
HubSpot CRM: HubSpot offers a free CRM that’s incredibly user-friendly and easy to integrate with other tools. It allows you to track emails, calls, and meetings, and provides a clear timeline of all interactions with a particular lead. You can also set up custom pipelines to keep track of where each lead is in your sales process.
LionDesk: Specifically designed for real estate professionals, LionDesk is known for its simplicity and powerful features. It allows you to send video texts and emails, which can be a game-changer in building rapport with leads. The system also integrates with popular real estate tools like Zillow and Realtor.com, making it easier to manage all your leads in one place.
Follow Up Boss: This CRM is built for speed, helping you connect with leads faster than ever. It integrates with over 200 lead sources, ensuring that all your leads are captured and nurtured efficiently. The platform also offers advanced automation features, such as auto-assigning leads to team members and sending personalized follow-up messages based on lead behavior.
2. Email Marketing Tools
Email is still one of the most effective ways to follow up with leads, particularly when you want to stay top-of-mind without being too intrusive. Here are a few email marketing tools that can help you automate and personalize your follow-up emails:
Mailchimp: Known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, Mailchimp is an excellent choice for real estate professionals. You can create automated email sequences that trigger based on lead behavior, such as when a lead opens an email or clicks on a link. Mailchimp also offers detailed analytics, so you can see which emails are performing well and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Constant Contact: This tool is ideal for real estate agents and investors who want to maintain regular contact with their leads. Constant Contact offers a variety of customizable templates, making it easy to create professional-looking emails without needing design skills. The platform also provides detailed reporting, so you can track the success of your campaigns and optimize your follow-up strategy.
ActiveCampaign: For those looking for more advanced automation features, ActiveCampaign is a great option. It allows you to create highly personalized email sequences based on a lead’s actions and behavior. For example, if a lead visits a particular property on your website, you can automatically send them more information about similar properties in the area.
3. Text Messaging Tools
Text messaging is a powerful follow-up tool because it allows you to connect with leads quickly and directly. In fact, studies show that text messages have a 98% open rate, making them one of the most effective ways to reach your audience. Here are a few text messaging tools that can help you streamline your follow-up process:
EZ Texting: EZ Texting is a simple, user-friendly platform that allows you to send bulk text messages to your leads. You can also set up automated text messages to be sent at specific times, such as after a lead signs up for a property tour. The platform also offers reporting features, so you can track the success of your campaigns.
SimpleTexting: As the name suggests, SimpleTexting is designed to make text messaging easy. It offers a variety of features, including the ability to send MMS messages (texts with images), schedule messages in advance, and track responses. You can also create automated text sequences to nurture leads over time.
TextMagic: TextMagic is another great option for real estate professionals looking to incorporate text messaging into their follow-up strategy. The platform allows you to send personalized text messages to individual leads or groups, and it offers detailed reporting on message delivery and response rates.
4. Direct Mail Tools
In an increasingly digital world, direct mail might seem outdated, but it can actually be a very effective follow-up tool. Direct mail has a personal touch that can help you stand out from the competition, particularly when targeting older demographics or high-net-worth individuals. Here are a few tools that can help you create and manage direct mail campaigns:
SendOutCards: This platform allows you to create and send personalized greeting cards and postcards to your leads. You can choose from a variety of templates, or create your own design, and the platform will handle the printing and mailing for you. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your follow-up process and stay top-of-mind with your leads.
PostcardMania: PostcardMania offers a full-service direct mail solution, including design, printing, and mailing. The platform also offers targeting features, allowing you to send postcards to specific demographics or geographic areas. PostcardMania also integrates with CRM systems, so you can track the success of your campaigns and adjust your strategy as needed.
Thanks.io: This tool allows you to send handwritten-style notes, postcards, and letters automatically. It’s a great way to follow up with a personal touch, and the platform offers integrations with popular CRMs, so you can easily manage your direct mail campaigns alongside your other follow-up efforts.
5. Ringless Voicemail Drops
Ringless voicemail drops are a relatively new follow-up tool that allows you to send a pre-recorded voicemail directly to a lead’s phone without ringing their phone. This can be a very effective way to follow up with leads who may not be responsive to other methods. Here are a few platforms that offer ringless voicemail services:
Slybroadcast: Slybroadcast allows you to send ringless voicemails to your leads quickly and easily. The platform offers a variety of features, including the ability to schedule voicemails in advance, create custom lists, and track delivery and response rates. Slybroadcast also integrates with popular CRM systems, so you can manage your voicemail campaigns alongside your other follow-up efforts.
Drop Cowboy: Drop Cowboy is another popular ringless voicemail platform that offers a variety of features to help you connect with your leads. The platform allows you to send voicemails to large lists of contacts, and it offers detailed reporting so you can track the success of your campaigns. Drop Cowboy also integrates with CRM systems, making it easy to manage your follow-up process.
Voicent: Voicent offers a full suite of communication tools, including ringless voicemail, text messaging, and email marketing. The platform is designed to help you connect with leads across multiple channels, making it a great option for real estate professionals who want to streamline their follow-up process.
6. Social Media Follow-Up
Social media is an often overlooked follow-up tool, but it can be incredibly effective, particularly for reaching younger demographics. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn allow you to connect with leads in a more casual, personal way, and they offer a variety of tools to help you stay top-of-mind.
Facebook Messenger: Facebook Messenger is a great way to follow up with leads who have interacted with your Facebook page or ads. You can send personalized messages, share property listings, and even set up automated responses to common questions. Messenger also offers detailed reporting, so you can track the success of your campaigns.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for following up with professional contacts, particularly those in the real estate industry. You can send personalized messages to leads, share relevant content, and even use LinkedIn’s advanced search features to find new leads. LinkedIn also offers a variety of advertising options, allowing you to target specific demographics or geographic areas.
Instagram: Instagram is a visual platform that’s perfect for showcasing properties and connecting with leads on a more personal level. You can use Instagram’s direct messaging feature to follow up with leads who have interacted with your posts or stories, and you can also use Instagram ads to target specific demographics.
Now that you’re familiar with some of the best follow-up systems available, it’s time to implement your strategy. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Start Small: Don’t try to implement all these tools at once. Start with one or two systems that you feel most comfortable with, and gradually incorporate more as you become more confident in your follow-up process.
Stay Consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to follow-up. Make sure you’re following up with leads regularly and consistently, and don’t be afraid to follow up multiple times. Remember, most deals are closed after several follow-ups.
Personalize Your Approach: Personalization is crucial in real estate. Make sure your follow-up messages are personalized to the lead’s specific needs and interests. This will help you build rapport and increase your chances of closing the deal.
Track Your Success: Make sure you’re tracking the success of your follow-up efforts. Use the reporting features offered by your CRM, email marketing, or text messaging tools to see which campaigns are performing well and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Effective follow-up is essential for success in real estate, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re looking for a trusted partner to help you navigate the complexities of the real estate market, look no further than Tru Home Buyer. We specialize in guiding investors and agents in flipping houses, providing cash offers to sellers, and making a positive impact in the community.
With our expertise and commitment to your success, you’ll have the support you need to find more deals, close them faster, and build a thriving real estate business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, Tru Home Buyer is here to help.
Ready to take your real estate business to new heights? Contact Tru Home Buyer today and let’s start finding more deals together.
This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the easiest follow-up systems that can help real estate investors and agents find more deals. With the right tools and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to closing more deals and growing your business. And remember, Tru Home Buyer is here to support you every step of the way.
