Technology is cool. Like, really cool. But you have to know what to do with it. Whether you’re an early adopter or tend to shy away from technology, here are some takeaways from a real estate technology conference to consider – as well as some great tools to try right away.
User experience is everything.
As we shift away from the desktop and continue to move towards mobile viewing, you have to keep it simple and easy for your clients to find what they are looking for on their phone or tablet. Do less! Cut out the garbage and only put the most essential info on your site. Put yourself in your consumers’ shoes and reduce pain points along their online journey.
It is only going to get creepier (or cooler depending on your perspective).
There is some really fun technology headed our way that will blow your mind. As we move towards predictive technologies, our homes will continue to be “smarter.” Here are a few things headed our way. Expect to see more on the horizon.
Leap motion – 3D motion control. Use your hands and the air around it to navigate your computer and devices.
Fin – wearable technology worn on your thumb that controls your entire digital world.
Eye tribe - enables eye control on mobile devices, allowing handsfree navigation of websites and apps; no glasses needed.
Matterport 3D cameras – offers high-quality, rapid 3D visualization of physical spaces
Use apps to make you look better…in seconds
Images impress. And now it is easier than ever to have impressive photos…in seconds. Try using one of these apps to grab the consumer’s eye.
Add text to photos using Over.
Personalize your photos with A Beautiful Mess.
Combine your photos, GIF’s, videos and music in Pic Play Post.
We are moving past the shiny new object.
Sure it looks cool, but what does it do for you? How does it help you do your job better? If it is just a time sucker, then it is not for you. Choose the tools that save you time and help you be a better REALTOR.
Productivity, please!
We are all busy and that is most likely not going to change anytime soon. It is time to automate and work smarter, not harder. Check out these resources to help you do more in less time.
Nuzzel promises to deliver you the perfect set of news by scanning your news feeds and bringing you what you really want to see.
Refresh provides you with helpful details about the person you are about to meet by pulling info from their social profiles. It syncs with your calendar and helps you prep you for meetings and remember important facts.
Boxer promises to get you to Inbox zero.
Wunderlist is said to be the easiest way to manage and share all of your to-do lists.
Videos are still very much alive, but you have to use them correctly.
Videos are still effective, but you shouldn’t be the star. Community or neighborhood videos are the most viewed on YouTube, followed by listing videos and how-to videos. Show off what you know and what you can offer. Videos about you, the REALTOR, are the least viewed on YouTube. Create a professional looking video on your phone using Videolicious.
Use mobile to do more.
Consumers expect an instant response. And if they don’t get one, they may move on. If you are going to have your phone with you all the time anyway, put it to work! Set up programs to help you be mobile and work from anywhere. Automate your systems so that you can do everything that you do on your desktop on your mobile device.
Regardless of all the technology out there, it is still (and always will be) about the people!
Relationships rule. You can have the latest gadgets, but if you don’t take care of your customer, their gone. Use your tech tools to help you better serve your clients. Be more efficient, return their phone calls, make them feel special. Take care of people and they will keep coming back.
If you can’t do it all, hire someone who can.
Focus on what you do best. If you love to sell – sell! Hire an admin or put together a marketing team to help you look good and stay on top. Don’t try to do it all. You’ll most likely end up doing none of it well. Don’t be afraid to delegate!
Do you use any of these tools in your day-to-day? If you try a new one from the list, I would love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below.