Autoresponders have clear benefits for busy agents. Setting up automated email replies gives you the freedom to go to that open house while simultaneously sending immediate responses to incoming email inquiries. Unfortunately, even with the help of an autoresponder, balancing current client relationships and prospecting doesn't come without it's challenges - especially when your autoresponder limits you to a one-size-fits-all reply. Be proactive and make sure you're sending the right message by avoiding these common mistakes:
5 Real Estate Autoresponder Mistakes You Should Avoid:
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Messages like, “I don’t check my email because (fill-in-the-blank) - call me!” are damaging because…
…when someone takes the time to write you a message, then immediately receives an auto response explaining that your email volume is overwhelming so you stopped checking it or that you don’t have time to check your messages - it’s very frustrating. If you list your email address as a way to reach you, you need to be available to receive messages.
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Messages like, “I’m out of the office from January 4, 2011 to January 12, 2011 and will respond to your message when I get back…” are damaging because…
…nothing is worse than a grossly outdated auto response. The above reply shows not only a complete lack of concern for your contact’s time, it also tells them you don’t take your correspondence very seriously. To avoid this issue, be sure to set a reminder to disable your autoresponder when you're available again.
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Messages like “I’m not available – and neither is anyone else,” are damaging because…
…if you’re out of the office and your prospect wants to see a property or your client has an urgent issue come up they need your help with, the worst thing you can do is stress them out by leaving them hanging. If it’s going to be more than a few hours before you can respond, always set an away message that lists an alternative point of contact.
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Messages like “I’m lounging on a gorgeous tropical beach with a cocktail in hand - I’ll get back to you when I return!” are damaging because…
… your vacation sounds fabulous, but someone who doesn’t know you on a personal level reaches out to you regarding a business transaction, they don’t want to read about your rum-punch-sipping escapades. Enjoy your trip, but keep your out of office message professional.
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Messages like, “Sorry I'm unavailable to help right now but I'll contact you AS SOON AS I RETURN!!” are damaging because….
… using all caps and excessive punctuation can quickly create a misunderstanding. To many, written words in all caps can translates to the word form of yelling. Keep messages calm and composed to represent your professional demeanor.
Avoid making these autoresponder mistakes to keep your clients happy and effectively show prospects what makes you great to work with.
Looking for a better solution? Try intelligent automation:
Things have changed – automated follow-up no longer means one-size-fits-all drip campaigns. Conversations™ analyzes new leads inquiries and search data and automatically responds with timely, relevant, data-driven, reply-optimized messages on your behalf.
The best part? It’s totally affordable.
The best part? It’s totally affordable.
