This is an obvious answer but I can't tell you how many Agents I talk to that don't leave messages. I believe you should leave a message every time.
Here are my reasons:
1. If you don't leave a message, you have a 100% reality that they will not call you back. It's sort of like a putt you leave short...it definately isn't going in the cup!
2. If you leave a message you have a chance they will call you back. I'm not much of a gambling man but I think your odds of getting a call back go up significantly if you leave a message.
3. They gave you their number and expect a call. What if they are looking to buy today but you just missed them. They will now find another Realtor and think of you as unresponsive to their needs. Every time you don't leave a message you are potentially blowing a sale. I won't take the risk. The reason my Agents are so successful ( 1 out of 24 leads is a sale as a group) with lead conversion is because they are very responsive when they receive a lead.
That's it. In the end, they gave you their number and most of the time are pleased that you called. Many people are not available when you call. Most of the time it takes us a couple of calls to get hold of them. Consumers want an Agent who works hard. When they see you work hard, you win! If you want to be successful with lead conversion, then start leaving messages and you will start seeing the beginning of your results!
Mitch, I have pondered whether to call internet leads from our website. I have emailed everytime to thank them for visiting and to make them aware that we are ready to serve their needs in Clarksville. Sadly, my method is not working very well.
But people also want someone who isn't going to bug them. Internet leads are different than sign calls and open house leads and any other type of lead out there. THey like internet communication. I email internet leads and don't pick up the phone unless they put something in the comments section that requires a call instead of an email.
If they give you their number, then yes I agree definitely call and leave a message. Make them feel important with a simple phone call that takes one minute from your day, and you're being productive so it's a well-spent minute. If they reach out to you, you can't expect results unless you make an effort.
Hey Tim and Pam! I hear that all the time. As you have probably read my blogs before or know about The eHomes Realty Network, lead conversion is what we do and what I spend my life perfecting every day.
When I first starting Internet Lead Conversion I didn't even make phone calls. It didn't take me to long to realize I was missing the boat. Once I started making phone calls my business doubled. Of course I still didn't leave messages. Then I realized one day that was a mistake. I started leaving messages and people started calling me back. I'm sure I would have lost a ton of sales if I didn't leave messages.
As I said in my post, if you don't leave a message, they are not calling you back. What do you have to lose. Now all my Agents leave messages and our sales speak for themselves. Start leaving messages and you will thank me later! :)
I like the angles provided. I am going to track my numbers and expermeint on calling back and leaving a message.
I have heard that you should call them, if no answer call again right away, if still no answer call again from a different number, that usually does the trick!
Donna, I can tell you that you are leaving lots of sales on the table. If they leave you a number they know you are going to call. Although most Agents don't call. Yes, we keep in touch with all of our customers through email. However, we call every single lead who leaves a phone number, which is about 50% of our leads. Try calling and then let me know how you make out. i think you will be very excited by your results. If not, I will eat my computer!
I should try to leave messages more often. I always hope to get a potential client on the phone first, but if they don't answer, I often hang up and don't leave messages. I always say to myself that I will try again in a little bit and often don't get back to calling. If I had left a message, your right....they might call me back.
Ashley - I hear that all the time. Why spend money on marketing if you don't try hard to convert a lead to a customer for life. With Internet leads, they take a lot of care in converting them and being successful in this arena. Most Agents think Internet leads are a waste of time. Most Agents think they are impossible to convert to customers. In one sense they are right. 95% of the leads we capture do not become sales. However, 5% keeps my Brokerage the number 1 Brokerage in Buyer Transactions out of 500 offices in my County.
The only way you become successful with Internet leads is learning how do work them correctly. It's not hard, but it takes work and great follow up. If you need help, feel free to contact me. I'm always available to help!
I wish I was always provided a number for internet leads (some of the leads don't unfortunately). I find that just emailing doesn't net a response, only a personal call will do.
Hey Samantha! The reality is that only 50% of Internet leads leave a phone number or a good phone number. However, 25% of our sales in my office are from leads without phone numbers. In fact, my partner in my 100MPH Marketing Software was just that type of lead. It wasn't until 4 months into me sending him listings before he actually started emailing me and then finally a phone call came shortly after.
The key with Internet leads without phone numbers is to be sure to set them up in a good follow up system as well as setting them up in your MLS's automatic listings update system. We don't take anyone out of that unless they request to be taken off the list.
Email or call me if you have any questions. Have a fun night!
Mitch,
Thanks for the post. Hard to believe that an agent wouldn't leave a message, when given a telephone number of a prospective customer. Most internet inquiries don't come with a telephone number, getting one is like striking gold.
Do you call back when you have left a message and do not get a return call?
Marcy Moyer Keller Williams Realty Palo Alto Ca
Hi Marcy! Yes, we call up to 4 times before we put them into our Internet follow up system. We will try different times during the day. For instance, if we call during the day and we get the machine, we will try calling at night. We leave a message every time. We know if we don't leave a message they won't call back. If we leave a message sometimes they call back.
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