7 digital technologies that offer safe and creative solutions during lockdown.
The nightly news is a constant reminder of just how serious the COVID-19 pandemic is and how Australia’s economic landscape is changing considerably. The priority for everyone right now is keeping the community safe and healthy, and in the real estate world, wholescale changes have been made to reflect that.
But despite a number of necessary restrictions being placed on the industry, there has been a clear message from the government that business needs to continue where possible. There is certainly still scope for agencies to operate, albeit through more online avenues. Open home inspections and auctions no longer exist in the traditional sense, but agents are relatively fortunate that they already have access to a selection of unique digital technologies. Now, more than ever, the digital property market is the place to offer your clients a safe, stable and quality experience in such uncertain times.
This sentiment is echoed by Campaigntrack’s Director of Content Studio, Paul Gal: “Right now, there’s a huge need for potential buyers to access more information online; to get a real feel for a property without actually leaving their own home.
“While we’re taking great care to respect all government recommendations regarding the crisis, we’ve also been working non-stop to ensure we can provide agents and agencies the marketing tools they need to keep doing their jobs. We’ve fast-tracked the release of a lot of affordable mobile-friendly products to help agencies adapt to the changing situation.”
In the current climate, there’s a real need for heightened versatility and creativity. Here are seven marketing tools to consider during the country’s lockdown.
1. Online Advertising
No close contact? No worries. Targeted digital marketing means better exposure and more interest. Digital is most likely a key part of your overall marketing strategy already. If not, there has never been a better time to utilise display and social media advertising than right now. With people encouraged to spend considerably more time at home – and a lot of print publications suspended – the reach gained from platforms like online streaming services and social media apps could be extremely valuable for your campaign. Campaigntrack have recently launched Digital Stimulus Pricing, to get you through these challenging times (and to keep you top of mind). You’ll see specially priced packages which include a Sold Digital DL, giving you that extra push of profiling. Why not give it a try?
2. Digital Inspections
Inspections are the cornerstone of the sales process. While one-on-one viewings are currently still allowed – and are a great way to provide a more personalised service – more cautious buyers may want to view the property from the safety and comfort of their own home. You can use FaceTime or Facebook Live to walk a potential buyer through the property yourself, or streamline the process with a specialised tool like Campaigntrack’s Virtual Tour.
3. Virtual Tours
View the property from anywhere, anytime. As the name suggests, Virtual Tours give prospective buyers an interactive look at some of the property’s most engaging spaces.* Wide angle 360 degree outlooks are captured from certain points in the home, giving viewers a more immersive feel for the place and a better sense of what it’s like to be there in person. Available from $60.
4. Matterport
Taking Virtual Tours to another level, Matterport technology presents online viewers with the chance to walk through the residence’s entire floorplan, with interactive 360 degree imagery at every step.* It features a 3D dollhouse view as well as an inside view which allows buyers to walk through different areas with the click of a button. This is the ultimate way to conduct an ‘off-site inspection’, allowing potential buyers to digitally wander the whole property at their own pace, without leaving their own home. Available from $220.
5. Photo Retouching
Just as important as continuing your business operations is maintaining a safe environment for those involved. To more easily observe social distancing, some vendors or agents may wish to supply their own photographs, which can be professionally retouched at less expense. Likewise, properties can be virtually staged to save money and reduce the number of people on site during the marketing process.
6. Off-site Copywriting
As with digital retouching and furnishing, copywriting services may be completed off-site to minimise social contact. Professional copywriters are able to create compelling written content from photos, floorplans and a brief from the agent.
7. Online Auctions
While private treaties may offer more appeal to some vendors in the current market, there’s no need to abandon auction plans entirely – they can instead be moved to a digital platform. Interested bidders and curious onlookers alike can log on and watch or bid from home, and the auction proceeds in real time via live stream. There has already been plenty of interest in online auctions over recent weeks, and some impressive sales results, with motivated vendors keen to embrace the technology.
Despite the social isolation measures in place, technology is proving a powerful way to stay connected. As local circumstances evolve, it’s important to keep in touch with clients and keep them informed. “As long as you need to keep working,” Gal says, “there are innovative ways to do so. These digital tools are ready to go – ready to help fill the void left by the current industry restrictions.”
Get in touch with us today for more information about marketing packages that could keep you on the front foot over the coming months.
*Campaigntrack offers Virtual Tour and Matterport services in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with appointments requiring 90 minutes on-site. Virtual Tours are to be ordered with a floorplan. If a marketing ready floorplan already exists, a call out fee will be charged on top of the VT fee.
