The real estate market has softened considerably since 2008. Realtors are having to cut costs, and one place they cut is advertising. Real estate mobile marketing offers a cost-effective way to advertise properties.

Mobile marketing is defined as communication with a customer via a mobile device. This capability can help realtors recruit and retain more leads. It can provide an advantage over less technologically-savvy competitors. It also allows realtors to serve prospective buyers twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Prospective property buyers use their smart phones for one of two things while searching for properties. First, they send text messages. Second, they browse listings on real estate websites. Therefore, it becomes imperative for realtors to see that they are offering a top-notch digital experience. This especially matters because the younger demographic tends to rely more on mobile devices.

Website listings and print ads can put a realtor in a reactive posture. They have to wait for prospective buyers to find listings and initiate contact. Realtors can be more proactive by promoting with text messages. For example, realtors could send a text message to all or some of their contacts. The text could promote a new property listing. It could also inform clients that an open house is about to begin.

Two new technologies are especially noteworthy. The first is SMS, or Short Message Service. It allows clients to text a keyword to a realtor and, in return, to get property specifics back from the realtor. Realtors no longer have to fill up boxes of flyers at their properties. They also don't have to rely on 800-numbers, which can become very expensive.

The second is called LBS, or Location-Based Services. As a client approaches a listing, the LBS tracks the client's location. It then sends the client an automated text message with property information. Future developments will even allow the LBS to send texts to any individual who approaches a property.

Realtors should also evaluate the quality of their websites. Today's websites need an alternate version for smart phone viewing. Without that interface, the site may be tough to navigate on a smart phone. This is also true of websites with a great deal of Flash content.

Marketing companies can help to update a realtor's technology. Such companies offer SMS, website and content development, and better website visuals, including video. They also perform better search engine optimization for MLS listings. They insure that client listings get a higher ranking on search engines. In addition, they can help realtors get set up in a social media site, like Facebook or Twitter.

There are other options to increase web presence. If a marketing company is unaffordable, realtors can put listings on sites like Trulia or Zillow. Both have high-quality mobile sites that are rich with great features. Simply visit the site, open an account, and upload listings manually.

Real estate mobile marketing can help drive realtors into the twenty-first century. It appeals to today's clients by making realtors available 24/7. It also helps cut costs while helping realtors gain a competitive advantage. In today's market, realtors need every advantage they can get.