Most real estate customers are now online. A 2018 report by the National Association of REALTORS® says 44 percent of homebuyers looked for properties online first. This necessitates a change in marketing strategies for real estate businesses. If you are in this industry, you have to stay on the lookout for the latest tech trends to stay ahead of the pack. Google’sG Suite offers a raft of innovative communication tools among them Google Hangout. This is a must-have communication tool for businesses as it offers online video and chat capability.
This guide delves into the basics of Google Hangout and explores ways you can use this tool for your real estate business.
Google Hangout in Brief
For a long time, Google tried out messaging, voice calling and video calling services as distinct platforms. It was playing catchup to independent software developers who came up with popular products such as Instagram and WhatsApp.
To streamline their digital communication tools, Google in 2013 tied up all messaging, video and voice calling services into one business-grade package and called it Google Hangout. This application offers users chat/text, voice calling, video conferencing, webcasting, mobility (syncing conversations across devices), and a presence (seeing who else is online in your contacts).
The app is now available on Gmail, desktop app, browser plugin, Google+, mobile app, and the Hangouts website. The Hangouts on Air service allows live streaming and video recording during meetings.
Google Hangout for Real Estate
Here are some creative ideas for leveraging Google Hangout in your business.
Team collaboration: You can coordinate with your real estate team on Google Hangout through one-to-one or group chats. It keeps everyone in the loop and guarantees prompt and real-time updates.
Upgrade conference calls: You can now upgrade your conference calls to video from voice using Google+ Video Hangouts. It boosts engagement with your employees or clients.
Leverage webinars: Webinars are now popular, and you can create one for your real estate website and share it through Google+ Hangouts on Air. This feature allows live streaming and you don’t have to pay for a webinar platform.
Client education: Real estate clients want to learn more about the market and you can help them by hosting a Q&A Session on Google Hangout. An informative Q&A session will answer the burning questions prospective buyers or sellers have, and it also builds trust in you as an authority.
Diversify your content: You can interview influencers or your previous clients through video and share the content on your platforms. It can be live or recorded and your clients will love the creativity.
Convenient online meetings: Google Hangouts Meet makes it easier to hold meetings with prospects from across the world.
Improving productivity: If you have several employees, using Google Hangout for communication saves a lot of time. Everyone doesn’t have to attend meetings at the office. Communication is a breeze using the suite of features on this platform. Now that more people will work remotely by 2020, it is time to start using Google Hangout.
New listings: If you have new listings in your market, you can share this information live through Google+ Hangouts on Air. Your audience will love the live interaction with the new listings and this can increase conversions.
Wrapping Up
Google Hangout is a smart way to enhance communication at your real estate office. It eases engagement between you and the team. You will also find it easier to communicate with your clients across the world.
Ben Shepardson is a Realty Biz News Contributing Writer and has a long track record of success in online marketing and web development. While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, he worked doing enterprise-level SEO and started an online business offering web development services to small business customers.
