Accelerate Sphere Conversations with Text Replacement

“I believe luck is preparation meeting opportunity. If you hadn’t been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn’t have been lucky.”

— Oprah Winfrey

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! May you all meet a motivated cash buyer at your local pub! 

Texting is one of the few mediums where we can have quality sales conversations at scale. I’m not talking about impersonal mass text blasts. With one simple hack, you can host dozens of personal conversations concurrently. That hack is text replacement. 

Before I share, I’m compelled to point out that TCPA regulations apply to text messaging. Never text a number on any Do Not Call list. In the post-script below, I have a link to our resource page if you need more info. 

During Covid, my wife used this hack to quickly create a ton of lead generation energy for her business. She could send 50+ text messages to her sphere in less than an hour. Over the course of the day, recipients would text or call her back. Done right, it’s a powerful form of reverse-prospecting. Getting the right message to your sphere will make your phone ring (or, in this case, vibrate.)

1. Craft Your Conversation​
The first step is to create your conversation around an offer you feel would be appropriate for your sphere in your local market. The right message or offer is key. Do you have a limited number of tickets to an event? Can you offer something timely that your sphere would like to have?
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Today, many agents are using home value updates as a way to create listing conversations. The conversations might read something like this: “With interest rates rising, a lot of our clients are unsure of the current value of their home. Have interest rates lowered the value or has the scarcity of inventory pushed it higher? The only way to really know is to look at current sales. I’d be happy to research the current value of your home. Just let me know. It’s my job!”
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Craft a conversation that works for you.

2. Create a Text Replacement​
When you type “TY” in a text message your phone will autocorrect it to “thank you.” We’re going to leverage that feature to autofill your entire conversation.

For iPhone Users: Navigate to Settings> General > Keyboard > Text Replacement > then click the plus sign in the upper right corner to create a new text replacement shortcut.

For all the green texters on Android: Navigate to Settings > System > Languages & Input > Advanced > Personal Dictionary > then click the plus sign in the upper right corner to create a new text replacement shortcut.

Copy and paste your conversation from the first step to create your shortcut. I recommend starting with a symbol you’re unlikely to use in normal conversations, like # or <. For this example, you could use “<HV” for the text replacement trigger. Hit save and you’re ready to start lead generating!

3. Personalize & Send to Your Call List​
During your next lead generation block, start working through your call list. When you find the person you want to text in your messaging app, start with a personalizing message like “Hey Ashley!” followed by “<HV.” Your phone will suggest the text replacement. Hit return and the message will autofill. Send it and you’re off to the races.
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Now repeat that process for the rest of your call list. Make it a game to get through the list as fast as possible.
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​4. Follow-up with All the Replies​
Now is the fun part. If you created an interesting offer, your phone should start vibrating/pinging with replies. If they want what you’ve offered, thank them and set expectations for when you’ll deliver. If they don’t, thank them for replying and ask if they have other real estate needs you can help with. You can create a lot of real estate conversations quickly that can lead to direct listing and buying opportunities, referrals, or just positive connections with your sphere.
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The great part about text messages is that most people don’t expect an immediate reply. You can work these conversations between appointments, and you can work dozens at the same time.

One question to ponder in your thinking time: What real estate service offers can I make in this market that my sphere of influence would value highly?

Make an Impact!
Jay Papasan

Co-author of The One Thing & The Millionaire Real Estate Agent ​

PS – Not to be repetitive, but everyone must comply with the TCPA and any other federal, state, or local laws, including for B2B calls and texts. Never call or text a number on any Do Not Call list, and do not use an auto dialer or artificial voice or pre-recorded messages without the proper consent. Contact your attorney to ensure your compliance and visit https://www.kwconnect.com/page/industry-resource/dnc  for more information.