The rate of technological progress can be a daunting topic to consider for those who are not already embracing the constant innovation. This can be especially true of many real estate agents who continue to rely on the age-old practices that have served them so well in the past. However, the industry is currently experiencing a strong shift towards more digital processes as more real estate-related tools develop.

With more agencies embracing technology, it is becoming more important for those that haven’t gone digital to make the move and keep up with competitors. Here are five ways that realtors can turn technology into a valuable tool for driving sales.

Build up a Web Presence

Considering how much we rely on the internet in our daily lives, the need to build up a strong web presence cannot be overstated. Thanks to dedicated platforms for building real estate websites, there is no need to learn to code yourself or pay expensive designers. Online services like WebsiteBox provide customizable real estate templates that are simple to implement and come with full support for the services that matter to realtors. These supports include built-in IDX and listings search, with backend services like an integrated CRM (Client Relationship Management) tool and analytics tracking. This service also includes responsive mobile and tablet versions, ensuring your customers can find you on the go.

Use Data to Improve Sales Communications

The information that gets collected by analytics tracking on your website should be a valuable asset to drive better engagement with your customers. The fine-grained details that analytics expose may seem daunting at first glance, but can be put to use to refine sales communications. For example, an integrated CRM system makes it is possible to find out what listings a particular client has viewed on the site. The details of these listings, such as neighborhood, property type, and price points, can be leveraged in your communication to suggest properties that match these criteria. These targeted suggestions mean clients are shown properties that they are more likely to be interested in, increasing the likelihood of making the sale.

Expand to Cater for International Buyers

U.S. real estate is currently experiencing high demand from International buyers, and these types of clients are becoming increasingly important to sales growth. This trend aligns perfectly with the fact that digital media consumption over mobile overtook desktop in 2014 (study), opening new opportunities from your agency’s mobile app. Innovative companies like Agora.io allow you to add a simple click-to-call button to your applications that facilitates live voice and video – directly within your apps and websites. The company’s end-to-end virtual network architecture means real-time communications remains crisp and clear, even when talking across countries and switching between challenging networks, such as 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi. This capability allows you to discuss and show off listings to international buyers in real-time, anywhere in the world, opening lucrative new revenue streams.

Embrace Virtual Video Meetings

Live video communications has domestic uses as well, with more agents engaging in virtual meetings to discuss the needs of customers who may be unable to meet in person, such as relocation clients. And since you may be at a property and your customers may be anywhere, the quality of mobile voice and video experiences is key. By ensuring a consistent quality of use for mobile real-time communications, technologies like Agora.io allow you to conduct video meetings with prospective clients over 3G or 4G inside the properties you wish to showcase without worrying about a working Wi-Fi connection.

Go Paperless

The growing emphasis on being environmentally conscious means that a relatively minor shift to paperless processing can put you in good stead with customers, which is always a good thing. However, the real benefits are felt in internal efficiency. Digital solutions are now able to account for almost every business interaction, from communications and transaction management, even down to capturing digital signatures with services like DocuSign. Embracing these solutions streamlines administrative workflows and improves efficiency, allowing agents to dedicate their efforts to sales.