I recently started using the Gmail feature “chat to text”, and believe you would find it useful as well.  When you’re on your computer it’s much easier to type on a full keyboard as opposed to your cell or smart phone text entry.  And if you don’t have “unlimited texts/sms”, then this can help save you money as well.  It works great to send a text message to one of your contact’s cell phone.

You have to tweak a few settings within your gmail account, but it only takes just a few minutes to set up.  The video below will help you get it set up and going. I spent about a half hour or more trying to figure this out, because I was certain you could do it.  It was just a matter of finding the instructions.  Hopefully, this post and video will help save you some time.

Whether you are a Realtor or a Real Estate Investor (REI), if you are serious, then you need your own website.  But just having a website is a waste if you don’t know how to drive traffic to your site.  You can have the most beautifulest website in the whole wide world, but if  you don’t have visitors, then your website got dressed up for nothing.  So, if you want leads, you’ve got to have visitors, because visitors convert to potential leads.

Now that I’ve established “you need visitors”, let’s talk about how to get those visitors.  There are basically two things that Google and other search engines are looking for to help drive traffic to your site.

1. Links
2. Content

We’ll save links for another day, but let’s talk about content.  Content is the reason people would want to visit your website.  Again, if it looks pretty, but there’s nothing worth visiting your site for, then you have all fluff and no stuff.  One of the best ways to add content to your site is to blog.  You can blog about almost anything:  your listings, the real estate industry in general, neighborhoods, things relative to your city, and about any other thing you can come up with.  You can even try your hand at making people laugh about real estate.  One of the best suggestions I have heard is to think about what topics prospects and clients have had questions about.  Because if they have had questions about “Owner Financing”, then I can assure you, that other people have had the same question as well.

There are many different free sites where you can host your blog.  There’s blogger.com, blog.com, and wordpress.com for general purpose (real estate included).  There are real estate specific sites like Active Rain, and Real Town, and then there are hosted web sites which you must pay a monthly fee.

I have found one of the best formats for getting good SEO for web traffic is a self-hosted WordPress site.  ”Self-hosted” means your are paying for the hosting site, and then you can put any type of web page on the site whether it’s WordPress or a custom designed html site.  WordPress is most known as a blog format, but it can be set up as a stand alone website with a blog attached.

WordPress has so much flexibility, and is so easy to use. It can be used by both tech savvy real estate professionals as well as someone who isn’t so savvy.   And  there are many free themes and plug-ins that you can use to customize your site.

We’ve established a few things so far:

1. You need content for search engines to send visitors to your site
2. You should use WordPress as your format for ease of use and customization.
3. You need a “self-hosting” account.

My recommendation to you for hosting is HostGator.  I like HostGator for several reasons.  One, it’s cheap.  They have plans starting at less than $4 per month.  (That’s much cheaper than most of the companies that specialize in real estate sites.  Most of them average around $50 per month.)  Personally, I use the plan that is about $10 per month, because I have lots of different sites for different marketing niches, and this plan allows you to host unlimited domains.

Second, their control panel or “c-panel” is really simple to use.  It takes maybe 5 minutes to add your domain, set up an email address, and install WordPress.

And third, HostGator’s customer service is OUTSTANDING!  You very rarely have to hold long before you are speaking to a customer service rep who is here in the United States.   And their reps are very courteous and go out of their way to help make sure you are satisfied.

So, there’s no need to ask yourself “to blog or not to blog?”   It’s time to blog!  Just do it.  I have easily made over six figures the last few years as a direct result of my WordPress sites.  Set up your account.  You’ll be glad you did.  And I’ll be glad to direct you if you have any questions.

If you have a MAC, and you’ve installed Lion (OS X 10.7), you can now access the Tempo MLS.   Tempo and Lion did not play well to start with, but what’s new, right?!?  Tempo doesn’t play well with anything except stodgy old Internet Explorer and Windows.  However, the IDS Mac client compatibility fix for Apple’s release of OS X Lion 10.7 has now been installed.  So, you can use Tempo MLS on your Mac computer once again whether you have an iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or MacBook.

MAC OS X Lion users will need to do the following to receive the fix:
1. Navigate to http://ids.marketlinx.com/nativemac.html from the default browser on the Mac.
2. ** Install the IDS Links program over top of the current installation (uninstall is not needed first).
3. Launch the IDS icon to access the application.

If you are installing IDS for the first time please follow the instructions here: http://support.triadmls.com/files/pdf/ids.pdf

My Supra eKey recently stopped updating using the USB cradle on my computer.   I found a free an easy fix, so I wanted to share it with you.   Thanks to the Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service who updated their members regarding the update.   The link with the quick and easy instructions is below.

Supra eKey USB Cradle Software Update

Most of us have multiple computers or devices we check email on, and most of us use a standard POP email account.  One problem with POP email you encounter is when you open an email on one machine and then check email on a different device.  The email on the second or additional devices looks unopened.  Same thing with deleting emails.  Just because you delete an email on one doesn’t mean it will be deleted on the others.   It can be annoying and time consuming to go through and open/delete emails on multiple machines.  So, I began looking into ways to sync my emails in order to save a little time and be more productive.

The other choices for email is IMAP or using a web based service like Yahoo or Gmail.  IMAP is good for syncing your email account, but you still have to use an email client like Outlook, Windows Mail, Mac Mail, Thunderbird, etc.  I’ve tried all of the clients listed previously, and I just got tired of having problems with them (mostly with Windows Mail – arrgh!).

Web based clients are great for syncing, but most people use them for personal email.  But I like the web based clients better than an ISP email (like AT&T, Road Runner, etc), because if you change internet service providers, then you have to change your email address.  Using web based email like Gmail, Yahoo, etc for personal email means you will never have to change your email unless you just want a new email address.  I’ve been using Gmail on my personal email every since “gmail invitations” went out, and love all of the functionality it gives you with “Google Docs”, etc.

So, what if you have your own web site, like many Realtors and real estate investors, and you want to be more professional with your email delivery?  An email from your own domain is much more professional than “yourname@gmail.com”.  After doing a little research, I found out you can use Gmail to send email from any other email address or domain.  I’ve been doing this now for about 6 months, and I love it.  Gmail claims you can also import your contacts and emails from another address, but I couldn’t get that to work (I just left my old emails on the my Godaddy web mail account).  The link below will help you set it up.  It takes about 15 minutes.

Sync your email and use Gmail to send email from another address

I bought my first MAC just over a  year ago, because I was tired of Windows shortcomings (crashes, slow, etc).  As a Realtor®, one of the most important aspects of your business is accessing the MLS.  That’s not so simple with a MAC, because most MLS’s require you to use Internet Explorer by Microsoft.  There are several work arounds, but they aren’t very simple.  They involve installing a full version of Windows on your MAC, which can be costly and complicated if you aren’t tech savy.  Well, if you use the CoreLogic MarketLinx Tempo MLS, I finally found another way to logon to the MLS with your MAC, and it’s FREE!  I’ve probably looked on a thousand different websites trying to find it.  The crazy thing it’s actually on the www.tempohelp.com website.  ”Duh, winning!”

I will give you the instructions here, but you should also go to www.tempohelp.com and register on their support site.  Once you’re logged in, click the “Tutorials and Videos” icon.

The way you access the MLS with your MAC is through IDS.

What is IDS?

IDS (Information Delivery System), is a server based solution that allows Mac users to access programs that require running on a Windows computer. Once logged into the IDS application, you will be able to access your MLS Program from an icon specifically for the site that you use every day. All settings are taken care of on the server for the MLS Program that you access.

What are the minimum system requirements?

• An Intel-based or PowerPC-based Macintosh running OS X 10.4 or later
• A high-speed Internet connection.
• IDS is not compatible with the Apple iPad

You will need to go to http://ids.marketlinx.com/nativemac.html to download the application to your computer.  Once you have installed it, the directions will also include a link for your specific MLS to create a short cut for your desktop.

The link below is the pdf that is on the www.tempohelp.com site, but it is specific to my MLS.  Logon to the website and it should direct you to the instructions for your MLS.

How to Access the Tempo MLS on a MAC – Install IDS

I’ve had a chance to use it a few times over the weekend, and it does have some issues.  I had to “force quit’ the application several times, because it would hang up (typical Windows crap!).  So, it’s not perfect, but you can at least logon to the MLS…when it works.

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or call your local MLS tech support.  I’m sure they can help you with the installation as well.  Add your comments below to let others know how it’s working for you.

You may have read my earlier review of Dropbox, and know that I’m a firm believer in the functionality, ease of use, and increased productivity it offers.  I have been using another cloud based sync service called SugarSync.  Both SugarSync and Dropbox allow you to sync files across multiple computers, mobile devices and platforms, which allows you to access those files most anywhere.

I’m using SugarSync in our real estate firm to go paperless.  We scan a contract, and then shred the paper.  The files are backed up in multiple locations, so why keep a paper file?  It allows our brokerage to be more green.

It works basically like a “My Documents” folder.

1. You install the SugarSync free software manager on each computer or mobile device you want to sync files with.
2. Then, you add your files to the “Magic Briefcase” folder.  The next time you turn on your other device, the SugarSync servers will add the file/files by syncing with that device.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy.  SugarSync also allows you to sync multiple folders across multiple systems.  To add folders other than your “Magic Briefcase”, you just open up the software and “add folders”.

What’s even better about SugarSync is that it’s more than twice the storage of the free Dropbox account giving you 5 gigabyte for free (If you sign up for the free account through the following link, you’ll get an additional 500 MB of storage for FREE – Sign up for FREE File Storage with SugarSync).

SugarSync is available on all of the major mobile platforms.

• iPad, iPhone, iTouch
• Android
• Blackberry
• Windows Mobile
• Symbian

You can also access your account from any web browser.  Being able to access your important files while you’re out of the office anytime is priceless to me.  If you have tried Dropbox, I believe you’ll like SugarSync even more.

It’s still amazing to me how facebook has changed the way people connect and how fast and big it has grown.  Social Media is definitely here to stay.  With the increased popularity, facebook accounts are more susceptible to spam attacks and identity theft. However, there is a way to secure your facebook account. Your user name and password are encrypted when you login, but there is an option to make your entire session secure.

The “secure session” is not on by default, so you must turn it on.  To change the security settings, login into facebook, and take the following steps.

1. Select “Account” menu at the top right (as of today, anyway, but as often as facebook changes, who knows how long that will be valid.).
2. Choose “Account Settings” and look for “Account Security”.
3. Click “change” under “Account Security.”
4. Under “Account Security” click the box that says “Secure Browsing” (https:).
5. Click “Save”

Now, your entire facebook session will be encrypted, and you are less likely a victim of identify theft.

QR Codes are becoming quite popular with the increased sales of smart phones.  If you’re wondering “what the heck are QR Codes?”, you’re probably not alone.  QR Codes are basically bar codes.  You can take your smart phone (android, iphone, etc.) and read the QR Code with your mobile phone’s camera.  When you the phone reads the code, it will show a link, text, phone number, or SMS message.

I’m going to cover five things on this post which are all related to using QR Codes for Real Estate Marketing.

1. An App to Manage and Backup ALL of Your Phone’s Apps
2. The Barcode Scanner App to Read QR Codes
3. How to Use QR Codes for Real Estate Marketing
   A.  How to Use QR Codes to Create Your Own Digital Business Card.
   B.   How to Use QR Codes to Market Your Listings.

First of all, I use an app called “AppBrain” to manage all of my apps.  It’s a very handy app with an online interface to backup all of your phone’s apps.  If you’re looking for app reviews, new apps, hot apps, popular apps, etc, you can find them all at AppBrain.com and the mobile app as well.  The link and QR code for AppBrain are below.  (If you can’t read QR Codes on your phone yet, just go to the Android Marketplace on your phone and add the reviewed apps below.)

AppBrain App Market for Android on AppBrain

AppBrain QR Code for Android

Now, let’s talk about how to use QR Codes. The app I use with my Android phone is called “Barcode Scanner”.  The link and QR Code for Barcode Scanner are below.

Barcode Scanner for Android on AppBrain

Barcode Scanner App QR Code for Android

After you install the BarcodeScanner app you will be able to read QR codes.  You touch the app icon and it opens up your phone’s camera with a bar code scanner.  A red line will be visible over the QR Code, and the reader will beep when it has read the code.  The link will then show on your phone, click the link, and waa lah!  You will be taken to the website for which the QR Code was made.

As a real estate professional, how can you use QR Codes for marketing?  I would say the most sensible ways would be to either market yourself or market your listings.  Let’s discuss the digital or virtual business card first.

I think having to enter contact info is so “passe”.  Why not create a QR code to use as a digital business card?  As a real estate professional, you want your contact info in your referral sphere’s or potential prospects phone.   Here are the steps on making your own digital business card.

1. Visit www.dooid.com and set up a free account (they have expanded paid services as well if you’re interested).  This site allows you to set up a virtual business card where you can add all of your contact info, website, social media sites, etc.  It has several nice templates to choose from, and is simple to use.  See a sample of mine at www.dooid.com/tonygreen
2. After you have your dooid profile set up, copy the link, and visit http://qrcode.kaywa.com/.  Paste your profile link into the “content” box and then click “generate”.  You will be given a QR Code to download.  Now you can print this on the back of your business card, add it to your blog, social media sites, or use it in your print media advertising.  Here is my Dooid QR Code.
   

   Real Estate Techie's Virtual Business Card QR Code

The second way I’m using QR Codes is with my listings.  Exit Realty has an excellent marketing service called e-Listings. With e-Listings, each property gets its on single property website, a talking virtual tour, 1-800-xxx-xxxx ext.xxx call capture sign riders, and now QR Codes.   The site is also syndicated to about 15 different websites and blogs including YouTube to get the listing more exposure to sell quickly (Click the following link for more info: Exit Digital Marketing Strategy to Get Homes Sold Fast).  You can use the QR Codes on sign riders, blog posts or in your print advertising.

I’m sure there are other creative ways to use QR Codes for Real Estate.  Do you have any ideas you would like to share?  Or would you like to share an experience you have had using QR codes?  Don’t hesitate to add your comments below.