How Do Text Codes Work?
Text codes or custom text codes work via your BoldTrail smart number.
In BoldTrail, you create a code, and then specify what the reply should be for that code.
When you then publish that code onto advertising such as print marketing or signage, you prompt people to send that code as a text message to your smart number.
In this example, we have a custom code 'red' that can be texted to the number below it.
In the above example, we link our Millions Mapped App link as the response to 'red.'
This corresponds to my message on the sign, that tells people that I have a home search app they can use.
You can also utilize an MLS ID as the response. This will reply with a link to the property:
BoldTrail knows who created which text codes. The phone numbers that text into the smart number with the text code are captured as text leads in BoldTrail, and assigned to whoever created the code.
This kind of tool is perfect for print marketing or marketing in places where it's not possible for someone to tap or click on a link to get to your BoldTrail website to be captured as a lead.
How to Set Up a Default Text Code
Text codes allow you to prompt potential leads to send a text message to your smart number to receive information. Both the word they text and the information they receive will be set up by you, using the text code feature.
To set up your default code, scroll over the Lead Engine tab from the left-hand navigation menu, then click on 'Get Started' under 'Call Capture'.
Your permanently reserved custom code is your name that we call the 'default' code. On this page, you can edit the response if someone texts your name to your smart number. By default, your name is used in some places such as in Craigslist posts.
Find the Custom Text Codes section and click 'Edit' to the right of your default code.
If this is your first time on this page your name/default should be the only code listed.
After clicking the edit button, you can now set your default message. This is the message people will see when they get a reply from your default custom code.
Click on the 'Message' tab to enter your message into the 'Reply' box, and then click 'Save'.
Recommendations
Link to your Millions Mapped page, a home search app that your contacts/leads can use to browse properties on their phone. TIP: Your millions mapped app link is unique to your personal BoldTrail website. You can find more info on Millions Mapped here.
Link to your BoldTrail website, citing your 'mobile office' as you should with your email signature and voicemail.
Example:
"Thanks for texting me! You can download and access my home search app here: red.ecomls.com/app.php "
"Hey! You've reached Red at ecomls.com! If you have any immediate questions ask me here, or visit my mobile office at red.ecomls.com/ "
Please Note - red.ecomls.com/app.php is an example. Do not use it in your message! The same goes for red.ecomls.com. You must find your BoldTrail URL in your main menu and add /app.php to the end of it to link to your Millions Mapped app.
How to Set Up Custom Text Codes
To set up your custom codes, hover over the Lead Engine tab from the left-hand navigation menu, then select 'Call Capture'.
At the top of the list of text codes, click the 'Add New' button on the left-hand side.
There are four steps to creating a code.
1. Enter the code
Your custom text code can be almost any word or alphanumeric phrase. However, you should keep it simple!
Try to avoid numbers as codes. This can get very confusing with some of the automated functions of custom text codes.
Avoid addresses as codes. Addresses are far too long to type in, and they can also cause confusion for the client.
Keep it short! The shorter your code is, the more likely someone is to text it in.
Think of generic codes for sign riders. If you use a generic code like 'house1' for example, you can update the code later. This means that if you are buying a $50 sign, you only have to buy it once. You can re-use it on another home later by editing your code.
The custom codes you create must be unique. They are on a first-come, first-served basis since you share a Smart Number with your Office or Team.
2. Enter an MLS ID or a Message
Choose to do one or the other.
MLS ID:
In the above example, the code is '4rolynhills' and the MLS ID field has the ID of an active listing. The response is automated and shown above. It contains a link, and address, and beds/baths info. The link goes to the personal BoldTrail website/subdomain of the person who created the code.
Message:
The message can be a URL, or it can be a message like you see above. The difference from the MLS ID only is that BoldTrail is not auto-generating the response. It simply delivers exactly what was entered into the message field.\
3. Hashtag
If you would like a hashtag associated with the leads that come in from a custom text code you would add it to this section. It can then be used for filtering contacts or automation like smart campaigns.
4. Smart Number. You might not see this option if you have access to only one smart number. But, if you are a member of multiple Offices or a Team, you might have access to more than one Smart Number. Depending on your marketing strategy, pick the number you want to use.
If at any time you try to create a code that someone else has already created, you will see the following error:
Should you run into this error you will need to modify your code to something that is unique.
Have more questions? Please reach out to Customer Support via the blue chat bubble to the right or by emailing support@insiderealestate.com!