How Housing Associations are Using SMS Messaging
Recently we have been doing a lot of work with UK Housing Associations, so I thought it was time to share with you a little about the type of service they are now using…
Housing Associations of all sizes, share many of the same day to day challenges. They need to keep levels of arrears down whilst maintaining occupancy rates; they need to be mindful of staffing costs whilst being responsive to requests from tenants; and they need to be able to access properties for inspection and maintenance at short notice without getting too many broken appointments.
Many have found that text messaging is the best way to communicate with their tenants, colleagues, workmen and waiting list. Mainly because it’s universal – nearly everyone has a mobile phone; it’s instant – messages are delivered in 10 seconds or less; and it’s reacted to by most people, more so than letters, emails or phone calls.
So they are texting their waiting lists with details of newly available properties; inviting prospects to open days, viewings and other events; and sending SMS reminders for rent arrears, appointments for visits as well as general news broadcasts.
It’s working the other way too – tenants are texting in problems with the property, issues with other tenants and even just general queries that are then routed to the right person avoiding clogging up switchboards.
As it has been so popular, we have developed our HousingText service specifically for housing associations, for more information click here, grab us on live chat or give us a call on 0800 954 5305. We’ll share with you what we have learned from working with many other housing associations and help you implement these new techniques quickly, painlessly and affordably. You can also sign up yourself for a free account with some free credits to test it all out.
Related Articles
Love Him or Hate Him, You Can Learn from Trump’s SMS Fundraising Campaigns (Part 1)
There’s a lot to learn from the contentious US election. Don’t worry, this isn’t about politics. It’s about learning from Trump’s SMS fundraising efforts in the context good SMS marketing. So, whether you hate him, love him, or don’t care it doesn’t matter. Read the blog how successful SMS fundraising campaigns can work.
Estate Agents: Sell More Properties with SMS Marketing
If you're an estate agent who isn't using SMS to increase their database of buyers and sellers, then you're an estate agent who isn't maximising their clients' phone numbers. A mobile number is something your purchasers and sellers are quite happy to share with you, and this voluntary opt-in can be invaluable when it comes to getting an edge in a competitive market. Using this information, you can create effective and affordable marketing campaigns, whether you’re alerting your clients to a change of price or promoting a particular property.
How Online Text Messaging Can Benefit Youth and Community Groups
Most youth and community groups are volunteer-led, and either charitably funded or run on donations, so communications need not only to be effective, but they also have to be easy, and quick for volunteers to use, and low cost. That's where SMS comes in...
Out-Of-The-Box Thinking in SMS Marketing
Do you know what your customer’s want? Would you ever offer something other than coupons, discounts, or other deals in your SMS marketing? At least one company is giving it a try, and differentiating themselves from the competition. Read the blog for details.
How to Increase Website Traffic with SMS Messaging
Read some practical advice on how you can use SMS messaging to drive more traffic to your website. Include a shortened url in your SMS marketing message that sends the recipient to a special offers page or a how-to video or even a top-up page for consumables. But make sure the page is mobile friendly.
SMS Marketing for Your Takeaway Food Business
SMS marketing is one of the best and most versatile marketing methods you can use for your business. In the fast food and takeaway industry, using business text messaging is a great way to get right to your customers at the most important times. Hundreds of food delivery businesses are already using an SMS provider in the UK to target their key audience in a specific geographical area and, more importantly, increase sales in quiet periods.
Santa Paws – Festive SMS Marketing Ideas for Dog Grooming Parlours
One Dentist Eliminated No-Shows with SMS Appointment Reminders
No-shows are a serious issue in dental offices. Some surveys estimate they account for as much as 10% of appointments, resulting in thousands of pounds lost each year. Many practices send reminders via post or email, but simple appointment reminders aren't always that effective. Not only is there a loss of revenue, but other negative side effects as well.
How Housing Associations are Using SMS Messaging
Public Sector – SMS Services to Inform and Alert
Unlike many other forms of mass communication - particularly printed letters to constituents - SMS offers opportunities to personalise messages, making recipients feel that their attention and response really counts for something. It can also inspire far more responses and gather data in an extremely efficient way, increasing participation by the public.