- Consumers now search for homes on mobile devices more often than on desktops. Agents need to invest in real estate technology built for on-the-go shoppers.
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Wovax is an app-to-Web marketing platform for real estate agents designed to strengthen SEO, branding and lead generation.
Platform(s): Browser-based for WordPress sites; app for iOS and Android
Ideal for: Agents or brokerages seeking to bolster their Web and mobile marketing efforts
Top selling points
- Turns IDX feeds into local Web pages
- Powerful companion home search app
- Rapidly increases volume and quality of website content
Things to consider
The value of all agent apps decreases significantly after a client has closed on a home. Wovax allows for custom push notifications, but agents need to remain diligent and provide reason for the user to engage.
Full review
This is really unique software.
A Wovax account provides users with a WordPress bolt-on that turns IDX listings results into individual Web pages.
Search results on standard IDX lookups aren’t indexed on the source site and displayed images are hosted elsewhere. In comparison, Wovax’s programming turns a local MLS into a user’s personal real estate search hub.
Agents will likely see this approach do a much better job of holding the search attention of home shoppers than the common, clunky market search interface provided by local boards.
The Wovax functionality pulls and formats property data and images to ensure visual consistency. The MLS number and a local board logo is also prevalent, as is a contact form.
Wovax’s websites are modern and engaging and allow for customers to manage content through WordPress. Wovax’s design team creates the initial layout and sets up its tools.
Content upkeep and listing management is up to the user.
I find the real value to be in the Wovax app, which is highly customizable from within the WordPress dashboard and can be promoted from any page within your site or on any form of marketing outreach.
Agents can choose to include a number of pages and content in the app on top of the local property search. It can be in-depth or only about listings.
A blog, “About Us” pages, community information and a host of other materials can be accessed via the app, if desired.
I envision this serving nicely as a mobile marketing solution for agents competing for new buyers.
As buyers peruse the market without an agent longer than in years past, the Wovax app gives you a great way to stay in front of the home search without having to monitor their every move until they’re ready to sign.
I envision this serving nicely as a mobile marketing solution for agents competing for new buyers.
Agents who advertise on Zillow or Realtor.com can use the app as an additional lead capture tactic by linking directly to Apple’s iTunes store or Google Play from their display ad. The same goes for customers of AdWerx or Reach150.
After a download, the app enables users to send a series of automated or custom push notifications. New listings, local events, new blog posts, property matches and the like are all effective subject areas to cover.
Users can track downloads by device and change app color schemes and button configuration, including menus and titles.
I’m never confident that an agent’s app will stick around on a customer’s screen long after closing.
However, if you use Wovax’s push notifications smartly enough, you may have a good chance of hanging on to that block of mobile real estate longer than most.
I suggest sending monthly notes about local activities, special events or discounts of some kind. No one cares about market inventory two months after moving in.
Wovax is offering agents an easy, affordable way to capture mobile-savvy home shoppers. When coupled with a listing-rich website, it becomes an effective end-to-end lead generation strategy.
Have a technology product you would like to discuss? Email Craig Rowe.
