Modern technology and apps are increasing productivity and functionality in almost every arena. One of the newest connectivity devices is the beacon, for example, even Target is using beacon technology to alert customers about special deals while they’re in the store.
So, what is a beacon?
The beacon is a transmitter that lets someone receive data when they’re in proximity of the beacon. Apple released the iBeacon in its iOS 7 update, which has brought the beacon technology to the forefront. Many stores optimize their customer’s experience by using the push notifications on smartphones to give better service and increase sales.
The beacon accurately pinpoints the user’s location and lets them check in to a conference. A car may use a beacon to send an unlock signal. With GPS signals, it’s about sending location coordinates. Beacons self-identify. The user chooses how to handle the notification within the app itself.
For example, an art museum might use beacon technology. The patron downloads the app from the museum. When they walk through the museum, a beacon identifies when the individual is near a particular piece of art. Through the app, it pulls up information about the exhibit. Beacons can be used to point the user to the next exhibit, making it a private tour of the museum.
Using beacons in the real estate industry
I see the beacon technology assisting realtors in many settings, especially during an open house. When you have many people walking through, it can be difficult to point out details of a property to each one. Serious buyers could download an app and walk through the home that has beacons installed at key locations. Each beacon could provide detailed information about the architecture and specifications in the room. At the end of the presentation through the app, the user could be a given a call-to-action.
The beacon technology would also work well using the for-sale sign. It could send out a signal to potential buyers when they are in the area of the home, providing turn by turn directions to find the location. Once they get to the home, the prospect could receive detailed information about the home to help them understand if it fits their needs before they make an appointment to look through the property.
Consider how you plan on making beacon technology part of your marketing arsenal to save time and reach potential buyers and sellers more effectively.
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Dawn Brotherton is a Sr. Staff Writer at The American Genius with an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Central Oklahoma. She is an experienced business writer with over 10 years of experience in SEO and content creation. Since 2017, she has earned $60K+ in grant writing for a local community center, which assists disadvantaged adults in the area.
