Small local businesses are flourishing due to increased foot traffic associated with nearby PokeStops and Gyms. Real estate agents have begun to take notice. Get in the game, and attract more leads. Gotta catch ’em all.
You’ve probably already seen blog posts about real estate agents and roommate-seekers using Pokémon Go information in listings. While nobody is promising that proximity to PokeStops or Gyms will sell a property, it does beg the question: are you using this as an opportunity to interact with potential buyers? Why not ride the wave of the most popular phenomenon so far this decade?
PokeFan
As somebody who grew up with Pokémon during it’s first wave in the late 90s, I hold a deep affection for the franchise and it’s games. Obviously, it’s no surprise that I love Pokémon Go, even in its beta phase while full of bugs and server instability. I have enjoyed bonding with friends over a “shared heritage” of Pokémon, and making new friends with folks—young and old—who are getting into it for the first time. Despite the ribbing and mocking from some of my coworkers, I continue to believe in the positives of the game. Now I am fascinated by the effect it is having on the business world.
Pokémon Lures
Regardless of whether it’s a passing fad or a lasting addition to the digital sphere, don’t miss out! Show you are trend savvy and capture more real estate leads. Inman Ambassador Stacie Perrault Staub points out:
“Pokémon Go has the potential to spark innovation
[…] by targeting real estate consumers as a way to spur interaction, facilitate live real estate events like open houses and neighborhood tours, etc.” (Pokémon Go is everywhere – is there a real estate angle)This can apply both to web traffic and to foot traffic. Take the city of Arlington Texas’ approach. Their official website features a blog post listing nearby PokeStops and Gyms (with real life information about historical or local significance, of course!). People searching for the local scoop on Pokémon Go hotspots will find your page in search engines, and while not every intrigued Pokémon fan will be a hot lead, brand awareness will increase for future sales. After all, a visit is a visit! People may even find your article and stay to explore your site and check out your featured listings.
Get Moving
Just found a Charizard on the way to an open house.
A huge aspect of the Pokémon Go movement is encouraging people of all ages to get outside and explore their community. This makes it a natural tie-in to real estate experiences like open houses or neighborhood tours. Why not mention nearby PokeStops or Gyms in open house updates? Lead a walking tour of an area and make sure to include these stops on your itinerary, either for the potential home-buyers or their kids. Either strategy has a high probability of increasing both foot traffic and brand awareness for your business.
Gotta Catch ’em All
Whether you’re a fan or not, there’s no denying that the app is a big step forward in mobile technology. Pokémon Go dominates social media and water cooler talk. If you DO decide to join in on the fun, even if just strictly for business reasons, please make sure to train responsibly. Educate yourself on proper use of terms. (Please don’t be like one broker we found claiming that you can catch “Poke Mans” in the back yard.) Gotta catch ‘em all!
