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Safeguarding Client Information With Data Security in Mortgage CRMs

Your clients trust you with their most sensitive financial data. Choose a mortgage CRM that protects them. Data security in mortgage CRMs requires technical solutions. Here’s how a CRM platform can protect you and your clients.

Unique Usernames and Passwords

A unique username and password protect every user account. This means no one can access your account without you knowing about it. Even the system administrator cannot access your account without your consent.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection. Users must enter at least two different sets of login credentials. Common examples include email and phone number. This simple strategy protects your system from access by unauthorized users.

CRM Audit Logs

Audit logs equip you to track user activity. Activating audit logs will alert you to suspicious or unauthorized access. In the event of a security breach, audit logs provide data to aid forensic analysis.

data security

Real-Time Alerts

Many systems include real-time monitoring. If your CRM platform detects suspicious activity, it will notify you immediately. Real-time visibility gives you and your team total control over who’s accessing your data. This lets you identify threats in real-time to stop them at their source.

Impose IP Restrictions

Did you know you can restrict which computers can access your CRM? IP address restrictions limit who can access your cloud-based CRM platform. As a result, you’ll prevent unauthorized users from accessing your system. Such restrictions add a definitive layer of data security in mortgage CRMs.

Certified Cloud Servers

Look for CRM platforms that use certified hosting providers. Common certifications include:

  • SOC1 and SOC2
  • ISO 27001
  • HIPAA Compliance
  • PCI Level 1 Service Provider Certified
  • SSAE16 Certified
  • Tier III Standards Compliant

Why does this matter? Certification shows that a leading third-party authority trusts the CRM system.

Firewalls and Network Security

Firewalls regulate traffic to and from your network. Mortgage CRM providers use the latest firewalls to protect your data. Network security features can filter out malicious threats and also identify irregularities. As a result, your provider is better equipped to stop attacks before they even begin.

Session Cookies Dynamic Data

The best mortgage CRM providers rely on something called “session cookies.” These cookies only record authentication data for each session. They do not store user data beyond this session. Instead, top providers rely on dynamic data unique to each session. Such measures prevent personal credentials from falling into the wrong hands.

ssl security

SSL Technology

CRM providers can use secure socket layer (SSL) technology. This technology ensures data is encrypted when using common browsers. As a result, your data is safe, secure, and only accessible to registered users.

A Simple Solution for Data Security in Mortgage CRMs

Your mortgage CRM should centralize your client data but also keep it safe. Data breaches are bad for your client and can damage your public reputation. The BNTouch platform offers innovative solutions for mortgage lenders. It also ensures the highest standards of digital security. 

Discover these features for yourself. Contact BNTouch to schedule a demo and learn more about how a CRM can enhance your practice.

To learn more or schedule a demo, contact BNTouch today.

Request a free demo

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Jason April 19, 2024 0 Comments

Digital Document Management: A Game-Changer for Lending Efficiency

As a lender, you use a lot of documents. Some are official ones, such as loan applications and related forms. Others are more general, such as fliers or advertisements. As your business grows, so will your need for a digital document management solution. Here’s how the right solution can improve your efficiency.

What Is Digital Document Management?

Digital document management does two things. First, it stores your documents in a secure, centralized location. Second, this library keeps your documents organized for easy retrieval. Both processes will keep you better organized and efficient. They will also allow you to easily share content with clients or team members.

How Does Digital Document Management Improve Efficiency?

A digital management solution can improve your business efficiency. How? Keeping things organized will make you better equipped to serve your clients. Your most important forms will be available at your fingertips. 

And by using a cloud-based system, you’ll have access to your library from anywhere in the world. Borrowers will notice the difference. In particular, they’ll enjoy lightning-fast speeds throughout the lending process.

CRM concept design. Flat icons of accounting system, clients, support, deal. Organization of data on work with clients, Customer Relationship Management. Vector elements.

What Can You Do With a Digital Document Management System?

What features can you expect from a digital document management system? Your mortgage CRM will allow you to complete tasks such as the following.

Download and Print Mortgage Documents

Anyone on your team can download and print mortgage documents. Storing these forms in a library ensures uniformity across your practice. The digital library also gives your team members easy access to important documents.

Upload Document Templates

Keep your documents consistent. Templates will ensure that your team is using the latest or most accurate version of your most important forms. You can upload a template and allow users to download and print it from their devices.

Share Fliers

A mortgage CRM enables you to share important information with your team. For instance, you can use your library to share things like promotional fliers. You can upload these to your docs library so everyone in your practice has access.

Attach Docs in Email Blasts

You can send documents via email. Top-quality mortgage CRMs let you upload documents straight from your library. You can search your database or browse for specific forms. This ensures that clients receive information, fliers, and more via email.

Personalize Your Documents

Document libraries create uniformity. But you can also use your library to customize your documents and tailor your content for each client through meta-tags. For example, you can tag your docs with your client name to personalize them. The result is an approach that’s tailored specifically to the needs of your valued clients.

robot with mortgage crm tools in computer screen behind him

Get More From a Mortgage CRM

Digital document management is just one feature of a mortgage CRM. What else can you do? CRM systems provide tools for marketing, collaboration, and lead generation. Get more done with a centralized system. BNTouch can provide everything you need to thrive in a competitive landscape. Contact us today to schedule a demo and discover how these features can streamline your operations.

To learn more or schedule a demo, contact BNTouch today.

Request a free demo

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Jason April 12, 2024 0 Comments

Mobile Mortgage CRM: Empowering Lenders On the Go

Clients expect their lenders to be available 24/7. Now, you can be. Mobile mortgage CRM solutions offer cloud-based technology, so you can be “on” even when you’re on the go. Enjoy the following features from anywhere in the world and deliver a whole new level of responsiveness to your clients.

Live Chat

Does your website feature a live chat window? A mobile mortgage CRM solution can keep you in touch with clients at any time of the day. When a user submits a question through the live chat, you and your team will receive an alert. 

Converse with users in real time and deliver the answers they need. Users who receive fast replies may be more likely to commit to applying for your services. By using a mobile application, you can stay connected from anywhere you’re working.

Online Portals

Mobile mortgage CRM technology gives you, your clients, and partners direct access through an online portal. Clients can use this portal to submit forms, ask questions, and track their progress. 

Your partners can use a separate portal to communicate or drop new contacts into your lead pipeline. You and your team can also gather information and stay in touch with clients while you’re away from your desk.

Marketing automation concept. Idea of technology and business strategy. Modern digital development. Flat vector illustration

Automation

Automation empowers you to conduct business without lifting a finger. Automated CRM tools will send emails and run social media campaigns with little to no direct involvement. 

Your clients will receive personalized messages and more automated communications. These features let you stay in touch on the go, as well as focus on other core areas of your lending practice.

Collaboration Tools

Mobile mortgage CRM systems help your teams work together. A centralized dashboard will make it easy for team members to collaborate. Documents and data will be stored in one single location. You and your employees can stay in touch using messenger tools and task management features. 

These features make it easy to stay in contact with your team and can also be valuable tools for remote/hybrid workplaces.

E-Signatures

Make things easier for your clients — and yourself — with e-signatures. This technology allows you to send important documents over email. Clients can sign these forms electronically through your mortgage CRM system. E-signatures make the process smooth and efficient, avoiding the need for a time-consuming office visit. 

Even if something goes wrong, you can request additional information or correct forms through the online portal.

security

Advanced Security

Are you worried about web-based CRM systems? The latest technology can keep your data secure. Session-specific cookies ensure user access data is never stored, and network security features limit access to only authorized users. You’ll enjoy the benefits of a mobile platform while remaining confident about your data security.

Discover a Mobile Mortgage CRM

BNTouch offers an innovative CRM solution for today’s busy mortgage lenders. These cloud-based features can maximize your productivity and deliver greater client satisfaction. Want to see these features for yourself? Contact BNTouch today to schedule a demo.

To learn more or schedule a demo, contact BNTouch today.

Request a free demo

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Jason April 5, 2024 0 Comments

How to Master Lending in the Digital Age: A Deep Dive Into Tech-Infused Solutions

To thrive in a competitive landscape, mortgage lenders are investing in new technology. Lending in the digital age demands agility and precision. The best tools should enhance your client relationships. Here’s how lenders can leverage technology to master lending in today’s digital landscape.

Preliminaries to Lending in the Digital Age

How can you get the most out of technology? Simple. Make sure to align your technical solutions with your business goals. Lenders should think through their business model in several key ways.

Set a Goal

Before you leverage technology, you must define your goal. Your objectives might include:

  • Developing a marketing strategy
  • Connecting to more client leads
  • Streamlining your screening process
  • Automating client communication
  • Networking with other professionals

Defining your goals will ensure that you invest in the right technology. Consider using a mortgage CRM for the greatest efficiency if you have many goals.

Define Your Niche

Want to stand out from the crowd? Carve out a niche in the lending industry. Some lenders might consider such avenues as:

  • First-time buyer programs
  • Refinancing options
  • Alternative lending options

Creating a niche will distinguish you from other lenders. It may also help you better connect with unique markets, which can help your business thrive.

Create a Budget

Lenders should also make sure to set a budget for technology and marketing. Setting a clear budget will help you narrow down the tools that will be most helpful for your practice. Your budget can also help you measure your ROI, which will be useful in future strategic decisions.

Lead Gen

Marketing and Lead Generation

Lending in the digital age starts by getting noticed. An advanced marketing platform can help you improve brand awareness and generate quality client leads. Here are some priorities that lenders can set for their marketing plans.

Modernize Your Web Content

Do you currently have a web page for your lending practice? If so, when was the last time you updated it? It’s important that your web content be clean and modern. For that matter, make sure you optimize your content to look good on any device, including mobile.

How easy is your website to navigate? Your lending pages should place your most important information within easy reach. Additionally, your navigation menu should be intuitive and uncluttered.

If you’re not sure whether your website is as you need it, ask for an outside opinion. Resources like a mortgage CRM can provide website templates and more to build a quality website.

Optimize for Search Engines

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the art of getting noticed online. The goal is to get your website to rank higher when potential customers search for specific keywords. Keywords like “first-time mortgage options” or “refinancing support” can boost your visibility.

Don’t forget to use location-specific keywords. Phrases like “mortgage lenders near Cincinnati” (or any other location) will help you connect with local traffic.

Use Chatbots to Provide Fast Answers

Mortgage customers may come to your website looking for answers. An online chatbot can provide them with lightning speed. Some platforms use AI-powered chatbots. Others alert your team to customer inquiries for live interaction.

You can use these chat features to provide instant answers. Doing so will help you establish yourself as an authority. Visitors who gain information from your lending practice may be more willing to commit to your company for their final loan.

Stay Active on Social Media

Building a social media following can help you connect with new leads. At the very least, your social media page will allow you to build your brand online. Sharing web content about lending will also give you an authoritative voice and increase your visibility from “likes” and “shares.”

Many mortgage CRM platforms offer pre-built social media templates. It’s easier than ever before to engage potential clients online.

Generate Leads With a Partner Portal

Don’t just rely on digital marketing. Networking with other real estate professionals can help you generate quality local leads.

Today’s best CRM platforms offer a “partner portal.” This online gateway lets your professional contacts drop leads directly into your lead pipeline. You can follow up through automated emails or direct customer contact.

Customer Relationship

Customer Relations

Relationships will always be the cornerstone of a mortgage practice, even when lending in the digital age. But that doesn’t mean technology can’t help you nurture strong relationships. Here’s how you can build better connections with your leads and clients.

Automate Email for Better Communication

Email provides a convenient touch point for new leads. Marketing software and CRM platforms can send automated emails unique to your customer segments. For instance, you can send new leads an introductory email explaining your services. Later, you can send follow-up emails that go into more detail about the lending process.

Automated emails also help customers throughout the lending experience. You can send emails to let customers know they’ve completed an important phase so they can track their progress.

Provide a Customer Portal

Lenders can provide their customers with an online portal. Customers can submit forms and track their progress online. That’s a plus for busy clients. With an online portal, there’s less need for an in-person office visit. And if there are snags in the borrowing process, it’s easier to address issues and upload the appropriate documentation.

Web-based portals also make it easy for lenders to interact with clients on the go. A mobile app means you’re never out of reach for your clients, which yields stronger relationships.

Consider Accepting E-Signatures

Your clients are looking for the smoothest experience possible. Accepting electronic signatures eliminates the need for a time-consuming office visit. Docs can be sent directly to your clients, who can complete the form right in the client portal.

With the right platform, lenders can upload documents, and clients can sign within minutes. The result? A frictionless experience for you and the borrower.

mortgage crm, mortgage marketing

Credit Management

Lenders play a role in evaluating the creditworthiness of potential borrowers. Technology facilitates this. Lending in the digital age involves leveraging tools to quickly screen and evaluate potential borrowers.

Streamline the Screening Process

Digital tools make it easier to assess the creditworthiness of your clients. Advanced algorithms empower you to perform rapid credit checks and assess your borrowers’ financial situation. As a result, you’ll see greater accuracy and rapid turnaround time.

Borrowers will appreciate faster approvals and tailored lending decisions. Once you learn more about your clients’ financial situations, you can present solutions that fit their needs.

Consider Alternative Credit Histories

Not all clients have the same financial history. For instance, small business owners may lack traditional tax forms or pay stubs. Technology allows you to consider alternative credit histories. You can look at loan repayments, income data, or bank account information.

Armed with this information, you can serve a wider base of clients. You might even position yourself as offering non-traditional lending solutions. That way, you’ll attract more referrals and carve out a niche in a competitive market.

Keep Data Secure

Don’t leave yourself open to a data breach. Choose a mortgage platform that offers maximum protection for your clients’ most sensitive data. A data breach won’t just cost you money — it can damage your public reputation as well.

Some new solutions even use blockchain technology. This improves security and provides total transparency throughout the process. Other platforms provide security features to protect borrower data and keep transactions secure.

loan pipeline management software illistration of man in front of computerscrren with a pipe abstract

Practice Management

Lenders also use technology to manage their business. Here are some ways you can leverage technology to improve your operations.

Collaborate With Team Members

Work smarter, not harder. Technology provides the tools your team needs to thrive.

Chat features make it easier for teams to coordinate. And task management tools help your employees keep track of projects and work together to provide solutions for your clients. Web-based tools help your teams stay together even when working remotely.

Centralize Your Operations

Mortgage CRM platforms can centralize your operations. Your team can find client emails, important docs, and more resources all in one convenient place. Team members gain access to the most important information. And online records will prevent duplicate emails or other mistakes.

Conduct Surveys and Gather Reviews

Get feedback from clients. Today’s tools allow you to conduct surveys or request reviews. These reviews will help you sharpen your focus in the future. Testimonials will also provide you with material you can use in future marketing campaigns.

mortgage approval process

Mortgage CRM: Lending in the Digital Age

Lending in the digital age isn’t just about having the right tools. It’s also about how you use them. Lenders thrive when they use a mortgage CRM platform. The BNTouch platform offers features that address all of the above considerations and more.

By using a mortgage CRM, you and your team can experience greater efficiency. Your clients will also appreciate the speed and convenience you offer. Just as importantly, marketing tools will equip you to effortlessly scale your business.

Want to try out these features for yourself? Contact BNTouch to schedule a demo. Discover how technology can transform your business.

To learn more or schedule a demo, contact BNTouch today.

Request a free demo

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Jason March 29, 2024 0 Comments

The Latest and Greatest Marketing Ideas for Mortgage Loan Officers

Are you tired of the same old marketing strategies? Liven up your plan with the following fresh marketing ideas for mortgage loan officers. These strategies can help you find and nurture leads to grow your business.

Create Local Landing Pages

The first step is getting your website set up. After that, you need to take it to the next level. Creating local landing pages will allow you to reach customers right where you’re at. 

For instance, consider creating a landing page for your unique city. And if you serve customers in surrounding cities, you might create landing pages for each location. That way, each time someone searches for “loan programs in [your city],” you’ll have a better chance of dominating the search results.

lead magnet

Promote a Lead Magnet

If you want to capture more customer data, you’ll need to offer them something in return. A lead magnet is a special offer or product that you give away in exchange for your website visitors’ contact information. 

What is an ideal lead magnet? It could be anything from access to exclusive videos or web content to a discount on an upcoming seminar. An e-book can also be a great lead magnet. Create something like “A Guide to Buying Your First Home” that will help make visitors eager to sign up.

 

Segment Your Customer Emails

Don’t get stuck in a one-size-fits-all approach to email marketing. Instead, adapt your marketing efforts to your customer segments. When you first receive a person’s contact details, you might send an introductory email offering to answer additional questions. 

Then, when customers move further along your pipeline, you can send emails that contain more information. You can even send follow-up emails to past clients to aid in customer referrals. The goal is to tailor each point of contact to the needs of every customer segment.

Seek Out Community Partners

One of the most overlooked marketing ideas for mortgage loan officers is to get help from others. Real estate agents and local lawyers can make great partners. You can work together to host local events or share customer leads digitally. The best mortgage CRMs will offer a portal that allows your partners to drop customer leads into your pipeline from anywhere in the world.

Video, Video, Video

A picture is worth 1,000 words. Augment your content with videos that explain your services or certain features of the lending process. Videos can be more engaging, especially for younger borrowers who will appreciate the personalized touch.

Again, a mortgage CRM can help you get started. Choose from premade video content. Then, give it a personalized touch. You can share your finished content via email or your social media channels. You might even embed it in your landing pages.

Mortgage CRMs and Marketing Ideas for Mortgage Loan Officers

A mortgage CRM lets you adapt your marketing plan quickly and easily. The BNTouch platform offers templates for blogs and social media posts, as well as tools to connect with customers and community partners. Do you want to see it for yourself? Contact BNTouch today to schedule a demo.

To learn more or schedule a demo, contact BNTouch today.

Request a free demo

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Jason March 27, 2024 0 Comments

Secrets of Social Media Marketing for Mortgage Loan Officers

Social media has become today’s marketplace. If you want to share your product or idea, you’ll do so through one of the major social media channels. Loan officers can leverage social media to gain new leads. Here are some tips on social media marketing for mortgage loan officers.

Focus on the Right Platform

How many social media channels are there? A lot. It may be tempting to establish a presence on all of them. But that’s just a recipe for confusion.

Instead, try to focus on one to three channels that are relevant to your core audience. Facebook is a great catch-all, though Instagram can be an effective way to reach millennial moms. The point is to focus your energies on a platform that makes sense for your audience and that you can easily manage.

Share Great Content

Social media marketing for mortgage loan officers is primarily about educating your target market. Focus on developing and sharing solid content such as blog posts and videos.

Platforms like Facebook also let you promote certain posts. If you want to reach a wider demographic, consider boosting a post to get more eyes on your content. But don’t forget to have a clear, compelling call to action to capture customer data.

paid social media with business man in suit inside phone with outer men standing next to him

Show, Don’t Just Tell

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. That’s 100% true when it comes to social media marketing. When you share content, use colorful images to capture the attention of social media viewers.

The same applies to sharing data. Create compelling infographics to arrange your data into a story. A quality customer relationship management (CRM) platform can provide you with the tools you need to create and share interesting images and infographics.

Stay Engaged

It’s tempting to just park your content on social media and wait for the “likes” to roll in. But the best social media marketers take time to engage their core audience. Respond quickly to comments and questions. Doing so may help you build an initial connection with social media users, which can become a client relationship in the future.

Better yet, use social media to ask questions of your followers. Think of things like: “What kinds of things are you looking for in a first-time buying experience?” This will give you great feedback for future marketing and also let you build relationships with social media followers.

 

Planning and scheduling flat composition with people making cross marks in calendar computer windows and lamp with a content calendar vector illustration

Automate Your Social Media Calendar

Keeping up with social media is a full-time job unto itself. Don’t get caught up in the juggling routine. Instead, use technology to your advantage. You can automate your social media posts, creating a social media calendar that will help you strategically deliver great content to your core audience.

Many mortgage CRMs offer templates and other tools to get you started. The more you can streamline your marketing content, the more you can focus on connecting with followers and building relationships.

Let a Mortgage CRM Help With Social Media Marketing for Mortgage Loan Officers

A mortgage CRM can help you with marketing and much, much more. The BNTouch platform provides a comprehensive set of tools for managing your practice, including your marketing and social media calendar. Contact us today to schedule a demo.

To learn more or schedule a demo, contact BNTouch today.

Request a free demo

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Jason March 15, 2024 0 Comments

Generate Mortgage Leads Online Without Blowing Your Budget

Every mortgage professional knows the challenge and demand of generating leads. Some of your best and most affordable marketing tools are found online. The best strategies both capture customer data and nurture relationships for better engagement. Here’s how to generate mortgage leads online.

Leverage Local SEO

What’s your current SEO strategy? Search engine optimization (SEO) is the art of sprinkling in keywords to boost your ranking on today’s top search engines. For instance, you might already use “mortgage broker” or “lending service.” But you’ll connect to even more leads with a local SEO strategy.

For example, consider keywords like “mortgage broker in [your city].” You might even include your city in the URL of your landing pages. The point is to gain quality leads by attracting local home buyers to your website.

Improving local SEO is crucial for businesses aiming to enhance their visibility in local search results, attracting nearby customers effectively and to generate mortgage leads.

Leveraging specialized tools can significantly streamline the optimization process. Google My Business (GMB) is fundamental, allowing businesses to manage information and engage with reviews.

Yoast Local SEO, particularly beneficial for WordPress users, aids in optimizing website content for local searches. Tools like Moz Local and BrightLocal focus on maintaining accurate business listings across various directories, ensuring consistency and reliability.

Platforms such as SEMrush and Ahrefs offer broader SEO insights, including local keyword research and competitor analysis. Specific tools like Whitespark and Synup concentrate on citation building, local rank tracking, and managing online business information.

Staying attentive to local SEO best practices with the aid of these tools helps businesses establish a strong online presence in their local communities, attracting and retaining customers effectively.

Content Creative Technology Planning

Create Compelling Content

If you want to know how to generate mortgage leads online, content is king. Your website visitors and social media followers may have questions about the lending process. You have the opportunity to educate them.

Blog posts, videos, and infographics make great tools to inform people about your business. You can share this content on your social channels to generate more likes, shares, and engagements.

Have a Clear CTA

Every blog post and web page should have a clear “call to action” (CTA). For example, you might prompt visitors to contact you for more information or to subscribe to your newsletter.

The point is to direct viewers to take the next step in their journey. Ideally, your CTA should capture customer data. Otherwise visitors simply leave without providing an opportunity to connect further.

Create a Lead Magnet

One way to gain leads is through a “lead magnet.” This is a specific “item” that you give away in exchange for contact information.

E-books are a common lead magnet. You might write a guide for first-time home buyers and offer it through your website. This will help you gain more contact information and connect with potential buyers in your area.

AI Mortgage machine learning

Use a Chat Feature

Website visitors are looking for information. Why not make it easy for them? A web-based chat feature can provide automated responses to common questions. And chances are that if you can provide clear answers, the customer might just stick around for the rest of the mortgage process.

Some chat features are fully automated, meaning you never have to lift a finger. Chat programs can also harvest customer data to follow up later in the process.

Mortgage Loan Officer Advertising

Customized Email Marketing

Think of your marketing plan as one big funnel. You should be focusing on specific content for each phase of the customer’s journey through that funnel. Email marketing can help. You can design and send emails that anticipate customer questions and keep them engaged in the lending process.

A customer relationship management (CRM) system can help. The best CRM platforms offer prebuilt templates to help you send informative emails and nurture leads through the entire customer journey.

How to Generate Mortgage Leads Online With a CRM

The right CRM platform is key. BNTouch offers marketing  for mortgage loan officers content and other features for nurturing strong leads. With these tools, you can convert more leads into satisfied customers. Contact BNTouch today to schedule a demo.

 

To learn more or schedule a demo, contact BNTouch today.

Request a free demo

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Jason February 29, 2024 0 Comments

The Ultimate 2024 Guide to Marketing for Mortgage Loan Officers

Are you looking to capture leads and grow your business in 2024? If so, you’ll need the right marketing plan. The following tips on marketing for mortgage loan officers can set you on the right course and help you build strong customer relationships.

Before You Begin

Before you invest a single minute in developing a marketing plan, take some time to get organized. Here are a few preliminary tips to help you start off on the right foot.

Set SMART Goals

First, set a clear goal for your marketing efforts. Business experts recommend that you set SMART goals. In other words, your goals should be:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Attainable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

For example, you might seek to capture 100 new first-time leads by August 2024. This is a specific, measurable goal. These sorts of aims can make it easier to track the performance of your marketing strategy and reevaluate as needed.

Other common goals might be to:

  • Nurture existing leads to promote engagement
  • Educate online visitors and social media followers on the loan process
  • Connect to more local buyers

You can measure these goals by reviewing website performance or the number of contacts you receive. The point is to define your goals clearly so you know exactly what success will look like.

Set a Budget

You don’t need to spend an arm or a leg on your marketing goals. The U.S. Small Business Administration recommends spending 7% to 8% of your gross revenue on your marketing plan. The good news is that many forms of marketing are free, and you can stretch your budget by using the right tools.

A customer relationship management (CRM) system, for example, can help you jump-start your marketing plan. The right mortgage CRM provides templates for blogs, social media, and more. That lets you do a lot more for less money and in less time.

Mortgage Marketing Niche

Find Your Niche

Face it: mortgage loan officers have strong competition. How can your practice stand out? One way is to carve out an industry niche. What do you offer that’s unique to your corner of the lending market? For example, do you:

  • Focus on first-time home buyers?
  • Specialize in commercial real estate?
  • Connect customers to refinancing options?

The more you can zero in on your industry niche, the more you’ll be able to tailor your messaging accordingly. Your niche will also determine your target market, which will impact your brand voice and even your choice of marketing channels.

Review Last Year’s Marketing Plan

Did you have a marketing plan last year? If so, now is a great time to review it. What’s working, and where are you falling short? The more data you have from previous years, the better you’ll be at developing a strategy for the year. Don’t be afraid to jettison ideas that just weren’t cutting it.

While you’re at it, look at the marketing plans of your local competitors. What are they doing to boost online engagement? The goal isn’t to steal ideas from the competition. But a competitive analysis will help you better understand how to reach your customer base.

Online Marketing for Mortgage Loan Officers

While the above tips lay a foundation, your next step should be to build the scaffolding of your marketing plan. Start by establishing your online presence. You can supplement your digital plan with in-person strategies. However, doing so will likely just drive traffic back to your website. Here are some tips for digital marketing for mortgage loan officers.

Loan officer marketing

Focus on Local SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the art of fine-tuning your website so that it ranks higher in search engine results. For instance, putting in terms like “loan officers” or “loan programs” can help your content show up when web users search for those phrases.

But as a mortgage loan officer, you may want to focus on attracting local web traffic. With that in mind, make sure your keyword phrases have geographic search terms such as “loan officers in [city name]” or even “loan officers near me.” Doing so will ensure that you get more relevant hits on your website and generate more meaningful leads.

Content, Content, Content

Before your customers seek a loan, they start by seeking information. Share your knowledge through blog posts or video marketing content. Create relevant articles like:

  • “Tips for First-Time Home Buyers”
  • “What to Expect from the Mortgage Process”
  • “What is a Debt-to-Income Ratio?”

These topics will educate your customer base and provide you with something to share on social media.

Create Compelling CTAs

Every article you publish should direct readers to the “next steps.” This is known as a “call to action” (CTA). When used properly, you can use this as a way to capture customer data. For example, you might invite readers to contact you for more information or subscribe to your newsletter.

The point is to encourage them to stay engaged in the process. And if you can harvest their contact information, you’ll have additional leads to follow up with later on.

Lead magnet

Publish a Lead Magnet

It can be a challenge to capture customer data without offering them something. You may generate more traction by publishing a “lead magnet.” This can be a unique offer that you provide in exchange for the web visitor’s contact information.

A common lead magnet is an online e-book. For example, put together a “Guide to Lending for First-Time Buyers.” Then, advertise this product on your website and social media channels. Offering a relevant product will encourage visitors to take the next step and give you valuable customer data.

Stay Engaged on Social Media

Chances are good that you already have a social media page. But don’t just park content on your page and walk away. Stay active. Follow up with comments and questions on your social media channels. Doing this will do more than impact the person you’re interacting with. It will also show others that you’re actively engaged with your customer base.

If you’re finding it hard to juggle multiple social media channels, you might consider narrowing your focus to just one or two. Facebook is a good catch-all. But many millennials flock to sites like Instagram. Choose social media channels that align with your customer base. Then, focus on posting relevant content on a regular basis.

Customer Segmentation

One of the best tips for marketing for mortgage loan officers is customer segmentation. Think of your marketing approach as one big funnel. Your goal is to move customers from the outside of the funnel all the way down to committing to a loan program. Common categories might be:

  • Awareness Stage: Building awareness that your brand exists
  • Interest Stage: Helping customers understand the value you provide
  • Decision Stage: Persuading customers to make an actual decision
  • Action Stage: Assisting customers with their decision

Dividing your leads into segments will help you develop personalized marketing content. For instance, you can send introductory emails to first-time leads or send more informative emails to customers in the interest stage. The point is to help your customers progress toward a final commitment to your practice.

Leverage Reviews and Testimonials

Most consumers read reviews before committing to a product or a service. Make it easier to evaluate your business by publishing reviews from past clients. You can simply ask your clients to review your services before publishing these reviews on your website or social media channels.

A quality mortgage CRM can aid in this process. It will also enable you to filter out negative reviews and address concerns before the review eventually goes public.

In-Person Marketing for Mortgage Loan Officers

Digital marketing is ideal for a mass audience. But how do you reach your local market? The following tips for marketing for mortgage loan officers can help you build and nurture local leads.

Host an Event

Hosting an event can be a great way to connect with your local market. Consider an event like “Tips for Buying Your Next Home” or “Refinancing Options Made Simple.” When individuals register, you can drop their information into your lead pipeline to follow up later.

Partner With Other Professionals

There’s strength in numbers. Partnering with other real estate professionals will allow you to share leads. You can host an event together, or you can use the partner portal on your mortgage CRM. Your partners can drop leads directly into your pipeline thanks to this unique online feature.

Seek Out Referrals

Your past customers may be your best source for future leads. Follow up with your clients a month or even a year later. They may have family or friends looking for a loan. You can gain valuable, local leads by reconnecting with past satisfied clients.

The Value of a Mortgage CRM

Many of these tips on marketing for mortgage loan officers can be enhanced with a mortgage CRM. The BNTouch platform makes it easy to design web pages, publish blogs, and even send personalized videos. To see these features for yourself, contact BNTouch to schedule a demo.

 

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Jason February 16, 2024 0 Comments

4 Ways a Mortgage CRM Can Improve Conversion Rates for Brokers

Do you want to be successful in the mortgage industry? One of the most important ways to improve conversion rates for brokers is to make use of the many tools that customer relationship management (CRM software) has to offer.

If you haven’t yet invested in a CRM, you might have heard that these mortgage software platforms can increase the amount of mortgage leads and improve your conversion rates. What you might not know is how they accomplish this important goal. Here’s a look at five ways a mortgage CRM can help you take your conversion rates to new heights.

1. It Gives You a Big-Picture View of the Sales Pipeline

When you’re in the business of closing deals, it’s easy to get caught up in individual leads. Individual focus has its place, but so does stepping back and looking at your process as a whole. 

Most CRMs will give you an overview of your sales pipeline. At the click of a button, you’ll discover valuable information like:

  • How many deals you have in progress
  • Which leads have fallen through (and where in the pipeline that happened)
  • Which deals have a high chance of closing
  • Which deals need more encouragement

As a mortgage broker, you only have so much time and resources to spend. A big-picture view can help you decide where you can focus your time and resources to make the biggest difference.

targeted messages

2. It Lets You Send Targeted Messages to Potential Leads

No one wants to feel like they’re just another lead, especially when they’re doing something as life-changing as buying a house. With a good CRM, you get the best of both worlds; you can automate messaging without losing the personal touch.

For example, you might choose to divide your leads into two main groups: first-time homebuyers and those who have bought a house before. You might choose to send first-time homebuyers a welcome email that comes with a free resource, like a digital handbook that explains the process. 

Because you’ve sent something both personalized and directly beneficial, these buyers may be more willing to work with you. Even seemingly small touches like this can make a big difference when it comes to improving conversion rates for brokers.

3. It Helps You Identify Opportunities for Improvement

Any quality CRM is brimming with analytics tools, and these tools just might be the clearest way to improve conversion rates for brokers. Your CRM is constantly measuring the effectiveness of every lead generation strategy and every follow-up. When you pay close attention, you’ll be able to identify problem areas and adjust as needed. 

mortgage referrals

4. It Lets You Keep Track of Referrals

Referrals are crucial for building your business. However, with all the other data you have to manage, it’s easy to lose track of your referral sources. Most CRMs will track and store all your referral data. That’s good news for closing leads. If you segment your leads by referral source, you can customize follow-up marketing materials for each group.

Need Better Conversion Rates? BNTouch Can Help!

Close more leads, automate more processes, and discover new insights like never before. BNTouch is a mortgage CRM offering a comprehensive set of tools. Whether you’re an individual mortgage professional or part of a major corporation, we can help make your business better. Get in touch today and schedule a demo.

 

To learn more or schedule a demo, contact BNTouch today.

Request a free demo

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Jason January 26, 2024 0 Comments

Lead Generation Automation Made Easy With Bntouch CRM

Lead generation automation always takes some time and strategy. However, if you aren’t already using a customer relationship management (CRM) system, you might be able to put some of that strategy on autopilot. Here’s how a smart automated marketing strategy can bring you more leads.

Take Out the Guesswork With Pre-Made Marketing Campaigns

If you’re an individual mortgage professional, you might not have the time to master the art of marketing and lead generation automation. You also might not have the financial resources to pay for a marketer. However, many quality CRMs set you up with the marketing templates you need for success:

  • Infographics explaining the mortgage process
  • Weekly market updates
  • Email newsletters
  • Refinance analysis reports
  • Email templates
  • Pre-designed email drip campaigns
  • Ecard templates for holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries
  • Explainer videos

That doesn’t mean you’re limited to whatever templates come with your CRM. Most programs let you create and manage your own custom campaigns, too.

Lead Generation Automation

Set and Forget Targeted Text and Email Marketing

When it comes to mortgage lead generation, promptly following up on new leads is one of the most critically important steps. However, when you’re juggling many leads at once, you run the risk of missing those crucial follow-ups.

Most CRM systems let you create targeted email and text marketing campaigns. You can set them up to use each lead’s name for a more personal feel.

That doesn’t mean all of your communication with potential leads has to be (or should be) automated. However, automating the beginning of each conversation can save you a good bit of time. If a potential lead responds to an automated text or email, you can then begin engaging with them directly.

Lead Generation Automation

Create Optimized Websites (Almost) Automatically

It’s easy to forget that having a website optimized for Google is a critical part of marketing. Many quality CRMs have built-in templates and tools that let you create websites in just a few clicks. Some auto-optimize your content for search engines. In some cases, your website auto-integrates with Google Analytics so you can track performance by individual page.

This is an especially effective strategy for mortgage lead generation. Combine a high-ranking SEO website with an irresistible lead magnet, and you’re sure to see an influx of high-quality leads.

Simplify Your Social Media Marketing

A strong social media marketing strategy is vital to bring in new leads. Social media platforms let you create and schedule future content, but many CRMs make that process even simpler. They offer helpful templates for creating social media content, and they even let you schedule future posts without leaving the CRM!

Discover What Lead Generation Automation Can Do for You

If you’ve never used lead generation automation in your business — or you only have limited experience with it — there’s a whole world of opportunity that you’re missing! 

When you choose BNTouch as your mortgage CRM, you gain access to a wide range of tools — including tools for automating nearly every facet of your marketing campaign. Get in touch with us to schedule a product demo today!

 

To learn more or schedule a demo, contact BNTouch today.

Request a free demo

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Jason January 19, 2024 0 Comments