To maximize your outreach success, it's essential to ensure your SMS templates maintain a high delivery rate. On 8020REI, you should consistently aim for a delivery rate of 90% or higher, with a target of 95%+. Below are best practices and actionable tips to improve the performance of your real estate messaging templates.
Action Plan Best Practices
Ensure your Action Plans rotate prospecting templates for initial outreach.
All initial messages should be dynamic, using custom merge fields.
Avoid static templates for prospecting, as these often result in lower delivery rates.
Creating Effective Prospecting Messages
While 8020REI provides sample templates, we strongly recommend creating your own unique messages after your first few days using the platform. Avoid using copied templates, which can reduce deliverability and authenticity.
Writing Tips:
Write conversationally and with purpose—as if you were speaking to the seller.
Don’t apologize. You're offering help, not an inconvenience.
Avoid phrases like “out of the blue” or anything that may be flagged as unsolicited lead generation.
Avoid using links in your first message. They can trigger spam filters.
Using Merge Fields & Dynamic Templates
For best results, prospecting templates should meet the following structure:
| Element | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Number of active templates | At least 10 |
| Parts per template | 3 to 4 |
| Variations per part | 8 to 12 |
| Word usage | Avoid repeating the same word more than twice across variations |
Additional Tips
Respond within 5 minutes to increase interaction and improve your phone number’s reputation with carriers.
Avoid spammy language, including:
Words: “offer,” “cash,” “$,” “sell fast,” “deal,” “random”
Tactics: ALL CAPS, misspellings like “Ca$h” or “De4l”
Mentioning your company name in the first message
Longer messages are okay—you can go up to 320 characters. There is no 160-character limit.
Include a clear call to action to encourage replies.
Don’t over-message prospects:
We recommend a minimum of 10 days between two prospecting messages within any action plan.
Monitor your Template Health Report daily to catch issues early.
