Have suggestions for products that you’d like to see reviewed by our real estate technology expert? Email Craig Rowe.
People email me with more than product pitches.
I get asked to review a product they use, what I think about certain solutions. Sometimes, company execs let me in on their thoughts about my review. Those get interesting.
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions that will help you understand my process.
1. Will you be reviewing (insert product name)?
Probably. Maybe I haven’t heard of it, maybe we haven’t landed a time for a demo, or I’m deliberately waiting to do it. I appreciate these messages.
2. Can you recommend a (type of software)?
No. But I’ll point you back to my reviews on said product type if I’ve done one. I’m happy to provide general points to consider before investing in such a product.
3. How do I get my real estate technology reviewed?
Be quick to respond to a request for a demo because sometimes your message is very timely and I need a subject. Also, like a good email marketing campaign, make sure your subject line is succinct. Oh, and don’t use words like “cutting-edge,” “market-leading” or “literally.”
Also, read this great article on pitching real estate reporters by Inman reporter Teke Wiggin.
4. During our demo, will you give us feedback on our product?
No. Inman is a real estate news site run by journalists, not a marketing arm for the companies or products we cover. (Just ask Zillow.) You’ll know if I like a specific feature or don’t think it has much merit.
5. Should we have the CEO on the demo?
Unless he’s giving the demo or wants to talk about ’70s-era muscle cars, he’s best suited for keeping the company afloat while we’re chatting. I approach software demonstrations as a potential real estate agent/customer. That’s the best way for me to translate software features into practical use cases for selling real estate.
6. Can we read the review before it publishes?
See No. 4. Read it twice.
7. If you’re wrong about what a feature does or misconstrue the product in some way, how do we correct it?
Email me and my editor. We’ll look to see if it was a subjective comment (my opinion) you’re opposed to or if I’m factually incorrect. We will absolutely make it right, which means we’ll have to dig a little deeper.
If an update is on the horizon for a feature I hammered, we’re open to making that known. You also have the Facebook comment thread below every column. Go there and let me have it.
8. Can you send us your tech review when it runs?
Maybe, but I wouldn’t rely on me to remember. Run dates are out of my hands. It’s best to be a Select member so you can have access to it for eternity and forever.
Our sales department sells reprints of my columns. Contact this nice person.
Anything else I can answer? This is me.
Do you read our tech reviews — and what do you think? Leave a comment and let us know!
Do you have a product for our tech expert to review? Email Craig Rowe.
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