Telegram Integration

Add a floating Telegram chat button to your website, making it easy for visitors to contact you instantly via Telegram. Perfect for real estate agents working with international clients or tech-savvy audiences who prefer Telegram's secure, feature-rich messaging platform.

Path: Integrations → Telegram

Overview

The Telegram integration adds a customizable floating chat button to your website. When visitors click it, they're directed to a Telegram conversation with you, similar to how the WhatsApp integration works but using Telegram's platform.

What You Can Do with Telegram Chat:

• Enable instant messaging from your website
• Respond to inquiries in real-time via Telegram
• Continue conversations on mobile (Telegram app)
• Share property photos, videos, and documents easily
• Use Telegram's powerful features (channels, bots, file sharing)
• Build personal relationships through secure chat
• Reduce friction in the contact process
• Capture leads who prefer Telegram over traditional contact forms

Why Telegram for Real Estate?

Telegram is increasingly popular among international buyers, tech-savvy millennials, and privacy-conscious clients. It offers end-to-end encryption, unlimited file sharing, group chats for team collaboration, and works seamlessly across all devices. For agents working with international investors or luxury clients, Telegram provides a professional, secure communication channel.

Prerequisites

Before setting up Telegram integration, you'll need:

1. Telegram Account: Active Telegram account
2. Telegram Username: A public username set up in your Telegram profile
3. Telegram Installed: Telegram app installed on your phone, tablet, or computer

Setting Up Your Telegram Username

If you don't have a Telegram username yet:

1. Open Telegram app
2. Go to Settings (bottom right)
3. Tap your name at the top
4. Tap Username
5. Create a username (must be unique, 5-32 characters, letters, numbers, underscores only)
6. Save your username

Example Usernames:

• @johnsmith_realtor
• @miamirealestate
• @smithproperties

Setup Instructions

Step 1: Get Your Telegram Username

Your Telegram username is what people use to find and message you on Telegram.

Format: Letters, numbers, and underscores only (no spaces or special characters)

How to Find Your Username:

1. Open Telegram app
2. Go to Settings
3. Your username is displayed below your name (starts with @)
4. Copy just the username without the @ symbol

Examples:

• If your Telegram shows @johnsmith_realtor, enter: johnsmith_realtor
• If your Telegram shows @miami_properties, enter: miami_properties

Important: Enter the username WITHOUT the @ symbol in Panda IDX.

Step 2: Configure Telegram in Panda IDX

1. Open Integrations: Navigate to Integrations in your Panda IDX dashboard
2. Find Telegram: Locate the Telegram integration card
3. Click Configure: Click on the card to open settings
4. Configure Options: Fill in the following fields

Configuration Options

Username (Required)

Format: Your Telegram username without the @ symbol (e.g., johnsmith_realtor)

What It Does: This is your Telegram username that visitors will be directed to when they click the chat button. They'll be able to start a conversation with you in Telegram.

How to Format:

1. Find your username in Telegram (Settings → your profile)
2. Remove the @ symbol: @johnsmith_realtor → johnsmith_realtor
3. Enter in Panda IDX: johnsmith_realtor

Validation:

• Letters, numbers, and underscores only
• No @ symbol
• No spaces or special characters
• Must be an existing Telegram username

Common Mistakes:

• ❌ Including the @ symbol: @johnsmith_realtor
• ❌ Using your phone number
• ❌ Using spaces: john smith
• ✅ Correct format: johnsmith_realtor

Position (Required)

Options:

• Left (leftside)
• Right (rightside)

What It Does: Controls where the Telegram button appears on your website.

Recommended: Right (default)

• Most common position for chat widgets
• Doesn't interfere with left-aligned content
• Familiar placement for users
• Consistent with other chat widget conventions

Choose Left if:

• You have other widgets on the right side (WhatsApp, etc.)
• Your design benefits from left-side placement
• You want to differentiate from other chat buttons

How It Works

Visitor Experience

1. Button Appears: Visitor sees floating Telegram button on your website (bottom left or right)
2. Click Button: Visitor clicks the Telegram icon
3. Telegram Opens:
   • Mobile: Opens Telegram app with your chat
   • Desktop: Opens Telegram Web or desktop app with your chat
4. Start Conversation: Visitor can immediately send you a message
5. Chat Begins: You receive the message notification on your Telegram

Your Experience

1. Receive Notification: Telegram notification on your device (push notification, badge, sound)
2. View Message: Open Telegram to see the inquiry
3. Respond: Reply with text, photos, voice messages, or video
4. Continue Conversation: Chat naturally like any Telegram conversation
5. Follow Up: Save contact, use Telegram's features (pinned messages, reminders)

Best Practices

Response Time

Be Fast: Telegram users expect quick responses, similar to any instant messaging platform.

• Aim for under 5 minutes during business hours
• Set up automated replies using Telegram bots (advanced)
• Use Telegram's "last seen" feature to manage expectations

Recommended:

1. Enable push notifications on your phone
2. Set up Telegram on both mobile and desktop for flexibility
3. Use status messages to indicate availability
4. Pin important conversations for easy access

Professional Communication

First Response Template:

Hi! Thanks for reaching out via my website. I'd be happy to help you with [their question].

What type of property are you looking for, or how can I assist you today?

Keep It Personal:

• Use their name if they provide it in their message
• Respond with voice notes for a personal touch
• Share property photos and videos directly (Telegram has no file size limits for videos)
• Use Telegram's editing feature to correct typos
• Send location pins for property addresses

Lead Qualification

Qualifying Questions via Telegram:

1. "Are you looking to buy, sell, or rent?"
2. "What areas interest you?"
3. "What's your timeline for moving?"
4. "What's your budget range?"
5. "Have you been pre-approved for a mortgage?" (buyers)

Transition to CRM:

• After qualifying, add the contact to your Panda IDX CRM
• Tag the source as "Telegram - Website"
• Continue relationship through both Telegram and CRM
• Export important conversations for your records

Using Telegram's Advanced Features

Channels (broadcast to many subscribers):

• Create a Telegram channel for property updates
• Share new listings, open houses, market updates
• Subscribers receive updates without cluttering personal chats
• One-way broadcast (you post, they read)

Groups (for buyer groups or teams):

• Create groups for serious buyers interested in specific areas
• Share exclusive off-market opportunities
• Build community among buyers
• Collaborate with team members

Bots (automation):

• Set up auto-replies for FAQs
• Create property search bots
• Automate appointment booking
• Send automated market reports

File Sharing (no limits):

• Share large property videos (no file size limit)
• Send high-resolution photos (no compression)
• Share contracts and documents securely
• Create shared folders for each transaction

Advanced Tips

Telegram vs WhatsApp

Use Telegram When:

• Working with international clients (popular in Europe, Asia, Latin America)
• Sharing large files (videos, presentations, contracts)
• Clients prefer privacy and security
• You want advanced features (channels, bots, groups)
• Tech-savvy audience

Use WhatsApp When:

• Working with local US market (more popular in US)
• Broader mainstream audience
• Clients prefer familiar platforms
• Business profile features are important

Best Approach: Offer both! Some clients prefer Telegram, others prefer WhatsApp.

Track Telegram Leads

In Panda IDX CRM:

1. Manually add Telegram contacts to CRM
2. Tag source as "Telegram - Website"
3. Create a segment for Telegram leads
4. Track conversion rates
5. Compare Telegram vs other channels

Lead Quality:

• Monitor which channel brings better quality leads
• Track time-to-response on Telegram
• Measure conversion rates from Telegram inquiries

Create a Telegram Channel

Complement your chat button with a broadcast channel:

Setup:

1. In Telegram, tap "New Channel"
2. Name it (e.g., "Miami Luxury Properties by John Smith")
3. Add description and photo
4. Make it public
5. Share the channel link on your website and social media

Content Ideas:

• New listing announcements
• Open house schedules
• Market updates and trends
• Sold property highlights
• Real estate tips and advice
• Behind-the-scenes content

Security & Privacy

Telegram's Security Features:

• End-to-end encryption for secret chats
• Self-destructing messages
• Two-factor authentication
• No phone number visibility (username only)
• Ability to hide your phone number from contacts

Best Practices:

• Use secret chats for sensitive financial information
• Enable two-factor authentication on your account
• Don't share login credentials
• Be careful with links from unknown contacts
• Verify client identity before sharing sensitive property information

Troubleshooting

Button Not Appearing

Problem: Telegram button doesn't show on your website.

Solutions:

1. Check Integration: Confirm you saved the integration in Panda IDX
2. Verify Username: Ensure username is correct (no @ symbol)
3. Clear Cache: Clear browser cache and reload your website
4. Wait 5 Minutes: Changes can take a few minutes to propagate
5. Check Required Fields: Both username and position are required

Telegram Not Opening

Problem: Clicking button doesn't open Telegram.

Solutions:

1. Telegram Installed: Ensure Telegram is installed (mobile) or accessible (Telegram Web)
2. Check Username Format: Verify username is entered without @ symbol
3. Test Username: Try opening t.me/yourusername in a browser to verify username works
4. Browser Compatibility: Some older browsers may not support Telegram links
5. Try Different Device: Test on both mobile and desktop

Wrong Telegram Account Opens

Problem: Telegram opens with wrong account or error message.

Solutions:

1. Verify Username: Go to Integrations → Telegram and verify username is correct
2. Check Typos: Ensure no extra spaces or characters in username
3. Test in Telegram: Search for your username in Telegram to confirm it exists
4. Update Configuration: Correct the username and save
5. Clear Cache: Clear browser cache after updating

Button Position Wrong

Problem: Telegram button appears on the wrong side or overlaps content.

Solutions:

1. Change Position: Go to Integrations → Telegram
2. Select Different Side: Choose "Left" or "Right"
3. Save Changes: Click Save
4. Test on Mobile: Ensure position works on mobile devices too
5. Consider Other Widgets: If you have WhatsApp on right, put Telegram on left

Username Not Valid Error

Problem: Panda IDX shows error when entering username.

Solutions:

1. Remove @ Symbol: Don't include @ in the username field
2. Check Characters: Only letters, numbers, and underscores allowed
3. Verify It Exists: Confirm the username exists in Telegram
4. Minimum Length: Username must be at least 5 characters
5. No Spaces: Remove any spaces from username

Privacy & Compliance

Important Considerations:

• Telegram conversations are subject to Telegram's privacy policy
• Secret chats use end-to-end encryption
• Regular chats are stored on Telegram's cloud
• Keep records of important conversations (screenshots, exports)
• Comply with local communication and privacy laws
• Obtain consent before adding contacts to channels or groups

Best Practice:

• Only message people who initiated contact
• Don't spam or send unsolicited messages
• Respect opt-out requests
• Maintain professional communication
• Use secret chats for sensitive financial information

Telegram vs Contact Forms

Use Telegram For:

• Quick questions and immediate responses
• Casual, conversational communication
• Sharing photos, videos, and large files
• Voice and video calls
• Tech-savvy or international audiences
• Privacy-conscious clients
• Ongoing relationship nurturing

Use Contact Forms For:

• Formal inquiries
• Detailed information collection
• Automated lead routing
• CRM integration
• Email-preferring audiences
• Organized data collection

Best Approach: Offer multiple options! Telegram for instant chat, forms for detailed inquiries, WhatsApp for mainstream messaging.

Quick Tips

💡 Set Up Your Profile: Add a professional photo and bio to your Telegram account

💡 Enable Notifications: Turn on push notifications so you never miss an inquiry

💡 Use Desktop Version: Install Telegram Desktop for faster responses during work hours

💡 Create Folders: Organize conversations with Telegram's folder feature (Leads, Hot Prospects, Clients)

💡 Pin Important Chats: Pin active lead conversations for easy access

💡 Use Voice Messages: Send voice notes for a personal touch - faster than typing

💡 Share Your Channel: Create a Telegram channel for property updates and share the link

💡 Backup Conversations: Regularly export important conversations for your records

💡 Test the Button: Click your own Telegram button to verify it works correctly

💡 Combine with WhatsApp: Offer both Telegram and WhatsApp to cover all preferences

Quick Reference Table

Real Estate Use Cases

International Buyers:

• Communicate with overseas investors
• Share property videos and virtual tours
• Coordinate showings across time zones
• Send contracts and documents securely

Luxury Market:

• Privacy-conscious high-net-worth clients
• Secure communication for exclusive listings
• Share high-resolution property photos without compression
• Video calls for remote consultations

Tech-Savvy Millennials:

• Preferred platform for younger buyers
• Quick, casual communication style
• Share listings and videos easily
• Group chats for co-buyers or families

Property Updates:

• Create Telegram channel for listing alerts
• Share new properties instantly
• Build subscriber base for future leads
• Automated updates via bots

Team Collaboration:

• Group chats for deal coordination
• Share documents with transaction team
• Quick updates to colleagues
• File sharing for marketing materials

Telegram Features Comparison

Setting Up Telegram for Business

1. Optimize Your Profile

Profile Photo:

• Professional headshot or business logo
• High quality, well-lit photo
• Recognizable and trustworthy

Bio:

🏡 Licensed Real Estate Agent
📍 Miami, FL
💼 Specializing in Luxury Waterfront Properties
📞 Call/Text: (305) 555-1234
🌐 www.yourwebsite.com

Username:

• Professional and memorable
• Include "realtor" or "properties" or your name
• Easy to spell and remember

2. Enable Privacy Settings

1. Settings → Privacy and Security
2. Phone Number: Choose who can see your phone number
3. Last Seen: Control who sees when you're online
4. Profile Photo: Control who sees your profile picture
5. Groups: Who can add you to groups

Recommended Settings for Business:

• Phone Number: Nobody (use username instead)
• Last Seen: My Contacts
• Profile Photo: Everybody (for visibility)

3. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

1. Settings → Privacy and Security
2. Two-Step Verification
3. Set a password
4. Add recovery email
5. Activate

Why It Matters: Protects your account from unauthorized access, especially important when handling client information.

Resources

Official Resources:

• Telegram Website
• Telegram FAQ
• Telegram for Business
• Telegram Desktop

Mobile Apps:

• Telegram for iOS
• Telegram for Android

Advanced Features:

• Telegram Bots - Create automated assistants
• Telegram Channels - Broadcast to subscribers
• Telegram API - Build custom integrations