REALTOR WEBSITES, AND MISPLACED EXPECTATIONS!
What most realtors have missed since the inception of the "Real Estate Website" in 1995 is the idea of what a website can do. It's really all in the name, you see a website is a digital thread or web, connecting an agent sitting at the hub with information delivery, incoming lead generation, and engagement from a chosen farm or sphere of delivery. The MOST important component is PEOPLE. this leads us to
MISSED EXPECTATION #1
The key missing ingredient missed by most real estate agents is what to do with the website, most just buy it and let it sit there waiting. The key to your website is attaching it digitally to other digital "vehicles" so things like Social media platforms and your Google Business profile, attached to things like blog posts, listings, or searches shared from your website or your review collection page or about you page.
MISSED EXPECTATION #2
What do you get from it, Realtors and Agents thought if you got it the leads would just appear??? It didn't happen and people got frustrated. A website has you at it's center and when connected digitally to other sites, you should expect traffic back to your website, potential leads, video and photo views, and an increase in your authority as an expert in your geographic area.
So when getting a website here are a couple of tips I would keep in mind.
1. Own your own domain name, what should you buy how about your brand name, in other words, your name? it is on all your cards and it's how you introduce your brand every time to introduce yourself and shake a hand.
2. Make sure your website includes an IDX Feed, what's that? It's the feed of every property in the MLS to your website (along with all the invaluable metadata like address, BR & BA, dwelling size, school info, garage info... You get the idea) Most made-for-real estate website companies have this built in. Beware Custom sites they usually require a 3rd party Feed that is NOT connected to your domain name, in other words, your site gets ZERO SEO gain from it.
3. I am not a fan of signing a contract for your website... also don't overpay, a real estate website that looks great and works great can be had for as little as $60 - $90 a month
A website should be an invaluable asset for a realtor for several reasons. Here are the top three:
1. Credibility and Professionalism
In today's digital age, consumers expect professionals, including realtors, to have an online presence. A well-designed, informative website not only demonstrates that you are a credible and legitimate business entity but also allows you to showcase your expertise and skillset. Client testimonials, case studies, or a portfolio of properties you've sold can all serve to bolster your professional image. Moreover, a website can act as an extension of your personal brand, conveying your unique value proposition and why clients should choose you over competitors.
2. Lead Generation and Marketing
A website can be a highly effective tool for lead generation. Through search engine optimization (SEO), paid advertising, and content marketing, you can attract potential clients actively searching for real estate services or information in your geographical area. With features like contact forms, live chats, and call-to-action (CTA) buttons, you can capture the information of these visitors for follow-up, effectively creating a pipeline of potential clients. Online analytics can also provide valuable insights into visitor behavior, enabling you to refine your marketing strategies further.
3. Information and Resource Hub
Your website can serve as a central hub where clients can find all the information they need about buying or selling a property. By offering valuable content—such as market reports, how-to guides, or neighborhood profiles—you position yourself as a knowledgeable expert in the field. This can make clients more comfortable entrusting you with one of the most significant financial transactions of their lives. Additionally, your website can feature listings, virtual property tours, and property search tools, thereby providing practical value to visitors and encouraging them to return to your site.
These are just a few of the many benefits a website can offer a realtor. In summary, a website can help a realtor establish credibility, generate leads, and provide valuable resources, making it a fundamental tool for success in today's competitive real estate market.
