RISMEDIA, November 4, 2009—As the Internet continues to evolve and more prospective buyers begin their home search on the Web, it is crucial that real estate professionals keep their website in tip-top shape. The following five tips will help you get on the right track toward giving buyers and sellers the information they want and need.
1. Remember, It’s Not About You…It’s About Them
When buyers or sellers want information on moving, it’s what’s on their mind that is going to cause them to spend time on your site.
2. Have Highly Visible Buttons and Calls to Action
Have specific sections on your site that showcase your expertise in certain areas. See www.Kristan-Cole.com to see how quickly you can get information without the hassle.
3. Sprinkle Specific Property Searches – Increase Quality Lead Generation
On targeted pages of your website, add the ability for a site visitor to search for specific kinds of properties and in specific price ranges. Every page should creatively showcase listings. Think about even setting searches by farm area or neighborhood…now that’s creative. See www.LindaHall.com/fort_mill to get an idea.
4. Generate Leads with a Strong IDX system
There can be huge differences between an IDX that just shows houses for sale and an IDX that has “clickable components” that generate high-quality leads. Visitors to your website who are searching for homes through your IDX will be prompted to register after viewing listing details, leading to more quality leads for you. Also, adding features such as “schedule an appointment,” “e-mail listing,” and “save” are key elements to consider.
5. Cultivate Leads and Stay in Front of Them
There is a big difference in lead inquiries and actual leads. You want to incubate the lead and keep them in front of you. Have automated letters go out to specific niches. For example, buyers looking for REOs or foreclosures should get specialized letters on those subjects, not information on general buying.
Tricia Andreassen is CEO/founder of Pro Step Marketing. She has 19+ years experience in real estate and as a Web marketing and branding coach.
For more information, please visit www.prostepmarketing.com.