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Agent Web Sites - KISS

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Classy Inbound

 

You would think that Realtor web sites have been around long enough that we all would 'get it' by now, but we still have to be diligent and use the oldie but goody: Keep It Simple Stupid! Technology continues to change at a record pace, we get bogged down in unnecessary details and bells and whistles, and miss out on the things we REALLY need. If your site has grown stale and you want to refresh it with a new style/company/options, consider the following before you get hooked by all of the extra's the marketing team is trying to sell you:

  • Do they have a 30 day trial period? If not, how do you know the length of time it takes to make changes to the site? I've been on quite a few template sites lately and I could take a nap with the amount of time they take to process changes. (I don't, I open a new window and do something else productive). It is NOT my computer, I have a brand new Mac and its nickname is Grease Lightening. If a site is good, my Mac whizzes right through it. What good is that contact manager, drip email, and IDX search if the site is slower than a turtle when you go to update it?
  • Listing Upload - does it feed directly from your MLS? If not, how long does it take to upload the listing? Does the site accept normal photo sizes, or is it picky about photos? This is a HUGE deal. Especially if your site is not top-ranked; and the only people visiting are sellers who are looking for their listing. Trust me, the last thing you need when you're super busy and taking listings is to find out that it takes you half a day to resize photos and upload the listings to your site.
  • Do they have custom options? A custom site is a gift a Realtor gives their web site when it has given them enough leads and closings to cover the cost. Imagine not being bound by the strict rigidity of the template! It's awesome! But it can quickly turn into a nightmare when you start to look at the cost of a 100% custom site. Many template sites offer custom services to add to the existing site, saving you the time and energy in a 100% re-design.
  • Remember - people are visiting your web site to look at HOMES, not you. If you love seeing your picture everywhere and putting a photo of your car, your pets, and a list of your top qualities, do that on facebook, not your web site. Sometimes I can tell how long an agent has been in this business based on the size/amount of photos they have of themselves on the web site. Old school is to sell yourself; the new way is to lead them to you with homes. And surprisingly, it works!
  • Don't be concerned with the 'backend'. There is a huge variety of contact management systems out there, and if the site provider tries to sell you on this product over the site itself, back away. Some companies don't make that much on the site alone, the big money is getting you to sign up for extra's. Contact Management. Drip Campaigns. But all of that is USELESS if the site is slow, cumbersome to upload your listings, and lacks IDX capability. Beware! Just because they say 'IDX', it does not mean they work with your MLS, so do your homework!
  • IDX IDX IDX. Your market may have a different name for this feature; but in my neck of the woods this is the service that lets a client customize the search on YOUR site, and receive ALL listings from the MLS included in their search. If the site is not compatible with your MLS, run, don't walk, away.

And finally, do they have clients who are happy in other parts of the country? If they are selling you on an extra that is going to bring you leads, can another agent verify this is true?

 

Remember, when it comes to web sites, KISS. Everything else is just a marketing tool, an 'add on'. There are plenty of database manager systems out there, so don't be talked into a site based on that feature. Think of what your clients are going to see, as this site will be an extension of yourself to those who know you and are already working with you.

 

Feel free to comment on good/bad experiences you've had with web site providers. Please only note RECENT experiences - companies have changed a lot over the past 5 years. Some companies I recommended back then, I would never recommend them now based on changes.

Comments (2)

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Not all about homes, houses. Land, small businesses, farms, waterfront acreage all part of the design, to help showcase the different needs beyond just homes on a website.

Jul 19, 2010 04:07 PM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Thanks for the info Markelle.  Mostly right on with this information.

Jul 20, 2010 12:30 AM