I recently discovered an online community web site which of course a Realtor sponsors.  But what I think is really unique is that you can create it to become the number one resource for the neighborhood.  I am just in the very beginning of getting mine up and running but once you can get consumers, businesses, organizations, etc. to advertise for FREE and they begin to spread the word you will become the #1 Realtor in that area.  The company also gives you ideas of how to promote the site and marketing downloads.  You pay a one time set up fee and a monthly fee and they do the initial leg work.  So far I have had over 2,000 hits since mid October.  I can only imagine what it will be like in 6 months once more and more people visit.  Did I mention that I am the onlly Realtor on the site and I have an idx for searches.  Check it out if you would like www.MyCalvertCounty.com.  Any ideas on promoting it would be appreciated.  Remember it will take time to get it full of really good info and vendors.   
 
Posted by Melanie Montague on 11/18/2006 06:56 PM   Comments (10)  
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10 Comments on Community web sites what a great idea

NOV
18
2006
166,005 Points 58 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
I really enjoy my www.ILoveLedyard.com community website which I have had for a number of years.  I can't wait until they move mine to the new format  - I'm still with the original platform and trying to be patient - they keep telling me it will be soon.  It pretty much runs itself after awhile.  The community keeps it updated.  Send a press release to the local newspaper.  I was fortunate that they ran a big article about it and it just took off from there.
7:40pm • #1
1 Featured Post

Melanie,

This is great, I just started to put together something similar as well.  I will take a look at your site and learn from it:) 
8:38pm • #2
Localism Sponsor

I sat through a presentation by one of the many suppliers of these neighborhood websites.

1.  They offered each of us "exclusive" territory.  We had to pay a set up fee and monthly fee for every 250 homes.  (Set up fee was around $200 to $250.00)  In order to claim an entire neighborhood of 1,000 homes we would have to pay four set up fees, and four monthly service charges.  Of course, we only received ONE neighborhood website & not four.

2.  The site was not web friendly.  The agent has to promote them via postcards, etc. to solicit participation from members of the community

2.  Since there are a number of companies offering a similar concept, the exclusivity only pertains to the specific company that you contract with.  The same neighborhood is sold exclusively by competitors.

3.  I am pleased to hear that some people are having success with this.  When I looked at the economics of it, I had a hard time coming up with a ROI.

4.  Agents that I know who have contracted for this have seen little or no results or participation by the residents.  (I have not asked them how much more they have spent in postcards, etc. to try to market their neighborhood sites.)

Good luck!  I hope it works for you.

 
8:43pm • #3
166,005 Points 58 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Russ,

I originally looked at the company you are referring too and didn't get beyond the way they defined "neighborhood" and their pricing. My site is for the whole town which includes 6300 households.  I didn't pay for each specific neighborhood.  The company is www.myonlineneighborhood.com a much better alternative.
8:50pm • #4
2 Featured Posts

Great idea...I have been promoting my blog about my local town by involving some local people and events. I send them the link and they do the rest. I can see that what you do would be a great benefit though.

 
9:34pm • #5
Localism Sponsor

Thanks Linda!

I might reconsider this with another companyat some time in the future.  For now, I am happy with my website, & local blog which is free.  My blog is more of an informational site as opposed to an interactive site (By design.  I didn't want to have to "judge" posts and determine whether to censor them or not).  A bit of a control freak here!  hahaha

There is only so much time we can spend on blogging and websites, etc. !

www.newtampahomes.blogspot.com

 
9:45pm • #6
NOV
19
2006
286,453 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
 Melanie, I just took a peek at MyCalvertCounty.com, very nice site, clean and simple to navigate. The only suggestion I might have would be to offer downloads of some type that change on a regular basis to encourage visitors to come back more often, possibly screensavers, wallpapers, ecards, etc...
12:58am • #7
1,430,446 Points 52 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Melanie - The site looks really good and has a lot of potential to build community involvement. I'll have to check back on this in a couple of months to see how it's grown. For marketing, how about co-promoting with businesses who already do a lot of advertising, including your web address and a call to action in exchange for picking up part of their costs.
12:02pm • #8
MAY
03
2009
439,991 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Melanie~ I just stopped by to tell you hello and tell you that Margaret Woda is singing praises about you!  It is so nice to meet you and nice to know that you are a great agent to do business with.  Congratulations on doing a great job and keeping the deal together with Margaret.
7:01pm • #9
JUL
26
2009

Hi Melanie, MyCalvertCounty.com site looks very interestingand well worth exploring. Thanks for the great information . Have a great day Barbara
7:01am • #10


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Melanie Montague

Waldorf, MD

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Keller Williams Select Realtors

Address: 7 Old Solomons Island Road, Annapolis, MD

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