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It's not that complicated. Do it Yourself.

If you're a DIY-er I would recommend taking a class in HTML. You will be amazed at how SIMPLE it is to make your own website. I took a class at our local community college for $100 one year. That was the best $100 I ever spent!

Most people are dazzled by the smoke and mirrors, it's not that difficult! Don't be intimidated by all the yakkity yak.

If you keep your site simple and easy loading, they will come. Keep it relevant and give them what they're looking for. Don't use sneaky tricks, just be honest. The cream will float to the top.

Aloha - The Hunter

Posted by Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales on 10/04/2007 09:58 PM

Comments (87)

Originally posted at: Maui Blog - Georgina M. Hunter R(S): It's not that complicated. Do it Yourself.

87 Comments on It's not that complicated. Do it Yourself.

OCT

2007

I could not agree more with you. Some of the most effective and SEO strong sites out there are basic html. HTML is a valuable tool to have as most subsquent languages such as PHP, CSS and XTMHL all operate on a similar language structure.

OCT

2007

I originally used Dreamweaver to build the basic structure of my site but after looking in the actual code I was amazed at how messy it was. I knew how to code HTML a few years ago so all I needed was a quick refresher online. I went in a cleaned up all the code manually and as I'm learning more and more about CSS I'm cleaning it up even further. There are so many tutorials online on the subject that you don't even need to pay for classes.

Hi Terry,

I just tried to email you from AR, but there was an error, so will keep trying to contact you.

I used to live in Van. and would love to have a contact there. Let's network.

Aloha - The Hunter

Aloha Georgina, we are always eager to educate individuals who choose to DIY website design/development and SEO. Should Realtors find it's actually a better use of their time practicing their core competency, perhaps they should consider seeking out the help of the professionals. Either way, we're here to help.

OCT

2007

I couldn't disagree more with the idea of building your own website. I used to work at a website company, I already know some HTML and I would never do it.

1. A professional design is not easy to do. Better to have a pro do it, rather than look mediocre with one of your leading branding pieces

2. Can't you pay a developer less than $50/hour to design and build a simple website? How many dollars an hour is your time as a Realtor worth? How many hours would it take you to learn the skills to make a comparable website? Calculate the opportunity cost on this one folks - if you aren't already website savvy, you'll waste a lot of time learning.

I think you are better off financially to pay someone else and leverage your business by focusing on selling. You will also look better online with a more professional design.

However, if you wanted to try a simple website just for lead generation that is not advertised in all your other marketing, then go for it. But only if you want to.....not because it is the best financial decision for your business.

Just my opinion... =)

adam

San Diego Homes for Sale

Good points from both sides of the fence!

Bobby and Adam you are probably right, as most people are really not that good with spelling, which can be fatal and extremely frustrating in code.

EastMaui.Com logo graphic Aloha - The Hunter

OCT

2007

Nice website Georgina - did you do it yourself?? I had my husband design mine (he is not a webdesigner but good at the tech stuff). I have to rely on him though for every posting. Then Barbara Erskine, a Virtual Assist. reached out to me and has turned me on to Point 2 and is helping me with the design. Maybe it's not as glamouras as one a paid profession could build but once launched it will be functional and attractive enough. Best thing is I don't have to bother hubby after long days work!

Love your cat -we have a look a-like - her name is Magda

Cindy, you're on your way.

Yes I do all my own websites. Sure, they're not that glamorous either, but they do the job. (maybe I'm a closet control freak?) I get leads from the internet, and have closed deals. In fact some of my best clients found me on the internet. It's important to respond just as quick as you can.

Nice cat! Mine is called Wally and he loves to climb things.

Aloha - Georgie

OCT

2007

well done then Georgie! What platform are you using & what is there a monthly fee if I may ask? We lost Magda loutside ast year for 23 days. She is an indoor cat so we were getting frantic since it was getting cold. At least it was a happy ending. Magda says hello to Wally!

Cheers,

Cindy

Hi Cindy,

I'm not sure what you mean by "platform". I have my site hosted by a local company... and I do my own updates with FTP which is a very easy thing to use. The webpages are made the old fashioned way, from scratch, not with a program or anything. One of the hosting companies charges $10/month with no hand holding, and the latest one I use is only $5/month with support. That one is the best deal. I may end up transfering others over to him. Check them out.... www.Meyercomputer.com He's located here on Maui, but as you know the internet is everywhere. I usually have my husband do all the "geek" stuff, but I managed to stumble through Meyercomputer.com and start my ocwn account and all that. I think they will even help you make your own website with their tools if needed.

Good luck, Georgie

PS - Wally is usually outside, but today he's in playing with his tinfoil ball.

OCT

2007

designing it myself has given me complete control of my content, copy, layout and an edge on the agents that buy their pre-fab sites. I can control every aspect of it (control freak, i know) but I also have to learn how to make it a lead generating machine for me.

I have to disagree, at least with the design aspect. Many do it yourself websites look like they were do it yourself. When someone visits your site, if they don't like what they see or feel comfortable within the first few seconds, they will leave. A professionally designed website is usually worth the money put into it.

If you know html, then make text modifications and minor modifications yourself, however, pay someone to design your site.

Great blog Georgina,

HTML is pretty easy, and especially if you use a GUI software, you don't even have to know HTML that much...

One tip, I'd like to give is that use more text than graphics, because google will see the text and place you in the search engine accordingly

OCT

2007

As much as HTML is easy, I think you should think twice before doing it yourself. At least get an experienced designer to design the site.

OCT

2007

if you don't take the interest in learning the aesthetics and layout...go with storebought. if you want to make it exactly the way you want, do it yourself. at least with storebought you can control content. don't take for granted that web designers are not versed in lead generation...just web design. you're not out of the woods with learning. if you don't learn what works on a website, you get what you pay for, literally.

OCT

2007

Hi Georgina, I agree that it is very to create a website if you are comfortable with technology. Your website has a clean professional look. Most of the agents that I have met are not comfortable with technology at all. I would recommend using a basic template site for these agents that allows the agent to edit. Good content is the goal.

I also built my website completely from scratch, but it is constantly evolving and today I will be spending a few hours on it. I have invested a lot of time in the site, but I have the skills and it is the slow season.

Thanks everyone for the positive feedback and tips. It does indeed take a lot of time to maintain your own site, and it's nice to cut to the chase and just get it done without waiting for someone else's schedule.

OCT

2007

I am definitely looking into an HTLM class after reading your blog and comments. Thanks

Oops I meant HTML class on the above comment.

hahaha - watch your spelling, that's very important in HTML. Good luck with it.

OCT

2007

I agree, it is valuable to be able to jump on change stuff around your self. Sometimes the simple sites do the best.

NOV

2007

It seems to me that most of the people that are proponents of do-it-yourself are not doing it because you believe you can come up with a better design or really save more time. It seems you are doing it because you want to control and modify the content. Well, you can have the best of both worlds!

I know a local developer that is building CMS (Content Management System) based custom websites for real estate professionals. The idea is that they do a design and build a back-end system that allows you to work on, add content to and modify your site yourself in a VERY easy and FAST way - much faster than HTML will ever be. In addition, if you upload things like market statistics, they get inputted into a database and the system can output long-term cumulative stats and graphs. I will be using their system for my new site greenhousingsd.com.

If you are interested in learning more, you can visit them on the web at http://www.integralimpressions.com/ and contact Matt Browne. You can also view one of their sites using this feature at http://www.portlandrealestate.com/

adam

NOV

2007

Adam, thanks for the comment. CMS sounds like a good idea. How are they able to upload the market statistics? For specific areas?

NOV

2007

Hi Georgina,

The CMS can be custom-tailored to the statistics that you want to enter. It would be like filling out a form - just inputting data in the boxes already there. With statistics done this way, you can aggregate them over time and start running some really neat metrics....contact Matt@integralimpressions.com for more info and mention my name.

NOV

2007

Adam, If I ever find my box of "round to-its" I'll check it out, and will be sure to mention your name. : )

NOV

2007

Georgina,

Thanks for the advice.....I have been meaning to take a class myself, and I guess I will take the plunge.

Dan, If you're good at languages, it should be a piece of cake. It's surprisingly simple.

NOV

2007

I agree that there is a great deal that can be done without the professionals -- but it's always important to know when to call in reinforcements, even if it's just to discuss strategies for making the site rank better.

Stephen,

Thanks for commenting. I'm hoping that some AR juice will come my way!

NOV

2007

Good information for us all to know the basic of.

Ron

DEC

2007

I think a hybrid between doing it yourself and turning everything over to someone else is actually the way to go. Getting a great and original design might be something that having a designer do would be the more efficient path. But, knowing how to make changes and tweaks is WAY better than having to hire it out, or pay to have done.

Ronald - it is very basic

Lane - it's great to be able to make your own quick changes without having to wait for someone else

JAN

2008

Good HTML skills and SEO skills are not the same thing. Nor should a good looking website be confused with one that will automatically rank high on the coveted first page results of Google, either.

Art can sometimes be created with a chainsaw. And there's a lot of websites out there that looked like they got created with a chainsaw.

My point is this: If selling homes were so easy, why do we complain about FSBO's not understanding the value a REALTOR brings to the table. Do you see where I am going with this?

Sure a REALTOR can create a basic website. Or, you can go to one of the McWebsite companies like Advance Access, #1 Expert, Homes.com and look just like 15,000 other agent websites.

SEO MYTH #7: Google penlizes sites for duplicate content and 92% of websites created by these firms will NEVER rank naturally on page one.

Advertising agencies often have the best real estate talent on board for those seeking a website that looks good, but one that can also be optimized to rank higher than broker bob when next time home buyers come looking for a home on-line. They often use the city+real+estate search phrase, that being if you are a REALTOR in Phoenix, the user is most apt to enter in: phoenix real estate when they go to look for real estate in the Phoenix area.

The highest and best use of a REALTORS time isn't going to be spent learning how to do html, or php, or AJAX or XML. It's hard enough staying up with ethics and getting our 30 CE's every three years. Smart REALTORS know their time is valuable. IF you have spare time left over, spend it getting your CRS, ABR, ePRO or SIMS (Senior Internet Marketing Specialty) designation. The Internet is changeing so fast that you will be hard pressed to enjoy life at the top of the real estate food chain, earning six digit commissions year after year.

But every once in a while, I get proven wrong on my assumptions. So, if you just happen to be one of those REALTORS who can design a website better than an advertising agency, and get it ranked on page one of Google better than Danny Sullivan can... then I'd LOVE to Interview you for my new book; Real Estate Warriors.

The book will be out sometime late in 2008 and it will feature candid interviews with some of the biggest names in Real Estate and what they did to get themselves to the top of the real estate food chain such as Ralph Roberts and others.

JAN

2008

Hi Bart, Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Good luck with your book project.

FEB

2008

I do my own website as well. It is not the easiest thing to do at first but once you get the hang of it lookout.

Hi Michael - Thanks for the comment. I'm off to see your website.

MAY

2008

I think there is a distinction between DIY and having a basic understanding of what is happening. Knowing the capabilities of the WWW and SEO gives an site owner a leg up.

But, good professional designs have been proven to convert traffic. As have some DIY sites.

Overall, the more you know, the better the desicions that you wil make. Even if you outsource it.

When it comes to the SEO aspects, here's a multi-page document that was specifically written for real estate professionals, using real estate examples:

Search Engine Optimization Basics For Real Estate-Related Websites
http://www.domaindrivers.com/seobasics-realestate-main.htm

I hope it helps.

Dirk - thanks for the info... I'm looking into it.

JUN

2008

I like using CoffeeCup software... http://www.coffeecup.com/ to develop quick and dirty websites... Personally I'm not very creative so even though websites are actually easy to create I don't have the patience or the visuals on making them look good. Probably why I really good at SEO since that is more of a technical challenge as opposed to a creative challenge.

JUN

2008

Glenn - interesting point - kind of a left brain vs right brain thing.

JUL

2008

Great post and comments...I've been using the same Dreamweaver that I bought back in 2001, or was it earlier...anyway, it still works and is very easy to work in.

JUL

2008

Thanks for the idea. I really hadn't thought about it, but now I'll try it.

JUL

2008

Elizabeth - good luck!

AUG

2008

Of all those who are doing their own website

how many have you local MLS integrated into the site.

and I don't mean a link to their page or a frame in one of your pages.

If you don't have the MLS listings and don't want them then a DIY is fine.

But if you want to not only rank in the search engines but make sales off of your website you

need the MLS in your site and you need it cusomized to your niche in the market.

As a developer in New Hampshire Vermont Mass area I know of only a handful of others who can do this

and none are DIYers.

Most of my clients were once DIYers or had a developer who had no idea how to use a database (holds all the MLS info) to drive their website.

The difference is night and day, the customized database sites that are done correctly KILL all basic sites and all the template and subscription sites that offer an mls feed in them.

You should be so busy with leads from your website that you don't have time to deal with it.

All my clients are, even - no, especially in this slow market.

Some are having their best year ever!

SEP

2008

How did this post get 44 comments?

SEP

2008

Thomas - some things just can't be explained.

SEP

2008

I just learned some basic HTML today to post pictures on my blog and also to bold letters. It was fun! I would like to learn it, but I do think as realtors we have to watch our time and say what is the highest and best use of our time - are we realtors or web designers?

SEP

2008

Sharon, yes HTML can be fun and easy. Whether you decide to learn more or not is up to you, but it is pretty easy to learn the basics. Much easier than learning a foreign language.

OCT

2008

I thought I would chime in here. Way back in 1998 I thought I would take a Photoshop class at a local community college because I had a strong interest in photography and it seemed like photography was heading in that direction. I ended staying for two years. There I was introduced to the internet and html. In these slow times it's a great time to get caught up on new technologies or learn html. Technology is always changing and if you don't get on top of it you will be left behind. What's kind of funny when I was taking classes real estate wasn't even a thought in my mind.

OCT

2008

Thanks for chiming in Ken. That's exactly how it was for me. I was just taking some classes as a lifelong learner, way before I got my RE license. I'm really glad I did.

OCT

2008

Good point Georgina! It never hurts to know all there is to know about your stuff! And as a bonus to taking that class, you get to meet a new group of people, hopefully some potential customers and / or referrals! :o)

OCT

2008

Georgina - EXCELLENT POST! This was our story back in 1996 when we were paying an arm and a leg for a person to maintain and build our site. When we pulled back the curtain and learned how to do it is was a revelation.

You can have a Google friendly website. But it doesn't mean you're going to get the lion share of the leads just because you're visible on page one.

Next-time home buyers are smarter today. They do judge books by it's cover. They do not respond very well to McWebsites anymore. These are websites that look like they all got stamped out on the same word processor. 90% of all broker and agent websites from a design perspective today... leave a LOT to be desired.

McWebsites have the same canned content. Same school information. They the usual blathering, "Buy from me because I know the area. I'm a lifetime resident. My sports include blah blah blah." Next time home buyers don't care about any of this. They want to see HOMES. They want to SEARCH and SEE photos, 360 tours and video content.

People judge a book by a cover. People like good looking book covers. People also like good looking websites.

So if you find your website on page one of Google isn't generating calls or making your cash register ring... there's a good chance your website design needs to be bulldozed.

OCT

2008

I don't know about using it to build your own website but it certainly comes in handy on ActiveRain and some of the social networking websites!

OCT

2008

Just knowing the anchor link tag <a href="http://www.iknowhtml.com"> is huge for SEO</a>

Great, accurate info. I've built my own site, and alan absolutely right, knowing the anchor tab for use on AR puts you in a great position to spice up your posts.

Georgina, Alan and Steve - so is it better to write your posts in html instead of WYSIWYG? That gets you better SEO?

Meli - now you're talking like a true salesperson

Matt - the fear of the unkown will keep a lot of people away

Bart - I agree that a property search feature is essential

Garren - yes, it's sort of like a basic language that we should all know

Alan - a few simple tags can go a long way

Steve - congrats for building your own site

Sharon - maybe not... sometimes it won't translate well to the Localism or "outside blogs" I find that wysiwyg is easy enough for composing, and sometimes you will need to go into HTML to tweak.

NOV

2008

I'm still on the fence about going it alone. I do have a web designer / mgmt company and they charge a fortune for minor updates and new page creation. My focus right now is to find an IDX provider with a simple low cost template that looks professional but allows me to personally add and update the pages every day, if I choose!

NOV

2008

Great arguments on both sides of the fence. It is very difficult for me to think that I can stay on top of SEO and web design on a consistent basis, let alone to constantly be updating and adding content. However, I do enjoy learning more about building websites and SEO, but don't want it to take away from my business of serving my community by assisting clients buy and sell their homes. It is tough to find the right balance.

NOV

2008

I didn't even take the class... I can't hard code, but I can write a few things. More importantly, I have found that tools like Joomla and WordPress go a LONG way.

NOV

2008

Kerry - it's nice to be able to make your own minor changes without having to wait for someone else's schedule

Troy - it all depends on how you want to spend your time

Lane - even knowing a few simple things can make your life easier

DEC

2008

We understand basic html and have used it to our benefit. Having thatt basic knowledge has helped us a lot tweek our own websites.

DEC

Georgia,

I agree, it is not that hard to perform. Hiring somebody else leaves you not able to easily make simple changes to your website, as you see problems on regular review. I am getting ready to make a second website during this slow period.

JAN

Morgan - a little knowledge can be useful, and dangerous!

James - good luck with the new site

JAN

Some folks can build out a nice clean website - some can't. It's an artistic thing. The most important aspect, one which many do-it-your-selfers miss, is to keyword target the site. The official term for some of these projects is " a billboard in the desert" Noone will ever see it.

Not a bad idea to get some some input from an SEO expert. We see very simple sites rank on page one across multiple search engines for targeted contextual keyword phrases.

See my real estate SEO blog for some insight.

Hi Bob,

We've structured our "SEO a la Carte" services for people who need specific SEO services for their situation, but do not need a whole "package deal".

Some of you like to DIY, and save money, and maintain control, but some aspects of it, you'd rather not DIY. We can help. We've done it for hundreds of agent sites.

http://www.domaindrivers.com/real-estate-SEO-a-la-carte.html

Bob and Dirk - good luck with your business in 2009 and thanks for your comments.

JAN

The site is easy, my problem is getting it to link to the MLS, The MLS in has links but I can never get the options to work as well as on my professional site. I will link the sites that I have created to pages on my real site with the MLS search locked for specific terms like bank-owned, and then town name. HTML is also good for formatting Craigslist pages, color, space sand pictures in the body of the text.

Good info, Thank you, Georgina

FEB

I have a Number 1 Expert real estate website and LOVE it. They are fabulous to work with plus I can make many changes myself using a tool called Diamond Cutter. The difficult things - I just shoot an email to my rep and they are done within a day usually! I have changed the look of the site a few times and I am quite the control freak - and I couldnt be happier with my website! www.NickyDou.com check it out!

FEB

Jack - if your MLS is like ours, you have to link to it from your own site, not a third party site

Nicky - thanks, I will, and I'll see you on Twitter

FEB

intersting post here, it is intersting to learn as much form the comments as you do the post. It is just as much a matter of time to do the website as it is know how i have found. Great job!!

David Van Noy Jr

it's awesome how we pick so much stuff here on AR...I'll have to check out coffeecup.com

FEB

It's amazing how we all read different things on peoples posts. All I read is take an HTML class at a community college. What a great idea.

The last post mentions the coffecup.com , I am in my way to check it out.

MAR

Thank you for the tip Georgina - there are always alternative ways to accomplish things. I guess it depends on how simple you keep the website, and what your objectives are. May work well for a personal site; however, I think a company would require much more relative to promoting its business and management/operations of the site. Certainly helps to do something on your own when budget considerations are an issue.

Thanks for he advice. Sometimes I get way ahead of myself and totally overwhelmed. I really would like to take control of my website. Community College here I come!

MAR

David - yup, the comments are all great

Chris and Maria - you know it

Tere - it's that simple

Renee - different strokes for different folks - even small companies and large companies have different game plans

Nyles - do it!

APR

Good post and I agree. I built my own site about 4 months ago. It still needs a lot of work but is better than I expected. www.showcasecharlotte.com

APR

Your post is 1 1/2 years old, but it still rings true today. Wile scrolling down I came across the post asking how this post got 44 comments. How atouc 80?

There's a lot of good DIY - Do It Yourself types out there and we like working with the Do It Yourself Types. Technology is getting easier for roll your own HTML even SEO is getting to be less complicated.

Our Do It Yourself Virtual Tour Cameras are ideal for brokers or REALTORS who want to save money.

If you missed our TV commercials, we posted one of them on our Voyager360.com website about David the Broker who saved $18,000 by switching to Voyager. He saved $18,000 last year in unnecessary outside 360 virtual tour costs.

ActiveRain BONUS: Anyone who calls and orders one of the complete kits, I'll give you $100 in free gasoline or $100 of the purchase of any 360 complete kit.

- bartman

MAY

Alot of people just enjoy the drama and making things tougher than it really is!

MAY

I think I will just stick to having a template site. So much easier to work than doing html

Wow - I wish I had a dollar for every comment on this short post!

AUG

I have been working with wordpress and it is really simple to use in comparrison with other website programs. Please check it out.

SEP

Wordpress is the real way to go when building your site.

There are a lot of tools that you can use and make a great site.

You can use it for your blog and have your sales pages on it as well. It is multi-functional. Easy plug and play modules as well as themes.

Vast amount of educational tools to help you as well. Most of the tools have videos so you can see what to do. Because of its flexability it is much better than a static site.

I am hosting a 3 day 1 1/2 hours per day course on website building FREE for those realtors that live in Nevada. Please register vegaslender1@gmail.com or give me a call at (702) 326-8698 Dave

SEP

Whether you build your own site or pay a company to design it for you is really up to you, but in my opinion I would avoid the template websites. You can correct me if I'm wrong but I think the search engines have a harder time getting through them, and your content may not actually benefit as much as you would like it to. And honestly, I spent as much time maintaining our template website as I did on our html-based site. I would try and move that direction.

NOV

Writing the code is not difficult. But I have worked with "experts" that miss some of the very basics of SEO/SEM, or have truly goofed with old school stuff, or simply have great code skills but lousy SEO skills

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