Well, not exactly hiding, but not revealing your location.

Over the past few days I've had occasion to visit quite a few agent websites, and a strange commonality has me scratching my head in wonder.

From what I saw, it's obvious that agents no longer expect clients to walk into their offices. (Maybe they don't have offices?)

The vast majority of the sites I visited not only failed to list a street address; they didn't even reveal the City and State.  (Some also failed to reveal the agent's name, but that's another story.)

The only way to find out where they are is to try a search - and see if the results give the name of the city and state. Person hiding behind greenery

Going to the "contact us" page helps on some sites - on others all you get is a webform allowing you to email the agent.

Once in a while an "about" page will give a hint:  "I've been selling real estate here in Mytown for 97 years, and I know the entire market by heart." (And I'd better not get started on that "I, I, I" business right now either. That's for another day.)

So - why is this?

Do agents assume that anyone coming to their site knows where they are and where they sell real estate? Isn't that a crazy thing to assume?

For a long time I've harped about putting your city and state in your email signature. After all, if someone forwards a joke or poem or some pretty photos and there's YOUR signature at the bottom, they just might notice and call you when they need an agent. After all, what you sent is a reflection of your personality, so if they liked it they might assume that you're the kind of person they'll like. (Remember, people choose agents for some reasons that have nothing to do with their expertise.)

And if you've sent some good real-estate advice, people with friends who need an agent are apt to pass it along - and there you'll be. You'll automatically have status as the agent who knows more than the average bear.

It seems to me that when someone arrives at your site, it might be a good idea to let them know that yes, they're in the right place to find the answers they're seeking.

OK - I can hear someone out there saying "But what about you? Where's your address?" And they'd be right - it's not there. That's because where I am doesn't matter in the least. (North Idaho, in case you're curious.) My clients come from all over the U.S., and some from other countries. As long as we have email and telephones, I can help them.

But YOUR clients either want to buy, sell, or rent something in YOUR town. By not revealing your location, you just might be missing out on new leads.

So - If you're keeping your location a secret, go fix that! (It only takes a minute...)

marte@copybymarte.com
www.copybymarte.com

Priest River, Idaho
208-448-1479

 

Call on Copy by Marte for:

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Articles....Blog Posts....Print Ads

PLUS

Pre-written real estate letters that save you time and money -
and keep you in touch with your prospects.

 

 
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26 Comments on Hey There Real Estate Agent, Why Are You Hiding?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

FEB
05
584,667 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Nancy - And I think that's not the ONLY thing you're doing right!

Fred - Exactly. They don't know if they're in the right place, so they keep looking.The funny thing is, for a while I was seeing agent sites that were ONLY all about the city - and gave no hint why someone should choose that agent. Now I'm seeing sites that don't promote the city OR the agent.

They're just: "Search for a home here" without saying where "here" is.

Charita and Chris Ann - I wonder if it's because people work at home and don't want the danger of someone being able to come to their homes. But still, the office has to have some kind of physical address - even if it's nothing but a PO Box.

 
9:51am • #7
4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Hmmmm....I will give this some thought. I don't display my address because I work from home most days. I do put a city and state...
4:55pm • #8
584,667 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Deb - City and State are what's important - so your website visitors know they've come to the right place. Since people don't seem to visit real estate offices any more, the street address probably doesn't matter much.
6:12pm • #9
551,813 Points 146 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

OK, Marte, I've got to go check all of my sites now.  That is a good thing.  We don't get a lot of traffic off the street, but I guess I shouldn't ignore it.  8-)
6:18pm • #10
576,212 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Our MLS requires our address on the home page of a site that they have an IDX agreement with.  I didn't even notice my address wasn't on mine until I checked that requirement, so now that is corrected.
6:21pm • #11
584,667 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Mike - Yes, if there's a chance someone might want to show up at your office, you probably should tell them where you are! Meanwhile, just indicating the City and State on your home page will reassure visitors that they've come to the right place.

Joetta - They want to know you're real - and somewhere - and not just a phantom?

6:34pm • #12
FEB
06
801,287 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Address and location are key points to promote...an agent who has left off that information is being completely ineffective.
4:56am • #13
1,152,272 Points 86 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I do have the office address on my website, but I can understand why some agents would not, and I think it has to do with capture the lead. Some agents work SEO better than others and if they can capture a lead, whether or not it's for an area they work, they feel they can get someone to work it and at least get the referral.

The example is set for us by the online marketing real estate sites that sell agents leads that come ion from listings of other agents
6:30am • #14
100,135 Points Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Oh those two things should be visible in your website. Those are very important and shouldn't be left for granted. Who knows it would be your ticket of a good sell.
7:15am • #15
584,667 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Gary - I think so.

Ed - That's interesting. A bit sneaky, too.They're more interested in capturing leads than in serving clients in their own city.

Ridhi - Yes, unless - as Ed says - you're just capturing leads to sell.

8:31am • #16
279,967 Points 4 Featured Posts

Great post Marte! I've often wondered if it just skips peoples minds when they are creating their website. Too often, I'll visit an agent's site and notice the same thing. Not only do their potential clients not know where they are, Google doesn't either! Bad marketing on both accounts.
12:24pm • #17
584,667 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Fred - Thank you for that! You brought up a point that had slipped my mind - if your home page and your interior pages don't indicate what city you're in, how in the world will Google know to bring you up in a search for agents in your city??
12:52pm • #18
103,380 Points

I think it's because a LOT of agents are working from home now.  I agree on the city & state being a MUST!!
3:10pm • #19
584,667 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Steph - I wonder if more or less work is accomplished?

I remember when the first agents in our small town started working from home. When people called the office to ask for them and heard that they always said something like "Yeah sure. Probably taking a nap." And now - it's the norm.
3:16pm • #20
FEB
07
381,856 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I do have a home office but I print my broker office address, phone number, email - something :)
10:07am • #21
584,667 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Teral - That's a good idea - better to publish an office address than a home address. Really, for Internet visitors and Google, the important part is the city and state.
10:17am • #22
712,550 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You have apoint Marte, it is kind of awkward even when someone leaves a comment on your post and it only gives the name of the company.  How do you respodt? Awkward!
10:38am • #23
584,667 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Evelyn - Yes - it's nicer to use a name instead of saying "Hi there XYZ company!"

 
10:53am • #24
FEB
08
366,240 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Marte,

It is important to indicate where you are located to help potential clients get to know you and your service.  Good post!  Best of CONTINUED SUCCESS to you this year!
11:12pm • #25
FEB
09
584,667 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jordon - If you don't let them know where you are, how can they know whether you can help them?
12:42pm • #26

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Marte Cliff

Priest River, ID

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Marte Cliff Copywriting

Address: 1794 Blue Lake Road, Priest River, ID, 83856

Office Phone: (208) 448-1479

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Author Bio: Marte Cliff is a freelance copywriter who specializes in writing for the real estate profession.

Thoughts, ideas, insights, and tips on real estate copywriting and real estate marketing.
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