It never ceases to amaze me how many people buy a website and then do nothing with it and wonder why they aren't getting any business.

I, too, am amazed, Sharon.  Folks like myself and the other CRS instructors & national technology speakers have been going around the country for years "preaching the gospel."

BTW:  I hope all AR'ers have visited your site.....Very well done, and I know it brings you an Tami a lot of business.  You Da Best!  :-)

It's a great day (sunset) here on the lake in Reston...hope it's a great day down there in St. Pete!

In 2005, only 68% of agents had a website and 60% of those with websites did nothing to generate traffic to them. - per NAR stats.

This is post has some great ideas, thank you!

Well said Allen. "Build it and they will come" is best left to the screenwriters for Field of Dreams, and not used as a marketing tactic for our websites.

Cheers,

Pam Ivey, Cert SBM,CREA,PREVA,CRESS,CMP  |  REALTOR Solutions Specialist
VISUAL PERSUASIONS CANADA  |  www.VisualPersuasions.ca
"Helping you gain more leads, better recognition and greater response for your marketing dollars."

Your posts are always so helpful - I think a lot of us think that the website will be enough, but don't know how to implement all the other stuff.  I will take your pointers and run with them.  Our website is definitely generating more business now than it did a year ago, but can only hope to improve that.  Thanks for sharing.

Ines

This topic came up jsut a few days (always worth repeating). I just wanted to add that a poorly done site IS WORSE than no site in many instances.

Bad sites are a proven turn off, and reflect your level of experience (or lack there of) and professionalism.

Good post. :)

-B

Just having a website is not going to bring in business.  I talk to people all the time that tell me they want a website but they don't know the first thing about how to drive traffic to that website.  Even then what have they got set up on that site to capture potential clients? One can waste a fairly big chunk of money on a website that simply doesn't work! New content is key!  A site needs new content regularly..

Allen

Allen please take a look at my site and advise accordingly please.

http://www.NewHomesTucson.com

This humors me when people are fretting over getting their "free" company "website" set up.  They're better off setting their hair on fire.  At least someone would write about the fire and it would come through a news feed, right?

I just got my site up and running last week so I am very greatful for all ideas-both here and other posts. I think the best thing I ever did for my business was to join AR.

I think it's also very true that you must have a good REALTOR behind a good website.  The most amazing website that looks great, ranks great and brings in leads won't be worth a dime if you don't have a hard working, knowledgable, tech savvy REALTOR behind the website.  

That's always the hard part of my business - how do you tell an agent that the problem is they need to be working at the mall at Sears - NOT selling real estate! 

These days.. additionally... you have to have a broader strategy.  Having one general website that you hope ranks well and brings in all your business is a pipe dream for most - especially those who are joining 'the party' late.  It's competitive on the internet. You have to have a marketing plan that includes multiple websites focused on niches....  mailing campaigns..... email newsletters....   podcasts.....    blogs....

It's called... uh.... marketing.  No different than offline marketing. If you think running one ad in one paper on one day is going to make you a living... think again.  It's multiple ads in multiple papers on multiple occasions, coupled with real estate magazines, mailings, etc. that make offline marketing successful.

There are TWO components to a successful internet campaign.  A good, informative, consumer oriented website (get your picture and your awards and your dog off the home page - it's not about YOU!) and an effective and comprehensive .  Most people do the website and ignore the marketing. 

Honestly, I think a great marketing strategy and a crummy website will bring you more business than a great website that nobody can find!

I appreciate the comments on the topic, one that is important, I believe, to any real estate agent wanting to meet the needs of today's consumer.

Pam: You're right: once online, a site must be promoted.  Personal promotion in all forms is still the best way to go.  BTW: I checked out your site....you do wonderful work, and I hope your business thrives!

Bryce: You're right: a poorly done site is worse than not having a site!  Speaking of sites, your photography site is a real grabber right from the start....beautiful work.  I need a new pr photo, and I wish I was up in your neck of the woods so that you could do it for me.  You'd even make me look good, I'll bet!  :-)

Aziz: Thanks for your kind words, and I know you are going to get a lot out of your membership in my friend Jack Peckham's Real Estate CyberSpace Society....his information is terrific!

Michael: I wish I could look at everyone's Web site who asks me to take a "quick look," but time prohibits my doing so.  I do have a site evaluation service....costs $395, we offer a two week max turnaround time and give you a 20-26 page report, very detailed, page by page analysis.  If you want to take advantage of my servie, let me know.  BTW:  You're off to a good start with an Advanced Access site...keep adding to it and modifying it!

Chris: Seems as if setting one's hair on fire would be a bit extreme, huh?  :-)   But I do agree: most company, franchise sites I've seen/evaluated are a start, but they are just a start.  They are not cut out to be money makers.  

Stephen: You are right: Active Rain is a tremendous resource for "real estate folks."  Might I also suggest that if you have not already done so you start taking the 2 day CRS core courses?  Absolutely the best in-dept courses in real estate on a number of subjects.  I'm one of the instructors for the CRS 206 technology course and love teaching it.  As with all the CRS core courses, there is no self-interest....just a sincere desire to present the best information & systems possible to attendees.

Fred: Love your ideas, Oh Bald Headed Wonder!  You are right on target when you suggest that a good Web site is only the start of a complete marketing campaign.  Marketing is the key, and an agent Web site is the best markting tool we have ever had in our industry.  BTW: I hope everyone will go to your site and see your stuff...you do very nice work, my friend, and I hope your business grows & prospers.

Well, all, I guess that's enough for now.  Time to relax, watch Sunday Morning on CBS and to enjoy the pretty snow that's falling here on the lake.

It's a great day here on the lake in Reston...hope it's a great day wherever you are, as well! 

We are Realtors but first, we are lead generators! If you cannot generate leads through your site, you might as well kiss that monthly fee goodbye!

Aloha Allen, Thank you for the insightful post. I am in the process of adding pages to my website for that very reason - to keep consumers coming back. It was nice to see your mention of Alice Held's website. I had first learned of her site from the success module on isucceed.com.