I recent read an article on authority web sites and believe it applies to real estate agent web sites. The article basically claims that over time the successful larger commercial web sites will become more and more successful and the smaller sites will go by the wayside. The author was talking more about product based sites but the concepts impact real estate as well. The author defines an authority site:

'A fairly comprehensible authority site definition was put forward by Jason Dowdell of Global Promoter. Jason defined it this way: "authority sites are sites that have been linked to and referenced on other web sites covering the same subject matter and they also will have hundreds if not thousands of pages covering that subject matter and nearly every facet of it."'

He continues, "A simple question must be asked. What do 99.9% of authority sites provide? In a sentence, an incredíble amount of original content and a superb visitor experience."

How do you build an authority site in the real estate realm? The best way to answer this question is to put yourself in your client's shoes. Ask their top 20 questions. For example:

1. How much are houses going for?
2. Do you have houses I can see online (MLS)?
3. What are the best areas for me to live in?
4. Is it safe there? 
5. What about the schools?
6. What about the job market?
7. What is it like to live there?
8. Where can I find community information?
9. How big are the yards?
10. Who can help me get a loan?
11. Is it a good time to buy?
12. What are the demographics?
13. How do I get around?
14. Do you know a competent real estate agent?
15. (add your own questions here...)

Does your site answer community specific questions effectively while leaving them wanting more? Web masters can write content about hundreds of topics. In time, the compilation of many community specific information will help your users determine you are the authority. Google will also believe it. Search engines will see the mass of interlinked content discussing all topics and trust more in the site.

What is your site's experience like? When users arrive at your site what is the feeling the get? Do they believe in your content because your site presents well? Do you offer them dynamic tools to help them answer their questions? Do users feel like they can contact the real authority because their site appears to be the authority?

Building an authority web site will bring users to it and convert them into trusting clients. Take time to analyze your site and rework it as necessary to be the local authority real estate site.