This past week I've been looking inside out at the internet presence of real estate agents across the nation.  I've seen some really garrish mistakes that have made me suck in my breath and wonder who left the gate open to push their business out.  

Top 5 web mishaps that left me a little breathless:

1.  Missing Contact Information.  A big old form in the middle of your page and that's it?  Yup, that's what I witnessed on a few sites this week.  No phone number, no email address, let alone new and improved methods, like a twitter address or text option.  If all you have on your site is a form- Forget about it....you just lost 9 out of every 10 customers that come to your website, and that's on the generous side.

My 2 cents- I think some people who had websites early only included forms because they needed to "capture their traffic".  Back when a time when content wasn't king this might have worked.  Maybe. 

I also noticed this little glitch in some of the popular free membership websites.  If you can't add contact information on these templates, than the value for free is zero.

2.  Wrong Number.  Wrong numbers feed your competition.  If you change brokerages make sure you change your phone number.  If you think your old office will be kind enough to redirect your customers to your new office location, understand the conversation goes like this,

"Ohhh...no Mary isn't here anymore. Is there something that I can help you with?".

My 2 cents- Changing offices is like relocating to a new home town.  Make a list of all of your online and offline marketing material so you can systematically change your contact information AND rebrand with your new company logo.  If you find yourself too busy give the list to a virtual assistant to change for you. 

Your hard earned web presence is too valuable to give to your competition.

3.  Slow Loading Flash Websites.  Wanna get creative with your site?  Add video, podcasts, or an interactive home style designer software.  Most of the template flash websites date your internet savvy. The 10% of clients who still surf on dial-up will dial out,  and you dould risk irritating prospects who use satellite internet and some dsl modems that don't always have a reliable, steady speed.

My 2 cents:  If you liked the old flash sites, you'll be highly impressed with the flashier, more practicle baubles and gadgets of 2.0 website offerings.  Start investigating and comparison shopping through the eyes of your website visitor.

4.  Realtor.com Advertising Alert.   If you advertise on REALTOR.com, please, please, check where your hyperlinked name and your website link go to.  One out of every three REALTOR.com REALTOR profiles had a real estate agent's name and website link going to their broker's home page or the agent list page on their company website. 

Do not spend that kind of money to send business back to your office and out of your reach.

My 2 cents:  I got nuthin'.  Check it, fix it, don't do it.  All business  you advertise should go back to you unless you enjoy being a philanthropist. 

5.  Lack of a Brand Identity- This is a topic worthy of a post series.  Template websites, webpages off your broker's website, or just a small profile on your local REALTOR association or a third party website- it's not enough and it just doesn't speak professionally.  Cut a deal with a webdesigner, find a web proficient and geeky nephew, or just scrimp and  save, As soon as you can- get a REAL BUSINESS WEBSITE. 

My 2 cents:  Your brand, your unique services, your personality, your experience, your listings, your market reports, your business- These all need to be on YOUR Website in a way that makes the consumer feel welcome and intrigued.  In about 10 seconds tops.  Cookie cutter websites and Stepford agents aren't appealing to a consumer.  Especially one with 2.0 know how.

Your internet appraisal shouldn't be a drive by valuation. 

Don't be THAT Agent.  Your business deserves better.