Another post from our in-house Marketing Director, Deanna Whipp. . .
I'm in the middle of a web design project that is huge. It's costly. It's time consuming, but for what we are going to accomplish it's worth everything we're putting into it. Will post on it when it goes live, but that's another matter. Just read a great article on the beauty of the most basic of websites.
I've read, discussed,followed blogs and attended classes that all seek to reveal the secret to the perfect real estate website. I've seen real beauties. I've drooled over costly designs I've run across in our peer group. I'm still yet to be convinced there is a perfect formula for a site that does it all. If there was such a thing, wouldn't we all have one? Then wouldn't most Real Estate agent's sites pretty much be the same? Then, what would the point be for a consumer to look around much?
What I'm getting at is that I adore that Real Estate agents' sites are so different. Like each agent, the personality of the site really gives insight to who the agent might be. Each site is a tool to define the individual, thus allowing the consumer to shop around and match their own personalities to that of an agent who may work for them. It's like a pre-interview. That's what I have taken away from all that I have been reading and following.
That's why it is so important when building your site to make sure that you are giving the consumer what they expect to find, as well as what you believe it is important for an agent to provide a client. Yes, school info should be there, but what about the other stuff that a brand new member of the community would rely on you to provide? What about simple links to local happenings? A cool local blog? Where to find the lowest gas prices in town, where to conveniently track local news and entertainment? This kind of content, no matter if flashy or a simple link, is stuff that will prompt buyers and sellers alike to bookmark your site. Being connected to you means much more than finding a home. Relationships have changed. You stay in contact with friends and family via the internet now, don't you? Facebook? Twitter? Why shouldyour website be any different?
So, be creative, introduce your internet consumers not only to who you are, but what you are about and what you know about the community; not just why you are a great agent (which you are and they will find that out once they start working with you), but why you are a great person to know.
A Real Estate site as simple, yet complex as the Drudge site? Sure, why not? As long as the consumer is relying on your site to provide new information, reliable sources, and content richer than a template, you are certain to gain repeat visitors.
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