In the last few weeks, I have spent A LOT of time reviewing websites and expanding my 2009 marketing plan.  As I look at all of these different websites, I am finding so many different errors and missed marketing opportunities.   It ranges from typos to forcing someone to search for your contact information.  I even read someone's blog and directed me to their website to sign up for a newsletter.  I went to the website and I couldn't find any newsletter sign up.  This make me click off the site and now in my eyes this person is not credible.  Many sites have tried but they could be better by spending a day or two polishing off the website and giving a clear message to any potential client.  Remember, you only have one shot at a great first impression and your website would be an avenue to a first impression.  Your 2009 Priority should be to make sure your website is the best it can be.  

I thought I would make a check list for you to review your own site.  I hope this will help you leave a lasting impression with your clients and assure them you are professional and you are the one they need to help them.   A professional polished website will assure any client that your marketing will be as professional and polished. 

Let's get started....
1. Be clear on your target market.  Speak directly to the people you want to work with.  Add graphics and other information that would be interesting to your target market.  Copy and graphics will help new visitors feel comfortable.  Tip:  Don't use too many graphics - there is a balance between copy and graphics.  Write copy with headlines.  The headline will be the attention grabber.
2. Be clear on the message you want to communicate.  Have a tagline and support your tagline throughout the copy.
3. Do a spell check.  Never have any typos.
4. Have someone else read each page.  Never have any typos.
5. Add your contact information on each page - do not make your clients search for ways to contact you
6. Your contact info should include:  Name, Address, Company Logo, Updated Photo, Designations, Phone, Email, blog, IM and any other ways you want to be contacted.
7. A clear bio.  People want to work with people that they share common interests.  Don't be afraid to expand on things that are special to you. This will help you stand out from the crowd.
8. Add Testimonials - Testimonials are still valuable.  Since people are making their decisions online you want to give them all the reasons why you are the one to use.  Testimonials are still good in communicating your service.  TIP: take a picture of your client in front of their new home or with a SOLD sign.  This will really personalize the testimonial even more.
9. Clear Navigation.  Don't be afraid to spell things out when your abbreviations aren't common knowledge.  Spend some time mapping out a navigation plan that will make sense to the new visitor.  You want them to feel comfortable and find all the information you offer.  Add Navigation buttons or links to your blogs and even to your designations home page.  This will allow the user to get more information. 10. Add neighborhood information.  Take local pictures of landmarks, new communities, parks and etc... Giving a tour of the area will provide a very clear picture on your area.  Add maps too. Include links to city websites, chamber of commerce and other active organizations in the area. 
11. For Sellers, give them a preview of your marketing plan.  This will help sellers see how many avenues you will use to promote their property
12. Add links to your Social Marketing Profiles.  This will help users connect with you in a way they may feel important.  FaceBook, Linked In, Active Rain and Twitter are some options.
13. Offer an IDX Solution.  Give buyers an advanced way to search for properties. 
14. Provide a way to capture leads.  Offer a monthly newsletter and ask users to sign up with an email address.  You can ask them to fill in their first name but the least amount of information the more likely you are to get people to sign up.  Tip:  Put the sign up box on every page.  Have the sign ups go directly to your email campaign software.  Constant Contact is a great software for a drip campaign and keeping your contacts in order.
15. Add a privacy policy.  Reassure your leads what your privacy policy is and give details.  If you hate spam let them know that and you will protect their information etc.....

Please use this checklist as a guide to improving your website.   We would be happy to review your website.  For the month of January we are offer a Website Evaluation Special.  We'll review your website and give you a detailed report of ways you can improve for only $75.  This is a savings of $50.  Contact Us before 1/31/09 for this special.

Catherine and Marnie

www.VirtualSalesAssistance.com

CS@VirtualSalesAssistance.com

866-443-9678 phone

877-419-6519 fax