I've been traveling a lot these days.  I am in the process of having a website built and it's been quite an experience.  In order to provide feedback to my webdesigner on my likes and dislikes I've had to to use some existing examples of what I like and do not like in existing website offerings today.

Navigating the internet  one week I took a detour each day and exited at Real Estateville.  It was difficult for me to find niche shops and treasure troves.  Most of my travels, no matter what street I was on, brought me the same offerings with slightly different prices and a few different wares.

I did a U-turn after my week of exploration and headed back to mainland internet USA.

Foot traffic is important to all websites.  If you are re-evaluting what you spend on marketing online consider this,

What's the use of Pay-per-click advertising or SEO (search engine optimization) if you can't retain the initial attraction to your store?

Now that you are surmising your surrounding, how about a pre-spring cleaning.  Here's how to stage your internet storefront and create an engaging presence in four head turning steps. 

Disclaimer:  This is a content loaded conversation.

Step 1

Stop Treating your Website Visitors Like It's 1999.  We've all been there, done that. It's 2009 and Internet consumers have officially made it to the after party. It's time for you to join them by revamping your old template website and choosing a custom design.

You are trying to stand out from your competition, right? 

Score.org has the best video I have seen on how to choose a website designer and how to assess what you want from a website.  Most designs are bad because there is no clear direction from the customer to the website designer on what you want the storefront to offer as a UNIQUE PROPERTY.  The only thing that is often considered is the end game.

Watch the video and make a strategy for success.  Shop at least three website vendors and see if they can satsify your list.

**I am going to digress and send you here to watch this video and listen to these podcasts for business owners marketing in a "recession".  It's very empowering.** 

Do yourself a favor and go here now.  My post will be here when you return.

Okay your back.  Let's move onto #2.

Step 2

Start giving more and stop posturing.  Reach out to your website visitors.  Start blogging and let them know what's really going on in your local market.  Show consumers that your designations mean something and that your time in the field is worth its salt. You'll gain more qualified prospects and a boost in your search engine rankings.

Example:  If you are Branding yourself as a First Time Home Buyer Specialist than provide information for specifically for first time home buyers.

• Define the best deals today in your local marketplace for first time home buyers. Are they REOS, short sales, new builds, etc.  Why? (This should be updated as your market changes). 
• Itemize the costs of homeownership today (This should be updated as taxes change, Homeowner's assessments change, etc.)
• Provide maps of the subdvisions/developments in your town and their proximity to major highways, shopping, schools, etc.
• Blog about local information and happenings in town (updated weekly).
• Write an article on how to create a homeowner's budget ( it should list the costs a new homeowner should plan for in budgeting the expenses of homeownership).
• Talk about mortgage programs/assistance available to first time homeowners (ask your mortgage partner to chime in and help you on this one).  Flex your podcasting skills and jump on a call with a local mortgage lender.
• Make a list of local businesses that have great deals for first time homebuyers (hardware stores, painters, carpet cleaners, roofers, plumbers, etc) and provide this information to first time home buyers visiting your website.

Seize your inner child and add some vigor to your online offerings.

Step 3

Provide a login on your website for current clients. Make your website a portal where clients can log in and get information about their real estate showings, the progress of home inspection issues, and closing dates. 

Provide your clients with tips and guidance about their transaction.

After your clients have closed escrow allow them access to a membership password protected login where they can see the latest real estate trends and market reports for their area. Allow local service providers to announce special savings for your customers in this section.

It will be your very own VIP room for your SOI.

Here's an article on creating a membership system which you mightwant to use for a warm hand off to your website designer.

Step 4

Never stop updating your website. Do not become a one-stop generic real estate shop for website visitors. If you provide relocation data make it relevant and real. Include an interview from your last client who relocated to the area.  Publish their tips on what they found out about the area and what resources they found useful to help them relocate.

Talk to local day cares, schools, restaurants, etc. and post these interviews in your relocation section. Keep your relocation page fresh, relevant, and original.

The proof is in the pudding

Is all this updating necessary?  Review your goals for the year's end, for the end of the next 3 years, and for the end game.  Are you looking to be the 80 or the 20 of the Pareto's Principle.  Do you want to be in the 3% of real estate agents that make most of the money or the 97% that seem to struggle daily?

Scroll down this list and take a look at the 2008 Webby Awards for Real Estate.

There's a lot of corporate hands in the pudding.  Now scroll back up this post and have fun with your Pre-Spring Cleaning.

Got more website tips to share?  Please comment and thank you for your contribution.