Does Your Website Have What It Takes?

Great post! I'm a graphic designer/photographer and it truly AMAZES me that there are only a select few that realize the importance of this. People in general are visually driven and nine times out of ten, as soon as they go to your website, the first thing they click on are the "Featured Properties" or "Property Search". This is where the importance of great images comes in to play. You'd be astounded at some of the stuff I've seen. 

Mark:  I think your idea of having others evaluate your website makes obvious sense.  We all need an occasional unbiased critique to help us regain contact with reality.  Thanks for sharing.

Mark: You are correct. Your website might be the first impression you make with me, your prospect, and so there are many opportunities to make this first impression a good one.

As I"m a direct marketer, we've tested all kinds of copy on websites, and designs. Some have worked and some have died a sad death.

The one thing I notice, is that realtors spend a lot of time talking about themselves and how great they are. People tend to discard that information, as you are apparently selling to them.

In my book, Sold! Direct Marketing for the Real Estate Pro, (which you can pick up in any library or bookstore), I mention that you should have people register at your website, and keep in touch with them to find out their needs. I've registered myself on dozens of sites, and never hear from the agents.

Also, make the website easy to read. When I am doing my Boot Camp, and we come to the part of How can we make this website better?...the hands in the room all go up. Why, because the first thing that they notice is that it is hard to read.

Put aside design, and play your own customer. If the copy reads across two columns wide, no one will read it. There's a reason why newspapers have narrow columns and that is because the eyes can read them easier.

Anyway, forgive me for trying to share so much in my response. I hate agents to waste time and money is this challenged economy.

Good Luck!

Great idea. I always ask clients that contact me from my site but I think getting feed back from someone that was nor compelled to contact you or is seeing it for the first time would be helpful.

Very good idea to have others evaluate your website. After awhile we just don't really "see" it any more.  Had my assistant take a good look and was surprised at some of her ideas and comments!

Stephanie..talk to Santa and if you have been good this year...

Mark - I currently have my website through market leader.  I would like to change and saw your posting.  Can you please provide me with some imformation and pricing.  Thank you.