I have been hearing a lot of questions regarding what loan officers should do for a website.
Hopefully I can help clear some things up:
Custom websites are expensive, they take a long time to complete, and once complete you are at the mercy of the webmaster who created your site at $70/hr. You'll have to continually pay them $70/hr to put up new content, new pictures, new testimonials, seminar info, etc. You most likely won't have useful tools like online loan apps and mortgage calcs since the webmaster isn't a programmer. If your webmaster puts up a form, it may not be secure and your client's info can be stolen.
Mortgage website templates get a bad wrap, perhaps because there are many companies out there who are all flash and no substance. Your website should gain you credibility through:
- Useful abundance of information
- Useful tools like online loan apps, calcs, live chat, rates, etc.
- Easy Navigation - if people get lost in your website they will leave
- SEO tools - for free search engine optimization is important and your website needs built in tools to help your search engine rankings for free
My point: Your website should be affordable, easy to use, and gain you visitors & credibility.
Tip: Your domain needs to be YOUR domain!!
Purchase your own domain, and keep your username/password handy.
I suggest GoDaddy.com since they are only about $9/yr
If you've already let your IT person or web developer purchase your domain, get your login info from them for that domain provider. This is because IT/Web developers can get posessive and if you ever want to leave them, host your website or email elsewhere, or use someone else, they can hold your domain"hostage".
I've witnessed this with both client's and friend's accounts and believe me, you don't want to lose your domain over a disgruntled IT person!!!
You should be listed as the owner/main contact on your domain account so this never happens to you.
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