“Gearing Up Your Web Presence” Seminar

Last week, I conducted a seminar to the real estate agents and brokers that are members of  Passaic County Board of REALTORS®. My seminar was based on helping REALTORS® enhance their online marketing efforts to generate leads. In today’s competitive real estate market it is important to have a strong web presence.

My seminar covered the following topics:

• Important elements to have a successful Real Estate Web site.
• What is IDX (Internet Data Exchange) and the benefits of adding IDX to Your Web Site.
• How important is your domain name
• What is blogging and how effective blogging can impact your success
• Social networking basics ( Using Facebook, Twitter, Active Rain, Linked In and YouTube)

My conclusion

Although many REALTORS® who attended had web sites, few were utilizing them in the correct way. Many of these agents and brokers were not generating the leads they had hoped to receive and were looking for ways to improve their marketing efforts. The topics that received the most attention were pertaining to the benefits of adding Internet Data Exchange, the benefits of blogging, and social networking basics.

Call to Actions are a MUST

Many of my attendees did not have a strong call-to-action on the home page. This means the site did not entice the user to search listings or to view the services the agent or broker provided.  Strong “Call to Action” items are needed and are a must in my opinion.

Content, Content, Content

Using default content rather than customized content specific to your expertise or marketing area is a major NO, NO!  Your web site should be loaded with “Rich” content specific to the areas that you work with and the unique services you will provide to the consumer.  It is also important to update your regularly as this will not only help you with search engine rankings, it will also entice consumers to keep visiting your site for up-to-date information.

He or She who has the Inventory has the Interested Buyer

Adding an IDX search on your home page  is also very important as it is an immediate call-to-action for consumers to view thousands of listing on your Web site. By adding IDX,  you are also branding your site to be used as a listings tool by consumers. Providing in-depth community information is great as it makes you look like an area expert. If you are able to add school information this is a plus as families with children will find this useful in determining where they will buy their next home.

To Blog or Not to Blog, That is the Question

In today’s market, blogging is becoming a hug asset to the REALTOR®.  Starting a blog site and updating your blog frequently is also important as it is it gives you another means of publishing important news to the consumer. Frequent blogging can also have a positive effect for search engines as it provides constantly updated content. It is also another way for you to establish new business relationships.

Social Networking

During our seminar, we also emphasized the importance of Social Networking as a means of expanding your sphere of influence. There are 6 applications that I like for accomplishing this:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Active Rain
• Animoto

Summing it up

By the end of the seminar, many of the members had an understanding with the direction they should take to improving their Internet presence. Many of the attendees felt that while they learned a lot they will need assistance from Re/Advantage. Our team will work with the agents and brokers one-on one and will help by revamping their Web site,  setting up a blogging presence and how to properly blog, as well as utilizing Social Networking to gain more business.

Re/Advantage offers an entire portfolio of professional real estate websites and social network training for the active Real Estate professional.  For more information be sure to contact us.