5 website elements Realtors need to succeed

This week we are sharing a blog post that was originally published by our sister company IXACT Contact.

A real estate agent’s website says a lot. It can either be helpful to its audience of prospects, or not. It can either contribute to an agent’s goals of building an online brand and generating leads, or not.  The best REALTOR® websites have the boxes checked in both of these categories.

Now the question is, what do the best Realtor websites look like? What components do they have that set them apart? And most importantly, how do you get the best real estate website that will benefit your business? Let’s examine the features that make a REALTOR website stand out from the crowd, and how you can get it.

Here are the 5 website elements Realtors need to succeed:  

1. The best Realtor websites are mobile responsive.

It’s quite common for people to search for a Realtor on their mobile devices. In fact, Google has said that “more Google searches take place on mobile devices than on computers in 10 countries including the U.S. and Japan.” So when a person searches for a real estate agent on their smartphone, do you want your website to look great and operate effectively? If it’s mobile responsive, it will. By having a website that looks great on all browsers and devices, you’ll look like a credible, true professional to your potential hot leads, boosting the chances that they will call you and not another Realtor.  It’s clear that your presentation on mobile devices is crucial for making the right impression.  Don’t neglect this important part of your online real estate marketing efforts.

2. The best Realtor websites are customized.

When you choose from beautiful website designs specifically created for Realtors, you’re setting yourself apart from typical websites. You should be able to make the page layouts, colors, banner images, content, and embedded video unique to you and what you offer. Another good idea is to make your real estate website reflect your personal brand by including your photo, company logo, social media links, and more. Customization is important in order for you to stand out to prospects who visit your website.  Make sure your Realtor website reflects what makes you you!

3. The best Realtor websites have a blog.

Blogging is an effective way to improve your online presence and build your credibility as an expert in all things home ownership and real estate related. Your real estate blog also provides a great source of content to push out on your social channels so your audience keeps coming back to your site. Blogging regularly on your website reminds visitors that you’re an active Realtor who is up-to-date on the most current and relevant topics.  Establish yourself as a real estate expert with a well-written, regular blog.  Don’t be intimidated by the idea of drafting blog posts; a good real estate website comes with professionally pre-written blog content that you can share on your site.

4. The best Realtor websites integrate social media.

Are you a Facebook fiend or a Twitter addict? Your prospects are too. Add links to your social media channels on your Realtor website, because this can make it easy for prospects to find and browse your social media channels. You’ll build online credibility and website visitors will be more likely to promote you to their own social media connections. All of these outcomes lead to building a stronger social media following and greater brand awareness, so you can generate more leads. Gaining followers on social media is a great way to remain top of mind amongst your network, so be sure to include your Facebook or Twitter feeds on your Realtor website!

5. The best Realtor websites give consumers the information they want.

What’s one way to build your brand while building your following? By giving your audience information that’s valuable to them. When visiting Realtor websites, what is the main information prospects are craving? Listings, of course! The best Realtor websites provide this by pulling SEO-optimized MLS listings directly into the website. Not every real estate website does this, so it’s a great way to set yours apart from the competition. MLS search becomes part of your website so visitors can find the home of their dreams without leaving your site.

Takeaway Point: If you want a top-notch website for your real estate business, following the list above of the 5 website elements Realtors need to succeed is a great place to start. Not every website has all of these features, and not every website is effective, but those that are effective most likely have most (if not all) of these elements.

The Referral Marketing System now offers mobile friendly REALTOR® Websites in  to the existing  direct mail, contact management, email marketing, social media marketing, Idea hotline, and The Referral and Repeat Marketing book, platforms. Contact us today, to learn more about our new agent websites.