Industry News
The majority of buyers and sellers are researching real estate online before contacting an agent. If you are not providing visitors with the information they seek, then they will simply find it somewhere else. If a buyer starts visiting an agent's website for updated information, they are more likely to choose that agent when they are ready to get serious.
Still not convinced you need this type of service? Don't just take our word for it, read what other industry resources are saying about it...
- Why some full-time agents fall short - Inman News
"What makes successful agents in this market different?...They have compelling copy on their site that motivates visitors to contact the agent about their listings. These agents also include plenty of pictures, video, blogging, links to various community services, plus an IDX feed so visitors can obtain everything they need in a single stop."
- To Blog or Not to Blog, That is the Question - Realty Times
"If building Internet business is part of your business plan, blogging makes sense and would be a place to budget time and money that was previously being used in other ways..." and "Blogs help you inexpensively create that expert status that attracts client interest and builds your credibity."
- Web snares more real estate buyers - Inman News
"An individual real estate agent's Web site was cited as the most useful Web site during the home-buying process...", "About 90 percent of buyers in the Internet group found their real estate agent using the Internet...". Extremely Important features cited, "Multiple pictures...maps and directions...neighborhood profiles."
- Know your real estate consumer - Inman News
Future prospects "...mostly go online to view listings and follow the market, and less than 10 percent are working with or even looking for a real estate agent...Once this segment becomes more serious about home shopping and buying they will rely on a real estate agent to assist them, so investments that get you in front of their selection process are important..."
"Authoring your own blog, being present on mainstream social networks and industry-targeted communities, and participating in other consumer focused (question-and-answer) sites are great ways to reach Passionates"
"...reinforce your presence online, including your Web site URL, your blog URL, your e-mail address, or your social network profile names." "...Conventionals spend time researching online to supplement their offline activities."
- Social networking pays off - Inman News
"In today's Web 2.0 environment, having a Web site with your bio, a branding statement and cool technology tools is no longer enough. Today's consumer wants to get to know you through the actions you take online, not just through the static content that you post on your Web site."
- Today's open social, a legacy from the past - 1000WattConsulting.com, Marc Davison
"I submit that these Web 2.0 tools stand to better connect you with your customers than the template, static, boilerplate Web tools you have been using for the last 10 years."
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