Real Estate is a rewarding yet very competitive industry. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), as of December 2016, they have more than 1.2 million members. Another report from the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) estimates approximately 2 million active real estate licensees in the United States by the end of 2016. Even if some argue the accuracy of these reports, we can safely assume there are at least more than one million agents competing.
So What Should Be Done to Stand Out Amongst the Crowd?
Here are 7 solid reasons why the best tool for this purpose is having an independent website.
1.) There was a time that having a cellphone and a business card was sufficient for making others remember you. However, nowadays, with thousands of competitors in any specific area, you have to be unique. Even when you’re referred to a potential new client, they typically do some online research to learn more about you. Your website is your greatest marketing asset and your online showroom for listings.
2.) Having your own website (not your brokerage website nor Zillow’s) is important because
you don’t want potential clients to compare you side-by-side your competition and risk losing business.
3.) You have full control over the information on your website. You can decide how to engage your potential clients by showcasing your certificates, awards, reviews, your value-added services, the homes you represent, the deals you’ve closed and more.Your website acts as your full portfolio.
4.) If you change your brokerage firm, your professional, personal branding remains intact. All the content and listing data can move with you wherever you go on your website.
5.) Improving your Search Engine Optimization (SEO) value over time is key to becoming a prominent agent in your area. If you do SEO well, more organic traffic will be driven to your website.. That is visitors who are directed to your website by Google or other search engines without spending a single dollar on advertising campaigns.
6.) If you are a seller’s agent, it shows that you are IT savvy and up to speed with current technology. Everybody knows the importance of the Internet in selling or buying a house.
7.) Having MLS IDX data on your website shows that you are well-connected with the Real Estate community and understand the importance of having an up to date website. This assures the buyers and sellers that they have access to the newest listings available and will give them confidence in your real estate knowledge.
1.) There was a time that having a cellphone and a business card was sufficient for making others remember you. However, nowadays, with thousands of competitors in any specific area, you have to be unique. Even when you’re referred to a potential new client, they typically do some online research to learn more about you. Your website is your greatest marketing asset and your online showroom for listings.
2.) Having your own website (not your brokerage website nor Zillow’s) is important because
you don’t want potential clients to compare you side-by-side your competition and risk losing business.
3.) You have full control over the information on your website. You can decide how to engage your potential clients by showcasing your certificates, awards, reviews, your value-added services, the homes you represent, the deals you’ve closed and more.Your website acts as your full portfolio.
4.) If you change your brokerage firm, your professional, personal branding remains intact. All the content and listing data can move with you wherever you go on your website.
5.) Improving your Search Engine Optimization (SEO) value over time is key to becoming a prominent agent in your area. If you do SEO well, more organic traffic will be driven to your website.. That is visitors who are directed to your website by Google or other search engines without spending a single dollar on advertising campaigns.
6.) If you are a seller’s agent, it shows that you are IT savvy and up to speed with current technology. Everybody knows the importance of the Internet in selling or buying a house.
7.) Having MLS IDX data on your website shows that you are well-connected with the Real Estate community and understand the importance of having an up to date website. This assures the buyers and sellers that they have access to the newest listings available and will give them confidence in your real estate knowledge.
Giselle Abadi Giselle is the VP of Strategic Planning & Business Development at Realtyna, offering web and mobile services for the Real Estate industry.
