1) Mobile-Friendly. More and more users are accessing the Internet via mobile devices than ever before, so it is essential that your website is meeting this demand. Reaching your customer’s where they are media-wise is crucial to your success. It is also important to note that Google now penalizes websites that are not mobile-friendly by ranking them lower in searches.
If you’d like to check your mobile-friendly status, Google has made it easy for you, just go to the link below:
https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly
2) Social Media Connection. Display links to your social media pages on your website to allow visitors to stay connected with you throughout the day. Be sure to keep your social media pages updated with fresh and relevant information. To get people interested in what you have to say, post helpful videos, applicable articles, photos of Florida living, current infographics and engaging memes. Don’t forget to share links back to your property search and other lead capture pages on your website.
3) Property Search-Oriented. According to NAR research, ‘For 42 percent of recent buyers, the first step that they took in the home buying process was to look online at properties for sale.’ So make it easy for them and include a basic IDX search bar on your homepage as well as options for a more advanced search. When the users are conducting a property search, allow them to view detailed descriptions about each property and make sure that they have options to save their custom searches. If a user is interested in learning more about a listing, your contact information should be just a click away.
4) Focused Content. When creating content for your website, the focus should be on providing quality information that is relevant and showcases your area of expertise. For example, if you specialize in a particular community, zip code or price range, then let your website reflect that. Offer quick search links and content pages that are specific to the areas that you serve. These distinctions can help set you apart from other Realtors® in the southwest Florida area. For content that is both beneficial for SEO and for user education you could consider adding up-to-date information like neighborhood facts, photos, videos, area statistics, school rankings and local attractions.
5) Get Personal. Adding an “About” page to your website is a great way to break the ice with potential customers. Include information about your life, hobbies you enjoy, what you love about the area and of course your credentials. While creating a successful “About” page could be a whole article in and of itself, here are some things to keep in mind.
- Keep it Short. Your bio should be about 2-3 paragraphs or a maximum of 500 words.
- Be Visual. Include family photos, photos of you enjoying the area and logos of awards you’ve received.
- Showcase Your Skills. Include your specialties and the recognitions you’ve received in your profession.
- 30 Seconds of Fame. Create a short welcome video that offers a more personal connection to your users.
- Spell Check. Above all else, please spell check. One misspelled word can create a negative opinion of your abilities.
6) Professional photo. Skip the selfie stick and hire a professional to snap your Agent Photo. Your face is a great way to build a connection with people and to create a positive association with your brand. Make sure the photo is one that looks like you in person and one that makes a respectable first impression. Studies have proven that with the right headshot, an agent can actually win business over competitors, because people are more comfortable hiring an agent with a professional photo.
7) Visible Contact Information. Your contact information should be easily located at the top of your website and then accessible on each additional page that the user goes to. You should also have a clear button dedicated to directing users to your Contact Page. This page should include a contact form, Google map of your office location and of course your contact information. This is an essential but often overlooked opportunity to capture leads.
8) Blog (or don’t). Blogging is great way to share your expertise as a leader in the real estate industry. If you enjoy writing and keeping people up to date with relevant information, then this is for you. If you do not, then don’t start a blog. It is important to keep information current, so that you appear to be a credible source. It is recommended that consistency is more important than the quantity that you post, so once you start a routine, stick with it. Make sure that you are providing quality content on a regular basis and that you are using key words to help with your SEO.
9) Shout Your Praises. You’ve worked hard for your customers and they seem to like you, so do don’t be afraid to ask for a testimonial. According to research, 88% of people admit that their buying decisions were affected by online reviews. Your customers are buying into you, so make sure that you showcase your reviews on your website. You can even share a link on your various social media outlets that will take users directly to the Testimonials page on your site.
10) Own Your Own Website. Take ownership of your website and become familiar with the tools that it offers. Only then will you be able to use it to it’s full potential. By knowing your website you can do things like, help users locate information, direct online traffic to specific lead capture pages and market beneficial features on various social media platforms. Your website is your online storefront, so if you treat it as such, you will find that the success or failure of your online presence is in your own hands.