Agent Advice: Good Web

A web presence, however, is about more than just generating sales through a website. It's about having a comprehensive web marketing plan.  

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), eighty-eight percent of buyers start their home search on the internet as opposed to just thirty percent through a newspaper ad. This means it's time to beef up your marketing!  

It's no wonder buyers star their search online. Everything from news, advice, and home prices to virtual tours can be found online.  

How much are you spending on marketing? NAR reports that 50 percent of agents and 47 percent of brokers spent between $501 and $2,000 on technology in their business in the last 12 months. The top purchases? Smartphone (38 percent), iPad (29 percent), and digital camera (17 percent).  

It's time to put that technology to good use. Social media can be a great platform for keeping up with contacts. When done right it's networking on steroids. Facebook in particular can serve this purspoe.  

Ninety point five percent of REALTORS use social media to some extent. If you're the other 10 percent you should consider what a stronger web presence can do for your business.  

First, keep your website updated with current content. Too busy? Hire an assistant to care for this task. There's no excuse to have an old website. Make sure you have the newest listings online and consider keeping a current blog.  

You could also get e-Pro certified. Through NAR's e-Pro Certification Program you will learn best practices for employing social media effectively.  

All of your online dealings should be kept professional. Consider having a separate personal Facebook account if you wish to make comments on photos and statuses of friends that are ... more colorful. LinkedIn and Twitter are also great avenues for getting your name and information out to the public.  

Today's real estate market demands that you have a strong web presence. Now is the time to take action and create a thorough marketing plan.



Copyright© 2013 Realty Times®. All Rights Reserved