Are you a Realtor looking to revamp your digital real estate marketing efforts with a new or updated website? Do you need a centralized hub to consolidate your client relationships and move away from rented channels like Facebook and Instagram? Look no further! This article will provide you with the answers to all your real estate website questions and give you concrete steps to build or upgrade your online presence. From IDX integration to a contact info page, we will ensure that your real estate website has everything you need to succeed.
Why is a Real Estate Website Essential?
With more and more people turning to the internet to find Realtors, real estate agencies, and property listings, your website and social media platforms are now the backbone of your real estate marketing strategy. According to the National Association of Realtors 2019 Report, a staggering 44% of home buyers begin their property search online. This number is only expected to increase. If you don't have a website or if your website is outdated, you could be missing out on a significant percentage of potential leads.
Your real estate website serves as a central location for current and prospective clients to learn more about your business. It widens the pool of potential leads, allows you to establish and enhance your personal brand, and provides clients with 24/7 access to listings and ways to communicate with you.
Where Do You Begin?
If you already have an established real estate website, feel free to skip to the next section. But if you're just getting started, here are the basic elements you need to create a real estate website that clients will love.
1. Domain
The first step is to secure a domain name. Ideally, try to choose a domain that matches your business name. If that's not available, opt for a domain name that includes an SEO keyword related to your niche. It's also beneficial to make your domain name similar to your social media handles to maintain consistency and recognition.
2. Hosting Site
Once you have your domain, you'll need to find a server to host your website. Luckily, there are numerous great hosting options available with different plans to suit your real estate business's needs. If you need assistance in building a custom WordPress website, we have certified partners who can guide you through the process.
3. A Great Real Estate Theme
Having a visually appealing and user-friendly theme is essential for your real estate website. Your theme should reflect your brand and make it easy for visitors to navigate through your site. It should showcase information, listings, and property images in an appealing and functional way. If you're looking for inspiration, check out our article on the best themes for your WordPress website.
What Features Should Your Real Estate Website Have?
Once you have the foundation of your website in place, it's crucial to incorporate features that will enhance the user experience and make your website stand out. Here are the top 7 must-have features for real estate websites:
1. Responsive Web Design
Ensuring that your website is responsive on all devices is vital. Whether it's viewed on a computer monitor or a smartphone, your website should adapt seamlessly. A responsive design provides a smooth user experience and prevents visitors from struggling with navigation or missing crucial information. Additionally, search engines favor responsive websites in their rankings.
Image: An example of a real estate website with responsive design
2. Property Listings with IDX Integration
Integrating IDX (Internet Data Exchange) into your website is crucial. With IDX integration, you can share local property listings directly from the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) on your website. Instead of redirecting potential clients to external websites like Zillow, you can establish yourself as the go-to authority by providing a comprehensive and localized property search experience. IDX integration also allows you to capture leads by requesting email confirmations and retargeting interested buyers through email campaigns.
3. Social Media Integration
To stay top-of-mind and acquire new leads, it's essential to keep your social media channels updated and engaging. Integrating your social media content into your website allows you to showcase images, videos, and other content seamlessly. Simultaneously, incorporating social sharing options on your website enables visitors to easily share your content, increasing its reach and potential to generate leads.
4. Build Credibility
In a saturated real estate market, building credibility is key to standing out from the competition. Testimonials from satisfied buyers are essential for establishing social proof and showcasing your expertise. Displaying buyer testimonials, along with a photo and a brief description of the client, adds authenticity and increases trust. Additionally, including videos or photos of yourself in action as a real estate agent further reinforces your credibility.
5. Easy Site Navigation
Having clear and intuitive navigation is crucial for guiding visitors to the information they seek. Tailor your website's navigation to cater to specific user needs, such as linking to dedicated pages for buyers or sellers. A well-organized website layout helps visitors find what they're looking for quickly and prevents them from leaving due to confusion or frustration.
6. A Contact Me/Agent Bio Section
When visitors land on your website, they are likely interested in learning more about you as a real estate agent. Your agent bio provides an opportunity to showcase your unique story, establish credibility, and ultimately convert leads. Ensure that your contact information is easily accessible on your bio page, making it simple for potential clients to reach out to you.
7. Calls to Action
Strategically placed calls to action (CTAs) on each page of your website provide clear instructions for visitors and encourage them to take specific actions. Whether it's prompting visitors to learn more about you, contact you, or explore listings, CTAs help guide them along their journey and increase the likelihood of conversion.
Image: An example of a real estate website with a clear and intuitive navigation bar
An Example of an Outstanding Real Estate Website
A great example of a real estate website that encompasses all these essential features is "We Sell Sarasota."
Image: We Sell Sarasota - A real estate website with IDX property listings
We Sell Sarasota incorporates IDX integration, allowing visitors to search for properties without leaving the website. The site is easy to navigate, and it includes a panel with popular community pages for quick access. They also provide contact information prominently throughout the website, making it effortless for potential clients to get in touch.
Elevate Your Real Estate Marketing with an Exceptional Website
A great real estate website serves a purpose beyond just having an online presence. It's a tool that entices leads, collects their emails, and converts them into paying clients. By combining responsive web design with IDX integration, your website becomes a powerful asset for potential buyers and sellers. Start leveraging the full potential of your WordPress website by signing up for our fully-featured, 10-day free trial today!
