Point2 Agent Education : website effectiveness

Where In The World Is {Your Name Here}?

Tanya Spilchak — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:49:00 GMT

On my way to work this morning, I drove by one of those recycling/garbage bins that provide advertising space. I noticed that there was a big sign for a local agent that contained his picture, name, job role, and phone number, mainly because I am conditioned to do so...kind of like being conditioned to notice sale signs, scrapbooking stores, and posters for movies with George Clooney.

But I digress.

Seeing the sign on a busy street on an item that everyone uses was really impressive. What was alarming, though, was the fact that the sign was missing the agent's website address.

Considering that studies indicate that over 90% of buyers start their real estate search online, providing only a phone number limits this agent to the 10% of the market that might pick up the phone or wander into a real estate office. Now, of that 10%, how many could potentially see that sign, remember that agent, and phone that number? While the agent had a great idea for a great advertising feature, the number of leads could drastically be reduced.

Even after being conditioned to see the sign and having been impressed with it, I don't remember the agent's name. I'll admit with a blush that I actually looked for a website address, as I like to go online and take a look at the houses listed in the local area. I'll be the first to admit that I'm a tad strange, but how many others will disregard the sign in the same manner?

Your website is a marketing asset, just like your name, just like your phone number, just like your business cards, and just like the listings themselves. When investing money on advertising, include it as part of the overall message. Being able to reach that 90% going online, being able to provide that online resource, and being able to show those listings will help you not only increase the number of leads you receive, but also the number of listings you sell.

When all else fails, put a picture of you with George Clooney. I'll be sure to notice it! :)

Tanya

~ Tanya Spilchak, Education Coordinator

A Rose By Any Other Name...

Tanya Spilchak — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:04:00 GMT

Having a website is one part of an overall online marketing plan. Here is where you are going to provide information regarding listings, open houses, your local market, neighborhoods, and your special talents as a real estate professional.

How will people find this website and remember it?

Two words: domain name. The domain name is the address for your website. It is how people will be able to find you again. Take, for instance, the Education Team's website's domain name: www.Point2AgentEducation.com. If you type that into the address line or into a search engine, you'll find us. So, what do you need to consider when choosing a domain name?

Keep it Short
Although we have large brains, humans tend to have short attention spans for remembering things. The shorter the domain name, the easier it is to remember. TanyaSellsHomes.com would be easier to remember than TanyaSellsHomesAndCondosInSaskatoon.com. Short and sweet is the best.

Keep it Simple
Using common, everyday words that online Buyers would use is also helpful. SuperlativeResidences.com, for instance, is not easy to remember, as "superlative" is not a term used in our everyday vernacular (which is also another word that has fallen to the wayside!). MagnificentHomes.com says the same thing, but in words that people will be able to remember. Not only for remembering, but also spelling. The easier it is to spell, the quicker those online visitors will find your domain and website.

Keep it General
People will more often remember everyday words or terms rather than names. TanyaSpilchak.com is not easy to remember (or spell) because both names are unusual and aren't spelled the way that most people pronounce them. SaskatoonHouses.com would be a better option because it encapsulates the general search that online visitors would be doing.

Keep your domain name short, simple, and generic, and not only will those online visitors be able to remember it, but it will also be easier for search engine crawlers to find. And the easier you are to find, the better the chances you will be found and your website read.

Good luck with your domain name! :)

Tanya

~ Tanya Spilchak, Education Coordinator

Looking to Increase Website Traffic?

Tanya Spilchak — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:18:00 GMT

Have a website, but not getting the number of visitors you'd like? Check out these 5 ways you can increase the traffic going to your website.

Enjoy!

Tanya

Rejoice in Color

Tanya Spilchak — Thu, 20 May 2010 18:18:00 GMT

Ever wonder why certain colors make you happy, while others don't excite you in the least?

Color Theory indicates that the particular makeup, tone, and hue of colors work to illicit certain emotional reactions in humans.

Intrigued? Want to learn more?

Join me tomorrow morning for the "Color Theory and Online Marketing" Education Session where we'll explore not only these emotional reactions, but also what you should know about the colors you use on your website and in your marketing.

Hope to see you there!

Tanya

~ Tanya Spilchak, Education Coordinator

Rate your website, this is really cool!

Riana Back — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:04:00 GMT

Reading through older message board posts, I came across a website that grades the effectiveness of your website. I tried it out with www.point2agenteducation.com and was quite surprised how well this site is working. Try it out at www.websitegrader.com and see what your website scores, and also see the suggestions they make regarding your websites content, keywords, URL's, links, images and blogs.

Riana Back
Education Specialist