What do consumers really want from a real estate website?
We often get caught up in our online real estate marketing, and forget to take the time to answer this crucial question: What are people really looking for on my site? Before re-thinking your SEO strategy or choosing a new website template, remember that the content featured on your site is ultimately what will keep users engaged and keep them coming back for more. Here is a short list of things consumers regularly look for on a real estate site that will keep you ahead of the competition.
Accurate Listing Information
Not surprisingly, both buyers and sellers come to real estate websites to see accurate listing details for properties; buyers want to know that their options are, and sellers want to know who the competition is. Don’t lie about the location, size, or school zone to improve your results in the search results, and make sure your property descriptions are legit. You’re only hurting your credibility by not following this rule!
Helpful photos
That’s right, helpful photos! Not 15 different photos of the backyard taken from exotic angles and one photo of the front door. Visitors want the grand tour, so they want to see each of the major areas (kitchens, bathrooms, living areas and outdoor spaces). Don’t forget the spiral staircase and the fireplace! When it comes to photos, the more the merrier! Also, the more photos you upload, the higher your listings will rank on Homes.com!
Hyperlocal Content
Most consumers moving more than a few miles away from their original location need help finding specific information about the neighborhoods they are considering. Does the neighborhood have sidewalks? Is the crime rate lower? Is the HOA flexible? Luckily, no one has a larger vault of hyperlocal conent than an experienced real estate agent. Make sure you have links to the most popular HOA’s, entertainment, good places to eat, family activities and other things to do in your area, in addition to the basic links to utilities, cable, telephone, and newspaper providers. Need help? Consider one of our TopSeller Advantage Marketing Packages.
Real Estate 101
Many users choose a real estate agent’s site because it provides basic information about the real estate sales process, how real estate transactions work, and what they can expect working with you. You can enhance your real estate educational offerings by providing worksheets, an FAQ section, a blog, ebooks, and agent videos filled to the brim with useful information.
Who You Are
Many consumers are curious to know information about you, what you love about your area, and what skills you bring to the table. Make sure you tell them a little but about yourself (after all, you may be working with them for several months!), and go into great depth about your qualifications, your designations, and your specialties. Also, be sure to link to other channels where you have an internet presence like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. For more information about driving traffic to your social networking pages, see our Adding Social Media Badges to Your Website blog post.
