#3 - Get Connected - by Chas. Campbell
Confuscious say: "Customer/Visitor just wanna look at houses."
My third web marketing tip is not new, but sometimes overlooked. Where EVER your listings or name shows up in a database, make sure that there are links to your current web and e-mail addresses. Easier said than done nowadays, since so many places "show" your listings. Unfortunately, your own data has been "farmed" out and now it will probably cost you to link it back. Here's a rundown of sites to be on your checklist:
1) Realtor.com - It is after all, the official site and besides, they are investing lots of Ad/PR dollars (your dues) to promote it. Pay to have your listings linked to your LOCAL web page. They will charge you too much. Complain like xxxx and maybe some day it will be less.
2) Your Association/MLS - Check with your local board to see if they have your e-mail and web address in their database. It might be free or else relatively inexpensive. This is important since they may have a "search" page themselves, but more important, they are usually the originator of the MLS data. Sometimes, you will get free linkages to sites that agree to list them. *Note: Microsoft is sweeping the country "signing up" most of the MLS's for their upcoming Home Advisor Site. Keep in mind that their Expedia Travel Site is currnetly #1 on the web and has replaced many travel agents who are not adapting to this web technology. RMLS of MN is already set up for MS. The deal seems to be a good one, with free links and local control. MS is right up front about their venture and expect to make about $2 BILLION in loan origination fees......
3) Your Broker/Franchise - Most Large Local Companies and National Franchises have web sites. While it is usually not the best idea to actually have your Personal Site with them (Their job is to promote THEM, not YOU), it is important that they "link" to your site. It might be free or cost anything they decide to charge you. Nevertheless, contact whoever and get the link - both e-mail and web site. And if they charge alot..... be a good consumer and *bxxch* about it to the "powers that be." But do it!
3) Cyberhomes, HomeHunter (Pioneer Planet), Homeseekers, Etc. - Many other organizations have access to your listing data. This is a shame since they then re-package the information with their advertisers and also "sell" it back to you again in the form of Links or Home Pages. Make sure you are "Linked" to their databases. It will probably cost you. Check for Broker/Franchise discounts, "Link-Only" web page options, and other ways to negotiate a lower price with these organizations.
4) Search Engines. Get as many search engine links as you can. Whenever visiting a search engine, stop to "submit" your own URL. Many web companies offer to autolist you with 200+ search engines. Charges range from $19.95 to $199.95 - ususally for about the same level of service. We have the necessary software and charge $35 for the autosubmission plus we "hand list" your URL with a few of the more unique sites, like Yahoo-Twin Cities and IRED. If you haven't had this done, contact us to do it for you. If you have had it done more than 9-12 months ago, consider having it done again (registrations aren't forever....) Contact us for a discount/repeat rate for this URL submission feature.
5) Site Links. Many web sites have a "links" page that is provided to better serve their audience. Out-of-town Realtors will often exchange links with someone in another town. Sometimes, non-real estate sites will give you a link from their page. This is like the business "networking" of the 80's. DO IT! Never hurts to submit your site. ALWAYS know how to spell your URL so that you can submit it wherever you go on the web. *Note. Our new LinkBase function will allow you to "reciprocate" with sites wanting to exchange links, you will be able to add/subtract from your own personal list of links from your web site.
If you "get connected." You'll find lots more people looking at your site. What to do with those "viewers" will be the subject of next weeks' tip(s).... Until then, make the serious and worthwhile effort to get your web and e-mail addresses into as many databases listed above as possible!