In the busy world of estate agency, it can be easy to neglect your website. Here’s why that should be the last thing you do – and why your website has the potential to be your agency’s secret weapon.
First impressions
Imagine two houses, both identical sizes, on the same street. One has been impeccably decorated. There are hanging baskets bursting with flowers outside, an open plan living area, and a whirlpool bath upstairs. The carpets are new, the kitchen worktops are gleaming, and the back garden has been landscaped.
Then imagine the second house. While it’s the exact same size, age and location, it’s clearly not been kept up to date. There’s an avocado suite in the bathroom, gaps where appliances should be in the kitchen, and you’ll need a machete just to get to the back of the garden.
Which would you rather be instructed to sell?
Estate agent websites are just like these houses. Some have regular, fresh content and are attractive and well designed, and some are worse than mould on the walls. Your website is often the first impression your clients have of you, and if it looks out of date, they’ll assume you’re out of touch too.
A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words
The website design you choose to promote your agency is so important. It dictates how your customer feels when they look at your website, and this subconsciously influences how they feel about your agency. With the competition for instructions higher than ever, make sure you get that call for a valuation, by making the most of your design.
Online or high street? How about the best of both?
Online agencies vs high street agencies – too often the two have their pitchforks out, battling away over their differences.
However, there’s no reason too. High Street agents don’t have to be stuck in the past – a professional, up to date website will prove that you can more than hold your ground online.
And online agents aren’t just there to list properties on Rightmove – you can use your website to support your clients, with great features like our client login that will enable you to help the sale along to completion and provide excellent customer service as you do so.
Beat Google
SEO, or search engine optimisation, has never been more important. Getting your website ranked first on Google means far more visitors, enquiries, and ultimately, more clients. Independent research has shown that 75% of searchers never go past the first page. With 18% of clicks going to the number one result, 10% to number two, and ever declining percentages further down the page, the competition for the top spots can be cut throat.
With a well-made website, your site is more likely to sit at the top of the search results, and be the first choice for vendors looking to instruct an estate agent.
Think of your website as a member of staff
Think about your perfect employee. They’re available 24/7, always offering your clients a friendly face and answering any questions they have – even before they think to ask them! They reassure potential vendors that your agency is the one for them, they have a wealth of knowledge and information about the property market always at hand, and they never have a day off – even at Christmas.
How much would you be willing to pay for an employee like that?
This is what your website can do for you, but many estate agents don’t really invest in it enough to make a difference. After all, a website doesn’t ask for a pay rise! But if you do start to invest, the results can be incredibly rewarding, leading to more instructions, more sales and lettings, and more than paying for itself.
If you’d like to find out how an AgentPro website can become your secret weapon, get in touch and we’ll see how we can help.
