When it comes to running a business, there’s a lot of noise about what you should or shouldn’t be doing.
For starters, being online is increasingly important for REALTORS® to reach their client base and stay informed about the market and communities they work in.
Today, we’re going to discuss why a good website should be near the top of your business to-do list.
Your clients are online
Even if your product isn’t online, your clients are. In 2020, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reported 97% of all home buyers were using the internet in their home search. A website is a great place to house community specific market commentary, include resources for prospective clients, and demonstrate your personality and professional brand.
Did you know? REALTOR.ca is a benefit of your CREA membership and is available at no additional cost. Every REALTOR® has a profile on REALTOR.ca that can include contact details, listings, social links, designations, languages spoken, ratings, and testimonials (based on REALTORS® board or association’s MLS® System).
Establish your expertise and build trust
As a REALTOR®, you know one of the most valuable things you can offer your clients is the knowledge and expertise to help guide them through one of the most important purchases they’ll ever make. This involves creating an immense amount of trust and loyalty, something a good website can help with.
In addition to maintaining a blog to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry, being generous with the information and resources you provide can secure future clients years before they’re ready to buy. When those prospects are ready, even if you’ve never met, you’ll be working with someone who already trusts you.
If you’re struggling to come up with content for your blog, we welcome REALTORS® to repurpose content from our REALTOR.ca Living Room blog, which offers new content weekly in both English and French. All we ask is that you credit REALTOR.ca Living Room somewhere in the post.
Own your audience
Your website is your digital business card. Make sure prospective clients who land on your website know who you are, what you do and how you can help them in their real estate journey.
With so many people looking for businesses online, including REALTORS®, having a website that’s optimized for search engine optimization (SEO) and is rich with content is a great way to find leads and build an engaged audience over time. Many REALTORS® use their websites to cultivate newsletter lists, share previews to upcoming listings, and include firsthand information about the neighbourhoods they work in. You know best what might be helpful to your prospective clients, and a well-built website can help you position yourself as a go-to source for real estate information in your community.
Did you know? The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. To learn how to use CREA’s trademarks properly on your website, enroll in the free, on-demand trademarks course on CREA’s Learning Hub. You can also learn more by accessing CREA’s trademark materials on the Member Portal. Note: your website should always display the REALTOR® and MLS® marks in the proper form and context, and include one of the trademark statements found in CREA’s Trademark Policy.
House everything for your business in one spot
Your website can be the best tool to direct new connections to any information they might want to know. Things like:
- Housing market commentary and updates relevant to your community;
- links to your entire social media presence;
- your professional background and relevant experience;
- your track record as a salesperson and REALTOR®, or other relevant job titles;
- upcoming or existing listings;
- your community work and/or upcoming events; and
- how to contact you to work with you.
As of January 3, 2024, the REALTOR® Cooperation Policy is in effect. Under the policy, if public marketing of a property listing occurs, REALTORS® must place the listing on an MLS® System within the timeframe adopted by their board or association (up to a maximum of three (3) days), unless an exemption applies.
How to get started with a website
There are many user-friendly platforms that allow you to build your own website without coding, and countless articles, videos, and blogs to help you on your journey. If you don’t have the time, consider working with a professional or enlisting an existing marketing staff member to assist in building out your website.
However, before you build, make sure you have a clear business plan and know your personal brand so that your website can be accurate to your goals.
