Frequently, new Realtors contact me for tips on how to market over the Web. I always tell them to first focus on learning the basics that bring an agent more presence in the community before attempting to gain presence on the Web. Why? The very services and listings that an agent would want to promote is obtained at the community level. Getting on the Web with nothing in your basket is like putting the cart before the horse.

The Web is attractive to new agents - it appears low in cost compared to other forms of media. But it isn't a substitute for the agent's community. Agents who have listings appear at an advantage - their listings are posted all over the Internet. But, they get those listings at the community level, then they post them on the Internet. If you are a new agent, and wondering what you can do to enhance your presence on the Web, without spending a lot of money, I would tell you to begin where all agents begin - by walking your neighborhood.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Published: April 15, 1999

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Bill Koelzer only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.

Bill Koelzer is a Web marketing consultant to web-proficient agents nationwide. He is co-author, with Barbara Cox, Ph.D., of the Prentice-Hall books, Internet Marketing in Real Estate and Internet Marketing. Bill is also webmaster of Orange County Real Estate, among the most-awarded known Realtor® sites. Visit his website, Koelzer.com or e-mail him at .