I'm often asked what is the advantage of having more than one domain name and more than one Web site?

Multiple Web Sites

The more Web sites you have, the more money you make. Most successful cyber Realtors have at least five sites, and two primary sites - one done by an individual Web site designer and the other by PersonalBrand.com.

Web Cards

The secondary sites (such as Realtor.com) won't make you much money, but the advantage to having them is the more sites you have, the greater your chances of being found by the search engines.  Whenever possible, include a link to your primary site(s) from the secondary sites.

You can advertise your primary site using Web Cards, small or large postcards that have your Web site on the front.  Information on them is available at http://www.printing.com.

Ann Cummings of RE/MAX Coast To Coast Properties, Portsmouth, NH says, "I found this company earlier this year, and I think their products are great.  I ordered Web Cards from them, and they were terrific to work with.  They posted my proof up on the Internet for me to look at and make any changes to.  I had them make several before we went to print, and they were so responsive to what I wanted, and so QUICK!

"I love my Web Cards, and I use them every opportunity I can - - mailings, inserts in packages, handouts, etc.  I had some printed with a message on the back, and also some with blank backs for handwritten notes.  I've had a lot of really nice feedback on these, both from the public and from other agents.  I haven't seen anyone else use anything like this, at least in my area, and I'm constantly looking for different ways to promote myself. These cards are terrific!!"

Real Name Web Searches

The confusing world of http's and url's may soon be coming to an end.  Starting now, Internet Explorer 5.0 as well as many other programs will begin recognizing real names.  People can find your Web site by typing in your company name just as it appears in all other advertising, letterheads, etc.  You’ll need to register your company name and the address indicated to set this up by going to http://www.centraal.com. 

Those in charge of name registration check each name request against your Web site to make sure it applies.  You cannot, therefore, grab the name McDonald's. 

I registered Cotton Real Estate and Cotton Cape Cod Real Estate for my Web site so that people won't have to know my domain name in order to find me.  The cost is $100 per year to register. 

Published: September 28, 1999

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