Wonder why you haven't had any inquiries on your new web site? You are not alone. Many agents feel that having a web site is a waste of time because they have felt and seen no value in it yet. The reason for this is that they haven't done their job in promoting it—they have a “secret” web site!

A Realtor asked my audience at one of my recent seminars if anyone in the audience has had a good response to their web site. Before I would let anyone respond I asked the Realtor a few questions and that was all I needed to do to make the entire room see that having a web site on the Internet is just the first step. The rest is up to you.

Just like any good marketing program, you must advertise. Most of your inquiries will come from your local area, but if you don't tell them about it, your money for the site is wasted. Make sure that you list your web site in every advertisement that has your name; that includes the company ads. This is your chance to not only sell one listing, but also others.

Advertise your web site on your business cards. Do you know that the general public expects you to have a web site? When you hand your card to someone, they immediately have the impression that you are “up with technology” just by the fact that you have a web site. A psychological plus!

Advertise your web site on your voice mail. When people are leaving you a message and they hear that they can see all your latest listings on www.yourname.com, they just might go there to see what is new; this includes other real estate agents.

Advertise your web site on your for sale sign. We all know that the public wants to have as much information about a property as possible. They will log on to your site if they drive by a home that appeals to them. And, just think there may be another on your site that they want to see as well.

Advertise on all your marketing pieces—property brochures and flyers, postcards, open house invitations, etc. Everywhere that you put your name, put your web address. The more people that see it, the more will log on.

Remember to put your web address on every single advertisement; that includes the Chamber listing, your stationery (both letterhead and envelopes), magazine ads, organization directories, etc. From this point on your web address is part of your name and telephone number.

Register your site with as many search engines on the Web as possible. There are several companies who will do this for you. Also register your site with other real estate sites that may direct business your way; e.g., Realty Times, Real Estate Profiles, Realtor.com and others. There are many free directories and others that have a nominal cost.

These simple suggestions will get your web site noticed and you are no longer the owner of a “secret” site!

Published: August 25, 2000

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