by W.B. Freeman
As most of us have come to recognize, content is the critical element in the development of a successful website. Over the past five years, we have seen countless methods of measuring this success. Today, it’s “stickiness”—yesterday it was “eyeballs.” Regardless of the yardstick, the distance traveled down the road to Web success is measured the same way today as it has been since the beginning: increased volume, repeat traffic, and longer site visits. And while it may require a reinforced power blend that’s a bit richer and a tad more robust than the grade used in the past to propel the website on its journey, the fuel is still the same: it’s content. I hate to be euphemistic, but yes, content is still king!
I was recently asked to select my “Top Ten” websites. At first blush, this didn’t appear to be a particularly difficult assignment; after all, I’ve bookmarked over 1,500 sites. I have categorized and classified each by application. I pride myself on this highly structured library which I’ve organized to reflect the components of the real estate cycle, from development, through transaction, to ownership. I’m fairly meticulous about my bookmark cataloging system, although some say my efforts border on obsessive.
As I began sifting through these methodically arranged shelves, the impact of years of Internet evolution and competition quickly became quite apparent. To my surprise, I found I had collected at least a half dozen “site solutions” for every common application. As I evaluated each category’s sites, I realized that I had bookmarked the favorites that I access frequently not for the sites’ overall features and benefits, but for those specialized “application solutions” that I require to conduct my daily business affairs.
If we assume for a moment that I am a typical Internet user, albeit with a B2B focus, it’s logical to suppose that this same pattern of bookmarking may apply to consumers’ research tendencies as well. Since they’re addressing their Internet usage from a B2C perspective, there would simply be a different emphasis on the overall theme of the content they access. I have selected the following “Ten Little Applications” because their universal usefulness make them a temptation consumers can’t resist.
- Zip +4 finder
If you’re considering a move into a new neighborhood, or if you think you’ve found that perfect new home, get the ZIP Code or ZIP + 4 to find all the other municipalities within that particular ZIP Code before you begin researching the demographics, crime risk in the area, or download area maps, etc. It will make your work so much easier and more accurate.
- ATM Anywhere
Whether you’re in the process of relocating and you’re out shopping for your next home, or you’re traveling for pleasure, it nice to quickly determine the location of the nearest ATM when you’re a bit short of cash.
- Who Are Your Representatives? and How Do You Contact Them?
The first of these two snappy little tools help your users quickly determine the congressional representatives who serve their interests in Washington, DC. This app works in conjunction with a ZIP +4 finder like the one above. Once your users determine exactly who represents their interests in the U.S. House of Representatives, the second function provides the information necessary for them to contact their Congressperson, including telephone and fax numbers and e-mail address pointers in many cases.
- Multi-loan Comparison Program
Much more than a traditional mortgage calculator, this tool helps potential borrowers choose the lowest cost loan. Each new loan analysis reviews which of five loans will be the lowest cost over a variety of time frames at a specified discount rate. All analyses can extend to a term of 30 years. The refinanced loan analysis reveals whether a refi will be profitable and the time it will take the borrower to recover the added costs.
- Freeality.com
The “snoop factor” is a proven reality in consumer Internet access. Freeality Internet Search is a dynamic “Search Engine of All Search Engines,” with a very broad scope. But its “People Finder” section merits, for it includes a variety of address, telephone and e-mail look-ups, both standard and reverse. One of the nicest features about Freeality is there commitment to prohibit pop-ups or any other form of advertising which detracts from the user’s visit.
- E-mail Address Verify
This service provides your users verification if a specified e-mail address exists within the confines of the mail server in question. It certainly reduces those unfortunate “Mail System Error” notices from those anonymous Mail Administrators in the sky. It gives the casual e-mailers a sense of security when they know that correspondence is headed in the right direction. There are other free services to check out while you’re there.
- Dimension 4
This is the best time synchronization utility available today. While it’s more of a tool to professionalize your site, Internet travelers appreciate having the accurate time and date at their beck and call. This application’s outstanding features and ease of use prompted my assistant to comment “It’s so easy to use, I forgot it was running!”
- Double-check Your Lender
Don't assume just because you make your monthly mortgage payments, all is well. Statistically, errors occur in 30 percent of all adjustable loans and 10 percent in fixed rate loans. If you make extra payments, the error rate can exceed 50 percent. At Loan Audit Central, your users will find a form letter requesting copies of their loan documents and payment history from their lender. After they receive the requested information, they can return to this site and audit their mortgages online, anytime; before they pay them off, refinance them, or just for their own peace of mind.
- CleverKeys
This free software provides instant access to definitions at Dictionary.com, synonyms at Thesaurus.com, and a number of grammar tools as well, from any Windows or Mac OS program, including Microsoft Word and most e-mail programs and browsers. One key stroke on the highlighted word in question, and you’ll have all the help you’ll need.
- Realty Times
I’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend the best consumer real estate news service available anywhere. After all the money you have saved deploying the applications referenced here, you would be well advised to consider RT’s personalized newsletter, which goes a long way to promoting your professional image while it keeps your site current and ever-fresh. This can be a great start on building a solid constituency. With all the innovative content that’s rising to the top at Realty Times these days, a relationship with these folks really is a “no brainer”!
Published: August 26, 2002
Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.
