In today's digital age, having a website is essential for any business. As a real estate investor, having a website not only enhances your credibility but also helps you collect motivated seller leads. However, many investors, especially those without a strong tech background, find the process of building a website overwhelming. They wonder where to start, what elements their real estate website needs, what it doesn't need, and what parts they should outsource or do themselves.
Whether you're a website novice or an HTML veteran, this article will guide you on getting your real estate website up and running in three hours or less.
4 Steps To Creating a Real Estate Website
Image Source: How to find motivated sellers
Step 1: Choose Your Domain Name
Before you dive into installing themes or writing code, you need to choose and register a domain name (e.g., www.domainname.com). Here are a few tips to consider:
- Go with branding over keywords: In the past, websites with keyword-stuffed domain names ranked well in search engines. However, today, it's better to choose a domain name that aligns with your company name to establish credibility (e.g., EvergladesRealty.com).
- Keyword domains work great as landing pages: While keyword domains like "SellDenverForeclosure.com" can be effective as dedicated lead-capture pages, they may not work well as your primary networking website.
- Make the domain easy to spell: Avoid hyphens or complicated spellings. Your domain name should be easy for potential leads to remember and type correctly.
- Register your domain as soon as possible: Companies like Namecheap or GoDaddy can help you secure your domain quickly.
Step 2: Installing Your Site & Choosing a Hosting Company
When it comes to setting up your website, you have several options such as Drupal, Joomla, or Weebly. However, the most popular and versatile platform is WordPress. It's user-friendly and offers numerous plugins. Best of all, it's free, although you may need to invest in a nice-looking theme.
Hosting a website is separate from installing it. You'll need a web host like HostGator or BlueHost to provide server space for your website, while WordPress or another platform serves as your website's engine. Consider the following:
- Outsource if possible: Platforms like Fiverr connect you with freelancers who can set up your site and configure your hosting for a reasonable cost. Your time is better spent on other aspects of your business.
- Choose a hosting company with good customer service reviews: Most hosting companies offer similar products. Select one that provides reliable customer support. Remember, you can always switch hosting options later.
- Install website analytics and tracking scripts early on: Tools like Google Analytics and Facebook retargeting are crucial for a real estate investor. Ensure they are installed from the beginning to collect valuable data.
Step 3: Choose a Nifty Design for Your Website
Setting up your website is just the first step. Next, you need to design a visually appealing site that captures attention and converts visitors. Consider these tips:
- Find websites you like: Compile a list of websites you admire and share them with a designer or someone on your team. Use the "view page source" feature to discover the theme or template they use.
- Purchase templates instead of building from scratch: Building a website from scratch can be expensive. Instead, explore template galleries like Theme Forest or Wix to find designs that suit your needs.
- Ensure responsiveness: Choose a template that is mobile-friendly and displays well on all devices. Your website should provide a seamless user experience across various platforms.
Step 4: Fill Your Site With Content
You don't need to have a massive amount of content ready when launching your website. However, there are essential elements you should have in place:
- "About Us" page: Include photos and personal details to connect with your audience.
- "Contact Us" page: Make it easy for visitors to reach out to you.
- Privacy policy: Essential for Google and to establish trust with your audience.
- Home page video or introductory post: Provide an explanation of who you are and what your company is about.
- Social sharing icons: Enable visitors to easily share your content on social media.
- Optional how-to content posts: Educate your audience by providing valuable information about the homebuying or selling process.
Remember, building a website doesn't require coding or template installation skills. With a clear vision of what you want, a focus on creating helpful content, and the assistance of freelancers when needed, your real estate website can become a 24-hour marketing machine that never sleeps. So, get started today and watch your business grow!
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