The first pillar we reviewed, believe it or not, is customer service. People and service, not technology. The second pillar was a website that integrates listing syndication for mass online exposure, with control over distribution channels and access to traffic reports.

Pillar #3 is rich, engaging content. Again, not a technology tool, but a discipline consistently applied into a powerful technology platform.

An Ontario agent’s recent online testimonial to this speaks volumes. According to him, 80 percent of his business comes from his website! That is a number worth paying attention to. When we asked for specifics, his first point confirmed the importance of rich, detailed content that engages visitors.

“If I had to pick one aspect that works… well, actually there are several. I believe the ability to display a large number of photographs, room for plenty of information and the creation of a virtual tour environment is very much appreciated by my clients and potential clients. These three features not only serve to market the property well but also reflect on the client’s perception of my professionalism.”

If you have a real estate website platform that supports quick upload and delivery of engaging content, use it to your advantage. The technology is there for a reason. For example, the Point2 Agent platform allows up to 36 photos for each listing. We know that photos are the number one item consumers look for on a REALTOR®’s website, according to the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2010 issued by NAR (National Association of REALTORS®). So don’t settle for one, two or 6 photos. Load it up.

We conducted research twice over the past few years each confirming that the higher the photo count, the higher the leads generated. The sweet spot? 16 photos or more. The jump in interest between 15 and 16 photos was significant enough to pay attention to. But the platform must automate the photo resizing and uploading process, so you don’t spend half a day uploading a listing.

The next item consumers find very useful on a REALTOR®’s website is detailed property information, also according to the NAR report. Take time to provide as much information possible. The old paradigm of skimping on information to force a phone call is no longer as effective, if not dead.

Buyers want to deal with an agent who offers useful information and, who relative to others, takes the time to present properties in an appealing, engaging fashion. Gives your website some competitive bite and is the professional way to go about the business.

Not only is Cam’s website pleasing to the eye, he has also used Get a Grip Audio Solutions (Point2 Alliance Member) to add an element of sound. His site hosts a ton of listings both via Handshake and MLS, and he also constructs a video ad for each of his listings that are seen both on his website as well as The Real Estate Channel.  Among several things, he also has a ‘Contests’ area where clients can win a night out to watch a hockey game with private box seats (perfect for Saskatchewan folks!).

As an added incentive to his detailed marketing plan, is Cam’s guaranteed sales program.  In fact, if the listing hasn’t sold within 120 days – he’ll buy it himself.

It’s my pleasure to feature to SellingSaskatoon.com this month, and I’m also equally as excited because Cam agreed to do a mini Q&A session with me. Stay tuned for the next post where we’ll get an inside peek into SellingSaskatoon.com.

Do you have a great website/marketing plan? Want to share it? Let us know, and maybe we’ll feature yours!

Two key companies have a number of VA’s trained and skilled not only with Point2 Agent, but a plethora of other softwares, tools, and skills.  Contact them for full details and special pricing for members of the Point2 community:

REVStaffing
(404) 819-2933
Point2Support@revstaffing.com
www.REVStaffing.com

RealSupport, Inc.
(847) 705-1655. ext. 201
Info@RealSupportInc.com
www.RealSupportInc.com

(Random fact: Now you might think 14 is old…but the oldest goldfish on record made it to 43!)

Either way, whatever a consumer’s attention span may be, it can be agreed upon that with all the ‘stuff’ on the internet – the ability to captivate visitors in a few seconds is more challenging than ever.

When it comes to your website, you might have a super-sleek design, visually tasty graphics and listings by the boat loads.  But, what about the words?  Agonizing over your web-words is one of the last things you want to think about when you need to be out meeting clients and following up on leads.  Or…is it?

Simply put, your website content (this is, the words) is one of the first things you want to think about.

Let’s face it.  Not all of us were born with writing superpowers (except for me of course…did I also mention my incredible sense of modesty? )   For most of us, finding the balance between maintaining our careers and maintaining our website can be a job in itself.  Add writing to the mix and it’s a full plate, and then some.

Even if you are a seasoned writer, writing for your website is much different than writing an email, a blog post, or a listing description.  In my next post, I’ll share some tips & tricks to help you come up with killer content, and keep those consumers captivated.

I’m going to end here for now – simply because I want to keep your attention!

Your success revolves around listings.

We help you market them through audio, advertising, and a great website.

The vendors in the Alliance Member Program have the knowledge and experience to help you see the success and revenue you want to see in 2011.

Check out what we have to offer!

   Simple Sites Serious Success
   Kathy Stephens
   www.simplesitesserioussuccess.com
   602-476-8096

Simple Sites Serious Success provides a number of great services to help your Point2 Agent site look fantastic.  From visually-appealling website designs to custom headers, content creation to Search Engine Optimization, graphics to email marketing campaigns, Simple Sites Serious Success can help you look and be your best online.

Plus, check out two new great widgets!  Best of all, sign up for the Simple Start and Second Steps package before January 1, 2011 and get one free.  Go for the gold with the Super Star Sampler or Serious Success package and get both at no additional charge!

So, what are these wonder widgets?  The first is a custom form that you can add to your Point2 site that allows you to ask your visitor specific questions designed to create a more interactive experience.  The second is a great new slide show where agents can feature up to six of their best listings.  Visitors can control the show AND click anytime to view more details of the property.  Check it out today and watch your site soar!

Call Simple Sites at 602-476-8096 or email them for more information on their services or their great new widgets for your Point2 Agent website!