Here’s an interesting article by Mike Parker from Compass Internet Systems. It’s basically a case study of one of his client’s success using the Internet as a lead-generation resource.
There are a number of interesting points to be found in the article. You’ll see the one I find most revealing when you visit the website owned by the REALTORS® in the article.
You’ll see a Point2 Agent website. Yes! Another of those darn template sites that is ranking extremely well in search engine results. You’ll also notice that the website is not the most glamourous around. The owners of the site are combining good search engine ranking with a clear target market and outstanding information directed at that market.
And, they’re doing exceptionally well in this down market.
So, the conclusion of the story is that looks really DON’T make all the difference.
2 Comments
March 25th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Thanks for putting this up. You know, it amazes me how many alleged “gurus” continue to tell realtors that template sites don’t work; especially when I write an article about one that does at least twice a month!
Some of these gurus, like Randy Eager, “Educator” have ulterior motives, of course: they sell there own websites. Others just seem to spout off with no identifiable motive except self promotion, to call themselves “gurus.”. Neither of these types has many happy clients, you can be sure. It seems to me that any professional ssrious about helping agents would embrace templates and help the agents make them work for them. It’s a very cost effective way to get involved in Internet marketing.
March 25th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Mike – I agree with you!!
Firms like Point2 Agent provide a website that is highly customizable, has lots of useful features, is reasonably priced and search engine friendly.
In addition, for many agents, the level of support that Point2 provides is just what they need to become Internet professionals without spending a lot of their time trying to get there.
With a content manager that is as difficult to learn as Word (with no coding required) and free telephone support, agents can spend their time where it should be spent – acquiring or serving clients/customers!