How important is curb appeal? Very, right! As a real estate agent, you know the importance of curb appeal, as well as first impressions. But did you know that the same principle applies to your website?
When people search for a realtor or real estate agency online, their first impression of you and your brand will likely be your website. Will it lure them or drive them away? To make your website more effective, read our blog below.
Why does good website design matter in Real Estate?
Gone are the days when having a website was enough (we see the way too much in the real estate field). Today, people expect websites — not digital textbooks — to deliver an excellent browsing experience. On top of that, Google, and many other search engines, has made user experience a ranking factor. Here are key reasons why your website should be optimized:
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- Establishes trust — As we’ve said before, first impressions matter (curb appeal). If you want people to choose you as their agent, your website has to look polished and credible. After all, they are entrusting you to help them buy or sell their home. A poorly laid out website inspires little trust and reflects on your brand and expertise. Remember that your website is an extension of your business, so make sure it’s an accurate reflection of you and your brand.
- Builds your brand — With hundreds or even thousands of agents in your local market, your website’s design can help you stand out. Serving as your business’s front page that you can fully control and curate, you can use the website to tell your brand story and highlight your credentials or achievements. You can also design the website so that it gives people a clear view of the areas you specialize in and the person they can expect to work with
- Promotes easy navigation — Today’s internet users have ever-shortening attention spans; if they can’t find what they’re looking for on your site immediately, they will end up leaving (we’re guilty). If your website was a house, your header navigation is your front door, providing people with an overview of what you can offer. Moreover, it also makes it easy to visit other parts of your site such as properties and resources for buyers or sellers. Now more than ever, the user experience is most important — and your website should prioritize that.
- Generates leads — Of course, the ultimate goal of any real estate website is to create more leads. If your design is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and informative, people are more likely to book a call or appointment with you. If the user experience is pleasant, they can also safely assume that working with you will be a delightful experience. A good design is both accessible and inviting, including features that make it easier for site visitors to get in touch by filling out an inquiry form or making a call within seconds (call-to-actions).
Need to revamp your real estate website for 2022? Let us at Oakmont Creative handle the task. In our experience, we’ve worked with agents, agencies, and lenders, helping them create beautiful and effective sites. We would love to be able to work with you too.
