Immediate registration when everyone else in my market doesn't?

[David Lorti]

Hi,
I reviewed a thread that talked to the guidance to require registration nearly immediately for anyone coming to your site in order to generate leads. I have already made the change based on that.
However, I am in a market where many sites exist that are much more lax or don't require it at all. Does anyone have any experience with the same environment and how did your immediate registration work?

[OCTeam]

David, seems many markets are different as to whether requiring sign-in. I have many in my market that do not require sign-in, however we require it and still get leads. I would suggest that if you have a compelling reason for them to want to use your website (your search is better, you have more areas for them to view, etc), then they will sign-in.

IMO, your site cannot be like everyone elses and your site needs to offer something of more value to the visitor. Add a bunch of snippets for each city and/or area/or tract for just homes, maybe by 3-br, by 4-br, just condos, golf course homes, etc so you offer something unique rather than just a generic MLS search. Drill down on what they can specifically view by what they might search for.

[Discover Davis Homes]

OCTeam is exactly right. I would not worry about what everyone else does. If the user has spent a few clicks to get close to the information they are likely to continue through. Just keep the registration process simple.

[StGeorgeUTproperty]

I've had a few, very recent, clients who went out of their way to thank me for allowing them to look at my site without having to register. Personally, I do not like it (as a user) and if I am made to, I move on. I am in a market where many require sign in.
(for what it's worth, the last 2 clients who said this to me actually bought a home from me)

[jerome]

Each to their own, but I require Upfront Registeration (with Intro. Video and a "Skip Video" Button) and a Strong USP, which to me gives the Visitor a Reason to want to Register as opposed to more Generic Reasons (see lots of pictures of lots of homes, etc.).

Over a 5 year test, I found around 30% of the Folks would Register Upfront (with around 70% accurate contact data), yet didn't complete the IDX HomeSearch...and I would have Never known about them coming to my Site IF I would have only relied on them completing the HomeSearch Info. Contact Registeration Form once into the Site's HomeSearch.

Comparing the Click to Lead Ratio - it is around 12%.

So...

[jamesww]

jerome,

What is your conversion rate on that 12% That in the end is what really matters.

[jerome]

Around 2%.

[Nola Realty]

Hello David, this is a great topic of discussion. I had forced registration on only after two entries were made on detailed properties. I found myself calling these leads and they would say they're just looking right now. So, I dicontinued the forced registration and only get a few calls, however, these calls are pre-approved and ready to purchase or lease. I would suggest running a trial period for both and see what is worth your time.

I also think you may loose alot of potiental leads with the forced registration. My thoughts are if somone is ready to buy they'll contact you for service.