i may get shot for double posting but i just replied in another thread on the same topic: http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/...t=22020&page=7

anyway, to keep things simple here's what i said:

one thing to keep clear when looking at your metrics: there is a difference between opt-ins and leads.

in terms of forced registration: it can and does work when executed correctly. a few folks have pointed out already that to really get actions involves a compelling reason and USP for someone to opt in. heck, that's what sales/marketing is all about. forcing registration to access a tool that is simply not unique and can be found elsewhere is just not smart marketing.

and if you're not following up with folks who register, then why the heck would you force them to register anyway?

what i see some folks getting hung up on are just tactics... forced registration, email marketing, mls access... all of these are just tactics that, without a strategy to drive it all and convert visitors into buyers, have no real point.

so, the real question is not whether to force registration or not but why would YOU force a registration?

__________________
Mark Eckenrode

* Is Too Much SEO Actually Hurting Your Online Marketing?
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-- HomeStomper.com

A lot of folks will simply use the first tool they find. Similar to the 70% who use the first agent they find. Others will know there are other tools out there but will register anyways. While a website is useful for many things, first and foremost, it's a way to generate leads for me (and I'm defining a lead as a name, e-mail and/or phone).

Just because a lead doesn't automatically convert iteslf for us doesn't mean it's of no value.

__________________
Eric Rogers - REALTOR
Century 21 Pro-Team
Aurora IL Real Estate | Batavia Real Estate
Yorkville Real Estate