IDX - forced vs no registration

MikeNY · 01-30-2008, 06:05 PM

I have my IDX set up so that users can view the search results page but when they click to view details, see more photo's, etc it brings them to the registration/sign in page. They can bypass it though but I guess not everyone realizes it? as I do get a lot of sign ins with this method.
I decided to see what would happen if I forced registration once they clicked for more details, etc.

I looked at my sign ins from Thur. Jan 17 -Wed Jan 23, then when I forced registration from Thur. Jan 24 to today Wed Jan 30 which btw today is not done so I still have until midnight tonight to give the final results but this is what I have so far.

According to StatCounter if it is correct:

Thur. Jan 17 -Wed Jan 23
Unique visitors: 2779
First time visitors: 2642
Returning visitors: 137

(forcing registration)
Thur Jan 24h - Wed. Jan 30th (still 4 hrs left in the day)
Unique visitors: 2274
First time visitors: 2093
Returning visitors: 181

The results = 10 more registrations during the forced registration and I am still not done with today, I tend to get a few late in the night before 12 am.

Stats during forced registration: 505 less unique visitors, 549 less first time visitors but 44 more returning visitors. Obviously the IDX visitor stats is not affected by the fact I forced registration the past 7 days but it is interesting to notice less traffic but more sign ins and not less because they are forced.

I still like the idea of letting them see the search results then asking them to sign in to view details and more photo's and letting them by pass it if they want (I really think a lot of people don't realize they can bypass it). This way they can surf my site a long time until they are comfortable signing in and seeing value in my site. I did see a lot of people who signed in but my IDX backend tells me their first visit was months ago so this is the 1st time they signed in, because they were forced.

Discover Davis Homes · 01-30-2008, 06:14 PM

Cool. Can visitors still see a basic search result without registration?

MikeNY · 01-30-2008, 06:16 PM

Yes they will see just the results page (hope I am using the right terms), All you see is the search results page, 1 photo for each listing, price, minimal details, then when you click to see more photo's or details it goes to the sign in page. So yes they see the results but not much info about each listing.

GreggRio · 01-30-2008, 06:45 PM

Michael, I have that and wondered if the tele was worth doing the required- forced registration. I opted for getting a zip code as required instead of a tele. Some occasionally do give a tele. I find with the zipcode I can tell generally where they are from. This gives me some idea of location,which for PPC is good.

I did notice on your returning visitors that you had more the second week and that may be only the difference between week 1 and 2 or that if they "pay" there is more value for use. Interestingly, I feel there is logic to that.Many companies find when they charge, the customer finds value. Recently when a large HMO charged a $5 co/pay they had many less "frivolous" visits. Imagine $5, that's nothing, but it showed that when one had to pay, they weighed the value of their "illness" against $5 many decided they weren't that sick.

So I feel there is something to the forced registration where you show that there is something of value, if they want more, they pay. Good sampling Michael

Michael Paul Eau Claire · 01-30-2008, 06:51 PM

Cool, thanks for sharing your data!

paulsps · 02-01-2008, 07:20 PM

Mike - can you keep us informed about the ultimate ROI.
Whilst you get more sign ups, what sort of quality are they?
Do you feel that the registration data is of the same quality/integrity?
Down the road, I wonder how the conversion rate changes

More tracking I know, but this would be extremely interesting.

gibex · 12:29 AM

how much real deals you got in both cases?
also, thanks for sharing the results

MikeNY · 02-02-2008, 03:43 PM

Update -

Doing pretty good, got lots of appointments so does my buyers agent, lots of sign ins and most are real numbers/emails probably 90% +, lots of people calling me directly or emailing about listings. I also notice that some of them have been on my site since spring/summer 2007 (the IDX backend tells me when they 1st visited the site) and this is the 1st time they signed in.

I like having the forced registration but I like making people feel comfortable and search for a while. I may switch back at some point but it seems to be working with the forced so it is hard to figure out what I want to do.

jerome · 02-02-2008, 04:13 PM

"To Force or Not to Force...that Is the Question!"
If Shakespeare was a Realtor...well you get the message.
The Registeration (If, When, and Where) Must be the Ultimate Real Estate Website Marketing Question.
I'll agree, being able to keep Stats. on your Experiment for your And Our (your Forum Friends) is a Truly Wonderful thing...and we Sure hope you continue to share...be looking Forward to it.

Also, how can the Visitor By-Pass your Registeration Cue and continue to the Details Page?

MikeNY · 02-02-2008, 05:51 PM

Up until last week, when you clicked to view more details or more photo's it went to the registration page. It woulsd say something on the left like "already a member - sign in" or on the right "please regsister to view listings - or show me the listings and remind me later to register".

I just stopped that a almost a week and a 1/2 ago so you will not have the option to by pass it any more.

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