Websites For Realtors® - Elements for the Best First Impression

Posted by Wes Martin

Updated on October 18th, 2023

|

Published in Real Estate Websites

The Power of First Impressions

In today's modern world, finding someone to build you a website truly is not difficult, but to stand out, you need a digital masterpiece. A platform that not only showcases properties but also tells a story, builds trust, and converts visitors into lifelong clients. Below you'll find the essential elements that Real Estate Webmasters recommend making a real estate website truly phenomenal.

West & Main Homes showcasing a truly remarkable home listing in Boulder, CO.

Eye-Catching Home Page

Essentially, your homepage is the digital equivalent of a property's curb appeal. It's the first thing visitors see, and it sets the tone for their entire experience. A well-designed homepage should not only be visually appealing but also convey the essence of your brand, your expertise, and the unique value you offer to clients. It should be a blend of aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that visitors are both impressed and informed.

The homepage is also where you can showcase your top listings, highlight your successes, and provide a snapshot of what you bring to the table. It's essential to keep it updated, ensuring that the content is fresh, relevant, and in line with market trends. This not only keeps visitors engaged but also positions you as a dynamic and proactive Realtor®.

• Use high-quality, optimized images: Showcase properties in their best light.
• Direct your visitors: A user-friendly navigation and prominent CTAs will ensure your visitors are going where you want them to.
• Highlight your USP: Make it clear why clients should choose you over competitors.

Tip: Your homepage should load quickly, a delay of even a few seconds can and will deter potential clients.

Northrop Realty's website - a website that's eye-catching, and remarkably fast loading.

Mobile Responsiveness

Having a website in today's digital age that's not optimized for mobile can be a significant oversight. Mobile responsiveness ensures that your website looks and functions seamlessly across various devices, be it a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. This adaptability enhances user experience, ensuring that potential clients can access and navigate your site effortlessly, regardless of the device they're using.

Moreover, Google factors mobile compatibility into its ranking algorithm. Websites that aren't mobile-friendly can suffer in search engine rankings, making them less visible to potential clients. In the competitive world of real estate, where visibility is key, this can be a significant disadvantage.

• Test on multiple devices: ensure your website looks good on all screen sizes.
• Prioritize load times: Mobile users are often on the go and won't wait for slow-loading pages.
• Simplify navigation: Mobile users should be able to find what they're looking for with ease.

Tip: Use Google's Mobile-Friendly Test tool to check your website's mobile compatibility.

PageSpeed Insights of Real Estate Webmasters' Renaissance platform performance on mobile.

Clear & Compelling CTAs

CTAs are crucial elements on a real estate website. They guide visitors toward taking the desired action, whether it's contacting you, signing up for a newsletter, or viewing a property listing. A well-placed and compelling CTA can significantly boost conversions, turning casual visitors into potential leads. It's not just about having a CTA, but ensuring it's clear, enticing, and strategically placed to capture attention.

Moreover, CTAs should be tailored to the content they accompany. For instance, a CTA on a property listing might prompt users to schedule a viewing, while one on a blog post might encourage readers to subscribe for more insights. By aligning the CTA with the content's context, you increase the likelihood of engagement.

• Use action-oriented language: Words like "Discover," "Learn," and "Start" can motivate users.
• Make CTAs stand out: Use contrasting colors, larger, or bold fonts.
• Limit choices: Too many CTAs can overwhelm visitors. Focus on one primary action per page.

Tip: A/B test different CTAs to determine which ones resonate most with your audience.

Learn More About Our Award-Winning Websites

Client Testimonials & Reviews

Testimonials and reviews serve as social proof, showcasing the positive experience of past clients. They build trust and credibility, essential factors in the decision-making process of potential clients. By featuring genuine, positive feedback on your website, you provide reassurance to visitors, increasing the likelihood of them choosing your services.

However, it's not just about showcasing positive reviews. It's about presenting them in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Including photos of clients or linking to their social media profiles can add a layer of authenticity. Moreover, addressing negative reviews professionally and promptly can demonstrate your commitment to client satisfaction.

• Feature diverse testimonials: Showcase a range of clients and property types.
• Update regularly: Fresh testimonials reflect your current service quality.
• Incorporate video reviews: They can be more engaging and personal than written ones.

Tip: Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on multiple platforms, including Google and social media.

A raving client testimonial found on Smith and Associates' website.

Neighborhood & Community Insights

By providing insights into neighborhoods and communities, you offer valuable information that can influence a buyer's decision. Highlighting local amenities, schools, transportation, and other relevant factors paints a holistic picture of what living in a particular area might be like.

Moreover, these insights showcase your in-depth knowledge of the areas you serve, positioning you as a local expert. This can be particularly beneficial for clients relocating from different regions, as they'll rely on your expertise to make informed decisions.

• Explore the area: Give context to users about amenities around properties.
• Highlight unique selling points: What makes a neighborhood stand out?
• Provide local market insights: Information on property trends can be invaluable.

Tip: Collaborate with local businesses to offer exclusive deals or insights to your clients.

Leslie Kopp's website providing neighborhood information about Bethany Beach.

Effective Lead Capture

Your website should be a tool for lead generation. By integrating strategic lead capture forms, you can gather information from visitors, turning them into potential leads. Offering valuable resources, such as market reports or exclusive property updates, in exchange for email subscriptions can be an effective strategy. This not only provides immediate value to the visitors but also allows for ongoing communication, nurturing potential leads over time.

As well, the design and placement of these forms are crucial. They should be easily accessible, without being intrusive. Pop-ups, sidebar forms, or footer subscriptions are common placements. The key is to ensure they're visible without disrupting the user experience.

• Offer value: Give visitors a reason to share their information.
• Optimize for mobile: Ensure forms are easily fillable on all devices.
• Use clear language: Let visitors know exactly what they're signing up for.

Tip: Segment your email list to send tailored content to different audience groups.

Carly Carey's website showcasing a CTA to contact her about real estate on Vancouver Island.

Social Media Integration

Integrating social media links and feeds into your website allows visitors to connect with you on platforms like Instagram Facebook, and LinkedIn. This not only promotes brand visibility but also fosters a sense of community, encouraging engagement and building trust.

Showcasing your active social media presence on your website can be a testament to your engagement with the community and your commitment to staying updated with industry trends. It provides an additional layer of interaction, allowing potential clients to see your activities, listings, and interactions in real time.

• Prioritize visual platforms: Instagram and Facebook are fantastic at showcasing properties, especially if you incorporate video.
• Engage with followers: Respond to comments, share user-generated content, and participate in discussions.
• Highlight client stories: Share success stories or behind-the-scenes look at property details.

Tip: Use consistent branding across your website and social media profiles for a cohesive online presence.

An example of an active and engaging Facebook profile from Waterfront Properties.

Engaging Blog & Resources

A blog or resource center can make a massive positive impact for Realtors®. Regularly publishing relevant, informative articles establishes your expertise in the field. Topics can range from market trends and property tips to community events and home décor ideas. By offering valuable insights, you position yourself as a trusted resource, encouraging visitors to return to your site for information.

A blog can significantly boost your website's SEO efforts, driving organic traffic and improving search engine rankings. Regularly updated content signals to search engines that your website is active and relevant, increasing its visibility to potential clients.

• Prioritize quality over quantity: It's better to have fewer, well-researched posts than many shallow ones.
• Incorporate multimedia: Video, infographics, and images can make your content more engaging.
• Promote on social media: Share your articles to reach a wider audience.

Tip: Encourage guest posts from industry experts to diversify content and offer fresh perspectives.

A striking example of a visually appealing blog page from The Orlando Real.

Simple Navigation

A website's navigation can make or break the user experience. Visitors should be able to find the information they're looking for quickly and effortlessly. A well-structured menu, clear categories, and intuitive designs ensure that users can navigate your site with ease. This not only enhances user experience but also reduces bounce rates, as visitors are more likely to stay on a site that's easy to navigate.

A simple navigation also aids in the SEO process. Search engines prioritize websites that offer good user experience, and clear navigation plays a significant role in this. By ensuring that your site is user-friendly, you not only cater to potential clients but also improve your online visibility. 

• Use descriptive labels: Avoid jargon and use terms visitors will understand.
• Prioritize important pages: Highlight key sections like listings, contact info, blog, and testimonials.
• Limit menu options: Too many options can overwhelm visitors; stick to the essentials.

Tip: Use breadcrumbs to help users track their navigation path, especially on deeper paths.

Multiple CTAs found on Berkshire Home Home Services' website aiming to direct visitor's to the appropriate page.

Conclusion

In general, but especially in real estate, first impressions are a big deal. Your website is often the first touchpoint for potential clients, and it should reflect the excellence and professionalism you bring to the table. By integrating these essential elements, you're not just building a website, you're building something to be admired in the real estate world.