The average businessperson might be inclined to think that the success of there is solely dependent on the basic aesthetic of their online space. The reality is that there are so many other factors that play a part in this success.
Sure, the visual appeal of your website is important, but a nice display of content can be accomplished with the purchasing of a template, a worthwhile investment for any business. Still, Improving the overall functionality and usability of your web design is one of the first steps you want to take in keeping your audience around, once you’ve nailed your sites look.
Below are 7 ways your website design can make or break your real estate business.
1. SEO Audit
Strengthen you SEO! This first one goes for any website, not just real estate sites. Now you might not think that search engine optimisation has much to do with the design of websites yet it is intrinsically linked with the structure and content of your site. This should be one of the first things you do when you launch your website as it has a significant influence on traffic, rankings and search results.
Moreover, with real estate agencies, you will be able to localise your SEO relative to your area and boost your ranking for local keywords. The last thing you want is to have a beautifully designed website with an expensive template in the mix just to fail because you haven’t properly implemented SEO tactics.
2. Map Function
Real estate, it’s all about location, and what better way to have your clientele find their new home than through a map interface. You don’t have to get rid of your standard filter search, but it is good to have the option there. And if you are using WordPress, you will be able to download a plugin and easily integrate your website with google maps. By doing this you are allowing your buyer to interactively choose their desired location and examine satellite and street views through an application many are familiar with.
3. Highlight your Focus
Let your audience see what they want to see. Inevitably, real estate websites use a lot of images, buyers want to see what they are buying. Make this the main focus. Streamlining your website layout is a productive way of making your content easier to consume as well as more visually pleasing. Using an appropriate combination of white/negative space and content not only conveys your focus better but also improves user experience by being easier on the eye. Unclutter your websites look and improve your conversion rates simultaneously.
4. Navigability
Make your website simple and easy to navigate. It is not surprising to find out that many web developers looking to stand out and increase traffic to their sites attempt to do so through unique web layouts. This might work for some, but it can be risky as there’s a chance of losing buyers that get lost or confused with an unfamiliar display of content. An example of a more typical yet successful layout is one that follows the ‘F’ design. This layout is preferred by many as it follows the normal pattern of eyesight and is easy to consume. The reality is that most people who access a real estate website just want to scroll through and search for listings. Don’t make this any harder than it needs to be
5. Mobile Friendly
This is another make or break design element that goes for any sort of website. Considering that 48% of real estate searches are conducted from mobile, it would go without saying that a mobile friendly site is an imperative. Thankfully for WordPress plugins, (if your website is powered by WordPress) you will be able to capture this other half of the market with an easy conversion to mobile friendliness. These plugins still allow for customisations to be made for your preference and help you maintain a modern, up to date website.
6. Agent Profiles
It is important, especially in the real estate industry, that you establish and maintain connections with prospective buyers and existing clientele. With this in mind, it is a good idea – if you haven’t already- to create a page on your website dedicated to agent profiles. For example, a basic start would be to use pictures of the agents and give personalised or first-person descriptions beneath. If you wanted to move past the basic you could begin to add videos or other media/content that familiarizes your audience with the agents. This personal touch promotes a sense of reliability and in turn encourages a trust between your agents and client base.
7. Testimonials
This last one mightn’t necessarily break you but it could definitely assist in making you. Testimonials from happy customers can show your audience that your team are good to work with. What they also do is boost the confidence of potential clients and push them further towards working with your agency.
Avoid testimonials that seem generic or as if they may have been written by the agency itself and instead opt for more personal comments and possibly even add a picture of the client if they are willing!
Well, there it is! 7 ways that your website design can either make or break your real estate business. If you can effectively implement each of these suggestions within your website design you’ll be on track for success in the future. We’d love to be able to help you with this so let us know if you need help in any website and brand related issues – our email is studio@madeagency.com or call us 1300 877 503
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