Issues CoveredIn This Chapter
Chances are that you shop online, so you understand the convenience of the Web for checking out products and shopping resources. You're not alone; many people use the Web to shop for homes as well as for electronics, apparel, and other goods. In fact, the National Association of Realtors estimates that about two-thirds of home buyers start their research on the Web. That's a powerful argument for you to use the Web to market yourself and your listings. The Web has many positives: It's a fast, inexpensive way to deliver information to lots of people as well as target specific information to individuals. The Web is also a convenient way for clients and prospective clients to communicate with you. But there are some negatives: Notifying potential clients that your site exists is difficult, adding content to your site requires technology expertise most agents don't have, and meeting customers' expectations of quick responses and always-current information seven days a week, 24 hours a day, is also hard. Still, a real estate Web site is a must-have today. The real questions are: How do you set one up? And how do you determine what information you should place on it? |