Website Branding

[karyljm]

Here's a quick idea that most Realtors don't normally think of. Make sure to mention your domain name on your telephone voice mails. Cheers! :D

[RobM]

There is a pro and con to that. If you do, which I have in the past, people may not leave you a message and go to your site instead. Then again, they may go to your site and login to a search or some other info on your site. 6 of one, 1/2 dozen the other

[Jim]

I am with Rob on this one. I would much rather have a phone contact than one through my website. It would be like taking a step backwards to send them from calling me to my site IMHO.

[karyljm]

I agree that a phone call is always better, but it's also a safety net for those like me, who don't like to leave messages. So I would agree it is probably a personal preference.

[TimuM]

I personally think website is the first stage of getting client.. the second stage to make them call or fill out your contact form....
If they already call you, no need to make them go back to stage one...
But it may be good for a caller who will not leave a message.....+ Branding as mentioned....

[shanesmith]

I think the hard part is finding a host that you like, and is affordable. I just use godaddy, cause I dont mind. I heard Myers was good, anyone use them?

[TimuM]

I think the hard part is finding a host that you like, and is affordable. I just use godaddy, cause I dont mind. I heard Myers was good, anyone use them?
I think you are lost..........The topic is not related to what you are saying here.........

[Codythebest]

I think leaving your site on your voicemail will be purely advertising.
You may get to the point - the call/calling back/etc - and then tell that, BTW, I get a site and it's www. blahblah (http://www. blahblah)....
I think people will record their msg anyway AND they'll get a chance to visit your site...

[shanesmith]

I think you are lost..........The topic is not related to what you are saying here.........

Sorry, I just wanted to know if Myers was any good, so I could switch.

[karyljm]

I just see a lot of realtors who own a website but don't advertise it in their ad copy, business cards, or flyers. Sure you want a call, but most people don't want to be sold. In this day and age people want to research and then buy.

[TobyMunk]

I think people just don't expect to be given a website on a voice mail announcement. Maybe email?

I think that people that know me already will also know my email and website. Please that call me that I do not know... I want to talk to.

[RobM]

I dont agree with the people that know me already know my email and website. I have clients, very busy at that, that just dont remember everything and I have known them for a while. You need to keep reminding them what your website address is and their email is already saved in their email program so...just a thought

[Gerald Franklin]

Web sites are geart but make sure that you are branding yourself first. The first thing most people do when they get your name is Google you.
Have you evey Google you name? Do it and see what comes up.

[tina.anderson]

I agree that branding yourself is the most important thing you can do, but I think a website should be promoted at every opportunity, and leaving it on your voice mail is actually a great idea. I don't think it will encourage people to not leave messages anymore. They will most likely still leave their message and visit your website if you word the voice mail correctly.

[karyljm]

People need to get their websites seen in my opinion. The vast majority of people looking want information first then they want to talk to you. So you definetly need a web presence.

[Cisco]

In addition to getting people to your site, professionalism is so important. Most people will judge a book by its cover and if your site is not professional and useful it will have a negative effect on leads. :(

[karyljm]

Hi Cisco you have some great ideas! I work for an SEO company and we find that one of the best ways to market yourself is by getting your website to the top of the first page of Google, Yahoo, and MSN. But as we allI see forums work also.:D

[Cisco]

Thanks karyljm. I will keep your services in mind. I am not a realtor, but may have opportunities for you. Tell me a little about your areas of expertise.

Cisco

[karyljm]

We do websites, hosting, Search Engine Marketing. Mainly we get peoples websites to the first page of Google, Yahoo, and MSN. :)

[mpls-homes]

Here's a quick idea that most Realtors don't normally think of. Make sure to mention your domain name on your telephone voice mails. Cheers! :D

GREAT TIP! Thank you!

[jenniferi]

I would say if your website is very detailed and offers a lot of 'shopping' opportunities for a potential client, then there is definitely a lot of value to mentioning your website on your voicemail. I don't think it takes the Realtor out of the loop at all - it actually helps the buyer to save himself some time as well as the Realtor's time if they have an opportunity to sift through the offerings and then call back with specific questions and the properties they are interested in.

[DarinU]

IMO I don't care if I get an email a phone number or an address just as long as they contact me and I can reach them. I personally do not leave my email in my message but advice try it see if it works out. The results of a strategy can be different for everyone.

[Portland Real Estate Guy]

That a pretty good idea. I'm actually even thinking of putting a sticker on my car with my domain. But I dont know if I want if I want it on my new BMW. Yes I do, more biz is better then a car look.

[misch.chief]

To be honest, I had never thought of doing that, so fair play, but as rob said there are pros and cons to it...might give it go though!

[milot]

hmm, i see what Rob is trying to get... for those of you like Rob who are worried about losing a phone contact because they may hang up and head to your website, here's a phone technique for you...

offer the caller a special report, tool, or cd that you will mail them if they leave a message with their contact information

[vbcannon]

I agree that branding yourself is the most important thing you can do, but I think a website should be promoted at every opportunity, and leaving it on your voice mail is actually a great idea. I don't think it will encourage people to not leave messages anymore. They will most likely still leave their message and visit your website if you word the voice mail correctly.

Exactly, I agree with this statement. I know of a few realtors that use this and I always leave the message. Your website, this day and age, is your most important "identity" in real estate now and it IS part of YOUR BRAND. You should advertise it anychance you get.

[Greg]

Before you include your email address in your voice mail consider this.

1. If there is any chance of them misspelling your address, some of them will and you risk losing a client. Most people who are calling you are not prepared to write down a website address. i.e. no pen or paper at hand.

2. Most people use IE and MSN is the default search engine. The cursor is actually redirected to the search bar by MSN. Most people don't know the difference between the search bar in MSN and the address bar at the top of IE. Most of them will type your address into the search bar of MSN. MSN does not do a good job of sending people to your website. It usually pulls up a list of sites with your's at the top, hopefully. If your competitors are on that list you might want to think about it first.