It’s a fact that the majority of real estate buyers use the Internet to find a new home. Investors in search of overseas property by its very nature will have to use the internet to find their next overseas investment property. It’s then no surprise that the internet is a great place to promote real estate. It is also a very difficult place to shine amongst hundreds and thousands of real estate-related websites. The average realtor, estate agent, or property developer does not have the time or inclination to promote a website seriously.
This is where webmasters with a bit of determination step in. So is it possible to run a popular real estate website when your competitors are multi-national companies with huge budgets? The answer is a resounding YES! The internet is a great leveler and a determined webmaster can make it big on the net.
Simple marketing strategies that may include online press releases, email newsletters, and distribution of free articles can bring traffic and more importantly links to your website. Capture a keyword that your local realtor may like and you have the possibility of capturing their business.
Pay-per-click marketing although expensive can be used very effectively when marketing a single home or development. The idea is that your advert is so specific that only the people you want to click on it do. Description: 5 bedroom house in Orlando Florida for $180,000 is the sort of advert I am talking about.
Getting people to your website is only half of the battle. Once they get there; you need to get them interested in the real estate you offer right now or in the future. Property email alerts are essential. This will capture those who are actively seeking a new property. To capture those that are merely researching, offer free guides and advice importantly the user will need to submit their contact information. Websites that offer for sale by owner listings should consider offering free guides on how to sell homes online to capture potential sellers. It is important to make the user feel that it is safe to submit their email addresses so if you are not going to pass these data on mention it.
A savvy webmaster can drive buyers to sellers’ properties by using guides aimed at buyers. Buyers love to undertake research before buying property. This is especially true for overseas property investors. Buying international real estate is complex with different legal systems and restrictions. So why not attract buyers by offering something they need that is worthwhile information?
Dealing with real estate internet leads and inquiries fast is probably one of the most underestimated sides of maximizing your real estate website potential. Buyers are always comparing like for like and your site is just another on the list, early contact is key to success.