I'd like to hear from those of you who are actually getting leads from your branded web sites. I mean actual e-mails or phone calls. Not hit counts. I've tried using a pay-per-click sort of company that promised me search engine optimization. I've tried hiring a developer to create a custom site. This same developer does e-mail marketing for me to drive people to the web site. I'm told I'm getting tons of hits, but I'm not seeing any inquiries. I'm hesitant to spend any more money on web marketing, but I don't understand why my site isn't working for me. If anyone reading this is willing to take a look and give me some feedback on what I'm missing, etc. I'd be really grateful. The site is jbrrealestateresource.com. Thanks for any advice, insight, or your own experiences that you'd like to share.

Jan Brito
RE/MAX Premiere Selections
301-299-1000

When people visit a Realtor's website they are initially after just one thing - property listings. One has to make it easy for them to find and view listings and to request more information.

One thing I did notice about your site was your Listings Search does not actually fit on your page - and a visitor needs to scroll from side to side to search for listings and to view the results. People do hate that and will generally leave for a more pleasing experience elsewhere. Fixing just that one thing would make a difference.

Thanks Doug. You're right about that - I've asked the developer to correct that.

The site looks very busy, when people come to a site they need to be guided to where you want them to click. You could clean up the top left logo, bring it down to 1 phone number and as little wording as possible. Then increase the text size a bit and I certainly would love to see a bigger picture of you two... it looks like you both have great smiles, and that really tells people a lot, it's just so tiny it's a bit tough to see. Possibly even take out the widgetbox to open up more room for information about you both, something that builds a personal connection. Simple is beautiful... and easier for people to navigate :).

Hi Jan,

I like your site. I would try a non branded site so you can drive traffic and create leads. Offer different resources for clients to use such as MLS, reports, buyers VIP program and so on. Sometimes a lead sees a branded site and they shy away from it for different reasons.

Create a non branded domain name such as XXXhomeinfo.com, XXXfreereports.com then you can collect the lead and follow up through a drip mail system and also call them.

Its key that that you call the lead back as soon as possible. Have your webmaster set up so you get a text message when you get a lead. Follow up is key, make sure you call them back ASAP. If you can in get touch with the lead while they are on your site you will probably have a potential sale!

Good Luck and if you would like to know the solution we use please feel free to private message me.

J. Ryback
Ryback Real Estate Team

Your site looks more as a personal website to me. Doug is right, the very first thing that most likely interest the visitor is the property listings. Also you must have a category type of property listings and a search form where a visitor can actually search for a particular property. Look at this site Pagbabahay.com, this site may get your interest.

A professional website is a must, no point in spending money on pay per click if you don't have a site that will convert visitors.

Also - try using a free gift to get optin:
Here's a book you might use as an example. Something to give away to your audience so that they will remember you, sign up for your list and start building a relationship with you.

http://agentxl.com/z/ebooks/How_to_Make_Your_Home_Sell.pdf

[quote][/quote]This same developer does e-mail marketing for me to drive people to the web site. I'm told I'm getting tons of hits, but I'm not seeing any inquiries.


A few things either he is lying, you should be able to view your stats yourself or you site has no call to action. If you are receiving a ton of hits by default you should be seeing at least a few inquiries.

Here are some issues I found:

The home links scrolling up top go to a page that says the listing can't be found.

All your buttons are flash, not text.

When I click "Search Homes", I only see your header and footer, no page content, this is in FireFox browser. Some when I click rentals.

Please let me know if you'd like me to check out anything else on your site.

one thing i notice that you don't have is a call to action and the site in my opinion is a bit boring. nothing in your site generates a buzz, nor do i see anything that splits you from the pack. first i would work on a call to action something to make somebody think that want to hear from you now. also that guarantee to respond fast is not what is important.

here is a sample call to action

"Get your free electronic book that prepares you to avoid the 10 pitfalls to listing with just any agent. inside this book you will learn how to screen for the best real estate agent and get the results you want (a quick sale). You don't have to deal with agents that will waste time, now you can have to access to the quesions you need to ask so you can get the running and quit spinning your wheels. Act now because this book is only available for the next 10 clients that fill in this form for the month."