I always thought those realtor mug shots on cars doors, buisness cards and websites are cheezy. Does it really make any difference?

I'm working on my website now and plan to win them over with good content instead of trying to be "their friend" like many other agents seem to do.

Showcase your clients properties, not your face!

Let them know that too! Content is your best friend!!!

Scott

Thanks. That I will do. Unfortunately, I don't have any listings though, but my website is one of the main marketing tools I plan to use, with lots of photos for every home and a URL to this site on every home's flyer. I figure this will weed out a lot of lookers and save my sellers some time.

If you're attractive, it's certainly a benefit. I'm not, at least I don't think I am. Very unscientific study...I removed my photos from my website except for the About Me page...my leads increased.

I think having a photo on there somehow makes the site less professional. People think you're just another self-absorbed realtor. Besides, no need to give them a reason to make snap decisions about you. I'm pretty young, so I don't want people to think I'm incapable just because of that.

I actually spoke to a large print media publisher about the use of photos in agent advertising. He was very adamant that the use of a photo helps establish a connection between the reader and the agent.

When we put together a site we usually place a small photo of the agent in the masthead. Of course, some agents want a larger photo of themselves on the page.

The focus of the site must be about the buyer client demographic and not the agent, but a small photo can help establish a connection between the reader and the agent.

I gave alot of thoughts to this and for the past 3 years, I never did put my picture on my website. With my new website, I'm doing it a little different. I'm also printing my business with my pic on it too.

After I surveyed a good number of people, the "ladies" prefer to have a face to the name. The "guys" didnt really care but it didnt hurt.

I've known that real estate is about the people relationship. So, no harm putting a face on my website and my business cards, I think! My MarketingMe plan.

And my experience with "finding" a realtor for a rental in another state, we picked the "best" looking realtor. Yes, that wasnt really smart. And we eventually didnt use her, because she has a partner and the partner took our call.

My plan is to do all the trust building BS offline, when I meet people face to face. When they first inquire about a listing or buying a home, it's the knowledge and response time that matters.

I just can't get over how cheezy all those realtor photos look. I don't want people to get the impression I'm another one of those self-absorbed agents. Maybe I'll end up doing it if the site doen't produce any leads.

Btw, getting advice from media publishers is like askin a mechanic if your car needs repairs. They make money on those photos so of course they'll say it's needed.

Do any of you have a website WITHOUT photos that ends up bringing in a lot of leads? That should have been my questions, I guess.

well, try it and tell us... i'm not really sure if it matters coz i was getting calls, because i have very good content on my website.

i just have a different thought about the face to the name now.

There was a study that I read about 2 years ago that said your photo was the worst thing you could have on your site. Test it w/ and w/o a photo and see what works best in your area.

You need to establish some type of identity, and for most realtors, it means putting a face with the business. For others, it might mean a more generic identity, such as a distinct logo that people will remember.

I agree that you shouldn't overwhelm your visitors with a cheesy looking glamour shot, however a small pic would seem appropriate.

We actually took both approaches with our site:

- we went for a unique logo and an agent picture on one of our sites: http://www.MarinModern.com

- for the other site, we included a small agent picture within the navigational frame which also includes a larger photo of a 'relevant' home. See http://www.eichlerforsale.com

Again, you need to establish yourself somehow. The focus should always be on the property and your service/capabilities but don't eliminate some type of personal/branding presence all together.

Here's another couple cents worth. Before I got in the biz....when agents left their marketing materials on my front door...I used them, but I always removed their business cards if they had a photo on them. I just didn't want people I didn't know cluttering up my refridgerator. I have to think I'm not the only one who did this.

I have both photo and non-photo business cards. I give the photo cards to other agents, when I view homes and to clients. I use the non-photo cards with my marketing pieces.

I wouldn't put your picture on the front page of your site, unless you are a famous person.

The reason for this is a lot of people will create an instant opinion about you and your products based on how you look.

And unless you are a well known and highly admired celebrity, chances are very good that some people will form negative opinions about the way you comb your hair, or the glasses you wear, or the clothes you wear, or the way you smile - or something about you - that will cause them not to order from you.

My basic rule is to remove all the negatives from the main page of the site - and only leave the positive.

And having a photo of yourself plastered on the front page, is not always a positive to every visitor. Some people will be turned off because you are too old, too young, look too slick, not slick enough - there are thousands of reasons.

That's why I wouldn't recommend anyone place a photo of themselves on the front page of their site.

If you must have a photo, place it on the 'about me' page - and make sure you are doing something constructive in the photo (something that adds credibility).

Another reason not to have your photo on your site - invariably someone will download the image, alter it, and redistribute it elsewhere on the net. Usually the results will not be flattering.

I don't use my picture because of safety reasons. There are too many loonies out there, and I don't want to become someones target. We have had some issues here involving female agents being harassed. Better to be safe than sorry.

if you could poll your market area to find out what most people thought would be the image of a perfect Realtor, would you match up? Is your image in tune with your target market? Why your image and not the image of a satisfied target client, or their vision of what a perfect Realtor should look like.

Your question falls into the realm of marketing, and not a question of vanity. Look around at the successful players in the industry in your market, then look in the mirror.