Hi, I'm a realtor in New Zealand and just starting with this forum. How cool to share!
Here in Whangarei the internet is not a big thing as yet, so for me to be in first I need some ideas and hints to start. Most of our dealings is printed ad's, radio and walk ins. Anyone with some good ideas?

Welcome to the forum. Doug owns the forum and he can be reached at Doug@Results-Net.com
He is a wealth of information is wonderful about sharing his expertise.

First, get "organized"
Check out the Products for Realtors segment, and log on to www.TechOrganizer.com , so you don't loose any of your web site "stuff"

Also, make sure that when you build your web site that you keep making legitimate changes to it to keep it active in the minds of your public viewers and to keep it moving in the engines. Carolyne.

Generating traffic to your website is critical to the success of the website.

Here are some really basic off-line and on-line suggestions(without considering search engines) to achieve this:-

1. Your web address should appear on all business stationery, promotional material including your newsletter and all advertising especially signage.

It also makes good sense to refer to your website in your on hold telephone message.

2. You should ensure that you make mention of your web address in all press releases, editorials or articles you write. Any readers will then be able to check your agency out via your website.

Similarly, if you have the good fortune to be interviewed on radio, you should ask the interviewer to mention your web address or you should drop it into the interview yourself.

3. Incorporate your web and e-mail addresses in your e-mail signature message. This will encourage your e-mail recipients to check you out.

You can also refer to specific properties or forthcoming auctions in your e-mail signature message – however that’s another story.

4. Include your web address in your ‘30 second networking commercial’
when you meet people and you have an opportunity to talk about your agency. Then make sure that you give them a business card to reinforce the message.

5. The web address should be included with your logo and company name on any agency tee shirts. The visibility with tee shirts is difficult to beat.

6. Many agencies purchase name badges for all the staff to proudly wear.

Why not add the agency web address to the name badge? Again this represents excellent visibility.

7. When you are speaking in public, your speaker introduction should incorporate reference to your web address and, wherever practicable, you should also refer to it in the course of your presentation. You can achieve this objective with some subtlety.

8. Some may believe that it’s crass, but there’s merit in including your web address in your motor vehicle signwriting. When you stuck in a long line of traffic, you never know who will see your message and record it for posterity or later use. Naturally, this could be a disadvantage if you’re caught speeding, parked where you shouldn’t be or involved in a road accident!

9. Establish reciprocal links with other websites that would appeal to your clients, referrers and prospective clients.

10. Publish a newsletter and regularly include details of new content, features and other changes to your web site.

You should allow visitors to sign up to receive an e-newsletter on your web site – you’re sure to be pleasantly surprised by their interest.

The ability of the web site visitor to register for an e-mail newsletter also allows you to collect information regarding visitors.

Make sure your site meets the needs of consumers - give them what they want and they'll come to you.

They want to know what their home is worth, what they can afford, what is available in their price range, how to go about buying or selling a home.

When they do contact you, respond immediately and stay in touch.