A good real estate portal is an extremely useful marketing tool for real estate agents or those who choose to sell privately. The biggest benefit to you as a seller or agent is that you don’t have to worry about marketing the site, but can reap the rewards of good website ranking. Here are some questions to ask before you sign up:
1. Is the website visible on major search engines?
It is very important to establish where the real estate portal ranks in the search engines. Enter a search query into the search engine that includes the area you are selling in and the word property, and see if the property portal comes up on the first page.
2. Would you browse this site?
Login to the site as a user and do a quick search for properties in your area. Is the navigation on the page clear and easy to use? Do you consider the layout and design to be satisfactory? Is it easy to request information about a property?
3. Do you have unique website features?
Find out what kind of features the property portal has to offer, including how many images can be uploaded, is there room for visual/video tours, maps, display alerts, etc.
5. Does it fit your target market?
Think about the market that will be interested in the property you are selling. Will they have internet access and be able to use the site?
What are the needs of your customers?
Clients like to know that you are advertising their property in all the media available to you. If you are suggested to advertise on a property portal, you may want to give it some thought.
6. Is your competition advertising on the site?
Before you sign on the dotted line, browse the website to see if your competition is advertising on the site. That will be a good indication for you to follow their example.
7. What is the scope of the website?
Find out if the website has any other affiliate sites that your property would be listed on. They were also asked if they had a mobile site so cell phone users could browse the site.
8. Are you getting value for your money?
Compare prices to see what other real estate portals charge and what you get for your money. Make sure the one you choose has a good tech support department so you can contact them if you have any questions.
9. Is the website advertising offline?
You want to subscribe to a real estate portal that is the most dominant player in the market. This means that the site will have to do a lot of marketing, not only online but also offline.