Is Your Listing's Internet Presence Limited?

How is my agents blog or personal website going to help me buy or sell a home? We are in the midst of a large generational gap in regards to the way we find information and communicate with one another.

The fact of the matter is that depending on who you listen to, between 85 - 95% of people looking to buy a home are doing their research online. Lets focus on how they research. Most just type a word, phrase or question into a search engine box and click search. Bang! A list of destinations pop up leading the consumer to the information that they want.

The lists usually consist of a variety of websites, blogs and social media sites that have been deemed most relevant to the consumer's request. Needless to say that if your Realtor has a link on this list, the consumer is more apt to see your listing.

What is the purpose of a blog?

A blog has many purposes which is why it has become such an effective marketing strategy for all industries. The information provided builds credibility for the author while providing information to the consumer. They are also internet billboards allowing you to advertise goods(in our case listings) and services around the content for consumers to see. Links will allow a consumer to go to other internet sources the agent provides (website, MLS Search, social media sites) that will also create an opportunity for your home to be seen.

We can debate the impact it has on society another time, but the truth is that most people under 40 years of age choose to identify with someone online before contacting them in person.

The ability to attract internet navigators to themselves and to their services, will give you an indication of how well they will drive traffic to your property listing. Those who refuse to text message, blog, maintain a website and incorporate social media, are dismissing a huge amount of potential clients. They are also missing out on the chance of extending your internet presence beyond the listing sites and into the view of the tech savvy generation.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not suggesting that all traditional methods of marketing are obsolete. An online presence is not, in and of itself going to get you positive results. The numbers can not be ignored, your listing will be seen by more consumers if your Agent is using the ENTIRE internet to their advantage.