Real Estate Web Design

Welcome to the future of search engines. Pretty cool, huh?

Now let me tell you why this is important. There are a few reasons.

1. This is the new look of things. Just ask Steve Jobs. If you have an iPod, iPhone, or an i-anything, you know what I'm talking about. On the iPhone and in iTunes, when you look at your albums, they appear like this search engine does, with little squares that show you a thumbnail of each album cover. This is not only visually-pleasing, but it's also neat to flip through them. It's like a tiny, on-your-pc jukebox. And since we all know about the popularity of anything that starts with an i, you can bet that this look is going places. That means that all the twenty-somethings and younger are acutely aware of how this type of technology works. That's important because you WANT to be in the loop on things like this, otherwise you'll be behind the times.

2. People can see your website without going to it! Of course, for CyberSunshine this is awesome news since we specialize in building custom websites for real estate agents, and we pride ourselves on making sure they look amazing. So now when people search for stuff on SearchMe.com, they not only get perfect results (not quite as accurate as Google, but give it time), but they also get to see the site before they go to it. So now, having a visually appealing site just got even more important, don't you think? Just think, if your site looks really great, and its appearing in a search next to some ugly sites, where do you think the searcher is going to click? People naturally like pretty things, it's human nature.

This is the future of websites, and I can assure you that SEO and site design are going to merge beautifully with this type of technology. I bet Google is already scheming a way to use this technology to their advantage. Something to keep in mind when you're thinking about redesigns on your site...

Labels: CyberSunshine, Stuff You Need, Website Tools

Part four in our series is going to be all about you. More specifically, it's going to be all about who you are, who you should be, and what you should do with your online self. Let's just get right into it then...

7. Develop an Online You
I'm sure the offline you is just fine, but for the sake of this post, let's just say that you're a dull, drab, uninteresting, anti-social cave-dweller. Or something equally unpleasant. And let's say that your only interest is being a hacker. So you basically blog about being a hacker and whatever it is that hackers talk about, and it's all very techy and complex. Of course, the only other people who have any inkling what you're blogging about are other hackers, so that's going to be your primary audience, right? Well in that situation, maybe it is. But you are a blogging real estate agent, and you have a life, and friends, and maybe a family or at least a cute little dog. You don't want your audience to be other real estate agents, unless you're blogging to make friends and have no interest in getting leads (which of course, is not your case!). So you need to be a human and you need to be interesting. Don't write drab market reports all day long. The general public has no idea what those even mean. You need to write about things that interest you (so you look like a real live human being), and you need to write in a way that's engaging and interesting. Even your market reports can be entertaining. Check out Teresa Boardman's blog to see what I mean about finding your online personality.

8. Take That Personality on the Road
So now that you've got yourself a nifty new persona, it's time to take it on the road. Commenting for traffic is not a new practice, although it may be to you if you're just venturing into the blogging world. The basic idea is that if you go to other blogs that talk about the same stuff your blog talks about, and you leave comments, then people will venture to your site to check you out. And then, of course, they will fall in love with your blog and subscribe via RSS immediately. Hopefully. Anyway, the important thing here is that your comments shouldn't be bland "Great point, I love your posts" type comments. Nobody cares about that. You want to say something intelligent so people stop and say, "Oh, who's that person who has all these interesting opinions?" You know what I mean? Now get out there and try it. You'll probably even make some new friends.

And again, we have come to an end. Check back next week for the final installment of this series, and I'll do my best to make it worth your while.

Have an idea for a series or a post? Email it.

Labels: Blogging Ideas, Making the Most, Real Estate Blog

This is a new series, but a more sporadic one with no end in site. I like to keep you on your toes like that. Anyway, this series is going to give you some tips and tools that will make your life easier, or your site/blog better. Because that's what I do.

So our very first nifty gadget is called the Website Speed Test. You need this for one important reason. You'll want to know if your site is as fast as... Speed Racer, perhaps? Or maybe it's so annoyingly slow that people will get tired of waiting for it to load and click off to some other site that loads faster. That happens more often than you might think. I, for one, am guilty of this as I am incredibly impatient (ask my husband). As you know, real estate is quite competitive. So you need a fast site so people don't click over to your competitor's site. I can't think of a worse way to lose a lead, can you?

I tested our site, and the home page loads at .98 seconds. That's pretty good, if I do say so myself. What's your speed?

Of course, I have to give credit to Joe Ferrara at Sellsius for finding this one (Thanks, Joe!).

Know of a cool gadget or trick that you want me to share? Email it.

Labels: Stuff You Need, Website Tools

Today's post is the third in the series, and we're going to talk about two things that are crucial to a successful blog. Those things are headlines and keywords. If you don't have good ones, or you're not using them right, it will only hurt you in the end.

5. I'll Think of a Good Title Later
A good headline (or title, or whatever you want to call it) is critical to your blog posts. Basically, if you have a title that's not interesting, nobody wants to read the post. But you also don't want to make up a title so weird and out there that nobody gets it either. There's a fine line. Read this post on Copyblogger.com. It's about this very topic. The key to writing a good title is simple. Make sure it says something to get attention, and also tells the reader what the post is about. For example, if you wrote a post on the Stanley Cup and your opinion of the Penguins, but title it "Hockey is a Great Way to Lose Your Teeth", that isn't very helpful. It's funny, I suppose, but not helpful. A better title would be "Stanley Cup Recap: Penguins Waddle Away Empty Handed". For the record, I am neither a Penguins fan or a Red Wings fan. I'll keep you guessing on this one. Now, the reason the second title is so much better is that it tells the reader briefly what the post is about, but its also interesting enough that the reader thinks it will probably be somewhat witty and informative, so they might read it. But keep in mind that if you are writing about the Stanley Cup, you should probably not be doing it on a real estate blog! Which brings us to tip #6...

6. Got Keywords?
Your keywords are by far the most important part of your blog. Think of them as the "About Me" section of your blog's personality profile. The way keywords work is that when you use them repetitively, that tells Google that your site is about that topic. For instance, lets say your site is about Custom Real Estate Web Design (because that's what my site is geared towards, so that's what we're going with for this example!). Now, you'll want to use those terms as frequently as you can within your site and/or blog in order to convince Google that that really is what your site is about. For me, using Custom Real Estate Web Design in a blog gets a little difficult, so I have backup keywords too. My favorites are Real Estate Blog and Real Estate Design. They're easier to incorporate, and it doesn't seem too obvious when I use those. So make sure you keep it short and sweet. A long phrase that you keep repeating over and over in your Real Estate Blog (see that?) gets really annoying to the reader. Also, don't capitalize the first letter in each of your keyword phrase, that makes it really obvious! For more in-depth reasoning on the topic, check out what Lorelle has to say. She's a smart cookie!

Well that was week three for this series, which sadly means it is drawing to an end soon. Only two more posts left. That's okay, there will be a new series to take it's place. If anyone has any ideas for a new series, I'm open to them, by the way!

Labels: Blogging Ideas, Making the Most, Real Estate Blog

I can only assume, since you're reading a real estate blog, that you are somewhat technologically inclined. I am also going to assume that you probably have some sort of interest in real estate blogging and real estate technology, right? You're probably a broker or an agent. I know, I should have been a psychic! Now that we have established who you are and what you do, I am going to tell you how technology needs to become your very best friend.

Did you know that last year 84% of home buyers used online search tools to find properties? I assure you, I am not making this up! Basically that means that if you don't utilize the internet as well as you could, you're really missing out! This is important stuff. I am hoping that you already have a website, and a blog (if not, you really should think about getting one), and hopefully your website contains an integrated search tool. Even better if that search tool allows searchers to see properties that are not just yours.

Another nifty thing to use are sites like Trulia and Zillow, where you can post your listings and the sites show all sorts of excellent data about the property and the area surrounding it. There's even a Google Maps tool on Trulia, which is really neat because it allows searchers to see a 360 degree view of the neighborhood where the house is. Another tool not (yet) related to these sites is Google Earth, which you can download for free, that allows you to see the house from above so you can see the whole neighborhood and beyond if you so desire.

And one of my favorite things is social networking online. If you don't already have them, you need to get Twitter, MyBlogLog and Facebook (there are more, but these are the ones to start with). Everybody who's anybody already has accounts on each of them, and the accounts are free! These tools allow you to keep up with your fellow real estate agent buddies, reach new people, and get yourself out there as someone to know. You should also spend a little time each week reading the blogs of top real estate agents near you, and post comments on their blogs from time to time. It will help you make new friends, and nobody can ever have too many of those, right?

If you want even more, check out this site that I read from time to time to see whats new. It has helpful info and tips of what is to come, so you can stay on top of it all.

Well here we are with part II of the series, and I have some great ideas for you this week! I'm glad to see you've come back. Enough small talk, don't you think? Here are your next two fantastic tips to make you the best blogger in the real estate blogosphere!

3. Make Sure It's Pretty.
I know, this sounds somewhat superficial, but the fact of the matter is that if you have a less-than-attractive blog, people won't want to see it again. There are several rules to follow to ensure you have a beautiful blog, and I won't go into all the details right now (check back for that post later on), but you should at least know the key points. Keep your color scheme simple. Black text on a white background works best, since it has the most contrast and won't hurt the eyes of your readers. Also, be sure that the site is easy to navigate and that a reader won't get easily confused looking for something on your site. If the reader gets frustrated, they won't be a reader of yours for very long. The object is not to keep a person on your site for as long as possible, but for you to get as many people as possible to come back.

4. Don't Be A Bore.
I know you have a real estate blog and that you're trying to sell real estate. But you don't always have to write about real estate. Break it up a little sometimes! I've met a few Realtors in my time and I know they have interests other than the housing market. A few of you may even have a sense of humor! So take a break from spewing out market statistics and staging tips, and try something a little offbeat. You know that funny (but not offensive) email you got from your sister in Tucson last week? Why don't you share it with your readers? Fridays are best for these types of posts, since most people don't feel like working on a Friday. They'd rather goof off and have a laugh (you know it's true). Check out this post from Ines Garcia. I love this, probably because I live in Florida and find it to be disturbingly true. Or this post from Chris Griffith, about the mailboxes. It's a series, which makes it even more fun since the readers get a new mailbox every week.

We have come to the end again, so I will see you next week when we continue this series. Till then, you know the drill. Questions and comments are always appreciated. Have a phenomenal week!

Labels: Making the Most, Real Estate Blog

Quite frequently I come across people who think there just isn't enough to say to warrant having a blog. Not true. Yes, you are somewhat confined to talk about real estate, since that's what your blog is about. But you don't have to do the same old market reports day after day! Below is a list of 10 things you can (and should) write about to spice up your blog, along with links to examples.
1. Hit the Local Hot Spots
I am sure that, no matter where you live, there is something beautiful or interesting to see or do. Teresa Boardman, for example, has a peaceful lake nearby. This post is not really about real estate, but it does talk about the area she sells in, and promotes the area by showing off it's finer points. Buyers want to live in nice areas, so you have to show them how nice your area is!

2. Review a Restaurant
You know that place that you always seem to have a craving for? I have a few of those places presently, but we'll not get into that! But if I had a real estate blog, you can bet I'd be sharing my opinions of my favorite eateries. If you tell the owners of the establishment what you're up to, they'll probably pose for pics and maybe even throw you a freebie appetizer! Check out Ines' favorite Mexican restaurant in Miami.

3. Show Your Lighter Side
I know, you feel like you should always be professional and conservative to avoid giving off the wrong impression, right? Wrong. This is 2008, and buyers and sellers don't expect their real estate agent to be uptight and humorless. I personally have had the pleasure of meeting a billion real estate agents, and I find that the ones not afraid to show off their personality are more appealing. Which is precisely why I like this post from Kristal Kraft. She saw a funny photo op and took advantage, and I thought it was cute.

4. Tempt Them With Tips
Here's a nifty post from Roberta Murphy with tips on how to Feng Shui your house. You may not be into Feng Shui, or whatever the latest house-harmony trend is, but your readers might be. And, you'll learn something new and different in doing the research for such a post. A tip for you: readers love tips and lists, so anytime the opportunity arises, seize it!

5. Helpful Reminders
Everybody needs to be reminded of common sense now and again, and it's always a good idea to blog on a topic that hits close to home. In Phoenix I would imagine that pool safety is always an issue, as it is in South Florida. Jay Thompson reminds us all to be careful near the pool, and I think that's excellent advice.

6. Investigate a Product
You're a real estate agent, so you see all sorts of things in houses that the rest of us only see on HGTV. And the best source for this info is the homeowner, with whom you happen to be buddy-buddy. So take a cue from Jack Blacksmith and get floored.

7. Make Some Plans
One important thing that I always consider when moving is what types of activities are going on all year. I have several dogs, a husband, and a baby that need to be entertained, and it always makes me very happy to have options of things to do. I don't think I've ever seen a more complete list than this one, so kudos to Betty Jung!

8. Pat Yourself on the Back
...or pat your town on the back. Either will be sufficient. The thing is, you pay attention to accolades that your town receives, but the rest of the world probably doesn't. The same goes for you receiving an award. You should be proud and give credit where it's due. And you can do it tastefully, like the Boston Real Estate Blog did.

9. Write a How-To
There are plenty of things buyers and sellers need to know before plunging headfirst into the current real estate market. And you, conveniently, are the local expert. So write a little how-to on something that you think is important, like staging. Here's a how-to on staging from Jerry LaRose that is short, sweet, and easy to digest. If you want, you can even do several how-to's and make them a series. Readers love posts that come in series.

10. Publicize Your Social Calendar
As a real estate agent, and as a blogger. you probably have speaking engagements or training seminars that you're part of from time to time. Whether you'll be doing the speaking, or just attending, you should let your readers know where to find you. Buyers and sellers like to know that their agent is "in the know", and by telling them you attend conferences such as NAR and Inman, you look like you're "in the know". Kris Berg is going to be speaking at Inman, and she should be proud.

Well, there are 10 tips for you. Now you can shake up your blog and get creative. Don't forget that you're not just limited to these topics. You can cover a variety of subjects on your blog, and it doesn't always have to be about real estate. Your readers know you're a person, so don't be afraid to act like one!

Labels: Blogging Ideas, Real Estate Blog

So you are now the proud owner of a brand new real estate blog, huh? Well you're going to need some tips and advice, and as I told you before, that's what I'm here for. Let me introduce you to our first blog series. I'm going to give you ten extremely helpful tips, as well as examples when I can, that will make your real estate blog a hit. I am going to give them to you two by two, so they will be easier to digest. You can check back weekly for the next two tips.

1. Digg It.
When you write a new post, it's very important to submit it to social networking sites so others can find it and stumble on to your real estate blog. Digg is the easiest, and you'll get the most exposure from it. You'll have to go to Digg.com and create a free account, and then you're ready to Digg. Each time you write a new post, login to Digg and follow the steps to submit your new masterpiece. I do this with each of my posts, and when this one's complete I'll Digg it, too. You can also Digg posts written by your favorite fellow real estate bloggers. Most blogs will have a little button that says Digg at the bottom of the post. If you click it, you will be prompted to login to Digg and the site will recognize that you loved the post you're Diggin'. It's kind of like voting. Except that popularity is more important than delegates in this case.

2. Say It Right.
Once upon a time you were taught that grammar, spelling and punctuation are important. And then you probably forgot it, as did most of the world. Well, it's time to dust off that part of your brain, because one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to look uneducated. I don't mean that you should use big words and sound like a dictionary. That's boring. What you do need to do, is make sure you use words properly and by all means, please use your spell check! The good folks at Microsoft were nice enough to provide you with all these fancy tools, like a spell check and a thesaurus, because they intended you to use them. And if you don't write in Word, that's no excuse either, because most of the popular blog platforms (Blogger, Wordpress, etc.) come with a spell check. You can also use http://www.dictionary.com/ or http://www.thesaurus.com/ for extra help if you need it. I can't tell you how important this rule is! Look at it this way... You are trying to become an expert on real estate to gain traffic (and hopefully leads), which is why you blog. You want to look good so people keep reading what you're saying. But if you're saying it with the wrong words or you're spelling everything wrong, you won't look too smart will you? If you don't believe me, check out what Brian Clark had to say on the subject.

Congratulations, you have just learned your first two blogging tips! See, I told you it would be easy. So I'll see you here next week for the next two. In the meantime let me know if anything I have explained is confusing, or if you disagree with me, or if you loved it. Especially if you loved it.

Labels: Making the Most, Real Estate Blog