Design Tips

Everyone knows a real estate agency needs a website but is a basic website enough? Here’s the UltraIT essential list of what to include in your estate agency website.

Must Have:

	Email addresses. Should reflect your website’s domain name, eg: domain name www.ABC.com and email address joe@ABC.com
	SEO ready. Your site should be built with SEO in mind so your site can be easily indexed by search engines and found by users.
	Content management. Your site designer should allow you to add and edit content on certain parts of your website as your business changes.
	Clear contact information. Encourage potential clients to contact you. Ensure your email addresses and phone numbers are clearly visible on numerous pages and that someone responds to all contact requests.
	Clear navigation. Make it easy for site visitors to find what they need on your site: clearly and sensibly label sections and display the most important information and functions up front.
	Search functionality. Make it easy for site visitors to look at your properties: have Search on your home page as well as in your Sales or Rentals section.
	Additional relevant content. Include relevant local content e.g. buying guides, legal and financial information, local services. This is also good for SEO purposes and regular updates encourage visitors to return to your website.
	Good photos. Your property details should contain high quality images. Site visitors love lots of pictures of their new potential home!
	Portal feeds. Your content management system should allow uploads to the property portals on which you advertise, to avoid duplicate work.
	Maps. Mapping tools provide a great service to property seekers. After all, it´s all about location!
	Sold properties. A list of recently sold properties is a great tool for both buyers and sellers considering using your business. Be proud and publish your results!

Don´t Need:

	Picture of the owner on the home page. The About Us section is the perfect place to include photos and details of the staff who make your business so great.
	Too much information about your business. Some well-chosen testimonials and a succinct list of your services should be enough. Stand out from your competitors with market commentary and regular updates in a news-style section.