RealTown's BlogTalk

Hi Jon

Your web site is good verbally and well laid out but you might want larger pictures because that seems to be what the times dictate. I notice that images count for more than the written which is just the opposite of what I learned in school but of course that was a million years ago.

Janet Livingston Atlanta GA 678-305-0070 office

Remax Champions 404-543-5003 cell

Hi Jon,

You have done a very nice job, clean, good colors.  Couple of questions.  To the first time user, what is the purpose of the login?  What are they logging into?  You may want to clarify if this is a login to you, the buyer, seller, visitor.

Where you have the book, at first glance I have to read to see that you have a "free book."  Is this an ebook or regular book?  Have your designer make the graphic very appealing, like a book, as this is going to be a compelling offer for someone to sign in so that you can obtain their information.

On your CMA graphic, I would suggest using an icon there of a house that is clickable.  I had to hover over link to find where to click.  You don't necessary need to say "click here" but something that is an indicator of what to do next.  There are some good ideas here, make your CMA a little more sparky!  http://www.istockphoto.com/file_search.php?text=house+icon&action=file



The shiny button is an indicator that you would click on this, feel free to use this, we did this one for a Point2 webinar last year.

Looks like you are off to a good start.

Sincerely,

Cherie Young
Real Estate Web Designs
760.782.0103







 

Hi Jon,

I reviewed your website and I found it to be very attractive. I liked the way you have it set up that to receive any actual information the person needs to submit their information to you.

I am in the starting stages of setting up my site.Do you recommend I get a copyright? Is it easy to get a copyright? Is the copyright just for the set up of your site?

Kind Regards,

Mary Dorsey

Texas Select Properties

Hi Jon,

I would look at the length and keywords you use in your title tags. Google is only going to index the first 66 characters of a title tag (Yahoo will index more). I counted 243 characters in the title tag for your home page. Also some of the keyword phrases in the title tag do not exist on the page.   For instance "Alabny NY Property" doesn't exist within the text of the home page. These two factors could hurt your ability to achieve good search engine rankings.

From an aesthetic perspective I would look at having the text against a white background. The gray looks nice but keep it as a border. Having a white background will make the content easier to read.

Hi Jon,

One other thing you might want to take a look at is the Login Form. As a new visitor it is not clear to me what this is for. Can anyone sign up, if so how? Or is it for restricted users.  Overall the look at feel of the site is very nice.

All and all, the site is pretty good. I agree about the log-in. It's not clear why I would do that. You might also adversite to sign-up for you e-newsletter - I get hits occaisonally from that. The MLS logo at the bottom of the search results is too large. You might also add a photo of yourself - at least on a "contact" or "about me" page.

The biggest problem is a missing function in your IDX service. On my site, www.NestingInNashville.com the single biggest factor that coaxes folks into giving me their personal information is the fact that they can "save" the listings they are interested in. I offer am open format where propects can search the MLS for free and look at the muliple photos. But they also have the option to "save" "inquire" and "schedule showings" on specific listings. They can also "save" their searches and get automated updates. People really respond to it. I'm averaging 40 or so registrants a month now, which is far better than it had been previously.

Hi Jon -

My input is to scrap the website altogether (not your content). You really need to replace your traditional website with a blog. Blogs are the new website. Blogs are Web 2.0 and provide you super easy customization and flexibility. They are far more search engine friendly than traditional websites and you can do several very cool things with IDX/MLS on your blog that you can't easily do with a website.

For more information check out my site; I think you will find a ton of extremely valuable information.

http://webrealestatetools.com/blogging-for-real-estate

Drew Burks - Broker

http://www.dreamdesignrealty.com

Hi: The Blogsite vs Website idea continues to come up lately. I'm new to the E-Pro community and am posting this reply as my Module 4 Assignment. I've been in the resale business for exactly 5 weeks- new homes for 15 years. And the first thing I thought was necessary was to get a website up and running. Not so! But now that I've done that, my technology coach, (yes, I am paying for one to start me on good technology habits) suggested a Blog instead. Now I'm hearing the same advice here and I am beginning to research that avenue on RealTalk. I'm enjoying this new circle of influence I'm exposed to on this website. Completely out of my element, but enjoying the mental challenge. I'm so glad I decided to go E-Pro from the get -go instead of going for the GRI first! This was much more important. Okay here goes - REPLY!

P.S. John, I enjoyed your website!

Paula

MailTo:REALTOR@PaulaNelson.net

http://paulanelson.net