Making the Right Choice

In today's digital age, having a robust online presence is crucial for real estate agents looking to stay competitive and generate leads. One of the most important aspects of this online presence is a well-designed website. However, not all website options are created equal. In this post, we'll explore four different options for real estate agent websites and why some might be better than others.

1. Broker's Website: Why It's Not the Best Choice

The first option many real estate agents consider is using their brokerage's website. While this might seem convenient, it's not always the best choice for several reasons. The primary purpose of your website is to generate leads, and to do that effectively, you need unique content. Your website needs to stand out on search engines like Google, and that requires original content tailored to your audience.

Working at multiple brokerages throughout my career, I've consistently found that relying solely on the brokerage's website can limit your online visibility. Additionally, if you decide to switch brokerages or if your brokerage changes website providers, all the hard work you've put into driving traffic and optimizing your site's SEO could be lost.

Furthermore, since you don't own the brokerage's website, your tools and customization options are often limited, hindering your ability to fully optimize your online presence.

2. Renting a Real Estate Website: The Risks Involved

Another option is to rent a real estate website, often equipped with an IDX (Internet Data Exchange) feature for property listings. However, relying solely on this option may not be ideal. While an IDX can be beneficial, it's essential to remember that most buyers aren't coming to your website specifically to search for homes.

Moreover, if the company providing the rented website goes out of business or if you cancel your plan, you risk losing everything you've built on that platform. Essentially, you're paying for a website that offers little more than what your brokerage provides, but with the added risk of losing it all if circumstances change.

3. Custom Website: Expensive and Limited Control

Opting for a custom website might seem like the best way to ensure uniqueness and control, but it comes with its drawbacks. Custom websites can be expensive to develop and maintain, often requiring ongoing fees for updates, maintenance and support. Additionally, you may not have full control over editing and blogging capabilities, which can hinder your ability to quickly adapt and optimize your content.

It's crucial to avoid using stock or basic content provided by your broker, as originality is key to standing out in a crowded online market.

4. Website Templates: The Best Option for Ownership and Control

The last and arguably the best option for real estate agent websites is to use a website template from platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Showit. With a website template, you own your domain and have full control over your website's content and design.

These platforms offer affordable monthly or yearly plans, with pricing typically ranging from $27 to $32 a month. By paying annually, you can often save even more with discounts.

Choosing a website template ensures that you own your website outright, giving you peace of mind regardless of changes in brokerage or business ownership. You can blog, drive traffic, and generate leads without worrying about losing your online presence.

At KirkwoodBlvd.com we specialize in modern website templates designed specifically for real estate agents, making it easier than ever to create a professional and effective online presence.

In conclusion, when it comes to real estate agent websites, it's essential to choose an option that offers ownership, control, and the ability to customize and optimize your content. While brokerages and rental websites may seem convenient, they often come with limitations and risks. Opting for a website template gives you the flexibility and security you need to succeed in today's competitive market.

Let us know what option you are using for your real estate business?

Thanks for reading!!

Realtor Share Allen founder of Kirkwood Blvd