Does your web site give prospective customers what they want?
In December 2005, CNN Money reported on how (for investors anyway) the yellow pages was booming. To be sure, the yellow pages have been around for a long time and the business appears very stable.
Just about 2 years ago, however, the billionaire Bill Gates predicted that “Yellow Page usage amongst people in their, say below 50, will drop to near zero over the next five years.”
The truth value of that statement is yet to be seen, but in this Age of the Internet, a compelling online presence is essential for the real estate agent (and for entrepreneurs of every stripe, for that matter).
Why?
Prospective clients expect it. In fact, they often will pre-screen businesses on the web before (or instead of) they call. I know this, but I still am amazed every time I speak with a client-to-be or a new prospect or referral partner when they tell me they found me on the web. Not only that, they tell me everything about me!
Market Hardware’s Fall 2007 edition of their small business newsletter, Web Insider, offered four main reasons potential clients do this.
- They want to know if you’re credible. Are you established? Will you be around for the long haul? Do you have references or testimonials?
- They want information. Can you answer my questions? Are you an expert in your field? What do you offer in the way of relevant information that I cannot easily access on my own or obtain from someone else?
- They want to communicate. How do I get in touch with you? Do you have multiple ways I can contact you?
- They want convenience. Can I check out your business on my own terms, when I want?
How does your web site stack up to expectations? Are you giving your customers what they want?
