As a Webmaster… - Posted by Mark R in KCMO
Posted by Mark R in KCMO on April 09, 1999 at 17:15:13:
Sharon,
I am a webmaster and host several sites (including some of my own).
There is a different mindset for people on the net, and I find that is a good target for many offers.
Many will look on the net FIRST before looking else where. This is when they are in thier research stage before choosing to buy a product or service.
Web sites, E-Zines, Newsletters are NOT a replacement for any other marketing option. Net marketing is another option that should be considered along with other options.
Net Marketing is not required to be sucessful.
Effective Marketing IS required.
The thoughts about should someone market on the net or not boils down to answering a few questions about what your purpose is for you net marketing.
I making these answers broader than just Real Estate, so it might help more people through the clutter of ideas.
Are you doing lead generation or wanting to close sales?
The Net is effective in pre-screening and generating leads.
If it can’t be bought online it shouldn’t be sold online.
If you don’t have methods to quickly follow-up on leads generated through e-mail and posted form, then those options should NOT be included on your page.
There is nothing more deal killing than getting a reply to a 3 week old e-mail.
There are several major Players in the real estate game that have a significant focus on the net. Take a brief search on one of the major or minor search engines and you will see who the players in your market place are going to be.
Here is a major point that many of the internet savy people miss. The most effective promotion for web sites is offline promotion.
I know that it sound crazy, but here is one reason why.
Many people who have access to the internet and “surf” on a regular basis use only 1 or 2 search engines to locate websites.
If the FIRST place they read, hear, learn about your site if from some other media, you become their PRIMARY source for information.
When someone sees your URL on your signs, in newpaper ads, or articles, on the radio or TV, business cards or flyers, you have just increased the effect of your other advertising, promotions.
To me THAT is the key to why business’ should consider having a web presence.
Hope this Helps
Mark R in KCMO