While most of today’s businesses have a standard website, it may not be receiving the desired amount of online traffic due to inefficient use of offered technology or CRM tools. Correct planning is crucial to finding platforms that offer the tools and programs to guide business to your site.
What are You Looking For?
Site hosts can offer a plethora of services and add-ons, but as an agent, your needs are very specific. You should consider lead management, CRM capabilities, listing implementation, marketing capabilities, and price. Once you decide what you are looking for from these categories, the choices begin to narrow.
MLS System Preferences
As with any system, there are multiple ways to receive your MLS listing information. The first and most common way is by using an IDX system. This system allows agents to receive their MLS listings in a simple and inexpensive format to place onto their site. While this system is easy to navigate and usually low-priced, agents lose search engine optimization (SEO) value in the transition because the information provider keeps the original IP address. In organic MLS migration, the distributor connects the agent to the MLS feed directly. This allows SEO to be directed to the agent’s site. However, this method tends to cost between $1,500 and $16,000 depending on the volume of listings received.
All Providers are not the Same
Placester: One of the most popular real estate platforms today, Placester, offers multiple features at a comparatively low cost. For about $75 per month, users can receive lead capture, email marketing, and CRM tools. This platform also allows for contact export and some integration, but you must provide your own domain.
Premier Agent: This platform, designed by Zillow, has a large MLS network and includes the domain. The system allows you to capture and manage leads, and also export contacts and send email marketing. At a mere $10 per month, Premier Agent is one of the more inexpensive options.
Website Box: This platform allows the user to receive leads through integration and syndicates to top sites like Zillow, Oodle, Trulia, and Yahoo Real Estate. This platform allows agents to use their domain or they may purchase one for $15 per year. The current rate for a site through Website Box is a one-time fee of $99.
TORCHx: This website provider gives access to every feature an agent could need with auto lead import, full CRM management, and real-time MLS data updates. This platform also provides extensive marketing tools such as email marketing templates, drip campaigns, and action planning. While TORCHx leads the competition in benefits, it also leads in price, coming in at $500-$900 per month.