How do I get a Web Site

Several people have asked me recently about creating a web site for their real estate business. There is enough discussion that I could create a whole class about it, however it boils down to a few simple choices.

1. Create one yourself/Maintain it yourself

Get a web service provider and then, you can learn the html language and use a text editor or you can obtain web-page writing software and create it that way. (Note Microsoft Office products like Word and Publisher output web pages) Software designed to write web pages include Microsoft Frontpage, Adobe GoLive, Dreamweaver and others. ADVANTAGES: You have complete control and can be as creative as you care to be and it's cheap. DISADVANTAGES: It's very time consuming to learn html and to maintain your site. You will also have to spend a great deal of time maintaining the site. You might want to spend that time selling real estate. For an example of a self created web site, you can visit Debbie Ferrari's from Orange county in California. She has won almost every real estate web site award. http://www.debbieferrari.com/

2. Hire someone to build a custom site for you.

A custom web site builder will get the web service provider for you. They will have ideas about what you might want on your site. They should be able to provide pictures and graphics to put on your site, and they should be able to make the site exactly as you want it to be. You can still have a unique look and feel and be as creative as you want to be. ADVANTAGES: It's unique, displays your style and personality. DISADVANTAGES: Costs can escalate the more you design in to it. Maintenance is sometimes an issue, make sure you choose someone who is going to be around to make changes for you. Alice Held from the valley has an award winning custom site that she has created using experts. http://www.come2az.com take a look at it and see all the custom graphics she has drawn for her site. It's really very good. Here in Payson there are few people willing to create sites for you. Stephen StGeorge at http://www.eshow360.com is one of them. I know there are a few others if anyone would like to recommend someone else please send out their names.

3. Purchase a template site for real estate.

The middle ground between option 1 and 2 is a template site. These sites use a team of developers to design excellent sites both functionally and visually. They then customize their template to you, inserting your picture and your information into the web site. They generally provide the web service and all you do is provide your photo and information. They maintain the site, or provide scripts (forms that you fill in to make changes) where you can maintain it yourself. ADVANTAGES: The site has all the information you would want. It has a successful design. It is the quickest way to get online. The cost can vary a great deal depending on who you choose and what they offer, but is generally affordable. You can spend your time selling real estate! DISADVANTAGES: Your site may have the look and feel of many other sites, and your creativity is reigned in. The RealTalk listserv had a discussion thread on template service providers during this month. I have gone through all the discussion threads and compiled all the providers that were recommended. Their links are available on my web site at http://www.retechschool.com/Links.htm#WebTemplates Visit all the providers and compare their services.

If you would like to recommend other providers please respond to this message.

In the end the consensus is, it doesn't matter what kind of web site you have to be successful. The success of a web site comes from your marketing the web site. Your URL should be on every piece of printed material you send out. It should be on all advertising that you do.