http://emc.score.org/index.cgi?partn...p;action=first

I have a Real Estate listing website that I think is rather unique, but I am at some what of a standstill and need some advice and feedback. The site is located at http://www.labuysellrent.com The general theme of the site is that it offers properties for sale and/or rent by both individual owners and from professional real estate agents. The site is a clean, professional looking site and well liked by most visitors.

My primary issue is that I need listings. I have several listings on the site now, but not enough. I started a marketing campaign for both owners and buyers/renters and got a sharp increase in visitors seeking properties for rent or purchase. The problem is that here in Louisiana, because of the hurricane, rental properties are snapped up quickly and homes are selling too quickly. That, however, is slowing down significantly. Most of the properties listed on the site are already sold or rented, but I leave them up or I would have nothing.

I have had several people contact me to say that the idea in and of itself is very good, but they were looking for property and was not able to find it on my site. My question to you guys is do you have any suggestions on how to obtain more listings from both realtors and private owners? Do you have any suggestions on how I can improve the website? I would appreciate any constructive feedback you could give.

BTW, the way I got the realtor listing that are on there now, is by going to their office directly and talking with them about my site and the services offered. I offered them the service of posting their listings on my site for free until I build a consistent flow of traffic and a large enough database of properties.

Glory2God, but you have been implementing some pretty good strategies--and then you stopped. There seems to be a direct correlation between the strategies you try and increased business--keep it going, don't stop.

These are some things that came to mind for me:

--personalize your website more--if your clients are primarily Black folks, then you should have your client base reflected somewhat in the pictures that are on your website.

--add a special touch to the website--perhaps a newsletter, something that hails your successes or just some tips on the homebuying process or the advantages of homeownership.

--widen your circle of outreach: include faith-based institutions, for example (I see your on-line name).

--involve the other "players" in the homebuying process. Reach out to home inspectors, companies that offer home insurance, mortgage brokers, banks, and others--trying to get some reciprocal relationships established. You refer them, and they refer you...

--scour the newspapers and other ads of those who are trying to sell property independent of a broker and approach them about the possibility of selling their property for them.

--Don't discount local papers or websites and/or listservs where local people congregate--don't spam them, but send out thoughtful and appropriate posts. Is there a local parents' listserv. Are there some local blogs where folks are talking about their homes?

--Can you offer a small payment for referrals that lead to home sales?

--Even use your "rejections" as opportunities to obtain information on how you can improve. If they "reject you" and/or go w/another realtor--use it as an opportunty to get some feedback or to ask them to consider you if the other broker is unable to sell their home/ rent their apt.

--Include HUD homes in your portfolio of home offerings.

--Look for opportunities to offer your services for free to get your name out there--volunteer to do first time homebuyer workshops for example, at faith-based institutions, with community groups (I just Googled some quickly in LA and ACORN and Nohma Development Corporation in New Orleans came up). This might not be "quick money" but it will lead to a listing of potential homeowners who will need your services.

--Don't drop the strategies that seem to work for you.



Much success!




Edited to add: http://emc.score.org/index.cgi?partn...p;action=first

Sir,

I sincerly appreciate your feedback and insight. You seem to have a very good understanding of the needs ofmy sight.

Althought the vast majority of my clients are white, this had nothing to do with myselection of graphics. If I am not mistaken, thereis just the one graphic on the front page that has people depicted. They do happen to be white, but that is more a function of what ready-made graphics I found on the internet that seemed appropriate for the space rather, than me trying to appeal to a white audiance. The graphics down the right side of the page are for my advertisers. They are all white. I use a graphics designer in Bulgaria (VERY CHEAP, yet highly qualified) to do all of my advertiser graphics and give him complete creative freedom. I simply say yea or nay with guidance as to how to convert my nay's to yea's. Once I am satisfied, I post the graphic for advertiser approval, most of whom approve the ad with very little or no additional changes.

l consider all of your suggestions good and useful. I will look at them all and seriously consider implementing them into my buseness model. The best suggestion you gave, was the most simple.....don't stop what is working. That is incredibly appropriate advice for my situation. I have had positive feedback on the sight and good reponses on my advertising clients. But for some reason, I fail to remain consistent in the areas that are producing results.

I will post more on this subject later andgive you an update as I implement your suggestions. I am very grateful for your helpful and constructive advice. It means a lot to me that you took the time to respond. I will get off my backside and get this thing back on track.



Thanks again.

Weird that my post was kicked up to December 2001.

Glory2God, good luck with everything. And btw, I am not a 'sir.'

Yes, definitely share your updates.

Peace.