Ultimate Checklist for a Click-Worthy Real Estate Website

Owning a real estate website is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a seasoned real estate agent or just breaking into the industry, your website serves as your online storefront/ Potential clients can explore listings, learn about your services, and get in touch with you. 

In this guide, we'll explore how to build a real estate website that not only looks great but also functions as an effective lead-generating tool.

Why You a Real Estate Website

The real estate market is highly competitive, and having a robust online presence is critical for standing out. Here’s why you should invest in building a real estate website:

1. 24/7 Accessibility: Your website works around the clock, providing potential clients with information and listings even when you’re not available or working with other clients.
2. Lead Generation: A well-designed website can capture leads through forms, calls to action, and interactive content.
3. Brand Building: Your website is an extension of your brand, helping you to establish credibility and build trust with clients.
4. Expanding Reach: Through SEO and online marketing, your website can reach a broader audience, bringing in clients who might not find you otherwise.

Choosing the Right Platform to Build Your Real Estate Website

1. Placester: The Real Estate Specialist

Why It’s Great: Placester is specifically designed for real estate professionals, making it one of the best tools for building real estate websites. It offers templates tailored to real estate needs and includes essential features like IDX integration and lead capture forms.

• Key Features:
  • Real Estate Templates: Professionally designed and easy to customize.
  • IDX Integration: Automatically displays MLS listings on your website.
  • Lead Capture: Built-in forms and tools for capturing potential client information.

Placester is an excellent choice for agents looking for a comprehensive solution tailored specifically to the real estate industry.

2. Wix: The User-Friendly Solution

Why It’s Great: Wix is known for its user-friendly drag-and-drop builder, making it accessible for real estate agents who lack technical skills. It offers a variety of customizable templates, including ones specifically for real estate.

• Key Features:
  • Drag-and-Drop Builder: Intuitive interface with no coding required.
  • Real Estate Templates: Easily customizable designs to fit your brand.
  • App Market: Access to tools for SEO, lead management, and more.

Wix is perfect for agents who want a simple, easy-to-use platform that still offers plenty of customization options.

3. Squarespace: The Design-Oriented Option

Why It’s Great: Squarespace offers sleek, modern designs and is perfect for agents who want a visually appealing website with minimal effort. It also includes integrated marketing tools to help drive traffic and capture leads.

• Key Features:
  • Design-Oriented Templates: Beautiful, mobile-responsive designs.
  • Integrated SEO Tools: Built-in tools to help improve search engine rankings.
  • Marketing Features: Email campaigns and social media integrations.

Squarespace is ideal for those who value aesthetics and want a professional-looking site without the need for extensive customization.

4. WordPress with Showcase IDX: The Customizable Powerhouse

Why It’s Great: WordPress, combined with the Showcase IDX plugin, offers a highly customizable platform for building real estate websites. As one of the most SEO friendly CMS options available, this combination is ideal for agents looking for flexibility and advanced features.

• Key Features:
  • Advanced Customization: Extensive options for tailoring the site to your exact needs.
  • Showcase IDX Integration: Enhances property search functionality on your site.
  • Wide Range of Plugins: Access to thousands of plugins to extend your website’s functionality.

For agents who want maximum control over their website’s design and functionality, WordPress with Showcase IDX is a powerful choice.

5. GoDaddy Website Builder: The Quick and Easy Option

Why It’s Great: GoDaddy’s website builder is simple and quick, making it a great choice for agents who want to get online fast. It’s particularly useful for those already using GoDaddy for domain registration.

• Key Features:
  • Easy Setup: Get your site up and running quickly with an intuitive builder.
  • Real Estate-Specific Templates: Choose from templates designed for real estate.
  • Integrated Marketing Tools: Basic SEO and email marketing tools included.

GoDaddy is perfect for agents who need a straightforward solution that integrates seamlessly with their existing domain management.

Steps to Create Your Real Estate Website

Now that you’ve selected a platform, let’s dive into the steps to create a high-performing real estate website.

1. Choose a Memorable Domain Name

Your domain name is your online address, so it’s crucial to choose one that is easy to remember and reflects your brand. Consider these tips when selecting a domain:

• Keep It Short and Simple: Avoid long or complicated names that are hard to spell or remember.
• Incorporate Keywords: Use relevant keywords like “real estate” or your location to improve search engine rankings.
• Check Availability: Use a domain search tool to ensure your desired name is available, and secure it with a trusted registrar.

2. Design a User-Friendly Layout

Your website’s layout should be intuitive, making it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for. Key considerations include:

• Navigation: Ensure that your menu is clear and easy to navigate, with links to important sections like property listings, information about you, and contact information.
• Mobile Responsiveness: With a growing number of users browsing on mobile devices, your site must look great on all screen sizes.
• Visual Appeal: Use high-quality images and a clean design to create a professional, engaging look.

3. Showcase Your Property Listings

Your property listings are the heart of your real estate website. Here’s how to make them stand out:

• High-Quality Photos: Invest in professional photography to showcase properties in the best light.
• Detailed Descriptions: Provide thorough descriptions that highlight key features and selling points.
• Search and Filter Options: Make it easy for visitors to find the right property by offering search and filter tools based on criteria such as price, location, and property type.

4. Implement Strong Calls to Action (CTAs)

CTAs are essential for converting website visitors into leads. Examples of effective CTAs include:

• “Schedule a Viewing”: Encourage potential buyers to take the next step by scheduling a property tour.
• “Get in Touch”: Make it easy for visitors to contact you for more information. Be sure to respond in a quick and timely manner.
• “Sign Up for Updates”: Offer a newsletter or property alerts to keep potential clients engaged.

CTAs should be prominently displayed throughout your site to guide users toward taking action.

5. Make Contacting You Easy

Potential clients need to know how to reach you. Ensure your contact information is:

• Visible and Accessible: Place your contact details in the header, footer, and a dedicated contact page.
• Complete: Include multiple contact methods, such as phone, email, and social media links.
• Interactive: Consider adding a contact form that visitors can fill out directly on your site.

6. Integrate Client Registration

Allowing visitors to register on your site can provide valuable insights and help you build a client database. Registered users can:

• Save favorite listings and search criteria.
• Receive personalized property alerts and updates.
• Access exclusive content or features, thereby enhancing their experience.

Registration forms should be simple and secure, reassuring users that their data is protected.

7. Utilize High-Quality Visuals

Visual content plays a significant role in real estate marketing. To make your site visually appealing:

• Professional Photography: Showcase each property with clear, high-resolution images.
• Virtual Tours: Offer immersive 3D tours to give potential buyers a better feel for the property.
• Video Content: Use videos to highlight property features, market updates, or to introduce yourself and your services.

Good visuals help potential buyers connect emotionally with properties, increasing the likelihood of inquiries.

8. Ensure Your Site Is Mobile-Friendly

With many clients browsing on mobile devices, your website must be mobile-friendly. A responsive design will:

• Enhance User Experience: Ensure that your site is easy to navigate on any device.
• Improve SEO: Mobile-friendly websites are favored by search engines, helping you rank higher.
• Increase Engagement: A seamless mobile experience keeps visitors logged on your site longer, reducing bounce rates.

Test your site on various devices to ensure a consistent experience.

9. Add a Blog for Ongoing Engagement

A blog is an excellent tool for driving traffic to your site, engaging with potential clients, and establishing yourself as an expert in the field. Topics to consider include:

• Market Analysis: Share insights on local market trends, pricing, and forecasts.
• Home Buying Tips: Offer advice for first-time buyers, investors, or those looking to sell.
• Community News: Highlight local events, new developments, and area attractions.

Regularly updated blog content not only engages visitors but also improves your site’s SEO, attracting more organic traffic.

Final Thoughts on Building a Clickworthy Website

Building a real estate website is a critical step in growing your business and reaching more clients. By choosing the right platform—whether it’s Placester for its real estate focus, Wix for its ease of use, Squarespace for its design capabilities, WordPress with Showcase IDX for advanced customization, or GoDaddy for a quick setup—you can create a website that not only looks great but also drives results.

For new agents looking to launch their career, having a strong online presence is just the beginning. 

To truly succeed in real estate, it's important to gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive market. 

That’s why we recommend our Rookie to Rockstar Career Course. This comprehensive program is designed to help new agents build a solid foundation, from understanding the market to mastering the art of closing deals. 

By combining your new website with the insights and strategies from our career course, you’ll be well-equipped to make your mark in the real estate industry.