How website themes can elevate an estate agent’s business
Full disclosure I was formally a NED for the nurtur accelerator (a Nurtur company) and so worked alongside Ben and other board members, but even before that we at Proptech-PR (A consultancy for Proptech Founders looking to scale & exit) were big advocates of the groundbreaking work that Ben & Russ and their team was doing, way before many others even thought about some of the things that are now industry standards. Here then are some words of wisdom from someone who truly knows what ‘great looks like.’
‘There was a time when a website was revolutionary – now is it the very bare minimum and having a digital presence is no longer enough’ according to Ben Sellers, Co-Founder of Starberry, a Nurtur company, the right website theme can elevate an estate agent’s brand, attract more potential customers and set the agent apart.
“A website functions as an agent’s ‘digital storefront.’ Just as a well-dressed window in a physical office catches the eye of passersby, a strategically designed website grabs the attention of online visitors. In the past, businesses thought that just having a website was enough. However, it’s about having one that effectively promotes your listings, targets your audience, and stands out in a crowded marketplace,” says Sellers.
Sellers notes that when selecting a theme, agents should prioritise features that directly enhance functionality and user experience. Key features like Google Maps and reviews integration, lead generation/data capture form capabilities, and customisable search options are essential for making the property search intuitive and seamless for potential buyers. Sellers further notes the importance of CRM integration and affordability in theme selection, alongside effective SEO strategies for improving visibility.
“Pre-designed estate agency website themes can offer a straightforward and cost-effective solution for estate agents seeking to establish their digital footprint. These pre-designed themes are tailored specifically for the property sector, providing a user-friendly platform to showcase property listings and conduct seamless transactions,” Sellers comments.
Must-have features for success
Sellers recommends a few essential features for agents seeking a top-performing website: Google Maps Integration: Displaying property locations with nearby amenities enhances the browsing experience. Customisable Search Functionality: Empower users to filter properties by criteria such as location, price range, number of bedrooms and property type. Agent Support Tools: Features like agent profiles, contact forms, and appointment scheduling tools build trust and foster communication.
Lead Generation Capabilities: Tools for capturing visitor information, such as live chat, easy to complete forms and newsletter sign-ups, can convert website traffic into valuable leads. Mobile Responsiveness: With the growing use of mobile devices, ensuring your website is mobile-friendly is critical to maintaining a strong online presence, making sure that relevant calls to action are floating clearly at the bottom of the browser window at all times.
SEO optimisation is essential
Sellers also highlights the need for an SEO-optimised theme to boost organic traffic and improve search rankings. Themes with customisable SEO features, fast loading speeds, and mobile-responsive design ensure that estate agents can attract more visitors to their website. Additionally, tools like schema markup/structured data and analytics integration help agents monitor and refine their SEO strategies for long-term success.
Professionalism on a budget
While affordability is important, Sellers stresses that professionalism should never be compromised. Estate agents can strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and a polished design by choosing pre-designed themes that reflect their brand identity. These themes not only save time but also allow for customisation, ensuring that the website stands out.
“Your website is often the first impression potential clients have of your business,” says Sellers. “A sleek, professionally designed website that highlights your properties and services effectively is essential for converting visitors into clients.”
The design of a website is crucial in creating a lasting impression. Sellers advises estate agents to explore themes that incorporate modern, luxurious design elements that align with their brand. A well-designed website serves as a powerful digital calling card, leaving a strong and memorable impact on prospective clients.
By selecting the right website theme, estate agents can elevate their digital presence, enhance user experience, and ultimately drive business success. With the right website, agents can create a seamless and engaging online experience that converts visitors into loyal clients. For more information on how Starberry can help you build a powerful estate agency website, please use this LINK.
Andrew Stanton Founder & Editor of 'PROPTECH-X' where his insights, connections, analysis and commentary on proptech and real estate are based on writing 1.3M words annually. Plus meeting 1,000 Proptech founders, critiquing 400 decks and having had 130 clients as CEO of 'PROPTECH-PR', a consultancy for Proptech founders seeking growth and exit strategies. He also acts as an advisory for major global real estate companies on sales, acquisitions, market positioning & operations. With 100K followers & readers, he is the 'Proptech Realestate Influencer.'
