Finding A Domain Name
Finding the perfect name for your website is getting harder every day with many of the good domains already taken. And it’s not just the one website. Just when you’ve finally found the perfect domain for your website it’s time to start the search over again for your blog or maybe a specialty website for a particular neighborhood or niche.
Here are a few tools that might help in your search for the perfect domain name.
DOMIZE is a fast and private search engine that you can use to rapidly check the availability of domains. http://www.domize.com
DOMAI.NR
Nowadays, it’s difficult to find a domain name that end with the popular .com, .net, and .org. Domainr helps you explore other TLD’s that have made popular websites like last.fm and del.icio.us stand out from the crowd. Searches will also include popular top-level domains that are available. http://domai.nr/
DOT-O-MATOR is a web tool that suggests site names based on prefixes and suffixes that you’ve entered (keywords). You can also use a category of prefixes (like “Tech” or “Homes”) and suffixes (like “Real Estate” or “Web 2.0 words”) to generate suggested site names for you. It’s a helpful tool for, at the very least, obtaining inspiration for a site name. http://www.dotomator.com/
STUCKDOMAINS is a database of expired domain names that previous owners have not renewed. Definitely worth a look. Remember the domain craze a few years back when everyone was buying up as many domain names as they could think of. http://www.stuckdomains.com
Other domain names tools:
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New Look and New Tools for your MLS/IDX
We’ve launched our new MLS/IDX, 7.0 platform.
The most noticeable of features is the new modern and exciting look and feel of the new platform. Some other visual highlights are the new 950px format, the integration of Google Maps for search results, and property details features that include a photo carousel that lets the user scroll through photos,
But looks aren’t everything.
read more…
I’m always being which websites I think are the best for market listings to get the best exposure.
There are an endless list of websites but from my experience and using Google Analytics for tracking many of my own clients I always suggest the following MUSTS.
1. http://www.craigslist.org
2. http://www.eastbayrealestatedirectory.com
3. http://www.postlets.com
4. http://www.zillow.com
5. http://www.backpage.com
6. http://www.trulia.com
These sites have proven to be the top ranking referring web sites.
Some real estate offices already feed their listings to sites such as Zillow and Trulia but I would suggest you joining these sites yourself. By doing this you can create your own profile, customize your listing and link to your own website, virtual tour or single property website.
Have I forgotten any?
I’d also be curious to hear what you think about advertising in newspapers. Is it still a must for you? Do you think sites such as Craigslist have replaced the newspapers?
When asking yourself if you need a website, consider these facts:
- 87% of all home buyers, and 94% of buyers aged 25 to 44, used the internet to search for homes.
- For 1/3 of home buyers, the first step in the home buying process is looking online for properties.
- The typical home buyer searches for 10 weeks, and views 10 properties.
- 90% of sellers report their home was listed or advertised on the internet.
Will you be found by those 87%-94%?
You may think that because your office has a website it is enough.
Well, that’s definitely a start -but think about your office website… does it allow you to stand out from the other agents on the site?
Having your own website not only allows you to showcase yourself but your listings, your knowledge of the market and the community. By including the MLS/IDX you can also provide services such as: allowing visitors to searching the MLS directly from your website, email listing updates (all email updates are directed back to your website for more information), mortgage calculator, CMA form and many other customized features.
Read more about the MLS/IDX Integration
