Comments on: Sticky Websites, Keep ‘Em Coming Back

By: Missy Caulk

Missy Caulk — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 23:51:29 +0000

Jill, I use sitemeter and getclicky on my blogs and google analytics, they all show different results. No I’m not concerned at all. They can look all they want.

By: Jill Wente

Jill Wente — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 23:33:35 +0000

Missy, Are you concerned that your competition can look at your stats when you use sitemeter? Wouldn’t using Google Analytics be a better source for analyzing your site traffic?

By: Jason Steele

Jason Steele — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:51:40 +0000

Missy,

I actually don’t want to push them off the site I just want to make our content available wherever they feel comfortable consuming it. Whether it be an RSS reader via outlook that updates them on new/modified listings or on their iGoogle where they can read the latest editorial on staging a home for sale. They still will come back as the content does link back to the site but they don’t have to. Some of my favorite sites I don’t even visit anymore because of RSS and text alerts via my blackberry.

By: Missy Caulk

Missy Caulk — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:21:08 +0000

Steve, I work with a company out of LA, Tiger. I met the programmer when he lived in Ann Arbor. Brilliant guy, he custom programs according the a raw IDX feed I am able to get from my Board. I know not all MLS boards allow their agents to get a raw data feed. Then we can have him program the fields important in my area. I know KW uses Wolfnet, which with the map function some really like. I think some RSS people use ParkPlace ( I think that is the name and like it) We have people that use our site even if working with another Realtor because it is so user friendly.

Jason, why would you want to send them off your site to BHG? I guess I don’t understand that? We work hard to get good position and then send them away. Can you explain why this is effective? Curious…

Elaine, yes the sellers use it for CMA’s and to see how well our other clients homes are being marketed.

Kim, When clients are past clients, they still receive all my new listings and a monthly newsletter. I tell them in the introduction, that perhaps they have a friend looking to move. I need to send my blogs out to them too. Been meaning to do it for awhile, your comment reminded me to do this asap.

By: Kim Wood

Kim Wood — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:26:14 +0000

Lots of work and always new things to keep our sites sticky!

Thankful for people like you in my life that we can bounce things off of each other and share what is working and what is not. It is important to keep things on your site that does keep them coming back – even after the sale.

By: Elaine Reese

Elaine Reese — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:51:22 +0000

I heartily agree that the focus should be providing market data and listings, in addition to our blog posts. The highest trafficked page on my blog is the “boring” housing stats. The traffic count always spikes a few days into the first of the month because readers apparently watch for the previous month’s updates. That page also has the most consumer comments.

I’ve also sold a couple homes this year simply because people were watching for my new listings in a particular subdivision. In this market, it’s WONDERFUL to have a home go into contract so quickly.

I think it’s also important to remember that not only are buyers using our sites, but sellers are too … if only to judge how we market other listings.

By: Jason Steele

Jason Steele — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:58:08 +0000

I am not sure I 100% agree with the sticky concept. Don’t get me wrong you need a web site that is built to get your target audience to achieve your objectives and keep them coming back as much as possible. Whether it be save a search, fill-out a lead form or make a phone call. You mention the NET saavy customer and I think we are moving away from trying to keep people on a functionality driven site longer. I am a strong advocate for creating features that allow the user to consume our Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate content (listings, community information, recent sales, etc.) anywhere they want. Things like RSS and automated emails are a must have option for today’s Gen Y consumer.

By: Steve Simon

Steve Simon — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:54:37 +0000

A question, as to what you’all think are the best values in the “outside vendor” areas for god consumer sticky data?
Who uses what and how happy or unhappy are you with their content and service for their relative cost?

By: Missy Caulk

Missy Caulk — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:21:41 +0000

Jim, I think most of the MLS searches are plain vanilla and boring. This is why many of us have gone to outside vendors that give the consumers more data and are easier.

V Copin, giving them what they want is critical, follow up is even more critical, can I say more critical? Yes I did follow up is more critical.

Judy, I paid for the pro version, more data to analyze and it was not expensive.

By: Judy Peterson

Judy Peterson — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:33:38 +0000

Good information Missy. You are so on the right path when you stress the importance of thinking from the perspective of your clients experience to entice them to return. Get Clicky looks interesting. Do you use the free or the pro version?