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1. IDX search and retrieve: Give buyers access to the all the latest listing information, in one place, and there’s little incentive to leave.
2. E-mail alerts: Usually available through the MLS or IDX provider, these automated sign-up services help capture leads and keep your name before prospects and clients.
3. Interactive maps: Map-based searches, allowing visitors to draw or define areas of interest, see what’s available, and learn about the neighborhood—all by clicking on the map—are fun to use, and good reason to return. (For more: Web Marketing With Mash Ups and How to Create a Map Mash Up)
4. Instant access: Live chat windows and “click to call” buttons invite and encourage visitors to contact you while actively considering buying or selling. It's also a great introduction for establishing rapport.
5. Better tours: Think beyond photos. Audio narration and true video—motion footage, that is well done—give visitors a better sense of the property. (For more: 5 Ways to Dress Up Your Virtual Tours and Making Movies: From Camera to Screen)
6. Floor plans: Combine a floor plan with embedded photos and visitors can see what’s where in a listing. Better still are interactive diagrams that let them explore how their furniture works in that space. (For more: Buyer's Guide: Marketing Your Listings Using Multimedia)
7. Blog: One of the increasingly popular social networking tools, a blog can showcase your knowledge of trends, neighborhoods, and the market. Invite visitors to subscribe with an RSS feed, and they’ll know as soon as you add a fresh entry. (For more: Blogging for Business and Step-by-Step Blogging)
Read more: 5 Simple Ways to Perk Up Your Web Site
Learn More: How Others are Using It ׀ Features Every Site Should Have ׀ What's a Widget?
Michael Antoniak is a journalist and technology expert with a focus on real estate applications. Antoniak also writes about real estate technology at his blog, RealTechTools. He can be contacted at antoniak@dtccom.net.
