A look at the current real estate market and an examination of just how important an online presence is for realtors.

1. 411.ca reviews how the real estate industry is evolving
As the Internet continues to grow, an increasing number of industries are seeing an internal
shift towards paperless, web-based business models, and indeed, the real estate industry is the
latest sector to truly experience a digital transformation.
A 2015 real estate industry report found that more than 90 percent of homebuyers use the
Internet when searching for potential properties. Despite almost all prospective homebuyers
shopping around online, only one quarter of real estate agents know how to use the web to
market to the growing number of digital-based homebuyers.
“Digital marketing is how top performing real estate professionals get high quality converting
leads,” notes the Maximum Real Estate report from last year.
Real estate marketing presents a great opportunity for real estate agents to utilize a variety of
online tools and resources to grow their businesses.
1. Realtors Should Create Their Own Website
Create a custom-built website that has a contact and home page, as well as a page where
photos of current projects can be displayed. Studies have proven that online real estate listings
that feature accompanying photos of a property have 139% more traffic than listings without
photos.
Every page of a realtor’s website should also feature the realtor’s phone number, as a reminder
that they are only a quick call away. A contact number is also crucial in the case that someone
has been sent a link to a specific page on a website, rather than the website’s homepage.
Instead of trying to figure out where the contact information is located, this information is
easily visible in a standard location on every page on the website.

2. 2. Register with Online Directories
Online directories serve as an abundant resource for people who are new to a city or area.
Online directories are also an invaluable resource for homebuyers trying to decipher which
agent to go with. Creating a directory page serves as another Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
tool, helping a page rank higher or have multiple resources linking back to a website.
In addition to the advertising potential, online directories like 411.ca offer a reviews section
that allow users, customers and patrons to leave reviews on company and business pages. A
positive 411.ca review about one’s realty business is a fantastic resource to link to and
encourages potential homebuyers that a real estate agent is competent and able to meet their
needs.
3. Build a Social Media Presence
Recognizing that today’s homebuyers are tech savvy and social can help a realtor target local
homebuyers through strategic social media campaigns and initiatives. According to a report
from realtor.org, “Gen Y comprises the largest share of home buyers at 32 percent, which is
larger than all baby boomers combined.”
This demographic is also very active on social media and likely to enjoy taking virtual tours of
prospective homes. They are also likely to share tours they enjoyed in their social feeds, thus
creating free advertising for a realtor.
In today’s market, attracting these younger homebuyers will be critical to every agent’s success.
“Because this is also the generation that grew up with the Internet,” points out Andy Nauman
of Inman, a real estate news site.
Andy Nauman also suggests that realtors begin utilizing real estate apps, such as Zillow,
Sitegeist and Vert, to highlight properties and attract clients.

3. It’s important that real estate agents who want to remain relevant in their industry adapt some,
if not all, of the above tips. Going digital is no longer a novelty concept -- it is a real expectation
that needs to be implemented in order to stay viable in the real estate industry.