Many businesses overlook the importance of having a web for their brand. In this digital media scene, saying that businesses everywhere should have a polished and professional website is an understatement – it’s a must. Understandably, when someone has their own business, other aspects of running it become a priority, and web design, albeit being on that list, tends to rank at the bottom. Companies often make this mistake because they do not realise how impactful a website can be, especially if the business is product-centric, like real estate.
Web design and development are tremendously valuable for your marketing and sales plans. To be honest, your customers are already half-expecting you to have a website in this day and age. Not having a website might even make your clients take a step back and second guess your services. It’s like a digital catalogue of your services.
This article will dive into the importance of web design and development for real estate companies. The benefits, what constitutes a successful web design, what web designers and developers can do for you, and more. There’s also a checklist below so you can compare it with your website and improve upon it (if you already have one). If you don’t have a website, this checklist can guide you in setting up a website.
How important is Web Design & Development for Real Estate Companies?
Short answer: Very important.
Before the audience clicks on your website, they will not have much of an idea of what your company is about. So, your page and web designs are the first impressions and the gateway to your products. In this line of industry, whether you are a real estate negotiator, property consultant, or a developer, having a website can bring your game to the next level.
Think of it as an investment. Within seconds of browsing your website, your audience judges the product. So, give them something memorable to see.
Aspects of Web Design & Development
Suppose you are new to the world of web development and are unsure of what each aspect signifies; worry not. There are a few different elements that can assist you with your website, and they are:
User Experience (UX)
In User Experience, the goal is to provide a product or service that can be efficiently utilized by the customer. As self explanatory as the title implies, UX create human-centric designs to make the site engaging and enjoyable. To improve your business metrics, UX experts usually run data analysis and integrate the results into their designs.
User Interface (UI)
User Interface focuses on creating the look of a website. UI consists of many components, including programming, psychology, and creative design, in order to deliver a positive user experience.
Visual
Specifically, this is concerned with the more aesthetic parts of the website. The ultimate objective is to create visually pleasing and functional visual designs that do not distract the reader from the content.
Benefits of Having a Great Web Design for a Real Estate Company
There are one too many benefits when you have a proper web design as a real estate company. Take a look below:
Allows your clients to browse through your products.
When you are in the property industry, you are likely to have a number of landed and high-rise projects under your belt. This means that there will be many pictures and videos for your clients to see. What better way to do that than presenting it on a nicely designed website?
Promotes your services.
Websites are a hassle-free way for you to promote your service. When meeting up with your clients or new people (who can be potential clients, you’ll never know!), you can brief them on your services as someone in the property industry. But of course, you wouldn’t want to drone on and on about the nitty-gritty details of your services, products, etc. The exchange of numbers is easily forgotten after a while. So, what do you do to maintain the trust of your clients in you?
Here’s when some people start carrying business cards with QR codes that lead to their personal websites. This is a fun and time-saving way to encourage your clients to check your website to learn about your products and services.
Builds trust with clients.
Having a great website creates a sense of credibility when you have an audience visiting your website. With a professional-looking website that lays out your products, services, vision, mission, and testimonials, your clients will have more faith in you as a property developer.
Creates a pleasant experience for your clients.
Websites can bridge the accessibility gap between you and your clients. Through a holistic website, your clients can look up information or send in their queries any time of the day. This is all the more if your website has a user-friendly interface that is pleasing to the eye.
Others are doing it.
Have you heard the saying, “Get on board, or get left behind?” It very much applies in this situation as well. Your competitors and fellow property industry experts are staying ahead of the game with their well-developed websites. Here’s your chance to showcase what truly sets you apart from your competitors, so don’t miss out!
What does a good web design have?
We understand that to each their own. However, a good web design should have some or all of the following:
Simplicity.
Be it colours, fonts, or imagery – keep it simple. Pick a colour palette that compliments your brand image or the product or service you’re offering. As for fonts, try to keep a minimum of three types as using more may come across as unstructured. Lastly, remember to use high-quality images on your website for a more sleek look.
Navigation and interface.
Remember that this is your client’s first time visiting the website. So, in order to keep them interacting on your website for as long as possible, you’ll need a fun and engaging interface. The more straightforward it is, the better.
F-shaped pattern reading.
Studies have shown that the human eye reads best in an F-shaped pattern – which is from left to right, then top to bottom. This pattern of reading helps visitors to skim information.
Mobile-friendly.
Not all your clients will view the website from a laptop or desktop; some might open it on their mobile phones. Make your interface mobile-friendly, and avoid cluttered designs to keep your website’s mobile version dynamic and responsive.
Content readability.
Your copywriter has to bring their A-game here. The content of your website should not only capture their attention but retain it too. Also, make sure the ideas on your page have a coherent flow and are free from grammar mistakes! Do not underestimate the impact that content can have on your readers!
Avoid pop-ups.
Let’s face the truth: no one likes pop-ups. The pop-ups can be annoying and interruptive when we are reading the content. Avoid pop-ups if you can! Of course, unless it is absolutely necessary.
Incorporate videos.
Videos are less time-consuming to watch; some individuals who enjoy visual stimulation may find videos to be more appealing than reading texts. According to studies, viewers remembered 90% of a video’s content compared to texts, which were only 10%.
These make a significant difference between a good web design and a great one. Which one are you?
Tips on choosing a reliable web creative agency?
Finding an agency is not challenging at all, but finding a great one is. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes down to choosing a competent web development firm:
Portfolio.
Every service-offering agencies should come with their own established portfolio – if they don’t, it’s probably a red flag right there. Portfolios are crucial as they highlight a collection of the agency’s finest and most promising works. A portfolio is a way for clients to see and learn about a professional firm’s skills and capabilities. When you browse through these portfolios, you can note down their art style and professionalism, which will eventually become a deciding factor.
Industry knowledge.
Having industry knowledge is important because the agency of your choice should not churn rinse-wash-repeat design, (even worse) that could make yours similar to other websites. Each industry is different; therefore, the firm should be well-versed and offer you a design that is specifically tailored to your audience and needs.
Accreditation.
When doing your research, keep in mind to look for accreditation as well. Many web experts today do not necessarily have a degree in that said field – but that is not to say that you should discard them. However, they should have at least certain certificates from web design courses and programs.
Communication styles.
Building a website is quite a lengthy process from start to finish. Many drafts and revisions will be sent back and forth until the site is fully ready to launch. This means that you and your team will be spending lots of time with your chosen web agency. Pick an agency that is not only highly qualified but also has patience, the ability to take in constructive criticism, and can communicate well.
Reviews.
Read the testimonials and reviews that others have left for your choices of web creative agencies. You do not necessarily have to pick the best of the best; if the testimonials describe what you’re looking for, you’ve already found your perfect match! There’s much that you can learn from the experiences of past customers.
What can website agencies do for you?
Web creative firms are more than just digital artists. They offer insightful remarks and advise you on creating a suitable website for your business. When you find a competent website development company, tell them your blueprint and goals for the website. Your vision, the colours you want in your website, your audience, etc. Most importantly, you have to let the firm know your budget from the start and proceed from there.
High-quality web agencies can be on the pricier end of the spectrum, so it would be wise to create a budget before seeking their services. Depending on the company, there may be more services than just designing. Some companies with more resources offer to maintain the website, back up site files, manage the content, and art direction, offer advice on making the site more efficient and functional, and more.
Key takeaway
So, to recap, having a well-designed website can help you create trust with your clients, reach a wider audience and let your customers access you anytime, anywhere. The more polished your website looks, the better it reflects on your service and what you do. It conveys a sense of professionalism and trustworthiness from your real estate company.
To many, buying a property will be the most expensive purchase of their lives. With this in mind, think of how you want to come across to your audience. A shoddy-looking website will almost certainly give your clients the impression of untrustworthiness and will drive them away. Nobody prefers to buy something that is valuable on a website that looks under-budgeted.
Let us help you
Investing in a website and web developers goes a long way. If you are looking for a web developer to design, create, test, and manage the website, why not call us?
Let’s make your brand’s first impression the best it can be!
