As the new year is fresh and many real estate professionals rush to enhance or start their web presence we wanted to share some of the differences between a web developer vs. a web marketer so everyone knows what they are getting into.  Some companies exist to put up websites for individuals in real estate without much concern if that website actually produces leads.  Here are some items to consider:

Web Developer

  • Creates web pages with an understanding of what a good user experience would be
    • Does the phyiscal work of using technologies like ASP, ASP.NET, HTML, CSS and more
  • Often creates graphics for your website as well
  • May not be specialized for just real estate websites as they may develop for other industries
  • Is not necessarily aware of what would help your website do well in the search engines
  • Is not going to get involved with pay per click ad campaigns

Web Marketer

  • Takes the time to understand your business and how your business fits within competitors of your area
  • Understands how to develop comprehensive pay per click campaigns using Google Adwords and Yahoo
  • Understand Search Engine Optimization for your industry (SEO professionals often specialize in a particular industry)
  • Understands the content that would be necessary for your website to succeed
  • Understands that you need leads in order to succeed

Very few individuals have a master of both skill sets listed above.  For the majority of real estate professionals it is usually best to find a good hosting company (like Diverse Solutions or Advanced Access) and then concentrate on the marketing yourself.  Very few people will take the same passion to marketing your website as you can.

If you already have your website underway this year, have no fear, just ask yourself what you are paying for.  Are you paying a web developer? or a Web marketer?