Therry's Digital Marketing Strategies for Real Estate Blog

Use Blogs to Boost Visibility on LLMs

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:59:08 GMT

Maximizing visibility through relationship-based content

In my experience talking to partners about Duda websites and digital marketing trends, one thing is clear: relationships are the fuel for growth. This applies to AI visibility as well. When you write about your local community—mentioning local businesses, schools, and civic leaders—you are building a web of digital relationships. LLMs recognize these connections. If your blog consistently mentions your partnerships with local staging companies or mortgage brokers, the AI begins to understand your role within the local business ecosystem.

Building these digital relationships is not just about the text on the page; it is about the context of your brand. About our approach , we focus on cultivating great relationships because that human element is what AI looks for to verify credibility. When your blog features interviews with local residents or deep dives into community events, you provide the "human" data that LLMs use to distinguish a generic brand from a trusted local leader. This depth of content is what prevents your brand from being overlooked in favor of national aggregators. It’s about being the “neighbor” who happens to be an expert, which is a position that AI models are increasingly tuned to prioritize for local service queries.

What are the best topics for AI-driven real estate searches?

To increase your brand visibility on LLMs, you need to write about topics that people are actually asking their AI assistants. Users rarely ask AI for "realtor in my area"; instead, they ask complex, nuanced questions. They want to know about the future of a specific neighborhood, the pros and cons of certain architecture styles, or how to navigate a difficult probate sale. Your blog should be the answer to these complex queries.

Focus on these high-impact content areas:

Hyper-local market forecasts for specific quarters.

Detailed comparisons of neighboring school districts.

Explainers on local zoning laws or tax incentives.

Reviews of the best local amenities and hidden gems.

Guides on sustainable home upgrades in your climate.

By addressing these specific, high-intent topics, you position yourself as a specialized expert. When a user asks an LLM for a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in your city compared to a neighboring one, and your blog is the one that provided that data, the AI will likely cite you. This provides a level of brand exposure that traditional advertising simply cannot match. It builds trust before the first phone call is even made, which is the ultimate goal of any relationship-based marketing strategy.

Future-proofing your brand for the generative era

The transition to AI-driven search is not a temporary trend; it is a fundamental shift in how information is consumed. Realtors who continue to write generic, keyword-stuffed blog posts will find their visibility declining as AI models favor depth, structure, and authority. To future-proof your business, you must treat your blog as a knowledge asset. This means investing time into original research, unique perspectives, and hyper-local data that cannot be easily replicated by an AI generating generic text.

Your goal is to be the source that the AI relies on, not just another site the AI replaces. This requires a commitment to quality and a deep understanding of your audience’s questions. If you are ready to take your digital presence to the next level and want to ensure your Duda website is optimized for the future of search, feel free to Contact me to discuss a personalized strategy. Cultivating these great relationships and staying ahead of marketing trends is how we grow together in this new era.

In summary, increasing your visibility on LLMs through blogging requires a three-pronged approach. First, you must prioritize AEO by providing clear, direct answers to common real estate questions. Second, you must use rigid structure and formatting to make your content machine-readable. Finally, you must focus on hyper-local, relationship-based content that establishes your unique authority. By following these steps, you will ensure that when someone asks an AI for real estate advice, your brand is the one that gets recommended.

Adopt the inverted pyramid for direct answers.

Use question-based H2 headings to match user queries.

Include bulleted lists and local data for better extraction.

Focus on relationship-based, hyper-local community content.

Maintain a conversational yet highly informative tone throughout.

Defining the shift from SEO to AEO

For years, realtors have focused on traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to drive traffic. While SEO Best Practices remain a vital foundation, the rise of AI search has introduced Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). The primary difference lies in the intent: SEO wants to rank for a search term, while AEO wants to be the definitive answer that the AI provides to the user. To achieve this, your blog content must be remarkably clear, factual, and easy for a machine to digest.

AEO requires a shift in how you draft your paragraphs. Instead of long-winded introductions that bury the lead, you must adopt the "inverted pyramid" style of writing. This means putting the most important information—the direct answer to a likely user query—at the very beginning of your post. LLMs are designed to summarize information efficiently; if you make their job easier by providing a concise, 50-word summary of your topic at the start, the model is significantly more likely to pull your text into its generated response. This strategy not only helps with AI visibility but also improves the user experience for human readers who want quick answers.

How can realtors structure posts for AI extraction?

Structure is the language of the machine. To make your blog posts highly extractable for LLMs, you need to use formatting that highlights your key points. This includes using question-based headings that mirror the natural language queries users type into AI interfaces. When you structure an H2 as a question, you are telling the AI exactly what problem the following text solves. Furthermore, using lists and tables is a proven way to increase the chances of your content being featured in a "snippet" or an AI summary.

Consider these formatting tips for your next post:

Use H2 and H3 headings as natural-language questions.

Start sections with a direct, one-sentence answer.

Incorporate bulleted lists for step-by-step processes.

Include local data points like median home prices.

Use bold text for key terms and neighborhood names.

These elements act as beacons for the web crawlers that inform LLMs. When your content is structured logically, the AI can confidently parse the information and attribute it to your brand. This visibility is cumulative; the more structured, high-quality content you produce, the more the AI views your site as a reliable repository of real estate knowledge, which is essential for staying competitive in a modern digital landscape.

Blogging increases your brand visibility on LLMs by providing high-quality, structured data that AI models like ChatGPT and Perplexity use to generate answers. By focusing on Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and structured formatting, realtors can ensure their expertise is cited as a primary source in AI-generated responses for local markets.

Why do LLMs care about your real estate blog?

Large Language Models (LLMs) are essentially massive pattern-recognition engines trained on the vast expanse of the internet. For realtors, your blog serves as a critical data source that helps these models understand who you are, what you specialize in, and which geographical areas you dominate. When an AI is prompted with a query like "Who is the most knowledgeable realtor in the Lakefront district?" it doesn't just look for keywords; it looks for established authority and semantic relationships within its training data and real-time retrieval systems.

By consistently publishing high-quality blog content, you are essentially feeding the AI's knowledge base. Every time you write a detailed analysis of local market trends or a guide to the best schools in a specific zip code, you are reinforcing your identity as a local authority. This process, often referred to as "Entity-based SEO," ensures that the AI associates your brand name with the concept of real estate expertise in your specific region. In 2026, being visible on an LLM is just as important as being on the first page of Google, as more consumers turn to AI assistants to narrow down their service provider choices before even visiting a website.

Duda’s New Booking Capabilities Are a Power Move for Realtor Websites

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 20:13:57 GMT

If your agency builds websites for realtors, you already know the biggest challenge they face isn’t traffic—it’s timing. Buyers want to book showings immediately, sellers want fast listing consultations, and every minute of delay increases the chance a lead goes elsewhere.

Duda’s new booking capabilities are designed for this exact reality. They allow realtor websites to capture intent the moment it happens and turn passive visits into real conversations, without relying on clunky third-party scheduling tools.

1. Realtor Websites Can Lose Leads Without Booking

Most real estate websites still rely on basic contact forms or phone calls as the primary conversion method. While these approaches technically work, they introduce friction at the worst possible moment—when motivation is highest.

A buyer browsing listings late at night or a seller researching agents between meetings doesn’t want to wait for a callback. They want confirmation. Booking removes uncertainty and replaces it with instant momentum.

For agencies, this means fewer sites that look good but underperform, and more sites that directly support an agent’s day-to-day workflow.

2. What’s New with Duda Booking for Realtors

Duda’s booking functionality is built natively into the platform, which means it works seamlessly with the rest of the site. No embeds, no mismatched styling, and no extra tools for clients to manage.

Realtors can use booking to schedule buyer consultations, request property showings, book listing appointments, or qualify leads before a call. Everything happens inside the website you built.

This native approach reduces complexity for agencies and creates a smoother experience for both agents and prospects.

3. Flexible Scheduling That Matches Real Estate Reality

Real estate schedules are rarely predictable. Showings run long, listings move fast, and availability changes daily. Duda Booking supports this reality with flexible, request-based scheduling.

Agents can approve requests instead of committing automatically, offer different appointment types for buyers and sellers, and adjust availability without breaking the site.

That flexibility makes booking usable in real life—not just in theory.

4. Why This Is a Win for Agencies

For agencies, booking isn’t just a feature—it’s a positioning upgrade. Instead of selling websites as digital brochures, you’re delivering lead capture systems that directly impact revenue.

Because booking is native to Duda, it’s fast to deploy across multiple sites, easy to maintain, and simple to standardize in your packages. That means faster launches, fewer support tickets, and stronger client retention.

How much easier does your sales pitch become when you can say, This site helps you book more appointments automatically?

Conclusion

Duda’s new booking capabilities represent a major upgrade for agencies serving realtors. They help agents respond faster, capture motivated buyers and sellers, and turn their websites into true business tools.

For agencies, booking creates differentiation, increases perceived value, and strengthens long-term client relationships. In today’s market, realtor websites aren’t expected to just look good—they’re expected to perform.

By the way, this blog was generated by ChatGPT and used Duda’s MCP connector to create and publish.

This is a blog

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:36:10 GMT

Testing Your Blog: Tips from Therry Norton

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Localogy 2025

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 21:18:08 GMT

My summary of L25: The Heartbeat of Local

I had the opportunity to represent Duda, along with Itai and Mel at Localogy 25 in Columbus, OH. It was my 3rd year attending this event, and the content was better than ever. Speakers were top notch. Some highlights of what I learned:

Sun. 3/23

Jim Chapelle presented Yelp’s first party insights around trends in consumer behavior. Trending : home services, female entrepreneurs in home service SMBs, and auto services. Shopping malls are shifting from retail- to restaurant-focused. Online quote requests outnumber calls 5 to 1.

Itzik Levy, vcita; Ben Pashman, Creatify; and Danny Webb, Cinch, each shared the super cool things their companies are doing around AI and automation.

A recurring theme started to appear, centered around the customer experience: AI/Automation and the need to earn trust.

Andrew Shotland, Local SEO Guide shared his report around ranking factors after extensive use of SEMRush credits. Super interesting insights that are useful for SMBs and the agencies who serve them: ~2 mile radius is the range for share of voice (unless the SMB is in a less dense geo); Google is biased toward businesses that are open at the time of the search; More reviews are correlated to better ranking; use of city name in keywords is beneficial; use as many relevant categories as possible on GBP; link patterns and GBP interactions are important. Mapmojis are a thing.

Fan fave Christian Ward, Yext, talked about AI’s effect on Search. The new and emerging digital marketing landscape is causing uncertainty. Christian shared some silver linings: AI searches are resulting in increased quality of traffic to websites. Consumers are using tools that are honed into their specific preferences. Consumer research on AI platforms will lower overall traffic to websites, but bring users to websites that convert at a higher rate as websites become the point of booking, form fill, purchase, etc.

The theme was further emphasized: Trust is the new currency of AI.

Lisa Mazzarese, Hibu, shared how her team is serving SMB clients using personalized ads with the assistance of Yext’s Brook Henderson and Tiger Pistol’s Sarah Cucchiara. One of my key takeaways from this session was -- again -- the importance of building trust in the end-to-end customer journey.

We had networking breaks sprinkled throughout the conference, where we connected with partners and industry friends.

Duda’s CEO and Co-Founder, Itai Sadan, presented data from an SMB survey, along with Localogy’s own Mike Boland (on Mike’s birthday, no less!). Interestingly, when you swap out the word “AI” with “Automation,” SMBs tend to be more receptive. Check out those findings and more HERE.

Krystal Taing and Allison Townsend from Uberall made me smile with their use of a new acronym: GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). Up until now, I was using “AEO” and “AIO” for “AI Optimization,” but now I can throw GEO into the mix, but that gets a little confusing when you are also talking “geo” in the location sense. I was pleased to hear them underscore the importance of structured data, “a non-negotiable in GEO.” Also, it’s best practice to make sure to use conversational language and include FAQs as well as use of categories.

Ross Gray from Cloud Campaign started his presentation with a picture of his chubby baby — a great way to get the audience engaged, after a long day full of great content. Ross’ presentation covered organic social media and how that leads to adoption and retention.

In the evening, Yext threw a party and we played darts . They played darts and I brought down the average score, making everyone else feel better about their skills.

Mon. 3/24

Mark Kabana, Yext shared his perspective, having recently been through the acquisition of his Places Scout. Echoing that trust is the currency of AI, Mark is a wealth of knowledge on the latest and greatest AI tools and how they can be leveraged. Mark mentioned that Danny Sullivan/Google uses the term AIO. So maybe I’ll stick with that acronym. Major street cred.

Corey Quinn, Corey Quinn, Inc. and Jamie Adams, Scorpion, talked about growth of teams and I was particularly interested in how the Scorpion team finds traction with their franchise customers.

Monica Ho, SOCi, presented impacts of AI on social media and shared some solid best practices for SMBs and the agencies that serve them. Also, I was thrilled to get 2 more new acronyms: SSEO (Social SEO) and LLMO. I appreciated hearing from Monica how social is already using natural language, which tied together nicely with the takeaways from previous speakers. Monica says that following EEAT still applies as a best practice, and I agree.

Nick Hopkins, Hibu and James Morse, Ansira, shared their approaches to product release cycles. I really appreciated Nick and the Hibu team’s product direction approach: only do stuff that drives more value (leads) for their SMB customer.

I had a chance to speak to the Persistent.id team about how they can take consent data and combine that with email addresses so that businesses can run campaigns using their own first party data. I was sorry to miss a few other sessions on Day 2 but heard that all were really good.

Overall, my impression after L24, last year, was a feeling of discomfort with the unknown impacts of AI disruption. At L25, this year, I came away with a sense of optimism because we are beginning to understand how to optimize for AEO, AIEO, GEO, Automation, Machine Learning, or whatever you want to call it. Fact is, best practices to serve the human in their search for an answer still apply.

You can learn more about Localogy events at localogy.com.

I Was the Worst Real Estate Client Ever — and I Learned a Lot

therry.willis@duda.co — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:08:50 GMT

Grief + Knowing Too Much = Nightmare for my Realtor

In the spring of 2022, my siblings and I found ourselves in a situation no one is ever truly prepared for: selling our mother’s condominium in Naples, Florida. It was a tough time for all of us, grieving the loss of our mother, who had spent 25 years there with our father after caring for my grandmother until her passing.

The condo itself was a piece of history. My grandparents had bought it in 1972, and it was a gem—a premium, water-view villa with access to several award-winning golf courses. I have so many fond memories of holidays spent swimming in the community pool and learning to fish in the lake. It was more than just property; it was family history.

But life moves forward, and so did we. The decision to sell wasn’t easy, and emotions ran high. Given my experience in business and marketing within the real estate sector, I assumed I was the most qualified to handle the search for a realtor. I dove headfirst into the project, trying to stay busy and focused as I navigated the complex emotions of loss.

The Search for the Perfect Realtor

I started where most people do these days—on Google. I searched for the top realtors in Naples, FL, and cross-referenced them with Zillow, Homes.com, Realtor.com, Instagram, and LinkedIn. I analyzed the number of deals these realtors had closed over the past year and created a shortlist. From there, I set up interviews with my top three candidates.

After meeting with them, the realtor we ultimately chose turned out to be a neighbor—a local expert who personally knew my sister and was familiar with the community. We felt confident that she would have the best knowledge of the area and the most availability to show the condo. In a time of emotional turmoil, I wanted to avoid conflict with my siblings, so we settled on this decision as a group, trusting that she would do everything possible to secure the best deal for us.

Murphy’s Law Strikes

And then—home prices started to drop.

According to Realtor Ed DiMarco, property values in Naples had been on the rise since October 2019 , peaking just before we listed the condo in April 2022. But as fate would have it, property prices began to fall right as we put the condo on the market. Suddenly, we were receiving low-ball offers, and the pressure was on. My siblings started to suggest accepting some of these offers, but I wasn’t ready to give up.

I knew there were potential buyers out there—buyers who weren’t necessarily local. I believed people in places like New York or Chicago might fall in love with the condo and pay what it was truly worth. So, I began questioning the realtor’s strategy, wondering why we weren’t reaching these buyers.

I asked for weekly reports on lead sources, and that’s when I became a nightmare client.

The Struggle and the Solution

Ultimately, we did receive a reasonable offer from a buyer in New York, but by then, I had worn down the patience of my family and, quite possibly, the realtor. The whole process was taking a toll on everyone, and I reluctantly agreed to accept the offer and set a closing date.

Then, Hurricane Ian made headlines. The storm was a Category 4, and it was heading straight toward Naples. We all held our breath, expecting the buyers to back out. Fortunately, the condo survived the storm, and we closed the deal shortly afterward. It was bittersweet handing over the keys, knowing the emotional journey was finally over. I’m sure the realtors were relieved to be rid of me.

Lessons Learned: How Realtors Can Win in a Crowded Market

After the dust settled, I took a step back and reflected on my experience. I felt some guilt about being such a demanding, intense client, but it also reinforced a lesson that I believe is critical for realtors today:

1 - Buyers are shopping from all over. Real estate is no longer just a local game. Buyers from out-of-state and even out-of-country are actively looking for homes.

2 - Realtors need a robust digital presence. To attract these buyers, realtors need to ensure their online profiles are strong and consistent across all platforms.
A realtor’s digital footprint should include:

Google Business Profile
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube
Facebook
Homes.com
Realtor.com
Zillow
Personal, lead-generating website

3 - It’s all about relationships. At the end of the day, the relationships realtors build—not just with local clients, but with a broader audience—are what make the biggest difference in today’s market. A strong digital presence allows realtors to foster these relationships and expand their reach beyond their immediate geography.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I know I was a difficult client. But I also know that my experience highlights some key best practices for realtors who want to thrive in a crowded, competitive market. If you’re not investing in your digital presence and casting a wide net, you’re missing out on opportunities to connect with potential buyers—no matter where they are.

Claim Your Brand: The Unmissable Advantage of Owning Your Own Realtor Website

therry.willis@duda.co — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:29:26 GMT

The Unmissable Advantage of Owning Your Own Realtor Website

In the fast-paced world of real estate, brand ownership isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. For Realtors, having a strong personal brand can make the difference between a thriving career and one that struggles to stand out. With the average Realtor changing brokerages every 4 to 6 years, establishing and maintaining a personal brand becomes crucial for long-term success. Let’s delve into why owning your own brand and having a dedicated website are essential for Realtors, and how these elements contribute to building substantial brand equity.

The Brokerage Switch Dilemma

One of the defining features of a Realtor’s career is the tendency to change brokerages relatively frequently. According to industry statistics, Realtors typically switch brokerages every 4 to 6 years. This frequent movement can disrupt client relationships and impact the visibility of an individual Realtor's personal brand. When a Realtor changes brokerages, their visibility tied to that brokerage’s brand diminishes. Therefore, a personal brand separate from the brokerage becomes a critical asset for maintaining client recognition and loyalty.

The Power of a Personal Brand

A personal brand is more than just a logo or a catchy tagline; it’s a reflection of your professional reputation, expertise, and unique selling points. It’s about how clients perceive you and how you differentiate yourself from the competition. A strong personal brand helps Realtors build trust, foster relationships, and create a lasting impression, all of which are essential in a relationship-driven industry like real estate.

The Role of a Website

In today’s digital age, a professional website is a cornerstone of any strong personal brand. For Realtors, a well-designed website serves as a powerful tool to showcase their expertise, listings, and client testimonials. It acts as a central hub where potential clients can learn more about the Realtor’s services, view their achievements, and even get in touch.

Statistics and Benefits of a Realtor Website:

1. Increased Credibility: According to a study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 97% of home buyers use the internet to search for homes. A professional website boosts a Realtor’s credibility, making them appear more legitimate and accessible compared to those without a web presence.

2. Enhanced Lead Generation: Realtors with optimized websites are more likely to generate leads. HubSpot reports that companies with a website get 126% more lead growth compared to those without one. This statistic is particularly relevant for Realtors who want to attract and convert new clients.

3. Brand Equity Through SEO: An optimized website enhances brand equity by improving search engine rankings. Realtors with SEO-friendly sites are more likely to appear at the top of search results when potential clients are looking for real estate services. This visibility helps in building a stronger personal brand and increasing client trust.

4. 24/7 Availability: Unlike social media profiles or brokerage websites that may not be updated frequently, a personal website operates 24/7. It ensures that potential clients have constant access to information about the Realtor’s services, making it easier for them to engage with the Realtor at their convenience.

5. Control Over Content: A personal website gives Realtors control over their content and branding. Unlike brokerage websites where branding is often secondary to the brokerage’s identity, a personal website allows Realtors to highlight their unique selling points, expertise, and personal touch.

Building Equity in Your Personal Brand

Owning a website is an investment in building equity for your personal brand. Just as a physical property can increase in value over time, a well-maintained website can enhance your brand’s value. Here’s how:

1. Consistency and Recognition: A personal website helps in maintaining a consistent brand presence, even when switching brokerages. Clients who visit your site will recognize your brand regardless of your brokerage affiliation.

2. Long-Term Asset: Unlike social media platforms that are subject to changing algorithms and policies, a website is a long-term asset. With proper maintenance and updates, it can continue to serve as a powerful tool for brand recognition and client engagement.

3. Reputation Management: A personal website allows Realtors to manage and curate their online reputation. Positive client testimonials, case studies, and success stories featured on the site contribute to building trust and credibility.

Conclusion

Realtors who want to build a lasting career, owning a strong personal brand and a well-optimized website is essential. A personal brand helps differentiate you in a crowded market, while a website serves as a dynamic tool for enhancing your visibility, credibility, and client engagement. By investing in these elements, Realtors can build substantial brand equity, ensuring long-term success and recognition in the real estate industry.

Stand Out and Succeed: How Premium Websites Give Realtors a Competitive Edge

therry.willis@duda.co — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 06:23:23 GMT

In today's bustling real estate market, differentiation is no longer optional—it's essential. With the internet serving as the first point of contact for most homebuyers, having a strong online presence isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the foundation of a successful real estate business. For Realtors navigating the uncertainties of fluctuating mortgage rates, investing in a custom website can be the game-changer that leads to more closings and sales.

The Power of a Personally-Branded Website

A well-designed, custom website is more than a digital business card—it's a reflection of your brand, your expertise, and the value you bring to your clients. In a market saturated with agents, standing out means offering something unique. A personally-branded website allows you to do just that by incorporating features and design elements that are tailored to your business and your clients' needs.

Tailored Design That Speaks to Your Brand

Your website should be an extension of your personal brand. A custom design allows you to incorporate elements that reflect your unique style, personality, and approach to real estate. Whether it's through a sophisticated color scheme, a clean and modern layout, or the integration of high-quality images and videos, your website becomes a visual representation of who you are as a Realtor. This helps build trust and familiarity with potential clients, making you the go-to choice in their home-buying journey.

User-Friendly Navigation and Search Functionality

In real estate, ease of use can make or break a deal. A custom website allows you to create a user-friendly experience with intuitive navigation and powerful search functionality. Imagine offering your clients the ability to search for properties based on their exact criteria, with features like interactive maps, detailed filters, and saved search options. By making it easy for users to find exactly what they're looking for, you're not just providing a service—you're adding value, setting yourself apart from competitors.

SEO Optimization for Maximum Visibility

A custom website isn't just about looks—it's also about being found. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial in ensuring that your website ranks high in search engine results, putting you in front of potential clients who are actively looking for a Realtor. With a custom site, you can optimize your content, meta tags, and keywords specifically for your target market, ensuring that your site stands out in local searches. This increased visibility can lead to more inquiries, more clients, and ultimately, more sales.

Content That Educates and Engages

One of the most effective ways to differentiate yourself is through content. A custom website gives you the flexibility to create and showcase valuable content that resonates with your audience. From blog posts about the latest market trends to video tours of your listings, the content you provide can position you as a knowledgeable and trusted expert in your field. This not only helps attract new clients but also keeps past clients engaged, increasing the likelihood of referrals and repeat business.

Consistency is Key: Building a Strong, Online Brand

In the real estate world, your brand is your reputation. Consistency across all touchpoints—whether it's your website, social media, or marketing materials—is key to building a strong, recognizable brand. A custom website ensures that your branding is cohesive and professional, reinforcing your image every time a potential client visits your site.

When consumers are shopping for a home, they aren't just looking for a house—they're looking for guidance, expertise, and someone who understands their needs. A custom website helps you communicate the value you bring to the table, from your deep knowledge of the local market to your commitment to providing exceptional service. By clearly articulating what sets you apart, you position yourself as the Realtor of choice in a crowded market.

Navigating Market Uncertainty: Why Now is the Time to Invest

With mortgage rates fluctuating and the market in a state of uncertainty, many Realtors might be hesitant to invest in a custom website. However, this is precisely the time to double down on your online presence. When the market is unpredictable, buyers and sellers are looking for stability, expertise, and trustworthiness. A custom website signals that you are serious about your business and committed to providing the best possible service, no matter the market conditions.

Moreover, a strong online presence can help you reach a broader audience, including those who may be on the fence about buying or selling due to rate concerns. By providing valuable content and a seamless online experience, you can help alleviate their worries and guide them through the decision-making process, ultimately leading to more closings and sales.

Conclusion: Standing Out Starts with a Custom Website

In an industry as competitive as real estate, standing out isn't just about being different—it's about being better. A custom website gives you the tools to differentiate yourself in a meaningful way, showcasing your brand, expertise, and the unique value you bring to your clients. By investing in a custom website, you're not just enhancing your online presence—you're setting the stage for long-term success in any market condition.

So, if you're ready to elevate your real estate business, start with your website. After all, in today's digital age, it's not just about selling homes—it's about building relationships, establishing trust, and standing out in a crowded market.

“It's about building relationships, establishing trust, and standing out in a crowded market.”

Build Trust and Protect Website Visitors

therry.willis@duda.co — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 06:22:30 GMT

The world of digital marketing is changing. The use of third-party cookies has enabled digital marketers to use performance and attribution tactics to deliver highly targeted campaigns and maximize advertising return on investment. In an era where data compliance is becoming table stakes, online marketing may be relegated to general contextual advertising tactics unless brands employ first-party data and implement data-driven marketing strategies.

Building and maintaining trust on- and offline is essential for brands looking to connect with their audiences.

The amount of personally identifiable information used in marketing tactics has raised privacy concerns. Consumers and governing bodies worry about the implications of being tracked in their browsing activities. The heightened sensitivity around privacy has resulted in the elimination of third-party cookies, tighter governmental restrictions on the handling of consumer data, and a confounding situation for many digital marketers.

Regulatory changes and ongoing legal pressure are transforming user experience on websites. Cookie notices, which advise users on which data they store and how they use it, are now common practice. Cookie notices are mandatory in the European Union and California and are common on many websites in the United States. These notices inform website visitors about the usage of cookies and allow consumers to choose the type of information that will be shared with the website. Companies have leeway over how to execute cookie notices, which has led to a variety of cookie notice iterations across websites.

What are Cookies?

Websites place a “cookie,” which is a small text file, onto consumer browsers. These allow the individual user experience to be customized. Cookies were first invented in 1994 by Lou Montoulli, a twenty-three-year-old engineer at Netscape, which was one of the first commercial browsers. Montoulli and the Netscape team wanted to provide a way for websites to remember the user without tracking their browsing activity. Within two years, advertisers began using cookies to track consumers. A free and open web is funded by advertising, and the cookie has been part of the currency used in this funding.

There are several different types of cookies used by digital marketers. These include first-party cookies, session cookies, persistent cookies, secure cookies, and third-party cookies. First-party cookies are helpful to the user experience. When a person visits a website, a first-party cookie is placed to retain useful information that helps with their on-site experience. Login credentials, language preferences, and other personal preference settings are some of the ways in which websites use first-party cookies. Many websites now have a cookie policy disclosure pop-up banner that explains how cookies are stored and used for marketing purposes.

Session cookies are not used for tracking. These are most often used on e-commerce websites to store items added to a shopping cart by a consumer. They also help web developers ensure faster page load times. When a user logs off or closes the browser, session cookies are removed. Persistent cookies retain logins on websites once a browser is closed. These cookies allow a website owner to analyze user behavior and sessions to improve the overall user experience. Secure cookies are transmitted by encrypting the cookie data that is transmitted between the website and the browser.

Third-party cookies occur when websites allow other companies to place a cookie on the browser of a user, which enables them to serve targeted advertisements based on the user’s browsing history. Third-party cookies are also used to study visitor behavior and website performance. Advertisers use third-party cookies to fill the gap in reaching audiences when the first-party data on hand is not organized or voluminous enough to deploy in marketing tactics. Third-party cookies enable the targeting of specific individuals with personalized marketing messages and provide attribution that allows companies to understand the consumer’s path to conversion.

There are additional ways for companies to track individual consumers online which do not involve the placement of cookies. These include the use of Internet Protocol (IP) address, operating system (OS), browser type, and device ID to stitch together a unique digital fingerprint. This technique successfully identifies most users, including those who have opted out.

How to Build Trust and Relationships with Website Visitors

Here are a few tactics that can help website owners build trust and relationships with the people who visit their site:

1 - Include a Privacy Policy and Cookie Opt-In. The mere presence of a clear privacy policy and cookie acceptance can build trust by letting the person visiting the website know that there is a clear and established plan.

2 - Provide something of value in exchange for first party data. Newsletter enrollments, free guides, etc. are a good way to collect this first-party data. The use of first-party data within a data-driven marketing strategy can yield new qualified prospects, improved performance, and increase customer satisfaction.

3 - Make sure your entire online presence is synchronized. Consistency is important. We know that the modern customer journey is a winding road. It's also crucial to have Name, Address, and Phone Number information synchronized, as it sends a signal to search engines that the business is reliable and trustworthy.

Conclusion

The evolving landscape of online privacy, driven by regulations and consumer expectations, necessitates a shift in how websites approach user experience. While cookies have long been a cornerstone of personalized web experiences and targeted advertising, their use is now under greater scrutiny. Transparency and user control are paramount. Implementing clear cookie notices, respecting user choices, and offering valuable alternatives for data collection, such as incentivized first-party data capture, are crucial steps in building trust. Beyond mere compliance, these practices demonstrate a commitment to user privacy, fostering stronger relationships with website visitors and ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and ethical digital ecosystem. By prioritizing transparency and user empowerment, businesses can navigate the changing regulatory environment while simultaneously enhancing user trust and loyalty.

You can find cookie compliance apps in Duda's App Store , and the platform makes it easy to establish a clear Privacy Policy.