We’ve had the pleasure of working with many estate agencies to create professional websites and provide related online services. But some clients weren’t always as open to a website from the beginning. It took our insights and their open-mindedness to get the ball rolling. We’re here to discuss the initial reluctance to get a (good!) website as an estate agency and reasons to get one still.

“We don’t need a website”

When talking with some estate agency owners, they tell us that they don’t need a website. When we ask why that is, they often give us the same response, which is they don’t need a website because all their listings get uploaded to popular websites like Rightmove and Zoopla.

Although we agree that these platforms can do a lot of the heavy lifting for estate agents, we don’t agree that gives them a free pass to not have a website, especially in 2023. Below we have covered some of the reasons we think all estate agents need a professional website.

A website asserts credibility

A website provides potential clients with the chance to verify you and your services. Just by having a presence online, you can increase lead trust that you exist and so do your advertised properties elsewhere. This is more important than you may realise in an age where digital scams are on the rise, including in the rental market.

Moreover, someone looking to rent, buy or sell a property might want to know more about your estate agency and how you’ve served previous clients in the past, which is something you can positively promote through your website, possibly by publishing reviews and case studies. It’s not always just about the property!

A website attracts landlords and sellers

Relying on Rightmove and Zoopla is somewhat sufficient if you want to sell or rent out properties, but it doesn’t provide you with a vehicle to attract local property owners who might be thinking about selling or renting out their own property.

An estate agency website ensures you also cater to this segment of your market, by promoting property valuation services and relevant services to listing properties for sale or rent. Landlords and prospective sellers are likely to look online for a reputable estate agent with the latest research suggesting around 66% of sellers check for a website first. If you don’t have a website, there’s a significant decrease in your chances of securing their business.

A website can save business hours

Last but certainly not least, having a website as an estate agency can save you several business hours each week. Websites don’t have to be considered simple selling tools online; they can also be sources of information for prospective clients.

When a website operates as a source of information – possibly with a live chat feature - it stops low-quality leads from calling the office or sending emails. These website visitors access information independently without having to make enquiries, which saves your staff having to answer the same questions each week, and can therefore increase business productivity.

On the other hand, the information provided by your website can warm up cold leads, causing them to enquire when they otherwise may have left the site.

Semi-bespoke website packages for estate agents

WEBPRO Estate offers semi-bespoke website packages for estate agents who may have been reluctant to get a website in the past. With these packages, you can get a professional website that functions across devices and is completely adapted to your existing business branding. Best of all, these website services are provided by web designers and developers that work specifically in your industry.

Recap…

Our team have designed and developed websites for some fantastic estate agency businesses across the UK. But we have noticed a trend in the industry of many estate agency owners asserting that they don’t need a website. They believe this because they can easily upload their properties through popular platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla.

However, an estate agency should still have a website to verify itself as a legitimate business, target landlords and prospective property sellers, and to save business hours by providing key information automatically online.

WEBPRO Knows

Recent research suggests that two-thirds of sellers will visit the website of an estate agent before instructing them to sell their property.