Real Estate Website Design Solutions

Visit the GraphicalData Blog

2009-07-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

GraphicalData has additional information on their blog relating to GraphicalData websites. I would encourage you to visit the GraphicalData Blog for additional tips from several different contributors.

New FlyerMaker

2009-06-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

Create flyers quickly and easily with our new FlyerMaker tool.

This new, improved Flash-based system including new flyer templates allows you to create, save, edit, email and print quality flyers.

This product is the perfect productivity tool to supplement your real estate business. Many agents have flyers professionally created, and that cost can be considerable. Using this one tool can literally pay your monthly subscription fee.

Find this tool like other tools in the "Tools" section of your GraphicalData Dashboard.

Search Engine Optimization

2009-06-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

I have posted numerous articles about search engine optimization (SEO) over the years. Many techniques that were relevant 10 years ago are not today. In fact, many search engines that were around in the '90's no longer exist for all practical purposes.

Some of the underlying basics do remain the same, and that is what many of my posts have been about, so I would encourage you to dig back in the archives . . . or search for seo and search engine optimization to pull them up.

You can view this article on search engine optimization for some general information as well.

If you do have a GraphicalData website, and are not ranking as well as you might like, give us a call or email . . . we have a great history of understanding what it takes to help them rise to the top.

New Website Styles

2009-06-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

There are new website styles available for your GraphicalData style-based websites.

After logging into your GraphicalData Admin Center visit the website section and select the "Website Design & Style" section. You will find several new styles including styles based on wider monitor resolutions.

We will continue to add new styles on a regular basis, so check back often.

New GraphicalData Admin Landing Page

2009-06-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

If you have not signed in recently to your GraphicalData Administrative Center or your "Work Space" as we call it, you should do so.

It has been redesigned with many new features that will readily help you have a pulse on your entire web system...as well as updates and quick shortcut links to areas you use the most.

Visit your personal work space at www.GraphicalData.com and learn more today!

New FlyerMaker System

2009-05-30T15:36:00.001-07:00

Create flyers quickly and easily with the new FlyerMaker from GraphicalData.

If you are a GraphicalData subscriber, then you have the ability to create flyers for your listings as easily as 1-2-3 . . . literally. Then edit your flyers, arrange photos, save them, email to a mailing list, or print them out.

This latest release creates Flash-based flyers that are of the highest quality for printing . . . and yet easily emailed if desired. New fresh, contemporary designs included.

Check this new, upgraded product in the Tools section of your Administration Center.

Search Engine Optimization Hints

2009-05-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

In the good ole days, it was modestly easy to SEO a site and have it rank well on the search engines. It is much more difficult to do today, and there are so many factors. Content that is on the page, Content that is "behind the page", "off the page" factors such as links to your site and PR.

Often it is not even what should do, but what you should not do. Read this article on top SEO mistakes to avoid.

The good news is that a GraphicalData website in its pure form adheres to these criteria. However, sometimes in our rush to look cool or have bells and whistles on our site, we can actually hurt ourselves in the process...as it relates to ranking in the search engines. If showing well in the search engine results is not important, then this would be less of an issue. For most of us, we want to be on the front page of results, so this brief article provides some food for thought.

Open Houses from All Companies Now Searchable on Your Website

2009-05-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

Now available by popular demand: GraphicalData is announces the addition of Open House search options on your GraphicalData website.

If you are in an MLS that allows for searching open houses, then this feature can be available to you. Currently available in the NWMLS.

This feature is now integrated into your interactive search map options. Your website visitors can search for open houses using the standard search parameters.

Only open houses that MLS members have inputted into the MLS will be searchable and displayed. If you have not inputted your open houses into the MLS, then they will not display.

Automatic Email Notification

2009-04-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

We have recently implemented a new feature to our AEN module. When your clients receive AEN's for matches to their saved searches you now have the option of being cc'd on those emails. This will keep you up-to-date on how often your website clients receive information from your website about new listings meeting their search criteria.

To opt-in to this feature, click "Settings" in your "Website" section of your admin center, click "CC Me on all AENs", and click "Update Website Settings".

If desiring to deactivate this feature, repeat the above process with the "Do not CC me setting".

Show Better In The Search Engines

2009-04-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Having a great website that instills confidence in the search engines is an important step. Just as critical is the ability for it to show well in the search engines.

Read this article on ten SEO (search engine optimization) tips that are bound to help.

Also, for a very affordable amount, GraphicalData can assist if you have a GraphicalData-driven website.

This is one area often overlooked by many website owners, and yet critical to the mission of being found on the search engines!

Now Is The Time To Refresh Your Website Content

2009-04-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

OK, the economy may still be in a state of flux, and the Banks may still be a bit tight with money, but the good news is that the season is here to sell real estate.

So, spruce up your site, make sure the content is fresh and appropriate for your market and what is hot and what is not!

The side benefit for good, relevant copy is that you nearly always get rewarded by the search engines. Read this article on writing great content for your website and blog for some good tips.

Freshen Your Website Up This Year

2009-04-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

Have you had your website up for a while now? Then it might be time for a remodel or at least a spring cleaning.

If you are looking to upgrade your existing site with a new banner, color scheme, content and the like, contact us at GraphicalData.

If a spring cleaning is in order, read this article for some good ideas.

GraphicalData Blogs now have RSS feed and Social Media Bookmarks

2009-03-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

RSS feed is now available on your GraphicalData Blog. Visitors can subscribe to this feed from your blog. RSS is a popular way to receive information from multiple sources using an aggregator (feed reader).

Del.icio.us, Digg and Stumble Upon have also been added attached to each post. They help facilitate social media sharing, storing or discovering web bookmarks.

All of these will provide your visitors with social media tools they will appreciate and add more sophistication to your Blog.

There is no need to do anything. If you have activated your blog, the RSS logo is already showing in the lower right column on your blog. Whether you understand this technology or not, it makes you look good!

Search Engine Myths

2008-12-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

We all have our thoughts on what might make a site rank higher than others . . . and question why our site doesn't beat out another site when ours is "optimized" better than theirs.

Read this short article that debunks "10 Search Engine Myths". An interesting read that I have to agree with.

If you delve back into previous articles I have posted over the years, most of which are still relevant, you will find the core components of good SEO.

If we can be of any assistance in helping your site to rank better in the search engines, contact us at seo@graphicaldata.com .

Tips From Experts in Today's Market

2008-12-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

Ten real estate experts share their views on what it takes to stay on top in today's marketplace.

With the economy looking a bit gloomy, "bailouts" taking place in the financial institutions and the "Big 3", the stock market zigzagging all over the place, foreclosures and the like . . . what is a real estate agent to think, do and plan for?

Read this article on philosophies and tips needed to survive.

Remember, someone is listing and selling properties. Make sure you are one of them!

Marketing in a Poor Economy

2008-11-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

If the economy is in a downturn, do you pull back in your advertising dollar? Do you advertise more? What should you do?

Visit this brief article fo find 6 Ways to Maximize Your Marketing in a Down Economy

Do You Need to Advertise Your Website?

2008-10-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

Many of us think that just having a website is enough.

The truth of the matter is that it needs to be optimized for the search engines through search engine optimization (SEO) and perhaps even considering other forms of advertising such as paid placement, newspaper, magazine advertising, etc.

Visit this article for a quick read on why you need to advertise your real estate website.

Marketing in Downtimes

2008-10-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

It is easy to feel that when times get tight that you should cut your promotional budget. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Visit this article to learn how to survive the economic downturn. When times are good, it's easy to run your business . . . learn some easy, economical ways to grow your business . . . even in times such as these.

Add Google Analytics to Your GraphicalData Website

2008-09-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

It's easy to add Google Analytics to your GraphicalData website.

Google Analytics tracks the traffic going to your website and can help you turn more visitors into customers. GraphicalData makes it as easy as 'copy/paste' into a single field to add the code to your entire website.

View our latest PDF tutorial manual on how to create your Google Analytics account and then add to your website.

GraphicalData websites have enjoyed Google Analytics as an easy add-on feature since early 2007. You can review earlier articles by searching for "Google Analytics" in the Search Blog field at the top of this page.

Live Chat Help Now Available on Your GraphicalData Website

2008-09-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

For your convenience, "Live Help" is now available in your Admin Center! You will find the support you need quickly with "Live Chat".

It is designed to immediately connect with Customer Support here at GraphicalData. You will find the "Live Help" icon located in your Admin Center in the upper right side of each page . . . help is just a click away.

During normal business hours this help tool will reflect a "click to chat" status (which is basically equivalent to Instant Messaging) and when not manned, it will reflect the ability to send an email with any question you may have. Your email will be answered on our the business day.

GraphicalData Website Help Movies

2008-09-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

Announcing a new "Help" module in your GraphicalData Admin Center. After logging into your admin center, click the Website tab. On the left hand side of the screen you will see the Help icon.

It is designed specifically to provide you with the assistance you need to build out and manage your website. Included are movie and PDF tutorials.

Additional tutorial movies will be added on a regular, ongoing basis.

Get Rid of those Dashed Lines when in Tables

2008-09-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

Have you ever made a change to your website when in a table? And then wind up with small dashed lines around your content? If so, then you are probably using Firefox as your browser. The good news, there is a simple solution to this dilemma.

Click on the icon in the menu bar as found in the yellow highlighted area of the accompanying image. This removes the dashed lines . . . then select the "save changes" command at the page bottom.

Although the dashed lines will then continue to display on the backadmin side of your site for ease in future editing of the table, they will not display on the public side.

Now you have a much nicer looking page!

On-The-Page Text Improves Search Engine Rankings

2008-07-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

Use regular text to improve your SEO . . . and it's free!

Visit this brief article to learn more! Search engine friendly content is a bonus for rising to the top in the search engine placement wars.

Photo Galleries and Other Virtual Media on Your Website

2008-07-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

Studies show that visitors appreciate additional property photos and virtual tours when added to your website.

Fortunately your GraphicalData websites allow for Photo Galleries and any other virtual tours that are hosted somewhere to be added you your listings.

Visit this article that discusses what properties should have virtual tours. And additionally, if you have not added a Photo Gallery or virtual tour to your listings before, visit a previous posting as to how to add a Photo Gallery here.

How To Respond to Your Website Leads

2008-06-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

Responding to a lead from your website is important . . . how you respond is just as important. Are they ready for you to contact them by telephone . . . or email . . . or perhaps they feel they are "flying under the radar" and the response needs to be a very "soft" one. This can especially be the case if they are just supplying an email to receive something that you have offered on your site.

Michael Russer offers up a good article on "How to Respond to Online Leads" that is certainly worth the read.