Month: January 2014

Want to get off to a great start for 2014? Each day for the next two weeks, we will be posting a marketing resolution for the New Year.

#8: I will tag my inbound advertising links this year so I can track ROI

Tracking inbound links is the first step in evaluating the effectiveness of your online marketing efforts. A well-organized system for implementing tracking codes will pay dividends in managing campaign performance and auditing performance across several systems with vastly different cost and performance metrics.

There are lots of software solutions to help online marketing managers track and analyze performance including Adobe Analytics, Webtrends, and Google Analytics; most of the builders we work with have Google Analytics installed.  Google Tracking Codes give marketers the ability to track activity from third party sites like your listings on New Home Source or a banner campaign. Tracking URLs are easy to set up and can provide a wealth of information regarding performance of listings, banner advertising, emails and more.

Read the blog post: Measuring Ad Performance to learn more about tracking performance.

 

Want to get off to a great start for 2014? Each day for the next two weeks, we will be posting a marketing resolution for the New Year.

#7: I will retarget traffic to my website

We’ve consistently seen evidence that repeat traffic converts at higher rates (See Power of the Returning User blog post). By adding BeBack or a similar retargeting target product you’ll encourage consumers to come back either via clicks or other channels.  Retargeting allows you to reach thousands more home shoppers than through your website alone.

How does retargeting work? The process is simple.  A unique pixel is generated for each builder that “cookies” a consumer when they visit your site.  Your ads then follow the consumer as they visit other websites.

Retargeting keeps your brand and communities top of mind and increases conversion across the board.  Learn more about how you can target consumers at each level of their home search.

Want to get off to a great start for 2014? Each day for the next two weeks, we will be posting a marketing resolution for the New Year.

#6: I will publish our agent policy as well as upload promos and events

Our Start Fresh. Buy New. research shows that 48% of agents prefer selling “New” homes but often feel it is hard to learn about new properties, inventories and promotions.  Agents crave information, and before they bring a buyer to your community, they want to understand your commission policy.   Publish your policy on both your website and your listings on New Home Source Professional, and when possible, make sure you include buyer registration guidelines and standard commission percentages.

By keeping your listings up to date with this information, an agent is more informed and knows what to expect when working with you.  This transparency will both endear you to agents in your market and get their buyers into your sales office.

 

Want to get off to a great start for 2014? Each day for the next two weeks, we will be posting a marketing resolution for the New Year.

#5: I will upload a video with my listing

Did you know that adding video to your new home listings on NewHomeSource.com can increase leads by 28% and click-thrus by 36%?

Video not only brings your brand to life, but also elevates the performance of your website and a properly optimized video can improve Search Engine Optimization (SEO) rankings.  Did you know that a properly optimized video is 53X more likely to have a front page result on Google?

Video allows you to begin building trust with home shoppers by giving the history of your company, showcasing testimonials and highlighting the products that make up your homes.  Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about ways you can use video to drive your business:

  • Outside The Gates (Why Live here? Lifestyle.)
  • Company History/Philosophy
  • What sets us apart? (New Initiatives)
  • Behind the scenes
  • Our process (What to expect)
  • Financing (You can do this!)
  • Educational (Viral)
  • Design Tips
  • Move-in (How your home works)
  • New vs Used (Consumer Education)

From templated web videos to full scale national broadcast level productions, our media experts can produce projects to meet any budget.  Learn more about enhancing your listings with video here.

Want to get off to a great start for 2014? Each day for the next two weeks, we will be posting a marketing resolution for the New Year.

#4: I will review my website with a professional

The internet has become the first place to stop when starting research for a new purchase, especially when shopping for a new home.  9 out of 10 home buyers will begin the search for their next home online; making a builder’s website as important as their model home.  You wouldn’t want to miss out on a potential lead or client just because they didn’t think your site was engaging enough, right?

Do you have content that:

  • Inspires trust in your brand
  • Builds confidence in the home buying process
  • Differentiates your homes from the competition
  • Inspires your prospects in their home buying journey
  • Creates a path of action for site visitors to follow

As you are reviewing your website with a professional, you will want to discuss:

  • Overall User Interface Experience
  • Responsive Design
  • Video Elements
  • Artwork/Imagery
  • Compelling Copy
  • Technology/CMS
  • SEO
  • Promotional Plan To Drive Traffic To Your Site

We have been working with builders to develop and improve their websites for over 10 years. View the BDX website gallery to see how we have helped other builders put their best foot forward when it comes to web presence.

Are you interested in a free website assessment?  Contact BDX today for your FREE website assessment.