So it’s a possible return to work for Estate Agent and Property Agents this week and I wonder with all the gloomy forecasts about the economy, how will the commercial and housing markets fare in the future?

Property and rental agents used to have a poor reputation of over-promising and under-delivering, but today with so much competition, peer review sites and transparency on the internet, agents have to offer competitive pricing, top quality customer service and great results.

How can you make a Property Transactions less Stressful?

Buying or renting a property is a stressful process, from the initial search to getting your offer accepted, worrying about gazumping and then what seems a very, very long wait for all the paperwork to go backwards and forwards between all the parties.

To me, a good agent is one that has your back, looks after you whether you are buying or selling and communicates with you proactively and regularly. So choosing an agent with whom you have a good rapport is key, along with being very clear about your expectations and timelines, asking lots of questions and checking references.

Getting your Website Right

Most properties are researched and found online through sites such as Zoopla, Right Move and On the Market and whilst website listings may seem less important, showcasing your business online to your potential customers is still important.

Once people have found a property and get directed back to your website, you need to make a good impression. You need an easy to navigate website, property listings with all the relevant information and images, along with great content on your landing pages, social proof in the form of testimonials or case studies and a good FAQs section.

Needless to say, a lot of this has to be built in from the beginning along with good SEO (search engine optimisation) but there are many things you can do yourself, especially around content and keywords to improve your current website.

There’s one other way you can set yourself apart and that’s to have a Latest News section which contains not only updates on your successes but also your Blog.

Barriers to Blogging

The main barriers for Property Agents (and many other professionals) seem to be lack of time, ideas for content or how to write a blog in a style that comes over as friendly yet professional. All of these can be overcome with a bit of planning, practice or even training. I think for many, it’s more about not understanding the value of blogging which is a free or very affordable marketing tool and a lot better value than print advertising.

The Benefits of Having a Blog if you are a Property or Estate Agent

I don’t see many commercial or residential agents with a blog so it’s got to be a great way to stand out, show your expertise and your personality. If anyone has read any of my previous blogs or attended my workshops you know that there are so many good reasons to blog!

1. Drives traffic to your website
2. Increases your digital footprint and online presence
3. Improves your SEO (search engine optimisation)
4. Establishes you as an authority and an expert in your field
5. Gives you great content to use on social media
6. Shows your values and personality
7. Helps people to understand you and your business, building trust before making contact
8. Sets you apart from your competitors
9. Allows you to build connections through a call to action
10. Generates contacts and leads

Content Tips for Property Agents

The question I am most asked is ‘What shall I blog about?’ so just a bonus if any residential or commercial property agents are looking for blog ideas, here’s a few I have come up with:

• How to Give your Property Kerb Appeal
• How to Choose a Good Property/Estate Agent
• Why People are Moving to/Relocating their Business to ‘Your Town/City/Region’
• What’s your Liability as a Landlord?
• What to Do if Tenants Miss a Payment?
• How to Make your Property to Stand out at a Viewing
• The Pros and Cons of Online vs Bricks and Mortar Property Agents
• 5 ways to Improve your Property before Selling/Renting
• Where to Find Out Information about the Best Places to Live or Work
• Coronavirus COVID-19  – Top tips for buyers/sellers/renters

As someone who worked with many commercial property agents and as a buy to let property owner myself, I know the value of a good agent. And, as a lover of blogging, it seems logical to me to put the two together and encourage property agents start a blog and see the difference it will make to their business.

If you want any further tips and advice don’t hesitate to drop me a message on [email protected]