In today's virtual world, being visible and accessible online is essential to an originators business. If you aren't utilizing your companies resources fully, block out time over the next 30 days to get yourself up to speed on what is available. Here's an article I wrote regarding Websites:
Successful originators understand the importance of developing their own individual brand. A personal website can do this for you. At the very least, your company should have a separate page for you where you can utilize some of the ideas below.
Why is a personal website important? Credibility! Consumers are searching the Internet before making their choice. They want to make sure you are legitimate and your business is solid. A personal website is one strategy that can create a feeling a familiarity with borrowers in a way they are comfortable with.
What does it need to provide? Value! This is your opportunity to give something of significance to all those that come in contact with you. Offer a free report. With a few simple Internet searches, you can find a multitude of worthwhile topics your clients would find interesting and useful. Credit repair, credit scoring, home improvements that improve value or a rent vs. own article are all relevant subjects to prospective clients. You can also use the What is Your Name Worth report to collect information.
A website is a great platform to showcase your specialty or niche. Include articles of interest to your target borrowers. Jumbo, first-time homebuyers, credit challenged or whatever you may specialize in. Consider writing your own articles. This adds credibility in a way nothing else can.
Offer a special Internet coupon that can be shared with friends and family. Having something that can be printed is similar to handing out your business card. Prospects now have a hard copy of your contact information.
Provide links to other interesting or valuable websites that would benefit potential clients or referral sources. Do you read to improve yourself personally and professionally? Consider adding a recommended reading section to your site that showcases your interests and dedication to developing yourself professionally.
What should it say about you? Everything possible that is good about you and why you are their best choice! Have a section dedicated to testimonials and also place them strategically throughout the site.
Your website should confirm your reputation as a successful professional. Mention accomplishments, degrees, continuing education and certifications. If you have been acknowledged through awards or newspaper articles, post these on your site. You worked hard for these things and they can help to build confidence in your abilities.
Don’t forget the importance of appearing personable and approachable. Stating a few things and even pictures about your personal life can have a positive influence on those browsing your site. People have a strong need to connect before making their decision and often, common hobbies and interests are a great way to jump-start a relationship with new clients.
How do you put it together? With professional help! Yes, it is possible to create your own, but you run the risk of not displaying yourself in the best possible way. Talk with different website designers about your plans and get opinions on cost, ongoing support and ideas. There are also many companies that provide basic mortgage websites. Just make sure it is flexible enough for you to add your own things.
How do you get people to it? Every way you can! Here are just a few ideas: On your e-mail signature, have a link to your website right below your name. Include the website address on your business card. Even if you currently have 1,000 cards sitting in your desk, if your website isn’t listed, throw them away and invest in a new set that boldly displays where you can be found on the web.
Make sure your company website has a link to your personal website. If you are providing links to other sites, see if they will do the same back to you. Strategic partnerships such as this are a great way to build a presence on the Internet.
Every marketing piece or correspondence you develop should list your website address. Name recognition is important, so try to have the name of your website be recognizable and easy to remember. If it isn’t already taken, your name (.com) is preferable. You can also consider using your name with “online” after it. For example, johnsmithonline.com would work well if johnsmith.com wasn’t available.
That was a lot to say about this subject, but I feel strongly about the value this can bring to your business. This week register your domain name with www.godaddy.com and investigate what it will take to get a personal website up and running. Set a deadline for when you want this completed, or if you already have a website, use these suggestions to make improvements.
Don't forget to Take the Challenge - Print this list of 13 traits and ask your staff (anyone you work closely with) to rank you on each item. Let them know you are trying to improve and value their feedback. To enter the giveaway, post a comment on any of my blog posts with your total score. (Yes - your score can be anonymous if you choose. Email addresses will not show up on the comment, they are only so I can contact the winner!) Drawing will be held September 15.
Click here to take the challenge!
