Yesterday I needed to call a business colleague in another state. I didn’t have his phone number handy but I was sitting in front of my computer.
So I simply Googled his name and his city and state, and got only one search return. It was a website with NO telephone number to be found. So I added his profession into the search mix and still nothing.
This professional was Internet-invisible. Which in this day and age seems almost unthinkable? I wonder how many other people have tried to locate him in the past only to be confronted with nada in the information department.
The Internet is no longer an adjunct to our system of information distribution. It is the go-to place where the overwhelming majority of people from all walks of life begin their searches for goods and services.
And it’s so cost effective that NOT having a strong Internet presence is just bad business.
And it can be frustrating for anyone trying to find you!
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ABSOLUTELY!
The Internet is the first place I go for all services and products.
However, I know that for a large percentage of Americans, this isn't true.
Thanks goodness, there are still a few real estate folks that are not "on the net".
Good morning Richard,
Your post is right on. If you are in business and have no internet presence that tells me how much business you are doing!!
Richard, it's really unbelievable that some professionals maintain no we presence. It doesn't take any money, just a little time.
These days "let your fingers do the walking" means Google Search and if you aren't there - bad!
Richard, that's a great point. These days, having an internet presence is far more important than a phone book listing!
Richard, with a good majority of people who purchase a home start their search on the Internet, being Internet invisible will surely hurt one's business.
you're right again, Richard....but maybe this guy's on the lamb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Without a web presence, you might as well be out of business....especially this business!
Richard:
I know it says something about the value system that we have developed over the past few years but if I look for a professional and he or she does not have an Internet presence it affects my opinion of them. Really, if you are not anywhere to be found on the Internet these days, you need to correct that or people will think you don't exist.
Richard, How is that even possible? Did you clue him in on this?
Richard - Great post. It still amazes me how many folks are still not net savy and how many areas of the country still can't get internet access.
What I love is when a Web site is "Under Construction"...and that's all it says: "Under Construction".
No business name, contact name, phone number, e-mail address, just a place holder. Now that's a waste of space.
Lenn...
This is so true! Thanks my friend.
Dorie...
Plus. even that business that you DO have is at a disadvantage. Thanks.
Gabe...
And to not put the phone number out there? Thanks so much.
Richard, unbelievable especially for professionals. My broker just last month finally joined Facebook and is really using it.
I'm a firm believer in having as much web exposure as possible...That's why we put all our listings on whatever RE website we can, why we have a localism account, enhanced Realtor.com, trulia.com, our own website etc. etc...good post.
I just posted about our local property management firm who are no checking the "reviews" on their Google/yelp/Yahoo listings and are getting slammed by poor tenant reviews...GOOGLE Alerts are a MUST!!!
Richard I have had clients tell me they would never use someone that they could not find out information about on the internet beforehand.
I agree with Lenn, they don't take the time to get "Internet", and those of us who do, get more business. It is unrealistic on their part...
Richard - I don't know how you can compete being invisible. Makes you wonder if they are in the witness protection program.
Hi Richard:
It's SO important to have an internet presence right now!
Really, there's no excuse for an agent to not be there...
Richard , we call them secret agents, secret professionals, they are are great if you can find them.
Got to be on line or it's a no go situation.
Richard, We certainly don't see this too often today...not advertising online. But, as I say write this, it's still amazing that fewer than 10% of real estate professionals are blogging. So, I suppose you never know what to expect.
Can't say as I would be sending them any business. Hard to believe.
Information is key - trying to judge - it is what it is
Richard, I do agree. I have had a prolem the last month with My address changed, (I did not change it) and I can't seam to get it back to where it should be. And, I did not change any addresses on any of my stuff.
Richard hard to believe. Maybe he has more business than any one else in the business. The cost is so low it just doesn't make sense.
I had a similar situation with a local realtor. I couldn't find her number anywhere on the internet. I guess, she's not that interested in getting business here.
I think you make a great argument. I better go check my website.
Hi Richard, I wonder how much business he lost because of this. It's so inexpensive to have an internet prescense. Boggles the mind doesn't it? Have a great day Richard :)
It is amazing how fast our habits and expectatons have changed with the dawning of the internet. For someone not available on the net, a short career will likely follow.