Have you ever counted just how many times you've heard the adage "location, location, location..." when talking about real estate?

You've heard it many times because it is important.

On the internet, things aren't much different. In order to make the internet a successful (read profitable) part of your real estate business, you need to claim your spot and begin building your website into the powerful marketing tool that it can be.

There is no faster or more efficient way to build your real estate business than by using the internet to magnify the power of your marketing efforts.

Here are the top 5 reasons why you need to get started yesterday:

1. Your Location On the Internet Will Never Change...

It's important that your network of past, present and future clients knows how to find you. We all have phone numbers and cell phone numbers, but not too many people will commit to memorizing them or even remembering where they put your business card.

With a domain name and website, however, things become a bit easier. People seem to remember domain names, especially when they are simple and short. And your domain name will never change, so finding you next week will be as easy as finding you 10 years from now.

Having your own domain name and website is one of the most effective ways to make sure your contact information sticks in the minds of your prospects and clients.

2. Your Own Website Makes You Legitimate.

As a real estate professional, you own your own business. What reputable business do you know of that doesn't have a website?

It sounds crazy that you should have a website just because everyone else does, but being online these days makes your business legitimate in the eyes of your clients.

The internet is so new that for the most part, people believe most all of what they see online. It hardly matters what the reality is because the perception of your clients is all that matters.

3. A Website Builds Your Story.

"Branding" is a pretty over used buzzword. I prefer to use the word story because that is what I believe your clients buy. Good marketing is nothing more than telling a good story (a true one of course) that resonates on some emotional level with your clients. People shop with their heads and buy with their hearts.

Your website, through well written copy and good design can establish that emotional connection with surfers on the internet long before they ever turn into buyers or sellers.

4. A Website Sets You Apart.

Real estate is a "me too" business. If you don't set yourself apart from your competition and provide compelling reasons why someone should do business with YOU, your marketing efforts will be similar to standing in a crowd shouting, "Choose me! Choose me!"

Sure, the internet is filled with real estate websites, but the important thing is that YOUR website be included.

5. A Website Gives You Leverage.

Do you have employees in your real estate business? Perhaps a part time assistant?

No?

If you have a website, you now have a full-time Director of Marketing that never stops working for you.

For only a few dollars a month, you can step up your marketing efforts to create an "always on" client magnet. Of course it takes a lot of time and effort, but the payoff can be immense.

As a lead generation tool, there is no more efficient way to do business than through your website.

Here's the bottom line...

If you don't have your very own website, NOW is the time to get one.

Taking your real estate business online can provide a huge return on your marketing efforts and help bring leads right to your door.

Don't wait. Jump in NOW before the going gets really challenging.

Jason Leister is owner of Computer Super Guy, LLC, a Chicago-based technology firm that helps real estate professionals profit with technology.

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