An IDX integrated real estate website has slowly become a demand over the years. This feature is essential on a website, specially among agents and brokers as it helps in gaining more leads and turning them into successfully closed deals.
But what is IDX precisely? How does it work? And what are the benefits of using it on a real estate website? Continue reading below to understand the basics of IDX!
Learn the Basics: What is IDX?
Standing as Internet Data Exchange, IDX is generally used to manage listings in real estate websites. It helps collect and share active listings between MLS (Multiple Listing Service) members. Hence, it guarantees that MLS members have equal information to all real estate listings.
Finally, it lets a realtor show all of the listings for sale in the market. However, real estate listings through IDX are only shown when a realtor allows it.
IDX Gets Clearer: How does it work?
As software used by realtors, IDX allows realtors to add MLS listings to their websites. Through a data connection between MLS and a website, it imports real estate listings. The technology then presents them on the realtor's website.
Not only that, it is very convenient to use because it automatically updates the listing every few hours. Therefore, prospective clients can always see recent listings – which clients love on a real estate website! Real estate is an industry that requires one to be always on the pulse. Through this feature, clients can quickly contact the realtor and ask for specific information about the property.
Simply, IDX works by making a website easy to navigate and convenient for prospective clients. As a result, a real estate website can attract more leads and connect with more buyers and sellers all in a timely manner.
Action Done: The benefits of IDX in a real estate website.
Now that the basics of IDX are laid down, realtors should know its benefits to boost their sales and search engine ranking:
#1: Simple navigation
IDX includes search filters where it helps users meet their criteria for a listing. Furthermore, it ensures a user-friendly experience for the website. As a result, website users choose to stay longer on the website and it gains more traction when users don't leave to use another website.
#2: Capture Leads
One of the most important uses of IDX is its ability to generate leads. IDX integrated website helps in analyzing the visitor's interest. Therefore, a website user can receive emails, sign up for alerts and special offers.
#3: Responsive design website
IDX responsive websites provide a seamless searching experience for different users. Hence, it creates a mobile-friendly website. As a result, users can navigate the website regardless of their device and browser.
#4: Call-to-action elements
IDX websites often have call-to-action elements that require user engagement. Therefore, instead of simply visiting the website, a call-to-action element encourages users to take the initiative in the website and they become further invested in the site and/or product!
For instance, the buttons "Sign up now!" or "Subscribe now!" can attract more leads and increase the website's online presence.
#5: Search engine friendly
Websites that are IDX optimized are more likely to receive a high search engine ranking. A search engine-friendly website generate more leads and benefit in search engine indexing (storing or creating). A site does no one any good if it's buried in the archives of a search engine.
As a result, a website's page is not the end of its influence and presence. Instead, it creates a sharable link in social media, backlinks, and organic traffic for the website.
#6: Integrated CRM
An IDX website is suitable for Customer Relationship Management software. Through the help of CRM, realtors – and websites – can track the activities of their visitors. As a result, they can better align the features and content of their website according to their users' interests and needs.
#7: Promotes return visits
IDX has automated listing alerts that make a website's listings constantly updated. This results in maintaining a relevant website for visitors, which will lead to a return visit. Significantly, the success of a website with this feature is measured in the number of return visits. Return visits are a great metric to use for a successful website.
Final thoughts
Efficient and user-friendly real estate websites have remained to be a continuous demand in the industry. In fact, NAR said 44% of real estate buyers search for property listing during the first stage of their home-buying journey.
Therefore, as a realtor, remember the benefits of IDX in real estate websites to stand out from the crowd. Realtors who do not maximize its advantage end up gaining lesser leads and getting compared to other websites. No realtor would want that so utilize IDX to save the day!
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