Of Sticky Websites and Revenue Shares

"Stickiness" is a term you hear a lot when it comes to websites. A site that's sticky means that visitors return to it again and again.

Most broker websites are only sticky for certain segments of the public--mainly those considering buying or selling, or those already engaged in the process. Sure, visitors will return to your site to search for more homes, but what happens when the transaction is over? What keeps your past clients coming back?

Today, we're looking at a solution from our 2016-17 Technology Guide that purports to answer that question, at least in part. Nest4Less is featured in the Tech Guide's "Client Retention" category, and that's exactly what it aims to do--retain your past clients' interest in your website and, by extension, your brand.

Adding Value to Your Website

Nest4Less encourages repeat visits to your website by offering information that homeowners want. The solution helps you connect with homeowners by adding a directory of homes services vendors to your website.

Why is this a valuable concept? Well, at some point, every homeowner will need a plumber, contractor, or related professional. You can improve your value to past clients by being the source they turn to when looking for referrals.

Research indicates that the real estate professional is well positioned to offer this kind of information. A consumer survey by consulting firm WAV Group revealed that agents are the first resource sellers turn to to ask about needed repairs before listing their home. 58% of sellers consult their agent about repairs rather than contractors (12%), home inspectors or appraisers (both 2%). The real estate professional is expected to be the doorway to these recommendations. Brokers can extend these expectations beyond closing by continuing to offer recommendations for home services vendors.

Many brokers already recognize the value of having a preferred vendor list that they can share with their clients. Some have realized that offering vendor information online is one way to enhance the long-term value of their website. Hunt Real Estate in New York does this by offering a directory of vendors on their website. Their directory is built and maintained in-house, but you can accomplish the same thing more easily with a tool like Nest4Less.

Nest4Less is free, and you can add it in just a few minutes to your website or Facebook business page. The directory comes pre-populated with select national vendors, but brokers can add their own or remove existing directory entries.

A Revenue Sharing Opportunity

Brokers that use this service can even earn money off of their directory. Nest4Less offers a revenue share program that gives brokerages cash for every vendor that they get to advertise in their directory. When brokers deploy Nest4Less directories across all of their agents' websites, the opportunity for wide distribution (and, therefore, revenue) increases.

To learn more, watch the video below: