The dot-Info extension makes perfect sense for domains to your property websites: 123MainStreet.info.  (One of the best property website services is AgencyLogic.  Free listing syndication is included.)

Top Rainmaker real estate agents often buy the domain before their listing presentation.  Before the ink is dry on the listing agreement, Rainmaker real estate agents publish a property website with photos of the home.  Once the property sells, they give the domain to the new buyers (if they represent them or not).  Some Rainmakers use the domain to link to a virtual tour/property photos and description on a one-page site at AnnounceMyMove to spread the word to the buyer’s sphere of friends and family.

We see more Rainmaker real estate agents using rifle-shot targeted sites for IDX home search, MLS alerts, short sales, first-time buyers, investors, new homes, FSBOs, relocation, condos, waterfront, even nudists and golfers (that’s two separate markets).  The list is as endless as the number of specialty markets.  Often these Rainmakers point to the standalone site from multiple domains, especially geo-specific URLs with a town/area/subdivision modifier.  (“Prospects feel like it’s their own site,” a top Rainmaker told me.)

Here’s why standalone microsites work.

Consumer-centric websites that target a specific market – rather than agent-centric sites or catchall sites that are rich in content — should be separate to not distract targeted prospect with robust navigation.  Simple is good.

Other advantages of standalone sites:

• Offline promotion is easier with a single focus for headlines and copy.
• Unique (indexible) content and keywords boosts SEO and organic search placement.
• Direct “topical” links to standalone sites are easy from your blog site and social media profiles.
• If local people know you well, prospects may be more comfortable first going to an unbranded targeted site rather than your personality site.
• Building a target market focus around specialty(s) allows you to brand yourself with high-value information and expert service.
• Standalone specialty brands become an exit strategy.

Have you noticed more standalone microsites in your market?  Share what you’ve seen.

Previously, we’ve talked about Microsites, or mini websites, that you can use as a landing page for your electronic lead generation marketing.  I’d like to revisit — in detail — the ways which you can select a winning Microsite domain name — or names.

Goal: Your Microsite domains should “say it all” to prospects. Register domains that are benefit-rich and solution-oriented. Intuitive. Prospects should know what they will get at your Microsites (and reason to go there) by reading domains.

Use Local Area Names: Select areas that are a practical match for your offline target marketing, limited number of properties, natural fit with local newspaper, preferred listing communities, etc. Very specific, very targeted names are best (and most likely to be available).

• Neighborhood
• Sub-Division
• Community
• Town
• City
• County
• Area

Use Verbs and Action Words: Compelling Microsite domains often include key words that motivate prospects to take action. Test verbs: search, get, find, go to, buy, sell, ask, check, avoid, discover, etc. Use action words: now, 4u, today, free, hot, inside, quick, etc.  Action-benefit domains work two ways:

1) domain includes reason why someone would visit, and

2) they’re easier to remember.

Search Variations of Property Nouns: “Homes” and “Prices” are best (short, says it all). Try variations if first choice domain is taken.

• Price, Values, Value, Costs, etc.
• Houses, Properties, RealEstate, Homes4Sale, etc.
• GolfHomes, BeachHomes, InvestmentHomes, WaterfrontHomes, Condos, etc.

Microsite Domain Examples:

Build your domain using a verb, such as beginning with “search” or “find” or “get.” Use spelling variations of your keyword theme, such as “value” or “values,” “price” or “prices,” “home” or “homes” to search different domains. Although the dot-com extension is preferable, other extensions (.info, .net, .us, etc.) can often secure “taken” top-level domains. A small change in selected words or adding more detail can be the difference between securing your ideal domain – or not.

www.ArlingtonVAHomePrices.com
www.SearchArlingtonVAHomes4Sale.com

Tip: Register multiple domains in the same community that target different prospects in that same area. Multiple branded Microsites will reinforce your dominant position in the community. For example, SearchArlingtonVAHomes.com, HomeValuesArlingtonVA.com, ArlingtonVAInvestorAlert.com, RelocatingToArlingtonVA.com, FindArlingtonVAHomeLoans.com, GetPre-ApprovedInArlingtonVA.com.

Buyers (insert neighborhoods):

• www.Search(_______________)Homes.com
• www.(_______________)HomeSearch.com
• www.(_______________)Homefinder.com
• www.Find(_______________)Homes.com
• www.(_______________)NewListings.com
• www.ShowMe(___________)HomesForSale.com
• www.BuyingAHomeIn(_______________).com

Sellers (insert neighborhoods):

• www.(_______________)HomePrices.com
• www.WhatsYour(_______________)HomeWorth.com
• www.(_______________)Values.com
• www.WhatsMyHomeWorthIn(_______________).com
• www.Free(_______________)MarketAnalysis.com
• www.SellMyHomeIn(__________).com
• www.HowToPriceMy(________)Home.com

Let us know what domains work for your market and how you decided on the domains.  Have you given up some microsite domains when you analyzed your marketing?  Share your experience!

Check in tomorrow for Part 4 of Proven Secrets To Great Rainmaker Microsites.