As we move further into the 21st century, online marketing is becoming more and more important for businesses of all types. If you're a REALTOR®, it's essential to have a website that's easy to use and navigate so clients can find you online. But the internet changes quickly - and this guide explains four reasons you should update your website before next year.

4 Reasons to Update Your Real Estate Website for 2023

If your site hasn't been updated or refreshed (read: given a makeover) in more than a couple of years, or if it's running on outdated technology, looks outdated or isn't as functional as you'd like it to be, it's time for an upgrade. With that in mind, here are the four primary reasons you should update your real estate website for 2023 (and you should start now):

1. The internet evolves FAST
2. New features are always popping up to help your clients
3. You don't want to be left behind when others update their sites
4. Accessibility matters

Here's a closer look at each.

Reason #1 You Need to Update Your Real Estate Website for 2023: The Internet Evolves FAST

The internet is always changing, and what was popular or common practice a few years ago might not be relevant today. For example, if your website isn't responsive (meaning it doesn't automatically adjust to the device a person is using to view it), you're missing out on a huge opportunity. These days, more people are using their phones to search for homes than ever before. In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, 77% of buyers used a mobile device during their home search in 2020. And that number is only going to increase in the coming years. If your website isn't responsive, you're making it more difficult for potential clients to find you and engage with your content. As a result, you could be missing out on leads and potential sales. Related: Email marketing that turns leads into clients

Reason #2 You Need to Update Your Real Estate Website for 2023: New Features Are Always Popping Up to Help Your Clients

As technology advances, new features and tools are always being developed that can help improve the user experience on your website. For example, if you're still using an old contact form on your website, you might want to consider upgrading to a live chat feature. Live chat is becoming increasingly popular because it allows potential clients to get in touch with you in real-time so they can ask questions and get the information they need right away. This can be a valuable tool for REALTORS® because it allows you to build rapport and establish trust with potential clients before they've even met you in person. Related: Drones, virtual staging and paid Instagram ads: The tech you need to make more money next year

Reason #3 You Need to Update Your Real Estate Website for 2023: You Don't Want to Be Left Behind When Others Update Their Sites

If you're not keeping up with the latest trends and best practices, it's only a matter of time before your website starts to look dated. And when potential clients see that your site isn't up-to-date, they might get the impression that you're not keeping up with the times. On the other hand, if you proactively update your site on a regular basis, you'll be able to stay ahead of the curve and show potential clients that you're always on the cutting edge. Related: Real estate blogging basics you need to nail down this year

Reason #4 You Need to Update Your Real Estate Website for 2023: Accessibility Matters

More and more people are using their phones to search for homes. But that's not the only reason accessibility matters. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in five Americans has a disability. That means that if your website isn't accessible to everyone, you could be missing out on a large portion of the population. You're also at risk of a lawsuit. When it comes to accessibility, there are a few things you'll need to consider, such as making sure your site can be navigated using a keyboard and that your content can be read by screen-reading software. If you're not sure where to start, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has a helpful guide that outlines the basics of web accessibility. Related: 7 hot tips for picking up new clients

Ready to Explore Your Career With Benchmark Realty, LLC?

If youre an agent whos ready to explore your options with a brokerage that has your back, discover Benchmark. Take a few moments to learn about our company and what we offer including:

• Three simple broker plans, all with 100 percent commission
• Cutting-edge marketing tools and consistent training, all free to you
• 24/7 access to any Benchmark office
• No franchise fees, no desk fees and no technology fees

When youre ready, apply to join the Benchmark family. With offices all over Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, Clarksville, Cool Springs, Murfreesboro and Hendersonville, theres a place for you to be better Be Benchmark. [gravityform id="12" title="true" description="true"]