The internet has been responsible for making market access more convenient to consumers and web design is taking user experiences to a whole new level.
It is just no longer about visual appeal and creativity that makes websites more enticing, but the ability to convey transparency and trust becomes more challenging as consumers become more complex and demanding.
Therefore, for real estate websites to develop that trust, web designers are burdened with the task of ensuring that site visitors get more value out of their experience other than being able to find the answers that they need.
Honesty is the best policy
As a real estate agent, it is vital to understand the forces and behaviours that influence the market and consumers. With this idea in mind, real estate agencies are turning their attention to more straightforward and honest methods thus equipping web designers with the tools to promote transparency in their real estate websites.
How web designers can promote trust and build brands
In the new age real estate market, trust and transparency are two of the most important virtues that are ingrained in the minds of consumers.
A recent study has found that honesty in brands is more likely to catch the attention and appeal of consumers such as in terms of pricing, internal processes, and values, just to name a few which is what makes customers loyal to the brand.
Better yet, these consumers also actively advocate for the brand and promote it out of their own free will.
But how can brands leverage transparency?
It is important to carefully plan out what you need for your real estate website and how you can communicate your preferences with your web designer more effectively so you can get the best results.
Make sure to communicate your solution clearly
You must make your solution clear from the beginning. Do take note that 53% of consumers consider clarity as a foremost ideal of brand transparency.
Avoid beating around the bush and make sure that you communicate your solution message clearly and quickly.
When it comes to website design, making your call to action (CTA) button clear and visible is not a negotiable thing to do but something that must take priority above anything else.
Make client and customer reviews and feedback easily accessible
It is important for real estate websites to clearly and openly display client and customer reviews and feedback. While most brands often filter reviews to make their business look good, it may be misconstrued as a deceptive move whether intentional or not.
Another survey found that 59% of respondents consider openness as transparency, which is why real estate websites need to avoid using too much flattering brand images and become more openly honest with client prospects.
It would be a trustworthy gesture to allow and encourage clients to leave their reviews on the website or social media pages so that new prospects would be able to feel welcome and have visibility over client reviews for their consumption.
Make these reviews more accessible by developing widgets to display online reviews on the website.
Protect data by promoting data collection integrity and promote privacy
Data privacy has been a major market and consumer concern in recent years and companies have often resorted to circumventing GDPR with the cookie consent bar, which has become so prevalent and widely-adopted that it has caused visitors to ignore requests by simply shrugging it away.
Taking measures to disregard privacy policies can be counterproductive and dangerous to both brand or consumer appeal, which is why it is important to ensure that this is communicated to visitors and potential clients.
Do take note that 23% of those surveyed regard integrity as a vital part of transparency, which real estate websites need to consider just-in-time privacy notices that appear only when site visitors are ready to share their personal information and include a “do not sell my personal data” link usually located at the bottom of the webpage.
Honesty and transparency with pricing and other fees
Consumers often find it cumbersome and difficult when made to guess about how they spend their precious money, especially when faced with distractions and a variety of options, which could result in making them spend their money elsewhere.
Pricing accuracy and transparency is always a good path to take when designing your real estate website which is supported by 49% of consumers surveyed that honesty is a primary factor when considering transparency.
Make your connection by banking on trust and transparency
If you expect to make a more and better client and prospect connections, it is always vital to find out what the market and consumer behaviours are. While there are a lot of enticing options, people always go back to making their decisions based on their preferences and they have spoken through the surveys.
It is more than just attractive and catchy images for real estate websites, it is more about building that trust and transparency with people that will make your real estate website get the traction and mileage it deserves.