Are you ready to create a commercial real estate website that leaves a lasting impression? We've got you covered! We have been creating and updating websites for our clients for almost 5-years now. In my opinion, our strongest asset is understanding what an engaging and streamlined brokerage website should look like.

Claudia Hess, our esteemed Director of Web Design, understands the essential elements of success, “I've discovered that focusing on the user, creating visually captivating property showcases, and delivering a seamless experience leads to websites that truly wow and turn visitors into loyal clients."

With that being said we've compiled a list of crucial do's and don'ts tailored specifically for designing a memorable CRE website.

Do: Focus on User Experience (UX)

In this digital age, user experience (UX) is the name of the game when it comes to a successful commercial real estate website. Your website should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and visually appealing to captivate potential clients. Streamlining the navigation menu and presenting property listings clearly and concisely will help users find the information they need effortlessly. And don't forget the power of high-quality images and videos! They can provide a visually immersive experience that allows visitors to envision themselves in the spaces and generates genuine interest.

With the rise in mobile device usage, optimizing your website for mobile responsiveness is crucial. Making sure your site is mobile-friendly and easily accessible on smartphones and tablets will cater to the growing number of users who rely on their mobile devices for browsing and property searches. And let's not forget about loading speeds! Prioritize a fast and seamless experience to prevent users from becoming frustrated and leaving your site. Keeping visitors engaged and interested is key, so make sure their experience is smooth and efficient.

Don't: Overcomplicate the Design

When it comes to designing your commercial real estate website, simplicity is your best friend. While it's important to make your website visually appealing, don't go overboard and overcomplicate things. A cluttered layout, excessive graphics, or too many colors can overwhelm visitors and distract them from your core message.

Instead, aim for a clean and professional design that reflects your brand identity. Keep the layout organized and intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate and find the information they're looking for. Effective use of whitespace can enhance readability and draw attention to key elements like property listings and calls to action.

Do: Showcase Your Properties

One of the most exciting aspects of a commercial real estate website is the opportunity to showcase your properties in all their glory. Your website should serve as a visual platform where potential clients can explore and fully understand the properties you have to offer.

To achieve this, use high-resolution images that truly capture the essence of each property. Consider incorporating virtual tours or videos that allow visitors to virtually walk through the spaces and experience them firsthand. This immersive experience will greatly enhance their engagement and pique their interest. You should consider building a custom property database vs. a 3rd party API like Buildout, LoopNet, etc. Building a custom property database allows you to showcase your listings within your brand and show as much or as little as you would like on that individual property page. We have the ability to link marketing materials like OMs, Photos, Floor Plans, Virtual Tours and more. Most importantly, doing this keeps people ON your website vs. navigating them away to another website.

Don't: Neglect SEO Optimization

When it comes to your commercial real estate website, ignoring SEO optimization can have serious consequences for your online visibility and lead generation. In today's digital landscape, where search engines play a critical role in connecting businesses with potential clients, prioritizing SEO strategies is essential to ensure your website ranks high in search engine results.

Start by conducting thorough keyword research to identify relevant terms and phrases that your target audience is using when searching for commercial real estate services. Strategically incorporate these keywords throughout your website, including in page titles, headings, meta descriptions, and within the content itself. By optimizing your website's content for search engines, you increase the chances of your website appearing prominently in search results, making it more likely to attract organic traffic. Check out FocusedCRE’s SEO Essentials here: https://focusedcre.com/website-development/

Do: Include Strong Calls-to-Action (CTAs)

A well-crafted call-to-action (CTA) is a powerful tool for driving visitor engagement and conversions on your commercial real estate website. It serves as a clear directive, guiding visitors towards the desired actions you want them to take. To effectively incorporate CTAs into your website, start by defining your objectives and desired user actions. Whether you want visitors to schedule a consultation, request a property tour, or subscribe to your newsletter, make these actions crystal clear and prominent throughout your website.

Remember to design visually appealing CTAs that stand out from the rest of the page. Use contrasting colors, bold typography, or engaging graphics to draw attention. And for an extra touch of interactivity and urgency, consider using interactive elements like hover effects or animated buttons.

Designing an effective commercial real estate website requires careful attention to user experience, simplicity, property showcasing, SEO optimization, and strategic call-to-actions. By following these do's and don'ts, you'll be well-equipped to create a website that captivates visitors, establishes your brand, and drives conversions. Remember, your website is a powerful marketing tool, and investing in thoughtful design will contribute to the success and growth of your commercial real estate business. So, let's get started and make your website shine!