In the competitive world of commercial real estate (CRE), a powerful online presence is crucial. However, many CRE websites fall short of their potential, missing key opportunities to engage visitors and convert them into clients. At FocusedCRE, we specialize in creating the best commercial real estate websites that stand out in the crowded market. Let's explore the common pitfalls, benefits of updates, and expert tips to elevate your CRE website.

7 Common Problems in CRE Websites

1. Outdated Information

A stale commercial real estate website is a turn-off for potential clients. Outdated listings and irrelevant content can undermine credibility and trust. Regularly updating your website ensures that the information remains accurate and relevant, reflecting the latest offerings and market conditions. This not only helps in maintaining your website's relevance but also positions your company as a reliable source of information. In fact, according to a 2023 study by HubSpot, 88% of online consumers are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience.

2. Poor Mobile Responsiveness

With the rise of mobile browsing, a CRE website must look good and function well on all devices. A non-responsive design can lead to lost leads as users may find it difficult to navigate or access information on their mobile devices. Given that a significant percentage of web traffic comes from mobile users, it's critical to ensure your site is mobile-friendly. As of January 2024, mobile devices (excluding tablets) accounted for approximately 60.67% of all web traffic worldwide. This marks a significant increase from previous years, reflecting a broader shift in how users access the internet.

3. Slow Loading Times

Speed is critical in retaining visitor interest. Visitors expect quick access to information, and delays can cause them to leave your site for a faster option. Slow loading times can negatively impact user experience and your site's search engine rankings. Investing in optimized images, streamlined code, and fast hosting can significantly improve load times.

4. Unclear Navigation

Confusing menus and a lack of clear calls to action can frustrate visitors, making it hard for them to find the information they need. Effective navigation is intuitive and guides visitors through your site, helping them easily access the services or information they seek. This can significantly enhance user satisfaction and increase the likelihood of conversion.

5. Lack of SEO Optimization

Without proper SEO, even the best-designed commercial property websites can remain hidden from search engines. It's essential to use the right keywords, meta tags, and structured data to optimize content. This helps in improving your website's visibility on search engines, attracting more organic traffic. SEO is a continuous process that requires regular updates and adjustments to stay ahead of the competition.

6. Poor Visual Appeal

An aesthetically pleasing website with high-quality images and professional design elements can significantly impact first impressions. Visual appeal can set the tone for your brand and influence how visitors perceive your business. Investing in professional photography and design can make a substantial difference in engagement and credibility. Notably, a 2023 report from Real Estate Webmasters indicated that listings with professional photos receive 118% more views than those without.

7. No Integration with CRM Systems 

Effective CRM integration helps in managing leads and maintaining client relationships, a crucial aspect often overlooked. Integrating your commercial real estate website with a CRM system allows for better data management, personalized communication, and improved follow-ups. This integration can streamline processes and enhance overall business efficiency.

For more on the in-depth common problems of CRE websites, click here.

3 Benefits of Setting the Date for a Website Update

Regular updates keep your website relevant and functional. Setting a date for updates ensures that your site evolves with changing trends and technologies. This proactive approach can prevent many common issues, such as outdated content and security vulnerabilities.

1. Enhanced Security 

   Regular updates address security flaws, protecting your site from cyber threats. With increasing cyber-attacks, maintaining updated software and plugins is essential to safeguard sensitive data.

2. Improved User Experience 

   Updates often bring new features and improvements that enhance user experience, making navigation easier and more intuitive. A well-maintained website ensures that users have access to the latest tools and features, improving their overall interaction with your brand.

3. Boost in Search Engine Rankings 

   Fresh content and updated SEO practices can improve your website's visibility on search engines. Regular updates signal to search engines that your site is active and relevant, which can help in achieving better rankings. Notably, a report from Search Engine Journal in 2023 highlighted that websites that are updated regularly tend to have a 30% higher ranking in search results compared to those that are rarely updated

For an in-depth look at the benefits of regular updates, visit our most recent blog post here.

3 Do’s and 3 Don’ts of CRE Website

Do’s:

1.    Invest in Quality Design:

A professional look builds trust with visitors and reflects the professionalism of your brand.

2.    Optimize for Mobile:

Ensure your site is accessible on all devices to cater to a broader audience.

3.    Use Clear Calls to Action:

Guide visitors towards desired actions, such as contacting you or viewing properties, to enhance conversion rates.

Don’ts:

1.    Neglect SEO:

Without optimization, your site will struggle to attract organic traffic, limiting your reach and visibility.

2.    Ignore User Experience:

Complicated navigation and slow load times can drive users away, impacting engagement and conversions.

3.    Overlook Content Quality:

High-quality, relevant content is key to engaging and retaining visitors. Ensure your content is well-written, informative, and regularly updated.

For more on the best practices and pitfalls in CRE website management, read our latest blog post here.

3 Tips for building a CRE Website

Creating the best site for commercial property involves understanding your audience and their needs. Here are some tips to enhance your commercial real estate web design:

1.    Highlight Key Listings:

Make your most important properties easy to find. Featuring key listings prominently can draw more interest and inquiries.

2.    Include Detailed Information:

Provide comprehensive details about each property, including location, amenities, and pricing. Detailed listings help potential clients make informed decisions and can set your site apart from competitors.

3.    Use Professional Photography:

High-quality images make a significant difference in showcasing properties. Professional photos can capture the best features of a property, making it more appealing to prospective buyers or tenants.

Explore more detailed tips for building an outstanding commercial real estate website design in our latest blog post here.

3 Revamping Tips for CRE Website

A CRE website revamp can breathe new life into your online presence. Here are 3 tips to consider:

1.    Audit Your Current Site:

Identify areas for improvement, such as outdated design elements or poor content. Conducting a thorough audit helps in understanding what works and what needs change.

2.    Incorporate Modern Design Trends:

Stay current with design trends to keep your site looking fresh and appealing. Modern design elements can enhance user experience and make your site more attractive to visitors.

3.    Improve Functionality:

Ensure your site is fast, secure, and easy to navigate. Enhancing functionality can improve user satisfaction and reduce bounce rates. For instance, a study by Adobe in 2023 revealed that 38% of people will stop engaging with a commercial real estate website if the content or layout is unattractive. This underscores the importance of modernizing and optimizing your website.

For comprehensive advice on revamping your CRE website, read our most recent blog post here.

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By addressing these areas, you can create a more engaging and effective commercial real estate website. At FocusedCRE, we are a leading commercial real estate website design company, offering comprehensive services to ensure your online presence is as impressive as your portfolio. Contact us today to discover how we can transform your CRE web design into a powerful marketing tool.