Private Appraisals and Websites

[Joe Flacco]

Nonsense. If your business does not show up above the fold on Google search (page one of search results), you're missing private work. All the appraisers that I know with strong web presence and the proper messaging get constant work. Also keep in mind that many people under 45 do online research first on a company they are considering doing business with before choosing to engage. A website and a real email address (not CoolApprasier@hotmail.com) is biz 101 for any serious small business.

Maybe one day if I have a office person answering the phones I will bring back a website. I'm not a fan of one off assignments tbh.

 

[alebrewer]

I'm not a fan of one off assignments tbh.

I think that's the rub. What type of model attracts you? I'd probably lean toward your thinking on this as well, but... one offs could turn into two offs, then four offs, etc.

 

[cpursley]

Maybe one day if I have a office person answering the phones I will bring back a website. I'm not a fan of one off assignments tbh.

Don't include your number. Have a step form that filters out the riff-raft with prequalifying questions and if they make it through, it goes to your email inbox and you can reach back if you find it worth your time.

 

[CGinMN]

I used to get $50-$70k/year in residential work from my website. It was mostly one-off clients who needed a lot of hand holding, but it also brought me many realtor and attorney relationships, and it helped lend credibility for people looking me up. I tried to keep it updated and put useful info on it. It's definitely an investment in both time and money. The best way to land assignments is to pick up the phone day and night. Most people looking online want to book now, so if you don't pick up the phone, they will move on to #2. Websites also depreciate, and you have to keep it up to date of you are in a competitive environment. If you don't, you could get knocked down and it will take a big income stream away overnight.

 

[cpursley]

Most people looking online want to book now, so if you don't pick up the phone,

Interesting. So maybe have a prequalifying filter step form and at the end, allow them to actually chose from your availability for inspection time? Or do you think they want to talk to you first a bit over the phone before deciding?

 

[CGinMN]

It's not only that they want to talk to me, it's that I want to talk to them. How can you book me online if we haven't talked about the intended use and property and agreed upon SOW and cost? Definitely setting up filters would cut through a lot of people looking for just a quick free appraisal. But I usually tried to upsell them too. I can convert a lot more potential customers by talking to them on the phone.

Also, ever try ordering a Pizza online and it takes 15 minutes when you could just pick up the phone and do it in 90 seconds? Some things are just better without all the technology. If I were to do it again, I'd keep a nice clean and simple website, encourage them to call, then put the effort into Google My Business and those kinds of off-site things.

 

[cpursley]

It's not only that they want to talk to me, it's that I want to talk to them. How can you book me online if we haven't talked about the intended use and property and agreed upon SOW and cost? Definitely setting up filters would cut through a lot of people looking for just a quick free appraisal. But I usually tried to upsell them too. I can convert a lot more potential customers by talking to them on the phone.

Also, ever try ordering a Pizza online and it takes 15 minutes when you could just pick up the phone and do it in 90 seconds? Some things are just better without all the technology. If I were to do it again, I'd keep a nice clean and simple website, encourage them to call, then put the effort into Google My Business and those kinds of off-site things.

Are you on any of the directories? Anyone have luck with those?

 

[CGinMN]

I never had any luck with directories. The advantage is to use the directory to link to your site, which give you domain authority and is one factor to increase your page rank on google.

 

[ZacharyWulf]

Since I got the new website up and running, I have actually gotten a few appraisals. Yes, some of the calls I get are a waste of time initially, as they are for commercial appraisals or chattel, but a few people have left google reviews for me helping them find someone else. I know I need to get out and network more with others in our industry and those who work with it too. I am making some recent strides with this.

I appreciate all comments though. Thank you all.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Find a state newsletter or magazine published for Trusts/Banks, Lawyers, and/or CPAs. Some have a classified ad section. Buy ads there with your website link. Say what you do - estate valuations, etc. (and I am presuming you know the different in gifting, DOD cost bump ups, etc.)