So you’ve finally decided to take the digital plunge and invest in a website. But, there’s only one problem—you don’t know where to start. Choosing that perfect web designer/developer can become quite the tedious task for some. You not only want someone who can meet your needs and understands your property and goals, but also offers a pleasant work experience as well. As you scour the web for your next mystery designer, it becomes important to arm yourself with adequate information so that you save both time and money in the long run.
Here are some things you should look for when choosing your next potential web designer/developer:
Cost
Websites aren’t one size fit all, and costs vary depending on your requirements. While price is always important when it comes to web design, it should not be your only driver when selecting your candidate. The main purpose of your site is to ultimately sign leases and, of course, make money. You know the old saying, “you have to spend money to make money?” The same holds true for your website. A properly designed, SEO equipped apartment site can range from as low as $3,000 to an upwards of $15,000, depending on your site’s capabilities. You’ll also want to ensure there are no hidden costs within the contract. This can be avoided by clearly communicating your project needs upfront and diligently reviewing the contract terms. Added bonuses are money-back guarantees.
Maintenance
Keep in mind that websites aren’t just a one-time investment. They require time, attention and money over time. And they must be updated constantly so that they remain up-to-date for your prospective renters. Not to mention, as software evolves and becomes outdated, you’ll need to have someone who will be able to upgrade your site. It is important to know exactly what maintenance your website will need in near and long term future. Determine in advance if your designer is willing to provide updates to your site, and, if so, at what cost. Knowing these ongoing expenses up front will help you determine how to best budget for your site and if it may be more economical for you to learn how to perform some of the maintenance yourself.
SEO
What’s the point of having this beautifully designed website if your audience can’t find it? Nowadays SEO is not only beneficial for traffic, but is becoming the standard in web development. Ensure your prospective designer/developer is well versed in SEO and social media and is able to seamlessly integrate these elements into your new site so that your prospects can find you first.
Design
The style of your website is important, and you want to make sure that your web developer or designer maintains a clear grasp of the apartment industry and can translate this through his portfolio or mock-ups. Be cognizant of things like layout, style, themes, fonts and colors, as your site will have to offer the perfect mix between easy navigation and an eye-catching , modern and clean style. Also, if you’ll want added features like click to call, contact forms or online rent payment/maintenance capabilities, you’ll want to ensure your candidate has experience incorporating these online elements as well.
Rest Easy with Rentbot.
What if I told you that Rentbot takes all the hassle out of your search by doing all the heavy work for you. We’ll connect you with an account manager who will take the time to talk through your website needs and goals. In a matter of days, you’ll be presented with a professional, mobile friendly, SEO optimized website with HD photos and floorplans. Web maintenance? No problem! We design each of our sites so that you can update any and all information you like in a matter of seconds. And with online rent payments, applications and real time unit availability, we’ll help you secure more leads—guaranteed. Give Rentbot a try today—your first 30 days are free!
About the Author
Jonsette Calloway joined the Rentbot team in 2015. With a background in public relations, advertising and copywriting, she has helped a multitude of clients achieve their marketing and communications goals within various fields, but she particularly enjoys working with the apartment industry.