Website

[Carey Edmund]

Hello BP!

Does it make sense to pay to have a website built for the flipping side of my investing company? I am buying my first flip next month and wasn't sure if it added credibility to the process. If so, should I have it built or build it myself? Any recommendations regardless of building it myself  or having it built?

Thanks

[Todd Heitner]

If a website looks professional, it can add a lot of credibility.  These days, people expect a legitimate business to have a website.  But a website that's obviously a do-it-yourself job can undermine credibility since it makes you look either cheap or broke, neither of which makes a good impression.

A professional-looking site gives the impression that you're actually in business and are not some sort of fly-by-night scam.  If you took the time and expense to set up a nice site, you're more likely to still be around down the road.

On the other hand, someone with no website is harder to track down, easier to disappear.  So it's a way of telling prospects you're serious about what you're doing and treating it as a business.

Credibility is especially important with motivated sellers.  Other types of leads you may be able to get away without a site initially, though it can really help to have one because you can put people on an e-mail mailing list and send them all an e-mail when you have new properties available.

If you have a website that represents you well and makes a good impression, tell people to go there.  Sometimes someone who is reluctant to give information may be more comfortable with you after seeing your site.