Is a website necessary when you first start out?

Question

Hey Guys,

I have heard all the benefits of having a website, and will absolutly be creating one soon.  When you are starting out is one of the first steps creating a website? Or could I start putting up bandit signs and sending out yellow letters without having a website.  I see a lot of people say they have a website to attract sellers, is this necessary before your first deal? any opinions would be greatly appreciated as always.

Chad Bernstein · Answer

@Mike Nelson Hey Mike thanks for the response. I am defintly going to build one at some point, I just need to get out there and start doing. By the way your podcast on bigger pockets was one of my favorite episodes! thanks for the advice.

Chad Bernstein · Answer

Mehran K. Thanks for the blue print! that is pretty detailed step by step.  Your site looks great by the way, I like that you have deals you have done in the past.  Once I get a deal or two under my belt it will definitely be something I will do, thanks for the advice and the blue print. Best of luck in the future! Thanks guys for the help!

Alex Noiz · Answer

Agree with that you don't need a website. But having your personal or business website it's like a business card it lends you credence.

J. Martin · Answer

No problem.

One other reason I like having the website is because it's a bridge between the initial contact (in my case business cards, in yours a bandit sign?) and the phone call, which is a more pro-active decision. If someone's curious, they can check out the site, and that's where you drop the real value proposition. It's easy for them, quick sell, whatever value you best provide. In my case, allowing people to have a direct ongoing exposure to real estate and cash flow on a passive basis without having to understand the intricacies of the industry. I recommend it relative to the cost/effort IMHO. Good luck on the business and the site!

J. Martin · Answer

It will not HURT you. And you can get it done in a few hours!

I hear you. I was hesitating on ordering business cards for a different type of prospecting because I didn't have a website bought/created yet. It just felt like it was too much to do. Then one afternoon a few days ago, I decided I was just going to get it done. I went on godaddy.com. You can buy the domain name for .99 cents for the first year and .99/mo for the personal website builder, which has most of what you should need. And it's easy to make. They even have a RE template. If you already have hosting, there's no more cost. If you need hosting, it's $5/mo.

So in about a half an afternoon, I bought these services, made a website, and created and ordered business cards through VistaPrint (used before, although I'm sure there is cheaper out there..). I have also used GoDaddy in the past, and it's easy for me, but I'm sure there are other good options also. Don't let something so easy delay you or make your marketing less effective! IMHO.. Here's the one I made:

www.jtmreg.com

Good luck!

Mehran K. · Answer

I don't do any marketing as of yet, but I don't think it's "necessary". Aside from lead generation, it does give prospects a place for to check out, which would help with credibility.

Mike Nelson · Answer

Having a website is definitely not needed. If you do however decide to go that route, check out a blog post that I believe Josh created showing you how to create a very inexpensive one.