Learn what you need to do as a real estate agent website with IDX to win the clients you love. Can you compete against real estate portals and win? Yes.
Maximizing Your Real Estate Business with an IDX-Enabled Agent Website
When it comes to being a successful real estate agent, having a website with IDX is an absolute must. With so much competition in the industry, it’s crucial to have a professional online presence that showcases your expertise and listings.
An IDX website allows you to display all of the properties available for sale in your area, making it easier for potential clients to find their dream house.
Not only do real estate agent websites with IDX provide a comprehensive listing of properties, but it also allows you to capture leads and grow your client base.
By providing visitors with the ability to search for properties based on specific criteria, such as location, price range, and number of bedrooms, you can attract potential clients who are actively looking to buy or sell.
Additionally, an IDX website can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable and trustworthy real estate agent, as it allows you to provide valuable information about the local market and the buying/selling process.
What is IDX?
If you’re a real estate agent, you’ve probably heard the term “IDX” thrown around quite a bit. But what exactly is IDX, and why is it important for your website?
In short, IDX stands for Internet Data Exchange. It’s a system that allows real estate agents to display up-to-date MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listings on their own websites. Essentially, IDX enables you to provide your website visitors with access to the same listings that are available on the MLS.
Here are a few key things to know about IDX:
- IDX is a service provided by your local MLS. In order to use IDX on your website, you’ll need to sign up for an IDX feed through your MLS.
- IDX feeds can be customized to suit your needs. You can choose which types of listings to display (e.g. residential, commercial, rentals, etc.), set up search filters, and even create saved searches for your clients.
- With IDX, you can display MLS listings on your website in a variety of formats. For example, you can show listings in a grid view, a map view, or a list view.
- IDX is a powerful tool for lead generation. By providing your website visitors with access to MLS listings, you can attract more traffic to your site and capture more leads.
Overall, IDX is an essential component of any real estate agent’s website. It allows you to provide your clients with up-to-date listings, attract more traffic to your site, and generate more leads.
Why Do Real Estate Agents Need IDX?
If you are a real estate agent, having an IDX (Internet Data Exchange) on your website is crucial.
Here are some reasons why you need a great real estate agent website with IDX:
Access to MLS Listings
MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listings are the lifeblood of any real estate agent. IDX allows you to display these listings directly on your website, giving your clients access to up-to-date information on available properties. This not only saves time for both you and your clients, but it also establishes your website as a go-to resource for real estate information.
Interactive Map Search
An interactive map search is a powerful tool that allows your clients to search for properties based on location. With IDX, you can integrate this feature into your website, making it easy for your clients to find properties in their desired areas. This feature is especially useful for clients who are unfamiliar with the area they are interested in.
Lead Capture Forms
Lead capture forms are an essential tool for any real estate agent. These forms allow you to collect contact information from potential clients who are interested in your services. With IDX, you can integrate lead capture forms directly into your website, making it easy for clients to get in touch with you.
I use Gravity Forms for all of the websites I build for agents. As an agent, this is the best forms of software product I could find. And it works with contact management softwares like FollowUpBoss.com
Lead Generation: Leads, Leads, Leads
IDX not only makes it easier for clients to find properties, but it also helps you generate leads. By offering valuable information and resources on your website, such as MLS listings and interactive map search, you are establishing yourself as an authority in the real estate industry. This can lead to increased traffic to your website and more potential clients.
I’ve used about 6 different IDX systems over my 23 years online and 30 years in real estate.
- Read about why I switched to Showcase IDX from ihomefinder. Then, let’s talk about your situation.
Search Engine Optimization
Having an IDX on your website can also improve your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. By displaying MLS listings and offering an interactive map search, you are providing valuable content that search engines can index. This can help improve your website’s visibility in search results, making it easier for potential clients to find you.
In summary, having an IDX on your real estate agent website is essential. It not only provides your clients with valuable information and resources, but it also helps you generate leads and improve your SEO efforts.
A lot of developers for real estate agent websites with IDX in WordPress, recommend Yoast SEO. I used to use the Yoast SEO plugin for about 15 websites I was running for my real estate team.
But, I didn’t really see any SEO benefit to the plugin. What is doing for me I thought? And the license fees are ridiculous.
Rank Math SEO Appears on the Scene for WordPress
I was looking for a way to optimize my pages and blog posts…and found Rank Math SEO. I added to my website empire…and applied the simple things it recommended to everything I wrote.
Bam…my traffic developed.
And the best part, Rank Math SEO was $59.00 for unlimited websites. As to Yoast SEO that was $99 per year per website. Rank Math has a built-in Content Ai that was working before Chat GPT got launched.
How to Choose an IDX Provider?
When choosing an IDX provider for your real estate agent website, there are several factors to consider.
Here are some key points to keep in mind as you make your decision:
1. Integration with Your Website Platform
It’s important to choose an IDX provider that seamlessly integrates with your website platform. If you’re using a popular platform like WordPress, make sure the provider offers a plugin or other integration option that works well with your site.
2. Property Listings and Search Capabilities
The main purpose of an IDX provider is to display property listings on your website. Look for a provider that offers a wide range of listings and search capabilities, including the ability to search by location, price range, and property type.
3. Lead Generation and Management
One of the biggest benefits of using an IDX provider is the ability to generate leads from your website visitors. Look for a provider that offers lead capture forms and tools for managing and nurturing those leads.
4. Customization Options
Your real estate agent website is an important part of your brand, so it’s important to choose an IDX provider that allows for customization. Look for providers that offer options for customizing the look and feel of your property listings pages and search results.
5. Customer Support and Training
Finally, make sure the IDX provider you choose offers good customer support and training. Look for providers that offer resources like video tutorials, documentation, and a responsive support team to help you get the most out of their platform.
Some popular Real Estate Agent Websites with IDX providers:
- Showcase IDX, (in WordPress)
- iHomefinder, (in WordPress; does have a real estate website with idx and CRM)
- Idx Broker (in WordPress)
- Real Geeks, (not in WordPress; does have a real estate website with IDX and contact management system)
- ProAgent Websites (not in WordPress; has a CRM with IDX)
- Placester,
- Diverse Solutions, and
- Sierra Interactive. ( not in WordPress but has a CRM with their IDX program)
- Research each provider carefully to find the one that best meets your needs and budget.
What Features Should You Look for in an IDX Provider?
When choosing an IDX provider for your real estate website, there are several features that you should look for to ensure that your website is user-friendly, informative, and attractive to potential clients. Here are some of the most important features to consider:
Search Functionality
The search functionality of your IDX provider should be easy to use and customizable. It should allow users to search for properties based on a variety of criteria, including location, price, property type, and more. The search results should be accurate and up-to-date, and they should include detailed property information and high-quality photos.
Map Search
An interactive map search is a valuable feature that allows users to search for properties based on their location. This feature is especially useful for clients who are unfamiliar with the area and want to explore different neighborhoods. The map should be easy to navigate and should allow users to zoom in and out to see more or less detail.
Lead Capture Forms
Lead capture forms are an essential feature for any real estate website. They allow you to collect contact information from potential clients and follow up with them later. Your IDX provider should offer customizable lead capture forms that are easy to use and integrate seamlessly with your website.
Responsive Website Design
A responsive website design is essential for ensuring that your website looks great on all devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Your IDX provider should offer a responsive website design that is easy to customize and optimized for search engines.
Social Media Integration
Social media integration is a valuable feature that allows you to connect with potential clients on popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Your IDX provider should offer social media integration that is easy to set up and use.
Blog Integration
A blog is a valuable tool for providing informative and engaging content to your website visitors. Your IDX provider should offer blog integration that is easy to set up and use, and that allows you to publish blog posts directly to your website.
Support and Updates
Finally, your IDX provider should offer excellent support and regular updates to ensure that your website is always up-to-date and functioning properly. Look for an IDX provider that offers responsive customer support, regular software updates, and a user-friendly interface.
In summary, when choosing an IDX provider for your real estate website, look for a provider that offers search functionality, map search, lead capture forms, responsive website design, social media integration, blog integration, and excellent support and updates.
By choosing the right IDX provider, you can create a website that is informative, user-friendly, and attractive to potential clients.
How to Set Up an IDX on Your Real Estate Website?
If you’re a real estate agent looking to improve your online presence, setting up an IDX on your website is a great way to do so. IDX, or Internet Data Exchange, is a system that allows you to display MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listings on your website. Here’s how you can set up an IDX on your real estate website:
Choosing a Domain Name
Before you can set up an IDX on your website, you need to have a domain name. If you haven’t already registered a domain name, you can do so through a domain registrar such as GoDaddy or Namecheap. When choosing a domain name, make sure it’s easy to remember and relevant to your business.
Use a City Name or Neighborhood Name in the domain name. Do not use your name in the domain name.
Think about the online searcher for real estate information. If your domain name says TempeRealEstate.com and they are moving to Arizona, then the visitor is more likely to click on your website.
Selecting a WordPress Theme
Next, you’ll need to select a WordPress theme for your website. There are many real estate-specific themes available that are designed to work with IDX. Some popular options include AgentPress Pro, Real Homes, Astra, and Mai Pro Themes.
Setting Up Your IDX Account
To set up your IDX account, you’ll need to find an IDX provider that works with your MLS. Some popular IDX providers include IDX Broker, Diverse Solutions, and iHomefinder. You’ll need to pay a setup fee and a monthly fee to use their services. Many providers offer a free trial so you can test their service before committing.
Configuring IDX Settings
Once you’ve set up your IDX account, you’ll need to configure the settings to display the MLS listings on your website. This may involve adding a plugin to your WordPress site, entering your MLS credentials, and configuring the search options. Your IDX provider should provide detailed instructions on how to do this.
Customizing Your IDX Pages
Finally, you’ll want to customize the look and feel of your IDX pages to match your brand. This may involve creating landing pages for specific neighborhoods or property types, adding videos to your listings, and updating your IDX pages with new listings as they become available.
By following these steps, you can set up an IDX on your real estate website and provide your clients with a comprehensive search experience.
Hire “SEO Real Estate Wagon” To Build Your Website
If you are a real estate agent, having a website with IDX integration is crucial to your success. However, simply having a website is not enough. You need a website that is optimized for search engines so that potential clients can find you easily. This is where SEO Real Estate Wagon comes in.
When you hire SEO Real Estate Wagon to build your website, you can be confident that your website will be optimized for search engines. This means that your website could appear higher in search engine results when someone searches for a real estate agent in your area.
Not only will SEO Real Estate Wagon optimize your website for search engines, but they will also ensure that your website is user-friendly and visually appealing. They will work with you to create a website that reflects your brand and showcases your listings in the best possible way.
And, teach you how to create content for yourself to educate your website visitors to take action with you.
Plus, we provide helpful videos from top internet market people that will help your website to become the Top Authority online in your area…if you follow their wisdom.
In addition to building your website, SEO Real Estate Wagon can also provide ongoing SEO services to ensure that your website continues to rank well in search engine results. This includes keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building.
Take Control of Your Online Future
Overall, hiring SEO Real Estate Wagon to build and optimize your website is a smart investment for any real estate agent. With their expertise in SEO and web design, you can be confident that your website will help you attract more clients and grow your business.
Real Estate Agent Websites Examples
Long Beach Real Estate for Sale
Newport Beach Real Estate Cafe
Whittier Real Estate for Sale (in development; coming soon; they are leaving Real Geeks for Showcase IDX and a website by us. Plus, they are going to use Follow Up Boss to manage clients and new leads.)
Read our Frequently Asked Questions for real estate agent websites with IDX
