Condo Blog & Supporting Condo Websites

All condo building websites I’ve built so far are in downtown Seattle, and have been built with the intent to increase overall exposure for a downtown Seattle Realtor®.  In addition to some slight image branding (favicon and backlinks) for an overall increase in exposure, the sites generate several dozen additional visitors weekly.

Google Analytics (Site Tracking for Multiple Domains)

Each site integrates the use of IDX, which displays MLS data that is relevant to each condo building.  IDX of course is a separate technology, and do have a few personal favorites when it comes to providers, along with a few least favorites.  My most important needs when it comes to integrating IDX into a site is the ability to create/save custom searches and that there be a schedule a showing type button which leads visitors to filling out a form–not an email link.  Email links only frustrate visitors, especially those using web based email accounts such as Yahoo!, Hotmail, etc.

IDX Integration with Custom Styling from IDXNW.com

Another page I design on these sites that I find valuable is a page dedicated to the building’s amenities.  Although I display amenity images differently on different sites, I’ve found the best way to present amenity images is by using the NextGen plugin.  There’s plenty of different photo gallery plugins available for Wordpress, but NextGen seems to work the most favorably without any bugs.

NextGen Photo Gallery Wordpress Plugin

WalkScore™ is also a great tool for highlighting the neighborhood without having to spend a bunch of time adding content.  By simply creating a “real estate tile” from their website, you have a content rich page with a score on walkability that lists restaurants, schools, parks, and more within a Google map.

WalkScore Real Estate Tile

Also, when creating a site for a much more specific niche, search engine placement is much more attainable.  Many of these sites place at the top, and therefore result into multiple impressions for 1 search when combined with a parent site.

Here are just a few made with StudioPress themes:

Black Canvas Theme	Chrome Theme
Cristalla	1521 Second
Tubular Theme	Corporate Theme
The Vine	The Parc Belltown