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Setting Up Your IDX Real Estate Plugin on WordPress
Introduction
A real estate website requires particular elements not typically included in ready-made websites; nevertheless, you shouldn’t worry because we’ve got you covered in this regard.
This article will provide information on how you can quickly and effectively establish an IDX real estate website utilizing WordPress.
Why Is IDX So Important for Websites Dedicated to Real Estate?
Real estate websites use IDX to display property listings with current information retrieved directly from MLS. IDX enables you to exhibit a diverse selection of available homes, which helps your company create more leads.
How to Make a Website Using the IDX Real Estate Feed?
In most cases, to have an IDX real estate website built for you, you will need to pay a developer to do the work for you, which can cost several thousand dollars.
Following the simple steps can save you thousands of dollars and set up your own website using the WordPress IDX plugin. In contrast, if you are new to developing a website, it is highly recommended to hire a professional.
But before we get to that, you will need the following things to get started.
- A domain name
- A web hosting account (which will serve as the repository for all of your website’s files)
- A template for use in real estate websites.
- A plugin for WordPress that supports IDX.
How to Get Started with Your Online Real Estate Presence
To begin, you must select the right platform for your website. WordPress is the world’s most widely used website builder, and tens of thousands of real estate websites are built using it.
When we talk about WordPress, we’re talking about the WordPress.org software, not WordPress.com. The names of these two things are often confusing to people starting out. You can search google and compare WordPress.com with WordPress.org for a side-by-side look at the two platforms.
It is highly recommended that you use self-hosted WordPress.org because it provides access to all the WordPress capabilities.
To begin using WordPress, you first need to register a domain name and sign up for a hosting account with WordPress.com.
The annual cost of domain registration is typically $14.99, while the monthly cost of website hosting is often $7.99.
This is a lot for people who operate small businesses and are just getting started.
Choose a WordPress Theme Dedicated to the Real Estate Industry
The nicest part about using WordPress is that it allows you access to thousands of pre-made layouts, which are referred to as WordPress themes. Nevertheless, the requirements for a website that focuses on real estate are distinct from those of a traditional commercial enterprise.
You are in luck because WordPress offers a wide variety of stunning themes that may be used to create a website specializing in real estate.
Here are some suggestions for selecting a theme for your real estate website.
- Design with simplicity in mind.
- Remember that many of the pictures used in theme demonstrations are not included. They must be swapped out with your own.
- Verify that the theme functions on all screen sizes and gadgets.
- Look for IDX/MLS integration and IDX plugin-compatible themes.
- Check for performance and theme feedback.
You can now install the real estate theme you’ve chosen for your website.
Select an IDX plugin for WordPress
There are numerous WordPress IDX plugins available. You must be very careful while selecting the plugin that is compatible with your MLS provider.
Upon activation, your WordPress admin bar will gain a new menu item with the label “IDX.” You may access the plugin’s settings page by clicking on it.
Input your activation key is required. This information can be found on the plugin’s website or in the email you receive upon registration.
The plugin provides numerous options to add MLS content to your website after activation. You can access fictitious MLS listings if you are using the plugin’s demo version. Paid users can choose the MLS supplier via the plugin’s website.
You can now begin adding MLS content once you have added your MLS provider. Using the IDX widgets is the simplest method to go about doing this.
You may add a variety of IDX widgets to your website by going to the Appearance ยป Widgets page. This includes widgets for IDX single listing, IDX area, IDX search, and IDX listings.
MLS content may also be added to WordPress posts or pages. All you need to do is start a new post or page to see the IDX listings button in the Visual Editor.
By going to the IDX Pages page and selecting “Add New,” you can also create the material from your MLS listings.
Except for showing your MLS listings, IDX Pages function exactly like standard WordPress pages. You can use the IDX Data Filters section at the bottom of the page to select what should be displayed.
Advertise your real estate website on various channels
Thanks to WordPress real estate theme and IDX plugin, you have a wide range of possibilities to produce material that is targeted for search engines.
For instance, you can construct separate pages for their listings if you want to focus on a certain city, neighborhood, or housing complex.
In addition to showing the listings, you can further optimize that page by including helpful details about that region.
You would then need to master some fundamental WordPress SEO techniques. You may follow our comprehensive WordPress SEO guide, which includes step-by-step instructions for beginners.
Lead Generation for Your Real Estate Website
Did you know that over 75 percent of website visitors will never return? Because of the sheer size of the internet and the daily addition of new websites, the situation is not your fault.
You need to get their contact information rather than letting those potential customers leave.
To get this information, you must promote your website on social media and on Google for lead generation. You can take the help of the best experts in generating leads for your business.
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