Are you getting the most from Vebra on your property website?
Author: Ben Jeffery
The best way to list Vebra properties on your website is using their "API" service so that buyers stay on your website. If your property links start with "www.vebra.com" then you're not getting the most from the service. And if you're entering your properties twice - once in Vebra and then again on your website - you're wasting time.
What is Vebra API?
An API is a 'raw' data feed containing basic information about records such as properties, for example the price, location, and links to images and documents. By connecting to an API feed, your website can extract the latest property information and present it on your website in whichever format you choose.
In Vebra's case, this means any updates that you make in Vebra will be reflected on your website, so it will be up to date with new listings, revised offer prices, or a property being sold. And your properties will be shown at www.yourwebsite.com/property1 rather than www.vebra.com/property1.
You can decide which properties are shown, what attributes of a property are displayed, and the design of your property listings. Everything is under your control.
Appear higher on Google
Because each property now represents a page on your website, Google and the other search engines will see that you have more pages of highly relevant content. You could even create further pages based on groups of similar properties, for example a page with all your detached houses, all properties in a certain area, or all houses under £200k.
This will give a general boost to your website's search engine rankings, and also makes it more likely that someone will see your website when they search for something specific.
Bespoke property search
An API feed gives you complete flexibility in how you list your properties. This means you can create your own search tool to make it easy for buyers. Include a quick search on the home page that lets buyers get straight to the results, an advanced search with more options, or even a set of tick boxes that allow buyers to filter their results.
Promote key properties
By keeping control of the property details on your website, you can display certain properties in different ways. Options include listing the latest properties on your home page, or highlighting a property of the week. You have complete flexibility on which properties to display, which attributes to include, and where to show them.
Get more exposure for your sellers
Make use of existing web tools to give your properties a wider audience. Add social media share links and 'email to a friend' options to encourage people to tell others about your property. Or let buyers log in to save their favourite properties and search preferences so they'll come back later.
Stay in your buyers' minds
Keep buyers on your website longer so they're more likely to remember your name, read about your unique benefits, and learn about other services you offer. They are also more likely to take the actions you want, such as registering for your mailing list or calling for an appointment.
Save time
All of these benefits come without any additional time for your staff. If you're already listing your properties on both Vebra and your website separately, you'll instantly halve the time spent maintaining your properties online. If you're already using Vebra, the API service lists everything on your website with no extra effort.
What does the Vebra API service cost?
You'll need a web development company to develop your website and link with the Vebra API system, so they will normally charge a one-off fee. At the time of writing, Vebra charges a one-off set-up fee of £100 plus a yearly support fee of £128 per branch to add the API service to your account.
At Bluelinemedia we've provided the Vebra API service as part of a new website for Carver Knowles in Cheltenham, including a responsive design that automatically adjusts for mobile phones and tablets, and our bespoke content management system.
Want to find out more? Call 01242 244620 or contact us today.