news & marketing tips — January 6, 2006

Get your XSite noticed sooner with Google Sitemaps

If you're like many website owners, you're constantly making changes and updating the pages of your site so search engines index them — thereby allowing you to generate more traffic. The problem is most search engines keep methods of indexing web pages a secret, so you don't always know how or when anyone will find them or the changes you've made.

Until now.

We've integrated Agent XSites with the mother of all search engines — Google.com — allowing your XSite's pages to be indexed more efficiently and quickly.

How it works
With Google Sitemaps we've created a direct link between your XSite and Google's servers. Once you activate this feature, it automatically keeps Google informed of all your web pages and when you make changes to these pages, thereby improving your coverage when Google's search engine spider (or "Googlebot" as Google calls it) crawls your site.  And, when you activate the Sitemaps feature, Google will also send you detailed reports to learn more about how Google directs traffic to your XSite and how the Googlebot sees your pages.

To activate the Google Sitemaps feature, go to your XSite wizard, click "Search Engine Tools" in the toolbar, and follow the on-screen instructions.

How your XSite connects with Generation X

Generation X — those born roughly between 1965 and 1979 — have become the most prominent home buyer group today.  In fact, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) research on consumer preferences indicates that 37 percent of Gen-Xers and 27 percent of echo boomers (those born after 1979) intend to buy homes in the next two years, compared to just 13 percent of baby boomers and 6 percent of seniors.

What's more, Gen-Xers have very different tastes in homes and the home buying than their baby boomer parents.  Here are a few ways they differ from previous generations and how your XSite can help generate more business from this growing group of buyers:

Gen-Xers are the most highly educated generation in American history.  Almost 60 percent have some college education and 6.6 percent have a graduate degree.  This means they do their homework — especially before making a decision or major purchase.  Your XSite's content pages come into play importantly in this aspect.  A Gen-X buyer may come across your site because of its wealth of information on the home buying process and, in turn, contact you when they're ready to buy.

Gen-Xers are proficient users of the Internet and e-mail. You already have a leg up in this area with your XSite and CertMail!  But because Gen-Xers are so used to having a wealth of information at their fingertips whenever they want it, they also expect prompt replies to their e-mails.  With your XSite's Mobile Tools, you're instantly alerted via your Internet-enabled cell phone or Pocket PC whenever you get a new lead from your XSite so you can follow up on the go. And with web-based CertMail you can send and receive e-mail anywhere you go, allowing you to easily give your Gen-X clients that instant gratification they need. 

Gen-Xers grew up with television and technology.  Often dubbed the "MTV Generation," Gen-Xers are used to colorful, slick media (whether it's commercials, print advertising or websites) and are comfortable using new technology.  Tools like Google Earth and podcasting let this generation of buyers (as well as sellers) know that you are just as much in tune with technology as they are.  Plus, your XSite's Flash multimedia listings presentations, video and audio tours and modern, professional themes will appeal to them and their high-tech mindset.

Gen-Xers have a "move up mentality" and want larger, more luxurious homes.  According to the NAHB that both Gen-Xers and echo boomers want a home that is about 50 percent larger than their current residence and features like four or more bedrooms, high ceilings, home theaters, automated lighting controls and built-in security systems. Fortunately, you can show them — as well as describe — every nook and cranny of your properties since there are no limits on the length of descriptions or number of pictures on your XSite's listings.