We're continuing our series from BrokerageU on building a successful sales funnel for real estate websites. Read the Introduction, Part 1 and Part 2 here.

People do business with people that they know and trust.

We've all heard this and know it to be true based on our own personal experiences. The truth in this statement is never more measurable than in your conversion rate.

So far in the sales process, we have driven or attracted a consumer to our website and landed the reader on a landing page that we hope captures their interest.

This is where the sale happens. Once the reader lands on the landing page and decides to give your site a chance, you now have your reader in an environment you created.

If the content on the landing page is what the reader expects then it's time to ask for permission to keep in touch.

Sidebars are for Selling

Pro Tip: Put relevant and effective calls to action above the fold.

Avoid giving the reader options to leave your site in your sidebars. The sidebar of your website is a sacred selling ground. You need to take advantage of this and offer a variety of high to low commitment calls to action (CTA).

High Commitment CTA Examples

• Schedule a showing
• Contact us for more information (about a property)
• Receive email updates of searches matching this criteria
• Request a Pre-approval letter

Low Commitment CTA Examples

• Email Updates of new content on site
• Buyer Assistance Search (early in process)
• Comments on site

All of these Calls to Action can be displayed along side targeted IDX results based landing pages.

Here is an example of how I use Tribus Call to Action Sidebar Boxes. If you are a TriPress customer, this feature can be found on the left menu of your WordPress dashboard under appearance/widgets/.

And here's a different arrangement that I'm experimenting with right now.

WordPress websites make setting up Calls to Action a pretty painless process. If you're unsure of how to do it, reach out a geeky friend to ask for help, or look no further than this community for help.

If you have questions or comments about this topic, drop me a comment below, let's start a discussion!

Next! See Real Estate Website Sales Funnel - Step 4: Lead Conversion

To view the original article, visit the BrokerageU blog.