References
NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require a password.
Core Standards
Local, state, and territorial associations of REALTORS®, as a condition of membership in the National Association of REALTORS®, must meet NAR’s Organizational Alignment Core Standards, a section of which relates to technology.
REALTOR® Association Core Standards Technology Compliance Guide (National Association of REALTORS®, Jun. 2014)
Every association must have an interactive website that has active links to: professional standards information, professional standards enforcement resources and websites of other levels of the association.
NAR Organizational Alignment -Core Standards FAQs (National Association of REALTORS®, Jan. 14, 2020)
Section 9 discusses Technology.
Association Websites
The 12 Best Association Website Designs in 2023 (Glue Up, Jun. 16, 2023)
With the increasing use of mobile devices, association websites are getting optimized for mobile browsing. These responsive designs ensure that the website layout, content, and functionality adapt well to various screen sizes.
Three Tips for Developing an Engaging Website (ASAE, Feb. 14, 2023)
Show the value of membership. What is your association’s mission, and what benefits do you provide members? Your brand answers these questions and more, helping prospective members become more familiar with your organization and offerings. This will help lead to a boost in member acquisition.
The Best Real Estate Association Websites of 2023 (Accrisoft, Jan. 9, 2023)
Osceola County Association of REALTORS® is the largest trade association in Osceola county and has served members since 1924. This association currently represents over 5,300 REALTOR® and affiliate members. Here are some of the top features of this real estate association website.
- Interactive videos on the homepage show off the region in Osceola County.
- There are blocks of branded colors with bold typography.
- The market statistics on the homepage display insightful data from the association, including closed sales, median sale price, active inventory, and median time.
- A pop-out sidebar widget gives members quick access to their MLS login and other resources.
- All subpages and resources are organized with mega menu navigation.
Set Your Sites to Compliant (REALTOR® Magazine, Oct. 23, 2020)
Don’t wait to address this issue! Website accessibility lawsuits continue to arise, and real estate professionals need to take steps to create and maintain accessible websites. Conduct an audit to assess your website’s accessibility and create a plan to update your site, if necessary, based on the results. Keep in mind that you can implement the plan gradually, but try to implement the changes that will have the greatest impact first.
Does Your Association Need a New Website? (Associations Online)Make sure you reevaluate your site every couple of years or so and match it to the goals you have for your organization. If you’re trying to grow a more diverse membership, for instance, your website may not be helping you achieve that. Conversely, you should also reevaluate your website to make sure it’s staying true to your original mission since over time it can be easy to get away from the very reason you first formed.
Website Redesign
Web Design Best Practices to Attract More Website Visitors (2023) (Hostinger, Sep. 19, 2023)
As the primary navigation element that visitors interact with, designers should aim to create intuitive and straightforward menus that ensure a smooth user experience.
How Often Should You Redesign Your Website? (Business2Community, Jun. 28, 2023)
Typically, a good rule of thumb is that an average website has an approximate “shelf life” during which it is seen as new, functional and convenient for users. For the typical brand, that timespan is between 18 and 30 months – or 1.5 to 2.5 years or so.
How to Create a Budget for a Website Redesign [with Template] (Clutch, Jan. 12, 2023)
However, a website redesign is suitable for those looking to upgrade their website's design and appearance. A redesign will save time and money while achieving a cleaner, contemporary feel.
Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA (U.S. Department of Justice, Mar. 18, 2022)
The ways that websites are designed and set up can create unnecessary barriers that make it difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to use websites, just as physical barriers like steps can prevent some people with disabilities from entering a building. These barriers on the web keep people with disabilities from accessing information and programs that businesses and state and local governments make available to the public online. But these barriers can be prevented or removed so that websites are accessible to people with disabilities.
See Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) for more about website compliance.
Writing for the Web
How to Write for the Web: 7 Tips to Engage Your Audience (WebFX, Aug. 2, 2023)
Breaking your topic into subtopics: Use subheads and block quotes to highlight sections and key takeaways. Keep your paragraphs short: Aim for two to three sentences in each paragraph, so your readers can easily digest each paragraph or “chunk” of ideas.
How to Write an Awesome Blog Post in 5 Steps (WordStream, Jul. 7, 2023)
There are two main approaches you can take to writing blog post headlines. You can either decide on your final headline before you write the rest of your post (and use your headline to structure your outline), or you can write your blog post with a working title and see what fits when you’re done.
Writing for the Web 19 Expert Tips for Writing Online (Website Builder Expert, Jan. 5, 2023)
This is why it’s vital to front-load your information, placing the key takeaways at the beginning of your piece rather than waiting until the conclusion.
Tips for Creating More Personalized Connections With Your Members (ASAE, Feb. 28, 2022)
“In a world of algorithms, social media, and account creation for nearly every website, members and general visitors expect to see content they are most interested in. Associations can capitalize on this trend by implementing personalized web content, so that when a user signs in, they see articles or events that are most relevant to their needs. “
Writing for the WebThe Nielsen Norman Group’s collection of studies on how people read webpages and how you can write most effectively. Includes outside sources and suggestions for further reading.
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Creating Web Pages For Dummies® (eBook)
The Creative Person's Website Builder (eBook)
101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site (eBook)
Building a Web Site for Dummies® (eBook)
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creating a Website (eBook)
Hello Web Design (eBook)
How to Say It® Marketing with New Media (eBook)
Maintaining and Evolving Successful Commercial Web Sites (eBook)
Making Your Website Work (eBook)
Nonprofit Internet Strategies (eBook)
Put Your Business Online (eBook)
Web Copy that Sells (eBook)
Web Design: A Beginner's Guide (eBook)
WordPress for Dummies® (eBook)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
As a member benefit, the following resources and more are available for loan through the NAR Library. Items will be mailed directly to you or made available for pickup at the REALTOR® Building in Chicago.
The Web Designer's Idea Book, Volume 2 (Cincinnati, OH: HOW Books, 2010) TK5105.888 .M42 2010
Principles of Web Design (Australia: Course Technology, Cengage Learning, 2009) HF 5548.5 S55
The Non-Designer's Web Book: An Easy Guide to Creating, Designing, and Posting Your Own Web Site (Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press, 2006) HF 5548.5 W55
Web Design in a Nutshell: [A Desktop Quick Reference] (Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly, 2006) HF 5548.5 R63w
Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability (Berkeley, CA: New Riders, 2006) HF 5548.5 K78
Web Site Fundamentals: an ASAE Background Kit (Washington, D.C.: American Society of Association Executives, 2003) HF 5548 Am3ws
Executive's Guide to Internet Law (Washington, D.C.: American Society of Association Executives, 2001) HF 294 M61
Have an idea for a real estate topic? Send us your suggestions.
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