When it comes to the Internet and maximizing your online presence, it’s essential to have a website that represents your firm values and provides an experience to convert visitors into strong leads.  With a strong design, your brokerage can accomplish goals and reach new audiences like never before, simply by providing a user experience that is second to none. A tactfully designed website will place your brokerage in a position to capitalize in your market and get a leg up on the competition.

Here are 3 trends we outlined in the 2018 Online Performance Study and trends we see that are here to stay and visit the brokerage websites that inspire us with each trend.

Trend #1 : Minimalism

What is it? The simplicity of minimalism may sound easy to accomplish, but there’s a lot more to it than just the less-is-more theory. Minimalism does not mean that there are fewer elements. It means that you use the existing elements in a more meaningful manner, thus making your message shorter and sweeter.
To balance aesthetics with functionality, remember that design is defined by the overall user experience, visuals and focus of the message. Minimalism also speaks to the ability to make the user experience as simple as possible. Users want to get where they need to go as quickly as possible, and that means simplifying everything from navigation, Calls to Action and overall branding to improve website usability.

What does it look like? Aviara Real Estate does a great job of highlighting the minimalist design. Take a look here: Aviara Real Estate.

Trend #2 : Scrolling, Parallax, and Navigation

Parallax scrolling is an attractive and popular aspect of Web design. With a scrolling parallax effect, a visitor can see the background of the Web page as it moves at a slower rate to the foreground, creating an enticing effect as you scroll down the page. When used sparingly, parallax scrolling can provide a nice, subtle element to a webpage that creates a visually appealing and memorable experience for the website visitor.

What does it look like? Group Kora does a great job of using parallax design. Take a look here: Group Kora.

Trend #3 : Backgrounds

Background videos commonly load with overlaid text and are a popular way of adding a powerful introduction to your website. Background videos can communicate strong values and cultural elements of a brokerage. They can establish a brokerage as a thought leader and influencer within the community. It is a good summary of the company’s service, and it visually stimulates the visitors.

What does it look like? Paragon Real Estate Group uses backgrounds to introduce its site. Take a look: Paragon Real Estate Group (paragon-re.com).

For more website trends outside of design – download the free copy of the 2018 Online Performance Study.