Frequently Asked Questions
Design Process
How do I start the design process?
Contact your sales rep to setup your account and introduce you to your designer.
What’s needed?
Mainly there are 3 things your custom web designer will need from you: your content (website text), any images you have, and your response for approval as work is done on for the web site design.
How long does it take?
Typically the design process takes 15 – 18 business days from when we get all needed materials including content and images for the site.
Is a logo required?
A logo is not required for us to design a site, however if you do have one we can use it or we can design a custom logo for you.
Hosting
Walkthrough
When can I be shown how to access all the hosting features?
Once the website is live you will be contacted within 24 hours to schedule an appointment for your walkthrough within the next 2 days. (keep in mind if your site goes live on a Friday, you will be contacted on Monday)
If you would like to schedule a walkthrough or were not available for your walkthrough appointment please click here to contact our support department.
Emails
How many email accounts to do I get?
Depends on your hosting package but anywhere from 20 and up, click here to view our hosting packages.
How do I set up my email in outlook or outlook express?
Our Control Panel has training on this feature or you can contact tech support for help. Click here to visit our control panel.
Can I change my own email password?
Yes, you can either change your password inside your website admin or inside your web mail program.
Can I redirect my email to a personal email account?
Yes, your custom email accounts with your Smart Marketing Owner hosting package can be redirected to a personal email account like yourname@yahoo.com
Can I access my email from anywhere?
Yes, you can access your email anywhere you can access the internet. Go to the Control Panel or http://webmail.yoursite.com and enter your email address and password. If you are using Outlook or Outlook Express you need to check the setting that reads “Leave a copy of the message on the server”
Tracking / Traffic
How often is the website tracking updated?
The web tracking stats are updated every hour.
What is the difference between hits and visits?
Visits are the specific number of unique visitors that visit your website (number of people). Hits are the number of times specific pages or images have been viewed on your site.
How long does it take to get my site listed on the search engines (Google, Yahoo, MSN, AOL, etc.)?
Typically it can take 4 – 5 months to get your site listed with the search engines depending on the industry.
How does search engine ranking work?
All the search engines are a little different and only they know exactly how to get to the top, but a lot depends on how many pages, links, and text you have on your site. Along with backwards links to other sites and keywords listed in your page names and website text. This is just to get listed in their general listings not to be found on the first page.
Another good way to market your web site is through pay per click, which we can help you with, please click here If that is something you would be interested in.
Website Editor
Is the website editor easy to use?
Yes, it is most comparable to a Microsoft document like Word or Works.
Is it compatible with all computers?
It works well with almost all computers except old Macintosh computers (before 2004).
Which browsers can I use the editor with?
Internet Explorer & Mozilla Firefox work the best, it does not with AOL or Safari.
What Can I change with the website editor?
You can change text, images, and links (you don’t need to know HTML). You cannot change the layout or design of the site nor add or rename pages.
*Please contact your designer if you would like to make these types of changes*
Shopping cart
How many products can I put on my site?
The shopping cart allows for unlimited products, categories, and sub-categories.
Can I have more than one image per product?
Yes, you can have up to 5 images for each product.
What shipping options are available?
The shopping cart supports, UPS, USPS, Table rate by price or weight, flat rate, per item, & free shipping.
What payment options does the shopping cart accept?
Credit cards, standard PayPal, check or money order, COD & merchant accounts through authorize.net only.
Is my shopping cart secure?
Yes, it is on a secured server, however you can add a security certificate which creates another layer of protection. If that is something you would like to add to your site please click here to contact our ecommerce department.
Can I change the layout of the shopping cart?
If you have a Zen Cart system there are some changes that can be made, however please contact our Ecommerce Department to discuss what options are available.
If you have a custom shopping cart, the layout design will be part of the programming process and should be discussed prior to starting the process.
*For additional shopping cart questions please click here to view flash tutorials that show the basic functions of the cart*
Global Response Technologies
What is a Direct Response Website™?
Direct Response Website™ is a comprehensive Internet marketing tool designed to assist Real Estate agents in many areas of their business. Compare our website with any other website and you'll find we did not re-invent the wheel. We simply took the e-marketing concepts working for thousands of agents and designed a website incorporating these concepts into a valuable resource for your real estate business.
What are Search Engine Results™?
The most common way for individuals to begin their search for information on the Internet is by leveraging tools such as Google, Yahoo, MSN, or any of the other available search engines. Entering a set of keywords on the search engine begins the search for websites which contain content pertaining to the search topic. The better the match, the more recognizable the site and information, the higher in the list of potential information providers the website is found. The objective of search engine results is to make the website as easy to find as possible, appearing in the first couple of pages of the search engine results.
How will prospects find my site?
There are two main options when it comes to being found on the Internet.
- Search Engine Optimization: Search engine optimization focuses on techniques such as ensuring each web page has appropriate title tags and meta tags; and that the keyword or key phrases for the web page are distributed throughout the content in a manner in which the particular search engine being utilized will like. When you choose a designer to create your website, you should ask him or her about search engine optimization, as search engine optimization should be built into your pages. While it's never too late to optimize or tweak pages that have already been published, it is much easier and more sensible to include search engine optimization when the page is first written.
- The Right Internet Marketing Plan: - In real estate, agents generally have two areas in which they are able to market: number one, themselves and number two, their listings. Most agents use post cards, e-mails, newspaper, magazines and oftentimes giant billboards to get their name out there. The problem with this approach is: there are over a million realtors, most of whom are doing the exact same thing - advertising themselves. As painful as it may be to admit, nobody really cares about all of the great things you have accomplished. Potential customers simply want you to provide them with the information or service for which they are looking. Regardless of what you may have learned to date, if you are to be successful in this business, you must have an effective marketing campaign. Wouldn't it be nice if you could start seeing a larger return on your investment?
Why should I choose Global Response Technologies?
Compare our website with any other and you will find we did not re-invent the wheel; we simply took the e-marketing concepts working for thousands of agents and designed a website as a legitimate marketing tool. We train agents how to generate leads from their website and show them how to use the site as a time saving device in their business. In essence, we build websites containing all of the latest technology advantages an agent could imagine. We then show agents how to effectively market their site in order to develop qualified leads from buyers and sellers. Suppose we could help you gain 1 or 2 qualified leads per month; would that be worth discussing?
What does the consulting cover?
Global Response Technologies believes that the internet is fast becoming one of the most promising ways to achieve effective marketing results. Global Response Technologies business and technology consulting is designed to train anyone, regardless of age or technological knowledge, to master the art of successful web marketing. Our business and technology consulting helps clients to understand technology systemize their business; automate their tasks and much more. Saving you time and making you more money are the driving factors for our consultants. We teach the principles of successful web marketing integration as well as traditional marketing techniques. This system is very unique and available only from Global Response Technologies.
Will this site generate leads?
A lot of agents want a magic website where all that is required is to place it on the internet and let the money flow. The truth is, there is no such thing as a magical lead generating website. Rather, there are only lead generating agents who understand fundamental web marketing principles and have a plan to apply these principles to their business.
How many times have you seen a television infomercial about a magic pill that will help you lose 20lbs in one week?
How many of those pills actually work?
They all work just not by themselves.
What people don't understand about these pills is that by themselves they will never help you lose weight without incorporating the required work. We could build you a site and promise you the moon but if you never do anything to promote your own site, how many leads will it realistically generate?
Many people are not very clear about how to effectively market their website. Our approach is proven to generate leads on a consistent basis. We take agents by the hand and show them how to market their website effectively, rather than sending them a pamphlet or even offering a seminar. We have found this to be the most effective method in helping agents to generate added business.
How does your customer support compare to your competition?
We take a lot of pride in our customer service department. As a valued associate, our promise to you is to provide the highest level of service and support combined with leading edge strategies, proven methods and the latest technologies. In the constantly evolving world of technology, you can be confident in our ability to keep you updated and educated in both real estate and internet marketing - allowing you to maintain an edge in your market.
How much work is required by me in the development of the website?
One of the reasons Global Response Technologies has achieved separation from our competitors is through relationship-based service. Although most of our programs can be as hands-on or hands-off as you would like; our goal is to teach you the techniques and strategies that have worked for thousands of agents in order to assure you have a full understanding of what it takes to develop an effective internet marketing plan. We want to be the only technology company you will ever need.
I already have a website; can I use my existing web services in conjunction with my new Direct Response Website?
Our goal is to make your transition as a successful Internet entrepreneur a smooth and seamless one. We can incorporate your existing e-mail addresses, domain names (web address), contact management software, regular e-mail based newsletters and more into your dynamic new Direct Response system. With this approach you will avoid the hassle of updating mounds of information.
Where does the content come from?
A Direct Response Website contains compiled content relevant to the information in which your potential customers are interested. This allows you to position your business ahead of the pack and provide solutions that establish a bond between yourself, your client base and many potential customers.
Can I integrate my contact management software with a Direct Response Website™?
Absolutely! By using V-card technology and import/export features, a Direct Response Website™ can be integrated with nearly every contact management system available including: Top Producer®, Agent Office®, Outlook® and many more. Not sure how to do it? Our consultants will walk you through the entire process.
What if I have special internet needs?
We understand that when it comes to the real estate industry, every agent is different. Every business including real estate is very unique in their nature and their niche markets. We rise above all competition with our customized approach and technology solutions. When you work with Global Response Technologies, you are not a number but a unique individual.
Web Site Terms
Domain Name
Fancy term for a web site address ( www.yourwebsite.com )
Hosting
Storage of web sites, databases, emails, or other programs that other computers can access via the internet or a network.
Server
Special type of computer that allows and supports access of data, web sites, emails, or programs by other computers via the internet or a network.
Database
Comprehensive collection of related data organized for convenient access, generally in a computer or on a server.
Link
Text, image, or path that redirects or takes you to either another area, a separate page or a different web site.
Search Engine
A website whose primary function is providing a search engine for gathering and reporting information available on the Internet or a portion of the Internet. (google, yahoo, AOL, MSN )
Browser
An application program or software that allows the user to examine encoded documents or languages in a form suitable for display on their computer over the internet. (Internet Explorer, Mozilla)
Custom Email Accounts
An email account off of a domain name (yourname@yourwebsite.com)
Hits
Number of times information is accessed on your site.
Visits
Number of times specific people visit your website.
Ecommerce
Taking payment for a service or product over the internet through a web site.
DNS
Domain Name Server – basically it specifies to what server your domain is pointing towards.
ISP
Internet Service Provider – the company that provides your internet connection.
HTML
Hyper Text Markup Language – fancy way of saying standard language that a custom web site is written or designed in.
PHP
Hypertext Preprocessor - an open source, server based, HTML embedded scripting language used to create dynamic web sites. ( databases )
IP Address
Internet Protocol Address – The numerical sequence that serves as an identifier for an Internet server.
