"Scott Krause Designs began as truly a labor of love...His efforts did not go unnoticed.  Many seasoned real estate Agents and Brokers commented on his abilities and asked if he could do similar projects for them."
 

BOB RUSSELL - RUSSELL & JEFFCOAT REALTORS
© 2004 PHOTO BY SCOTT KRAUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

About Scott
Scott took his first serious photos as a teen-ager in a High School photography class, but he honed his skills by snapping pictures of planes while working for UPS.  As a self-taught photographer, Scott was able to perfect his trademark techniques with lighting, composition and shutter speed on the tarmac.  After capturing in-flight images of Bob Russell of Russell & Jeffcoat, Scott decided to start his own business in 2002 by focusing on real estate photography and business portraits. By combining photography with a lifelong interest in computers, Scott’s new business was able to harness all the advantages of digital technology. By building multiple computers with one large flat screen, he was able to provide an immersive photo editing experience. Placing the photos in marketing materials like business cards and websites became a natural extension of his services, and Scott found himself on the path to becoming Columbia’s most talked about photographer.


Some of Scott’s favorite photos from his portfolio include scenes of Times Square and Columbia’s Gervais Street bridge, planes like the historic B-29 named Fifi and a UPS 757 now on display at Indiana Regional Airport. Regardless of the subject, Scott tries to capture its essence in a flattering, slightly rebellious way. He maintains a creative, inspirational workspace through music and the latest technology. When he’s not capturing moments on film, Scott plays hockey at least twice a week in leagues in Irmo and downtown Columbia, where he gives a whole new meaning to the term “money shot!”
 

Can't I do this myself for less money?

Certainly, you could design it yourself.  But let's be honest here.  Would you purchase a car that was manufactured by a person who really knew nothing about automobiles?  Chances are you wouldn’t.  In today's society, vehicles are such an integral part of our lifestyles that we wouldn't purchase one that wasn't from a reputable source.  We need to have some assurance that the automobile purchased would get us to where we needed to go. 

Internet marketing is no different.  While we can tinker around with websites much like the shade tree mechanic does, no one takes a hobby vehicle seriously.  The same can be said for websites.  While you can save a few hundred dollars by doing it yourself - one must take into consideration the long term repercussions, such as the public perception that the site reflects someone less than professional.  How much business could you lose by being a "shade tree webmaster"?  Are you really sure that your website would take your business where you wanted it to go?

There are a lot of companies out there promoting a "do it yourself" design for a couple hundred dollars.  Can't I just use them instead?

You certainly could, but you need to be aware of the small print items.  They may be selling you a template design for a couple hundred, but what else have you committed yourself to?  You could also be getting yourself into a long term hosting arrangement that could result in a few extra hundred dollars.  This hosting arrangement most likely will not come with any assistance or support services whatsoever.  Are you computer savvy enough to know how to handle any problem that comes up in the future?  Or will you have to hire a computer tech that will charge you a few extra hundred dollars to look at your problem each time?

Something else to consider is the fact that your website will look just like many others out there.  That may not seem like a big deal to you now, but take this into consideration: the average consumer does not know the difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor, a GRI from an ABR or a CRS.  They believe that all people with real estate salesperson's licenses do exactly the same thing, the same way.
 

You've been putting your ad in the glossy real estate magazines, the hot properties section of the newspaper and spending a fortune in direct mail to set yourself apart from the crowd.  Wouldn’t it be a shame to bring them to your website to see something that proves they were right all along?  All real estate salespeople must be the same, as they look the same.

If you were able to get an appointment with the potential client, you would begin fighting a battle over price.  They would want you to cut your commission immediately to get their listing.  Why?  Because you have nothing to make you stand out.  The only sales feature that would make them want you is this:  you will work cheap.  Why not set yourself apart from the very beginning?  Clients will clamor for you to represent them at YOUR price because you are so unique!
 

When a potential client finds an agent with a link to their own website that is separate from the broker's site, it sends the message you are a professional.  You appear more organized, more prepared to market their home for sale and that you are not a newly licensed agent.  You are serious about real estate, as you have made an investment in your career by having a presence on the web.  If they find nothing more than a canned page that looks like all the rest, they'll keep bouncing from agent page to agent page to agent page.  What could possibly keep them interested in you on your broker's site?  To the viewer, all agents are as they appear - basically the same.

Why not have one site tailored to your business that keeps viewers from drifting away to other agents?  One website that has enough information to keep them interested to the point of asking YOU to find them the house of their dreams, regardless if you have it in your inventory or not.

Why choose Scott Krause Designs to create my website?

With Scott Krause designs, you get a lot for your money.  Before the website creation begins, a one-on-one consultation with the designer and marketing campaign director happens.  We bring them to your office for a meeting to get to know you and your business.  If needed, a photography session is scheduled to ensure that the highest quality materials will be used on your site. 

After you've decided on what three pages will make up your website (for the basic package), construction of your site begins. Scott Krause will ensure that the website will have optimized graphics, be fast loading and viewable for all computer set-ups. Simply put, after the first meeting you leave the rest to Scott Krause Designs.

I see all of this stuff about how Scott Krause understands the needs of real estate agents.  What is his experience with real estate?

Scott Krause Designs began as truly a labor of love.  His significant other, Kathy Smith, decided to quit her nearly six figure a year job to follow her passion for real estate. To be supportive, Scott went to work creating her a website that would attract new clients and make her image stand out from all the rest.

His efforts did not go unnoticed.  Many seasoned real estate agents and brokers commented on his abilities and asked if he could do similar projects for them.  It was at this point that Scott Krause Designs began.  Scott still helps Kathy in his supportive role, lending a listening ear when a presentation doesn't go as planned or she's working with a difficult client.  He definitely understands firsthand the trials and tribulations of being a real estate professional.

How can having a website save me money?  I thought it costs money!

With a website, you can get very descriptive with what you have to offer a client.  You can have virtual tours and a resource page for those relocating to the area.  If you were to attempt this kind of coverage in other typical forms of the media, it would cost thousands of dollars.   Instead of describing what you can do, or telling the reader in a newspaper ad how the home has this charming view of the lake - simply direct them to your website.  They will be given the opportunity to get to know you and take the tour firsthand.  You won't need to purchase such a large ad space with the newspaper.  Send the reader to view your virtual tour at www.mywebsite.com for more details today, and they'll be impressed with what you can do for them as a buyer's representative or for them as a listing agent.  Less cost and more impact.

I'm brand new at this.  I barely know how to turn the computer on, let alone know what I need to put on the website.  What can I do?

Call Scott.  He will put together a site that will not only complement but enhance what you are currently using to market yourself.  You don't need computer knowledge to get going on the web - that's why you've got Scott Krause Designs.  They'll make you look like the computer whiz that you never dreamed you could be.