Path to an MVP

Introduction: Creating a minimum viable product (MVP) for a real estate website specializing in curated historic properties requires careful consideration of several aspects. In this guide, we will outline the core features, market validation methods, marketing strategies, timelines, budgets, and performance measurement to ensure a successful launch and future growth.

🏠 Core Features:

1. User Accounts: Allow visitors to create accounts to save favorite properties, receive notifications on new listings, and access exclusive content.
2. Property Listings: Include high-quality images, detailed information on the property's history, unique features, and architectural elements.
3. Search and Filters: Enable users to search and filter listings based on criteria like location, age, price range, and architectural style.
4. Expert Insights: Provide expert insights and articles on historic property maintenance, restoration, and regulations.
5. Contact System: Facilitate communication between potential buyers and sellers or agents through a secure messaging system.

🔍 Market Validation:

1. Surveys: Conduct online surveys targeting potential users to gather feedback on the concept, website design, and features.
2. Focus Groups: Organize small focus groups with targeted users to discuss the website features and receive qualitative feedback.
3. Beta testing: Launch a beta version of the platform to a limited number of users for collecting feedback, identifying potential issues, and improving the overall user experience.

🎯 Marketing Strategy:

1. SEO: Implement on-page and off-page search engine optimization techniques to attract organic traffic from users looking for historic properties.
2. Social Media: Leverage visual platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to showcase properties and engage with potential buyers.
3. Content Marketing: Publish blog articles and visual content on historic home renovation, preservation, and ownership, positioning the website as an industry expert.
4. PR: Reach out to local and industry-specific media outlets to gain coverage and create awareness about the website.

⏳ Timeline and Milestones:

1. Market Research & Feature Planning (1-2 months)
2. Website Design & Development (3-4 months)
3. Content Creation and SEO (1-2 months)
4. Beta Testing & Feedback (1 month)
5. Launch and Marketing (1-2 months)

💰 Budget and Resource Allocation:

1. Website Development: Allocate resources to website design, coding, and testing stages to ensure a seamless user experience.
2. Content Creation: Hire writers with expertise in historical properties and architecture to create quality content (both written and visual).
3. Marketing: Dedicate a portion of the budget to marketing activities (SEO, social media, PR, etc.) to raise awareness and drive traffic to the website.

📊 Performance Measurement:

1. User Acquisition: Track the number of new registrations and analyze growth over time.
2. Website Traffic: Monitor overall traffic, organic visits, and time spent on the site.
3. Conversion Rates: Measure the percentage of users who contact property sellers or agents through the platform.
4. Social Media Engagement: Analyze growth in social media followers, likes, comments, and shares.
5. User Feedback: Collect and consider user feedback for future platform improvements.

By following these guidelines, your historic property real estate website's MVP will successfully meet users' needs and set the stage for continued growth and success.