The SmartBroker system consists of two parts:
Find out more about WordPress at wordpress.org.
Good question – and the answer’s mainly about not re-inventing the wheel and utilising the powerful, free tools available online. There’s a more complete answer here.
WordPress allows you to create a website to suit your business, and then the SmartBroker plugin will embed your listings.
The plugin automatically creates a search page. It also includes widgets and shortcodes to insert featured boats widgets and small search boxes into your site – maybe you’d like a search box at the top of every page?
The SmartBroker plugin is available for free at http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/smartbroker/, and there’s a demo server the plugin can use to show dummy boat listings. With these resources, it’s possible to develop your brokerage site without any costs or time constraints; you can then buy your SmartBroker subscription once you’re ready to go live.
For information about building a site with WordPress, go to http://codex.wordpress.org/WordPress_Lessons.
Once you’ve got your WordPress site up and running, it’s time to get your boat listings online.
SmartBroker server v6 is the password-protected site where you can create boats, maintain your listings and perform a variety of advanced actions.
Creating a new boat listing is simple, as the software guide you through with pre-populated specification forms and broker’s notes fields. You can upload as many photos as you like, and embed YouTube videos directly into your listings.
Listing sites may charge a fee to advertise your boats on their site.
Compatibility is being continually developed. Here are the sites that are currently supported:
SmartBroker has a range of features for the power user including adding private notes and customisable contract templates.
Keep track of any phone enquiries or boat viewings by adding notes to the system – then all of your team will be up-to-date with recent events. No more lost paperwork or embarrassing blunders – all the information you need is available anywhere.
SmartBroker includes sample Sale & Purchase agreements, Listing agreements and supporting documents. These can be edited and styled to suit your business – never be without a listing agreement again!
Includes a custom data-collection form to help during yacht visits – make sure you collect all the details required for a great listing.
SmartBroker is a complete cloud solution for your boat listings. All your data is available 24/7 from any computer with an internet connection.
SmartBroker data is held in secure, industry-standard data centres based in Reading, UK and backups are performed to off-site storage regularly.
The data you put onto your SmartBroker system belongs to you, not us, and you can download a complete copy of this information (including photos) at any time.
The SmartBroker contract is a month-by-month contract with no minimum term, so you’re not tied to one system for ever.