Press Releases
Laurel Howell | Kettler | 703.226.6039 | lhowell@kettler.com or Erica Chlada | Weber Shandwick | 410.558.2100| echlada@webershandwick.com
Kettler Launches Virtual Leasing Space With Its New Corporate Website
Developer’s online communication venture focuses on customization
February 6, 2008 McLean, VA. January XX, 2008—Kettler, one of greater Washington, DC’s largest diversified real estate development and property management companies, has launched a new, advanced corporate website. Unlike standard corporate sites, which segment its customers from its company departments and business partners, Kettler studied past website activity and navigation paths to develop a web site that addresses the needs of their various audiences. The site has direct links to portals or sub-sites for various product types which allow a customer to search for a condominium, apartment or home directly from the home page while still having the ability to view home page links which access important corporate information. The site structure collectively provides continual interaction and allows users to quickly obtain information, whether they are potential or existing customers, stakeholders, investors, or corporate partners. “Our development approach was very forward-thinking. We studied the activity of our past website traffic and developed the new site based on the activities they performed and the actions they took,” said Jamie Gorski, Chief Marketing Officer. "The site has innovative architecture and streamlined functionality which gives each audience the specific information they need, without the confusion of impractical applications." “Many users have one objective when visiting a web site, and seek a direct path to information they want, while others enjoy the opportunity to gather information and make decisions with a wide variety of options presented to them” said Laurel Howell, Director of Internet Sales and Marketing. With that in mind, Kettler developed the website with an interactive search function so that prospects can go directly to the product they seek, or they can cross tour apartments, condominiums and planned communities to further refine the options and lifestyle they seek. Apartment residents have been extended the opportunity to learn more about Kettler condominium projects that may fit their needs, while condominium buyers also receive content on apartment communities which could suit their changing circumstances. The site successfully brings together the entire Kettler portfolio. In order to maximize customer accessibility, intense optimization efforts were employed. The site was built on a content management system (CMS) which allows for easy updates and additions, keeping the site data current and relevant for search engines. Basic tactics such as title tags and alt tags for the images have been built into the CMS system so that Kettler can adjust them as marketing priorities or business focuses shift. The use of key words was a prominent factor when working on web copy and navigation tools. Another addition to the website is the incorporation of one of Kettler’s newest corporate marketing initiatives, the launch of “Kettler Club”. This Club provides members with first-hand knowledge of new projects, offers, discounts and events from Kettler as well as up-to-the minute news and information on Kettler projects. Membership is free and anyone can join. Kettler Club will also of referral incentives to members. To develop the web site, Kettler worked with Falls Church, VA based Viget Labs to create the design and functionality of the site while content was generated in-house. Viget was selected for the project based on their usability instincts, deep knowledge of current web standards, and keen sense for what’s functionally feasible. For more information on the Kettler web site or to explore the company’s newest site features, visit www.kettler.com. About Kettler Founded by Robert C. Kettler in 1977, Kettler is among the largest private real estate and property management companies based in the DC metro area and one of the nation’s top 20 multifamily developers. The firm's diverse business model has led to the delivery of five million square feet of commercial space and over 50,000 homes in its master-planned communities. Kettler’s rental portfolio includes high-end, market rate, affordable and fee managed assets. Currently, Kettler is developing commercial, resort and transit-oriented mixed-use projects.
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