Introduction
After logging into your Lofty CRM account, you can start to build your website through the CMS (Content Management System). To avoid delays with connecting your MLS(s) to your Lofty IDX website, you will want to get started as soon as possible.
To get started, make sure you are logged into your Lofty account and click 'Website' in the top menu:
The first step is to choose your website template:
We have six templates available to choose from when starting your Lofty website. You can preview each one prior to selecting. Please also note that each of these templates is customizable. These are meant to act as a starting point for designing your Lofty website.
Once you have selected your website template, the next step is to select your website domain. A website using a .lofty.com domain will be created for you automatically using your first and last name (plus incremental numbers if the name has already been used and is a duplicate).
The .lofty.com domain will be used temporarily in getting your website set up and running:
The first step is to set up a vanity domain. This is a required step before getting to the MLS process. The .lofty.com subdomain will be used temporarily in getting your website set up and running. You have the option to provide a domain that you already own, or purchase a new domain directly from Lofty:
If you want to use a domain that you already own, you will input that domain and then your Lofty site will remain on the auto-generated .lofty.com subdomain until your first MLS is ready to go.
You will then need to point your personal domain to the website. This will also generate a ticket for the Lofty Support Team to follow up and guide you through the process.
If you do not want to use your own domain or do not own one, you will need to use the option to search for and purchase a domain. It is important to note that even though you cannot stay permanently on the .lofty.com subdomain, you will always have the option to select a free .net domain (or purchase a domain that you want to use) as shown below:
*IMPORTANT: If you choose to use a FREE domain provided by Lofty, please note that you will not be able to take it with you if you cancel your Lofty subscription. However, if you purchase a domain via Lofty, you can transfer it out if needed.
Once the domain request is submitted, the process can take up to one hour to complete and this will be shown when hovering over the options within the CMS:
When the domain is configured, it will automatically be changed within the CMS as seen here:
When it is available to go to the next step, you will be able to refresh the page and see that Vanity Domain Setup has been marked as complete and there is now a button to Connect MLS(s):
After clicking on the Connect MLS(s) button, you will be guided through the MLS process for each individual MLS. You will repeat this process if you have multiple MLSs to connect to your Lofty website.
If the MLS is not appearing on the supported list, you will be able to provide more information so that our MLS Team can have the necessary information to make contact and work towards becoming a vendor. Just type in the MLS name and then click the link to provide the necessary details.
Clicking on the Submit button will send in the necessary information for this one specific MLS and then a screen will appear with the next steps for that specific MLS which can consist of a PDF to download or simply informing you that the application has been submitted online, etc. Follow the on-screen instructions.
If you need to add another MLS click the Add Another button at the bottom-right to repeat the steps for another MLS:
Once the MLS process has been configured, this will be marked as complete on the CMS Dashboard where you can also see a preview of the MLS application as well as the option to add another MLS if desired.
Note: The Starter package only allows for 2 MLSs to be connected. If you are on a Starter package and interested in using this feature to its full effect, please contact Support to get upgrade options.
Next Steps
The framework of your website is now finished! You will now need to use the CMS to edit your website content, upload images, etc. The most important part, however, is to watch for any email communication from our MLS/Support Team providing you with any next steps required to get the MLS integrated. Be sure to respond to any emails from the MLS or Support Teams as quickly as possible to avoid any delays.
If you have not already participated in training on how to set up the basics on your Team Website, you can find tools to get started HERE.
More information on how to build out the individual sections of your website can be found HERE.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding this topic or any others, please reach out to our Support Team via email at <support@lofty.com>, by phone at 1 (855) 981-7557, or by chat with us through your Lofty CRM.
Related terms: web build, website building
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