Search engines are the single biggest source of traffic for most Web sites. Search engine optimization, or SEO, can be simply defined as the process of getting found on search engine sites like Google, Bing, and Yahoo!
An increasing number of consumers use the Internet as their primary source of information before making any serious investment, and with a solid strategy, you can use this to your advantage.
If you’re unfamiliar with online marketing, search engine optimization, or SEO, is a crucial part of any digital strategy for real estate agents. If you are serious about attracting leads and business online but don’t actively do SEO on your site, it’s time to get the start.
SEO is how you get found online. It’s using the right search terms and strategies on your site to gain more web traffic. Considering that most Internet users rely on search engines to direct them to websites, it’s important that search engines like Google not only list your site but rank it higher in the results. With effective SEO, this is possible.
What makes SEO challenging, however, is that search engine algorithms, or the way that they determine how to deliver results, are constantly changing. Your site should be nurtured and maintained as a constant work in progress. It takes patience, but the results are well worth the effort.
The following tips will help you with real estate SEO:
Do your keyword research—and be specific
Start blogging
Be a resource to clients and the media
Do social media marketing
SEO is not a set-and-forget thing. It’s an ongoing process that requires regular effort and time. To get the most from your SEO efforts, try to dedicate a block of time each week to create new, optimized content for your website. Be active on social media. Weigh in on current real estate news and trends. Offer your best advice online. Engage with the media. Yes, it’s a lot of work. But part of an agent’s job is to get out there, get noticed, and get referrals—and SEO is a great way to make that happen.