How to Leverage SEO for your Real Estate Brand
We know that we need SEO is essential in driving web traffic into your business website. But who do we leverage SEO in the real estate industry? How do we drive home buyers, sellers, realtors, and everyone else involved in real estate to your website? According to a report by Google and the National Association of Realtors more than 50% percent of buyers begin the search for their dream house online. In addition, according to 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers a 86% of buyers consider real estate websites as useful and reliable sources. These numbers suggest that reaching your clients online can definitely widen your sales funnel.
What can I do to improve my real estate brand’s SEO?
When searching for a home online you have probably seen a few names at the top of the SERP over and over. Examples of these online real estate companies that have taken advantage of SEO in real estate include Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow. Why? Because they have good SEO. Here are a few tips to consider:
Tip #1: Use the appropriate local real estate keywords/key phrases
Survey shows that almost 69 percent of all house searches involve local keyword phrases. These are the typical words people input into search engines to get their dream home. Although most realtors focus on many regions and cities at a time, you can concentrate your efforts for quick results. Start by using geo-targeted keywords that are relevant in your local area. Once you have established a local online presence, you can gradually branch out to other areas. Most home shoppers consider property websites as a means of getting useful information. So for your website content, place a premium on providing useful data and relevant insights on what potential buyers consider such as public transport and neighborhood background.
Tip #2: Use specific keywords/key phrases
This is somewhat related to Tip #1. Rather than use general keywords that will spring up multiple results, go for keywords that are relevant to your area. Use micro targeting in coming up with your keywords. Focus on home models and neighborhoods that will help with your page ranking and attract local buyers. You can also make use of long tail keywords that are frequent in most online searches. A quick Google Keyword Planner query will point you to the right direction. Ask one of our pay-per-click experts to find out how.
Tip #3: Use IDX integration. I’ll say it again.. USE IDX INTEGRATION
If you want to create reliability and lead generation for your brand, you should consider using IDX integration to add indexed listings to your website. It’s nearly impossible to have someone (or you) update your website’s listings whenever a property gets bought or sold in the market. I take that back. It IS impossible! To integrate IDX into your website, use WordPress plugins such as WordPress IDX. Plugins as such allow you to add IDX/MLS search with short codes and quick search widgets, as well as basic and advanced search forms. This also provides your WordPress site with listing-based call-to-actions, user registration prompts, interactive map search, and many more features to make your real estate website stand out.
Tip #4: Locally promote using social media
A consistent and targeted social media presence can complement your SEO efforts. Advertise on Facebook and Twitter to help you reach a wider range of locally targeted audience. That also helps to push your content (and brand) to followers. These platforms allow you to slice and dice your audience group to give you the most bang for your advertising buck.
Tip #5: Piggyback off the big boys
You should also take advantage of online listing sites such as Zillow, Redfin, Trulia, etc. Most searches on real estate start on listing sites that provide users with information figures such as neighborhood demographics. Listing your business on these sites allows you to meet with potential buyers there.