Introduction
The number of people searching for real estate agents online is increasing year by year. As we embrace modern ways of buying and selling properties, it is more important than ever for real estate agents and agencies to recognize the power and potential of SEO.
SEO, or search engine optimization, is a digital marketing technique, which capitalizes on the popularity of search engines. The goal is to get to the top of page 1 of the search results when a web user enters a search term that is linked to your business, or the products and services you offer. An effective SEO strategy can help you to:
- Raise brand awareness
- Increase online visibility
- Drive traffic to your website
- Encourage more vendors and buyers to get in touch
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share some top SEO tips to help your real estate agency enjoy incredible results.
Why is SEO beneficial for real estate agents?
Statistics show that around 95% of buyers used the Internet as part of their search for a new property in 2021. Within the 23-56 age group, 99% of buyers used the web in some capacity while looking for a home (source). Online searches had become more commonplace before the pandemic, but it is now more popular than ever to use the Internet and search engines to locate real estate agencies and agents and find and view listings.
SEO is very important for real estate agents because it caters to client demand and it enhances visibility and accessibility. It is particularly beneficial to understand the advantages of local SEO for real estate agents. More than half of all online searches now have a local focus, but the figure is likely to be higher for users searching for a real estate agent. This is because most people have an area in mind when they’re looking for a house or an apartment to buy, or they want to list their property for sale. Local SEO can be incredibly effective in creating leads. Studies indicate that over 80% of smartphone users will contact or visit a business within 24 hours of conducting a local online search (source).
5 top SEO tips for real estate agencies
Implementing an effective, targeted SEO strategy can have an amazing impact on real estate agency results. If you’re looking to boost lead creation and conversion, increase web traffic and expand your reach, here are some top SEO tips:
- Make sure your website is mobile-friendly
More than half of all search engine traffic comes from mobile devices and over 70% of buyers will use a mobile device while searching for a new home (source). To optimize SEO and encourage prospective customers to visit your website and contact the agency, it’s essential to ensure that your site is mobile-friendly. This will improve your search ranking and make your site more accessible and appealing to smartphone and tablet users.
- Add keywords with a local focus
Most people who are looking for a real estate agency will specify a location. Adding a local focus to the keywords you use in titles, descriptions and the content you share on social media and your website will help you to attract buyers and sellers in your area. Research keywords, analyze popular search terms and use them naturally. It is also beneficial to add a location to your web page tags and titles. Simple steps like adding area pages to your website or creating blog posts that talk about buying properties or living in certain areas can help you to generate leads in the relevant city, county or state.
To boost local SEO, it’s also important for realtors and agencies to appear in local online directories and take advantage of a free Google Business Profile.
- Add visual content
Visual content enhances the aesthetic appeal of web pages and posts and it also makes content more digestible and memorable. Search engines like Google actively promote high-quality, engaging content. Video clips are particularly attractive. They can help you to improve your ranking, encourage more people to visit your site and view pages and garner more attention via page and article sharing. Web users are much more likely to share videos and images than text. A 2023 study suggests that over 90% of marketers have increased online traffic by using video content (source). Images and videos are particularly impactful for real estate agents, as buyers like to be able to see properties or take virtual tours before deciding whether to arrange a viewing.
- Include internal links and backlinks
When creating content for SEO purposes, it’s advantageous to include both internal links (links to other pages, guides or articles on your website). Backlinks (links to other websites that are relevant and high-ranking). Choose pages and posts that are connected to the theme of the new content and always add backlinks to reputable, reliable sites and sources.
- Prioritize branding
Google is keen to rank brands and businesses, rather than websites. Prioritizing branding is beneficial for SEO and visibility, but it will also help you to stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract attention. Create a clear identity, be consistent and ensure that your branding is relevant to your company culture and your target client. Use social media, blog posts and web pages to inform people about the agency and introduce agents, and share your brand values. Consider the look of your website, the tone of voice you use when creating content and user experience. Support claims with social evidence, such as positive reviews and client testimonials.
Summary
SEO is very important for real estate agents. As more and more people search for real estate agencies and properties online, an effective SEO strategy is more critical than ever before. SEO, particularly local SEO, can help real estate agents to raise brand awareness, create more leads, enhance the quality of leads, drive online traffic and outshine competitors. If you’re looking to capitalize on the popularity and reach of search engines, now is the time to embrace modern marketing techniques and start reaping the rewards of targeted SEO campaigns.
If you need advice, or you’re looking for professional SEO services for real estate agencies, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Local SEO 101 today.