If you have spent anytime learning about search engine optimization (SEO) then you know about the importance of links. Backlinks, also known as incoming links, inbound links, inlinks, and inward links, are incoming links to a website or web page. In basic link terminology, a backlink is any link received by a web page, directory, website, or top level domain from another web site. If you want to rank well in Google for any remotely competitive phrase then you need links from other websites. Plain and simple.

Getting links to your website raises your search engine ranking, ideally getting you more visitors (which hopefully translates into more cash). So where do you get more links?

Matt Cutts of Google has provided a valuable video on how to build links. You can view it here.

In a nutshell here are a few of the ways to build links:

1. Controversy
2. Participate in a community
3. Original Research
4. Get a blog
5. Run a service (or create a product) that people find useful and give it away for free to the community.
6. Website architecture
7. Make videos

One thing Matt Cutts didn’t mention is buying links. Yes, you can buy links. If you poke around a little but you will find websites willing to add a link to your site for some cash. This is frowned upon by Google.

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In response to feedback from search engine users, Google took a major step in improving the quality of sites listed on Search Engine Result Pages (SERP) with its Panda/Farmer Update. Since then, I’ve heard from many real estate professionals who feel that this algorithmic change actually made it increasingly difficult to rank well for competitive terms. With that in mind, here are a few actionable steps for those looking to stay ahead of the pack:

* In an industry on which webmasters rely so heavily on IDX data for the majority of their content, it is even more critical to provide unique content that others with the exact same IDX feed do not have. The key emphasis being on UNIQUE, which can translate into providing local area/neighborhood information from YOUR perspective, YOUR analysis of statistics and market trends, real estate advice from YOUR view point (this could be easily achieved with Q&A section, driven by questions from visitors). There is a plethora of methods by which to generate unique content, the only limit would be lack of creativity.

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Social Media has become one of the most effective tools in a real estate agent’s repertoire in engaging their target audience. And now, according to search engine guru, Danny Sullivan, data shared through Twitter and Facebook has a direct effect on a search engine results page placement (SERP). Although it had long been suspected in the SEO community, this announcement further confirms the weight being placed on social media interaction.

Long held to be of utmost importance in search engine algorithms, Google’s PageRank has been a benchmark of trust by which a website/domain can be easily measured. How does this translate into Social Media? ‘SocialRank’ (Danny’s term, not confirmed lingo used by the SE’s) could very well be the next level of social measurement, which takes an individual and calculates THEIR level of authority on various networks (independent of the PageRank of the page to which he/she is associated). Factors taken into account in calculating ‘SocialRank’ could include number followed/followers, number of friends, number of ‘Likes’, etc.

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Are you looking for more clients to work with? Most of us are in this challenging real estate market. I recently read that roughly 90% of home buyers are starting their initial research on the internet.

Here are 5 tips to improve your website rankings in Google to increase your traffic.

1.) Figure out what phrases you want to target. Keep in mind that the competition for phrases like ‘your city real estate’ is typically fierce. Depending on your level of expertise, budget and how much time you want to invest in this you may want to choose a less competitive phrase to target. An example of a less competitive phrase in my area would be “St. Armands Circle homes for sale“. It is easier to rank well for that phrase than the more competitive ones. To find search volumes use this
Google keyword tool.

2.) After you have made a list of these phrases. Use them in your title tag. The first three of four words in your title tag should be the phrases that you are trying to optimize for. Only target 1-3 phrases for each page.

3.) Write a good description tag that will compel searchers to click on your website. When you make a search in Google the description shows up under the title of the website. Make your description exciting and better than your competitors.

4.) Write good (and unique content) for each of your pages. Don’t steal the content from your competitors. Google does not like that. Write it yourself or have it written to make sure it is original. Continue reading this post

We all know why we have websites, right? Lead generation!

With so many people using the web to find out information before even placing a call to a Realtor, we have to keep our websites up with the times.

I have made my website easy to use and full of information. From links to the MLS system for easy home searching, to a list of what to expect, to a list of preferred providers, to a mortgage calculator, it is all in one place.  I am constantly uploading new listings, price changes, and disclosures for all of my listings.

There is a fine line on providing too much info. Vs. creating a reason for the lead to call.  Continue reading this post

I know that there are so many of you out there who read this blog and are excited about taking your business to the “next level” by using the Internet. 

Lately, at The eHomes Realty Network, I have been getting a lot of inquiries about the cost to get your Internet business off the ground.  Below are your basic costs to get going.  The marketing program you choose will vary from area to area. 

Website

I’m a big believer in using “template websites”.  There are many choices in custom websites also, but I prefer to put my money into marketing and generating business.  Most template websites are 90% customizable, affordable and already have a ton of generic content.  You can easily spend $10,000 – $20,000 on a custom site. 

IDX

Over 90% of the real estate leads we capture at Tropical Realty of Suntree are from people registering to view home listings on our website.  I highly recommend an IDX vendor versus your free MLS providers IDX.   There are multiple IDX companies available.  HomeGain offers an IDX website with their AIMS product. We will be launching our 100MPH Marketing Software in about a month for the state of Florida.  However, it won’t be available nationwide for some time.  I also recommend iHomefinder.com. Their tool is very easy to use, reliable and has a good capture mechanism. 

Pay Per Click

Using pay per click can be very costly if you don’t know what you are doing.  If you are using Google and/or Yahoo!, Continue reading this post