The Importance of SEO for Your REALTOR® Website

Effective SEO practices are necessary to improve the ranking of your website in search engine results pages (SERPs). When potential buyers or sellers search for key terms related to your real estate business, you want to ensure that you are one of the top results returned. For instance, if you are a REALTOR® in Kelowna, you want your website to rank high when a buyer searches for “homes in Kelowna” or “real estate agent Kelowna.” By optimizing your website, you increase the chances of appearing at the top of their search results, when key terms like these are used. 

With increased website visibility comes numerous benefits, like higher click-through rates (CTRs). Your CTR is simply a measurement that determines what percentage of individuals see your website link/advertisement and subsequently click on it. Websites that consistently rank on the first page of search engines are more likely to experience greater traffic (more clicks) than those on the second page or greater. Your CTR is a great metric to keep in mind when trying to improve your website's visibility. This is because it can help you understand what works and what doesn’t when trying to reach your target audience. 

Another reason to invest in a strong SEO strategy is that users often perceive higher-ranking websites as more trustworthy. When users see a website in the top five results of their search, they often assume that the website is an authoritative source of information. This leads them to be more trusting of the services and products you are offering. Not only this, but it will also increase your brand recognition and awareness. The more users see your website, the more familiar they’ll become with your business. 

The Best Real Estate Websites Use These SEO Strategies 

If we’ve convinced you that SEO is a must-have on your real estate website, here are some strategies that you’ll want to consider:

• Local SEO

Local SEO is the practice of optimizing your website to be more visible in local search results on various search engines. For most businesses, they operate out of one or two locations in which they want to target their marketing efforts. This is especially true for real estate agents. If you are a REALTOR® in Victoria, BC, you want to use local SEO to make sure that you are ranking highly for all relevant keywords to real estate in Victoria BC. Where you show up in local SEO is largely determined by relevance, distance, prominence, and organic results. 

• Content Marketing

Content marketing is another age-old strategy that is very effective in boosting a website's location in SERPs. Building a blog that you post consistently to can seriously improve your ranking in search engines. By building your blog you’ll also show potential clients that you are knowledgeable in your field of work. This can help you capitalize on more leads and build greater trust between you and your clients. The use of other forms of content like photos, videos, and interactive experiences is also a great way to utilize SEO. 

• Link Building 

Last but not least, is link building. Linking is a critical component of any good SEO strategy. There are two parts to link building on your website: the first is internal linking, and the second is external linking. Internal links are the ones that improve the navigation of your website. On the other hand, external links are the ones that link from your website to other websites. These are important because they signal to search engines that your content is credible. 

Contact us Today!

The best real estate websites often use SEO to ensure a high rank in SERPs. This helps both agents and real estate firms acquire clients and build a trustworthy reputation. 

For more information about how to implement an SEO strategy into your real estate website, contact us today. We’d be happy to help you as you work toward establishing yourself in the real estate industry. Be sure to check back next month for more information like this! We look forward to working with you in the near future.

The post The Best Real Estate Websites Use SEO and This is Why appeared first on Real Estate Websites in Canada for REALTORS®, Brokers and Banners.

User-Friendly Navigation

User experience is paramount in web design and real estate websites are no exception. A well-organized and intuitive navigation system helps users find the information they need quickly and easily. One aspect of this includes having a clear menu structure. The main menu should be easy to find and include categories such as "Home," "About Us," "Listings," "Services," "Blog," and "Contact." 

Those looking to prioritize user-friendly navigation should also incorporate some kind of search functionality. For potential clients, a powerful search bar that allows users to filter listings by location, price range, property type, and other criteria is essential. Advanced search options can further enhance the user experience by offering specific filters like "waterfront properties" or "homes with a pool."

Real Estate Brokerage Websites Need High-End Visuals

In real estate, visuals can make or break a real estate deal. High-quality photos and videos can showcase properties in the best light and help potential buyers visualize themselves in the space. Invest in professional photographers who can capture the best aspects of each property. High-resolution images that highlight key features like spacious rooms, modern kitchens, and stunning views can make a significant difference in attracting potential buyers. You may also consider developing virtual tours or video slides for feature properties.

Comprehensive Property Listings & Innovative Tools

The heart of any real estate website is its property listings. Providing current and accurate information about each property is crucial for attracting serious inquiries. Be sure to write engaging and informative descriptions that go beyond basic details. Highlight unique selling points, such as architectural features, recent renovations, and proximity to amenities. Use compelling language to paint a picture of the lifestyle the property offers.

Another tool that you may want to incorporate is interactive maps. Maps are an excellent way to show the property's location and nearby points of interest, such as schools, parks, shopping centers, and public transportation. This helps users understand the area and its amenities. If your brokerage will be representing a specific city or suburb, an interactive map is a must-have feature!

Client Testimonials

In real estate, building trust with potential clients is key to converting website visitors into leads. Featuring client testimonials and success stories can demonstrate your expertise and the positive experiences others have had with your brokerage. Include genuine reviews from past clients, highlighting their positive experiences with your services. Use real names and, if possible, photos to add another layer of authenticity.

For those just starting out who may not have reviews yet, consider creating a page on your website to encourage clients to leave a testimonial. If you feel as though you left a positive impact on your clients, kindly ask them to leave their feedback. Also, be sure to set up your Google My Business page so that your testimonials have more reach!

Real Estate Brokerage Websites Need a Blog

An informative blog and resource section can position your website as a go-to source for real estate knowledge. This not only helps with SEO but also builds trust and authority in your market. Write blog posts on topics relevant to your target audience, such as market trends, buying and selling tips, home improvement ideas, and financing advice. Ensure the content is well-researched, informative, and easy to understand.

Providing insights into the local real estate market can set you apart from national competitors. Share data on recent sales, market forecasts, and neighbourhood spotlights to keep your audience informed. You can also offer free resources like buyer and seller guides, checklists, and market reports. These can be used to capture leads by requiring users to provide their email addresses in exchange for the download.

Real Estate Brokerage Websites Should Have Multichannel Contact Options

The ultimate goal of your website is to generate leads. Providing multiple ways for visitors to contact you or express interest is essential. Integrate simple and accessible contact forms throughout the site, particularly on property listings and service pages. Ensure the forms are easy to fill out and that the fields required are relevant and not overly intrusive.

Moreover strategically placing call-to-action (CTA) buttons such as "Schedule a Viewing," "Request More Information," or "Get a Free Consultation" can help entice users to reach out. 

Another contact option is to include some form of live chat or chatbot functionality that can provide immediate assistance to visitors with questions. A great example of software like this is Syncro. This can be particularly useful for capturing leads who may be browsing outside of regular business hours.

Contact us About Real Estate Brokerage Websites!

For more information on designing effective real estate brokerage websites, contact us today. We’d be happy to help you as you work toward establishing your business in the real estate industry. Be sure to check back next month for more information like this! We look forward to working with you in the near future.

The post 6 Things Real Estate Brokerage Websites Need appeared first on Real Estate Websites in Canada for REALTORS®, Brokers and Banners.

As a REALTOR®, your website is one of the most important aspects of your business. Having a strong online presence equates to a better customer experience, more leads, and a greater platform to establish your brand. However, to achieve this, you must first ensure that your website has what it takes to attract new clients. From optimized content to professional imagery, there’s lots to include on a real estate website. In this article, we will be highlighting six items that websites for REALTORS® need to have. Follow along below to learn more!

What Features Do Websites for REALTORS® Need?

• Easy Navigation

New clients that visit your website need to be able to find the information they are looking for with ease. If it is too difficult, you may risk losing a lead. To avoid this, you want to make sure that it is as simple as possible for users to find information. Having a great menu is a good place to start. Some of the features that your menu should include are an About page, listings, guides (one for buyers and one for sellers), financing, a blog, and a contact page. These are all key items that buyers and sellers will be keen on finding when they visit your website. 

• Responsive Design

Responsive design is essential in creating a positive user experience. The design and development of your website should be responsive to the users’ behaviour and environment. One of the most important elements of a responsive website is making sure that it works on all devices—regardless of size or platform. Additionally, a responsive website will entice users to stay for longer. It can also positively improve how potential customers interact with your site. Achieving responsive design is better left to the web nerds; consider getting help from a company like EstateVue. 

• A Contact Form

What’s a website if users can’t get in touch with you? Having a contact form is of the utmost importance on your website. A good contact form can help you organize client inquiries, gather information about the client’s interests, and gain new business. With the right fields on your contact form, you can impress potential clients by tailoring the experience to their needs. 

Other Must-Have Items

• Great Imagery

Another key item that a real estate website needs is great imagery. When it comes to selling homes, photos and videos make a big difference. If clients can see the homes that you’ve helped to sell/buy they are more likely to work with you. Furthermore, you could include a featured listings page that shows off some of the listings you're working with right now. Here, you can use some of that awesome photography/videography to entice buyers to visit your property. Moreover, since most people begin their search for real estate online, your listings must have good imagery. 

• SEO Content

Optimized content is a no-brainer when it comes to real estate web design. If you want your website to rank higher in search results, then SEO is a great place to start. Successful SEO begins with the creation of interesting/useful content. Then an expert can go through and optimize the post so that your website is more easily found. Over time, SEO is a great lead-generation strategy that your business will benefit from for years. 

• Listing Search Tool

Not all users who visit your website will go there to search for listings. However, it’s good to have the option. A listing search tool with advanced filter options is a great way for potential clients to narrow their search. This can help them come up with shortlists of properties they’d like to view or comparable listings. Having filters such as property type, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, price, amenities, neighbourhood, lot size, and outdoor space can be extremely helpful!

Contact us About Websites for REALTORS® 

For real estate agents, a great website is a must-have item. With more and more people beginning their real estate journey online, your digital presence is key. To make the best impression possible, your website must include some of the above features. 

Are you ready to start building websites for REALTORS®? Give us a call or chat with us now to get started! Be sure to visit our blog again next month for more content like this. We look forward to working with you soon!

The post 6 Things Websites for REALTORS® Should Include appeared first on Real Estate Websites in Canada for REALTORS®, Brokers and Banners.

Post regularly to your Google Business page.

First of all, the industry has led you to falsely believe that good real estate marketing needs to consist of a huge budget. This is the most common narrative especially if you listen to everyone who wants to pitch you on the latest real estate software or service. 

Once you’ve been a part of the pitch cycle it seems like you can’t get away from it. The other detriment is that you start to believe that if you don’t do everything you’ll get left behind. So often times you do nothing at all while waiting for the holy marketing grail to reveal itself. 

The fear is real. We’re here to cut the noise with this advice. Less is more. But, it’s how you attain less that will get you more. 

Sounds clear as mud, so let’s get to clarifying below:

Do more real estate marketing with less

You just need to make sure that you're using less to make more. Make sense? Of course not. Let’s look at what we’re trying to say. 

If you were to pay a company like EstateVue to write your content each month, optimize it and post it on your blog, then depending on the visibility of your website this would be less. Why? Because nobody knows your website exists at this point. Yes, writing and posting content is designed to attract more visitors, but how will they know it’s there if you aren’t sharing it? 

The short answer is they don’t.  We aren’t saying you should cut your content budget, quite the contrary. What we are saying is that you should be doubling down on content and using it to share and get better traffic results. You can do this very effectively using Google Business to post and share your content. 

Google is the answer for almost everyone when it comes to getting traffic. It makes sense that Google rewards websites that use its products and services with higher rankings. This is why we tend to see such great results from customers who also use this social medium to share their content. 

When you post to Google Business you’re doing two very important things:

1. Creating a backlink to your website
2. Creating content that appears where people are actively searching for your product your service

The great part about Google is that it’s free. It’s easy to use and since you already have content to share from your blog you have a resource in place to draw from. 

How do you share content on Google Business? 

If you’re new to Google Business then it’s very important that you get your account set up properly first and foremost. There are a ton of help articles on how to do this, but if you need help then you can always rely on a company like EstateVue to help you get organized. We do a lot of what we call digital footprint consolidation around here. 

It involves a heavy audit of your social media profiles, consolidating the message, the medium, and more. Often times we nuke more accounts than we keep. The Snapchat profile you set up for your defunct real estate team isn’t doing you any favours out there.

Once you have your account squared away with an updated profile picture, and updated contact details and have tested the contact methods then it’s time to start sharing. 

Posts are shared as updates on Google business pages. Our sister marketing company in Kelowna, Atomic 55, has an easy-to-follow article that will show you how to quickly get to posting updates on your Google Business page. 

Read it here now: https://atomic55.net/updated-4th-quarter-22-how-to-post-on-google-business/ 

How do you stay consistent with your posts? 

This is the key to any successful marketing plan. Staying consistent. Articles and updates should be shared regularly. We suggest at least posting one article per month to your blog and sharing links back to snippets of each article once every 5 days. 

These are the bare minimums for any SEO campaign. More posts and more shares will result in more traffic, but the goal is to get on track with regular updates before you flood your feed with more of anything.  

Pro-tip for staying consistent with real estate marketing?

Once again, we suggest Google for the win. Google Calendar is a no-fail way to schedule not only your blog posts but your life! Use it to your advantage. It’s another free organizational tool that will keep your work life on track and thriving. 

Simply set aside an hour in your calendar each week for posting on Google Business and you’ll be off to the races. Google Calendar can be set to recur every day, week, month, or year. Reminders can be set as frequently as you require. Once you can see your week in a calendar-like format it can become very easy to tackle even the largest of marketing tasks. We highly, highly recommend that you use a calendar system to stay on track with updates. 

Still not buying that Google Business is a good, free answer to increasing traffic to your website?

Check out this example chart below. 

The yellow highlighted line indicated a change. You’ll notice how we made a very big jump in rankings. The traffic was very flat beforehand. And beforehand, we were not using Google Business to share information. The yellow line indicates the big jump in traffic after we started using Google Business for posting. The numbers don’t lie and neither do we. Google Business works. It’s free. And you should use it. Or pay a company like EstateVue to use it on your behalf. 

Get in touch with our team if you want to learn more about having content created for your website each month. You'll join the ranks of these top-performing agents listed below!

MWP and SEO Customers are featured this month on EstateVue!

Neufeld Jones Real Estate Team in Kelowna is sharing tips on investing in real estate near UBCO.

RE/MAX Vanderhoof has an explanation of how new mortgage rules in BC are affecting home sales in Vanderhoof.

Corinne O'Neil is sharing an overview of the St Albert neighbourhood of Erin Ridge on her website.

The Current Whitehorse Condos have tips on buying a home in the Yukon here!

RE/MAX Elite in Edmonton has a very interesting read this month for all of you haunted house hunters out there, find out more about buying a stigmatized property in Edmonton.

Kevin Moist has an update on sales last month in addition to great info on this Winnipeg Neighbourhood! Read more here now

Bill de Mooy is sharing some great local Langley content this month about elementary schools near homes with suites! Check it out here https://homeswithsuites.ca/langley-houses-for-sale-near-elementary-schools/

Big White Property Group has all the details on why this should be the year that you invest in real estate at Big White

Alpine Realty has a great article this month about how to keep properties in Banff sustainable!

The post Good Real Estate Marketing is Consistent! appeared first on Real Estate Websites in Canada for REALTORS®, Brokers and Banners.

There have always been a lot of website solutions available in the marketplace when it comes to websites and digital products. Whether they are geared toward real estate or they are for general business, you can find both inclusive and niche solutions for almost every function.  The crowded space can make it difficult for REALTORS® and their trusted advisors and assistants to make the right decision.

Oftentimes, we see mistakes made where marketing becomes overcomplicated. REALTORS® unwittingly find themselves in a situation where they have too much. Too much marketing is real, so let's get into what you really need to have a great real estate website in Canada. Hopefully, these tips can help you streamline your process and your AP.

There are a few things that you need to keep in mind for your real estate website in order for it to be effective.

One: Choose to develop your website on an open framework

We have discussed the topic of closed-loop websites at length in previous articles.  These are quick-start solutions that are designed for entry-level REALTORS®. They are often offered for free by corporate banners in order to get new agents on their feet. The pros and cons are hefty if you are still using a closed-loop system and have been in the business longer than a year. We see these sites as an option to get started but not a good answer for a long-term strategy.

Developing your website on a closed framework comes with significant barriers. These barriers eventually become apparent when you try to do any external marketing on a closed-loop site. In order to increase your website visibility we suggest that you invest in the following:

1. Hire a professional to register two domain names for your business. One should be your business/trade name and one should be keyword centric.
2. Have a professional company build your website on a universal open-source framework like WordPress. This is important because you can build on the website over time and take that content with you anywhere.
3. Work with a data provider to stream listings in an SEO-friendly manner to your website. Say no to iFrame, and embedded listing tools. Embedded listings don't help your website's visibility.  In some cases, this can hurt your ranking, especially if they have not been optimized to fit with Google's Core Vital metrics.

Building your real estate website on an open framework allows you greater flexibility in the future.

More than any other time in history marketing should be thought of as a long-term investment. Think about where you want to be in years not months. If it's at the top then make sure you are taking the steps to ensure that the money you are spending now is a good investment for the future. Too many agents throw good money after bad and start from the beginning over and over. Invest wisely and plan to build your footprint over time, before you know it your digital footprint will hold a lot of value.

Two: Set aside a small monthly budget (time or money) to work on the site each month

This is an important detail that is the most commonly overlooked and underappreciated. Real estate websites in Canada should not be set and forgotten. We often see assistants and associates focus on social media for the real estate business.

Social media plays an important part in the process, but the order of when to use social media is equally if not more important.

The real estate marketing industry is notorious for jumping on trendy bandwagons and social was no different. In the early days of social everyone was clamoring to post on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Every agent wanted to know the answer. What was the magic bullet strategy to being successful on these mediums? What should they post? How often should they post?

Almost every customer we saw in the early '10s wanted to know how to improve their social strategy.

Thankfully that messaging has been tempered. Hopefully, that's because we as marketers have opened our eyes to the social beast and done a better job at explaining how it all works. The biggest takeaway about using social media is this question, do you want to use it because you like the attention and love creating content? Or are you using it as a means to an end - to get better SEO results?

85% are in the latter category. They are REALTORS® first and foremost and they want to be found online to generate new business and sell real estate. Achieving TikTok influencer status is low on their list of priorities. With that in mind, finding a company that can help you to manage an SEO program and get the results you want from social media is key.  If you can't afford that, then religiously schedule time to update your website each month.

Time and money are equal to success 

We suggest that REALTORS® who want to expedite their ranking results post as often as they can on their blog.  A properly written article, posted each month on your blog is imperative to getting ranking results. So, take those quick burst social media posts that you're pumping out and compile them into one concise article. When you add new, unique content anywhere to your website it helps to promote your visibility. Once you have that article written, only then you should share the link across your social media channels.

We recommend that you post at least 300 original words on your website once per month. This is equivalent to spending at least 1.5 hrs on your website each month.  Do not plagiarize, borrow or repurpose content.

If you want to learn more then get in touch with us. We write content for a variety of topics at EstateVue. We cover current real estate trends at both a national and local level. Articles are written by University-educated writers in Canada and optimized specifically for attaining SEO results. Content is developed to target a specific audience and appeals to local topics of interest.

Three: Ensure you have an attentive listing data manager

Real estate data in Canada is not without unique issues. Data at any level requires immense oversight. The more data you oversee the more time is required. This is very true when it comes to real estate data in Canada. Local real estate data feeds and national real estate data feeds in Canada are never perfect for long.  Adding to that disappointing fact is the rising cost of data. Storage, engineers, and administration costs are driving the cost of access to Canadian real estate data sky high. Many agents find the cost to access their own data a frustrating fee. Nonetheless, a good website requires data to remain competitive.

This combination can be an unsettling discovery for Canadian real estate agents. Especially when you have finicky customers who want to see their homes for sale displayed accurately on your website. Explaining to the customer why photos, price changes, and description updates aren't filtering correctly to your website is nothing short of embarrassing for most agents.  However, we find that when we can explain what to expect from real estate data in Canada it becomes much easier for REALTORS® to have those conversations with their customers.

We understand this first hand.  So these are the questions you should ask before you plug in Canadian real estate data to your website!

1. How will the data be facilitated?
2. Is the data from my local real estate board or CREA's DDF?
3. What are the setup costs to connect to either/or?
4. Are there monthly fees associated with either feed?
5. What are the annual costs associated with either feed?
6. Is their reciprocity in my area?
7. How often will my data be updated on my website? When I add a new listing? When I update an existing listing?
8. What happens with my sold listings?
9. What should I do if I discover a listing is missing or incorrect?

Look for the following attributes when you are choosing a Canadian data provider for real estate data. 

1. Experience and focus in the real estate data space
2. Works with multiple data feed national, local, small, mid, and large
3. Focused on real estate marketing and its unique challenges
4. Responsive and respectful communication

Real estate data is a necessary component of a great online presence for agents. Choose a company that can help you get the most of your data. More important is choosing a company that can support you when things don't go right. Be leery of those who overpromise in the data department, it's best to prepare for technological glitches along the way.

Four: All-in-one real estate marketing solutions - they exist and you should choose ONE!

All-in-one real estate solutions exist. They exist for brokers, agents, and real estate teams in Canada.

This is what you should look for when you're deciding which platform you should engage for real estate data in Canada. 

1. Is the website built on an open or closed-loop framework
2. Does the company focus on real estate-centric activity?
3. Is the website customized to me or does it use stock everything?
4. Is there a marketing package available to complement the website build?
5. What listing data services are included?
6. Does it come with an SSL?
7. What is included for lead generation?
8. Can I export my leads to another CRM?
9. Do I need a CRM in addition to my website?

Your all-in-one real estate website solution should have the basics covered. The list above is a great start for determining whether or not the company you are engaging in is a good choice.

The real estate market is fickle and ripe with change. Similar to technology, nothing stays the same in the real estate market for long either. Find a company to work with that has its finger on the pulse, that's the only way you'll stay ahead of the marketing train!

Check out what a few of our customers have collaborated on this month below! These customers know great real estate data is here in Canada!

Neufeld Jones is talking about buying housing in Kelowna for a vacation property this month.

Brooks Lancaster is sharing information on summer activities near Penticton housing for sale.

Vanderhoof RE/MAX has a moving day checklist for homes for sale in Vanderhoof this month on their blog.

Steve Leddy joins us this month with an article on why you should choose Sherwood Park Real Estate.

Grham Frey over at the Current in Whitehorse is discussing condos for sale in Whitehorse.

Corinne O'Neil has a great resource on her website this month from finding an introduction to other greats agents in Canada to St.Albert condos for sale - learn more!

The Big White Property Group added a new building to their website this month - learn more about Snowy Creek Lodge at Big White!

More great content to read this way!

RE/MAX Elite is tackling the question of whether or not real estate in Edmonton is a cheaper alternative.

RE/MAX Alpine Realty in Canmore got started this month with an article shedding information about real estate in Canmore! Read it now!

Cliff and Scott King join us from Winnipeg this month with great information on houses for sale in Bridgwater Lakes! Check it out.

The Courtenay apartment scene is talked about over on Janice Leffler's blog this month!

The MYLIE Group is breaking down the advantages of building homes in Ontario this month.

Royal LePage in Comox Valley shares the economic drivers near Comox real estate on their blog.

Kevin Moist and Associates discuss real estate in downtown Winnipeg this month!

Hilbert&Crick are talking about trends in affordable housing in Kelowna.

Miranda Moser shares the pros and cons of renting vs buying a property in Calgary.

John Mattiello ponders whether sales of real estate in Edmonton are slowing down.

Josh Miko has an update for us about an exclusive gated community in West Kelowna called Thacker Ridge Estates!

The post What to look for when choosing a real estate website in Canada. appeared first on Real Estate Websites in Canada for REALTORS®, Brokers and Banners.

Some food for thought: The dreams you have are very different from the actions that will get you there.

This statement is one we're feeling as the new year brings forth all of the usual churn and restlessness in our world. January and September are the typical months in which we see an uptick in both new clients and cancellations. It's the new year for many business owners and while some of us are traditionalists, who wait until January 1 to make our moves, there are just as many more who consider September 1 as the official clean slate.

Whatever the month,  the messaging stays the same on our end.

Stay the course. Don't be distracted by others. And whatever you do, DON'T. STOP. NOW. 

Earlier in the month, we provided our highly motivated MWP customers with a first-quarter road map for real estate marketing in 2022. A list of simple tasks and actions that can make a big impact on a customer's search engine rankings. Making a slight adjustment to your routine can have a lasting impact on those dreams of hitting the first page of results. That's why we're including this list below and we encourage you to reach out to us if you're making SEO your priority in 2022.

Have we mentioned how much we want you to pay attention to Google Business? 

I know we have, but how many of you are? Still hung up on Instagram? Well, in 2022 we want most of the focus for our customers to be on Google Business. The platform directly correlates to website search traffic.  Having your account settings configured properly will be key in '22.  It's very important to log in to your GB account and ensure that your profile is up to date and is as complete as possible. Especially important, is your map location. Please make sure that you have claimed your business. Google Business settings should be periodically reviewed and kept current including engagement on your reviews. 

Our MWP customers see posts regularly syndicated to their Google accounts, which promotes healthy engagement and activity that makes Google smile.

Make time right now to review (and ruthlessly edit) your digital footprint 

At the top of the year, it’s always a good idea to review your digital footprint. We talk about this often, because it's often one of the biggest items that REALTORS® and BROKERS overlook. 

Reviewing your digital footprint is simply visiting the various social media accounts and subscription services that you have to make sure that they’re still relevant. We want everything out there to add value to your marketing visibility. 

As a rule, we want all external links on any and all of these platforms to link directly to your website.

The more direct and specific the link the better, eg: if you are mentioning a new listing on Facebook, please include a direct link in the same post to view the listing on your website.

When reviewing your digital footprint ensure the following:

1. Update your passwords. This is really painful but also very important given the Malware threats that exist today.  We have seen some crazy situations lately so we encourage you to update your passwords often, keep them secure and make them hard. 
2. Update your bios or profiles to include a link to your homepage
3. Make sure that your profiles are up to date with the correct information, address, phone, updated logos, etc. This is a good time to update header graphics as well and show the world you're fresh and ready! 

Use the gift of REALTOR.ca to your advantage!

Backlinking is the stuff SEO is made of. It's not complicated, but there is a method to follow for the madness to work. The best thing you can do for your website visibility to shine is to have an outbound link on a big-time traffic generator. We mean high-profile websites. Websites with stellar DA. Since you have access to one of the biggest traffic generating websites online today in REALTOR.ca. Let’s use this to our advantage! When you post a listing and it goes live on REALTOR.ca you need to make sure that you are also adding your new listing to the new 'View Listing' tab that CREA is providing. 

See below for an example, it will show up under your website link on your listing when added correctly.

Tell your story in long-form with a syndicated press release

PR is old school and from my experience, old school works like a charm. Use this vintage technique to your advantage. You can bet, most of your competitors will not do this. One, they won't be able to come up with a viable topic that they're comfortable with, and Two, they won't be able to find distribution. We can help with alllllll of this and it will be the biggest advantage you can give yourself. So, go on, don't be shy, and let's sell your story to the press for added results.

Everyone has that one local news/classified directory listings website

It's not just us that have been subjected to this local phenom, right? We all have that one local website where proliferating opinions and local reporting culminate. Well, chances are that this little homegrown gem generates a hefty DA (Domain Authority) and produces a fair share of traffic. That's precisely why it would be worth posting your property listings on their classifieds platform to create backlinks. If you can get your website link posted here regularly -  the $25 or so per month it costs will pay off traffic-wise in return. In this particular case, you will want to post a link to your featured listings page for best results. If they don't allow a link field then you will have to post it in the body text.

Make the local classifieds part of your new listing routine now! Start today and post a link to the properties you currently have listed for sale. 

And Finally, let's end with Google and the mecca of review platforms, Google Reviews

We are encouraging you to consider using Google Reviews as your preferred review software in 2022. The other ones don't provide you with any benefit. In fact, you provide them benefits when you link back to their website. Remember, you want to be selective with the marketing services you engage and promote in 2022. And you need to be doubly selective with the backlinks you include on your own website! Keeping tight watch and control over your digital footprint is imperative to success.

Put yourself first and ask everyone involved - is this good for my visibility?

The main reason you absolutely need to switch to Google Reviews is that it benefits your search rankings. Towards the end of 2021, we began embedding Google Reviews directly into some customers' websites. The results have been well received and include the ability for customers to easily leave a review when they visit your website, as well as increasing visibility by displaying your reviews. 

For an example of a recently embedded Google Review widget please visit the link below: https://morrisonrealestategroup.ca/#google-review

That's it? That's it. 

And that's right, it's a short list. We'll say it again, The dreams you have are very different from the actions that will get you there. The above list is small in the scope of things you can do, the results are anything but. If you did even one of these items and incorporated it into your routine, you would see positive results almost immediately.

Talk to us about becoming a very valued, MWP at EstateVue in '22!

The post Dreams Vs. Actions When it Comes to Real Estate SEO in 2022 appeared first on Real Estate Websites in Canada for REALTORS®, Brokers and Banners.

We'll explain below what's included with each level of service and how valuable either choice is for the visibility of your business.  SEO for real estate websites is a great place to begin your marketing plan!

Keep reading below.

BASIC SEO PROGRAM BY ESTATEVUE

The basic SEO marketing program is a great program for various stages of your real estate business. For beginners looking to get their feet wet this is an easy product to understand.

Our program is based on keyword sets. Keyword sets are the phrases that your customers use to find you in search engines online. For example, if your customer was new to your city and wanted to find a REALTOR® then they might load up Google and type in 'best REALTOR® in city name'. With a little luck, they might find your website. With a program like our basic SEO program, your "luck" begins to increase. That's because it's not luck and there isn't a magic switch to flip to simply turn it on or off. SEO is one of those amazing components to marketing that offers tangible marketing ROI, however, it takes time, consistency, and patience. The changes ebb and flow throughout weeks and months. Overall, when you look at an SEO graph over one year you should see a slow and steady climb.

Before we begin, we analyze which key terms are popularly searched in your local market areas.  We then analyze some other data like how long you've been in business, what weight your current website carries, and how much content you currently have. There are many factors that go into the creation of your SEO program. We can discuss these with you and generally we formulate a collaborative plan.

This month we aren't discussing the technical stuff though. We're discussing the stuff that you can actually see. That's because each month we do the following work on a basic SEO website.

Write Content

Each month we curate unique content for a blog article. This content is written to appeal to search engines. It is also optimized for the key terms that we have decided on above. These topics can be written based on your input and ideas, however, the majority of our customers appeal to the set and forget it program.

Post and Optimize Content

The original content that we produce is then formatted and added to your website's blog page. The articles are posted at relatively the same time each month for consistency. At the same time that we add the content, we are also ensuring that the SEO and Readability of the article are optimized to appeal to search engines.

Photos

We add at least one royalty-free stock image to compliment the article topic.  This image is optimized for SEO purposes. At your request, we can send you this image along with the link to your article so that you may use it in your social media posts for backlinks.

Maintenance

When we log in to your website each month we also ensure that things are working properly. Each month we manually clear your cache and review your plugins.  Your website plugins should always be kept up to date in order to maintain speed and security.

Reporting

This program includes basic quarterly reporting. The reporting will include a link to review the article that was posted for the month. It will also include information on any other updates, or maintenance that was performed, eg: how many plugins required updating. More often we use our reporting to communicate your overall position increases, along with strategies you can employ to help us, help you, increase your rankings.

WHO IS THE BASIC SEO PROGRAM BEST FOR?

The basic SEO program is a great plan to keep your website content fresh for a low cost. It also ensures that your website stays secure and up to date in technology. While it does not include core updates, nor backlinking services we are always providing opportunities for you to get involved. With the basic program, you can be confident that your site is being looked after in good hands.

This is a great solution for established agents looking to maintain an already established website or for new agents who are looking to get their feet wet with SEO.

All SEO programs are offered on a two-year contract.

WHAT DOES AN UPGRADE TO MWP GET ME?

When you choose to subscribe to our MWP program you get more time allotted to your account each month. With more time comes more services. Not only do you get all of the above but they also include some bonuses.

Keep reading below to find out the key differences between basic and MWP:

Write MORE Content

Our MWP clients benefit from extensive content development. Each monthly article contains a minimum of 800 words. We also pay close attention to your cornerstone pages within your website to ensure they are also optimized based on your specific key terms. We either add, delete or modify the content on these pages to achieve perfect Readability and SEO scores within our software.

Post and Optimize MORE Content

Each month a blog article is posted to your news section. At the same time, we also add any content that you have sent over to us. This could include monthly newsletters, brokerage news, or local market stats. It could even be custom-written posts from your internal team if you have additional news to share. These additional internal posts are scheduled to release throughout the course of the month. This is a great tactic for keeping your website content extra fresh.

MORE Photos

Our MWP customers benefit from multiple photos. We include a featured image in your blog post with a watermark for your brand or brokerage logo. We also source up to 6-8 additional images for use in social media posts.

Maintenance

All website plugins are regularly checked to ensure speed and security are upheld. This is a very important step. We also make regular recommendations in our reporting to keep you apprised of any maintenance milestones that might be coming up. These can include core updates and more.

Reporting

This program includes bi-monthly reporting. The reporting will include a link to review the article that was posted for the month. We also indicate if any other posts have been scheduled for the month. pages that were optimized for better SEO and Readability are also noted at this time. Reporting will also include information on any other website maintenance that was performed, eg: how many plugins required updating.

We also share stats on your social media statistics if available. More importantly, we share insight into your SEO positioning and traffic. Our goal is always on increasing your website visibility in the search engines.

Social Media Posting and Backlinks

Another key difference in the MWP program is our backlinking program. We tie your social media accounts into our software for Google's My Business, Facebook (META), and Twitter.  Each month we create 6-8 posts scheduled across these three mediums.  Each post includes a backlink to the article that was created for the month. The posts all include royalty-free stock images and are appropriately tagged.

This portion of the MWP program helps to keep your social profiles up to date and fresh. It also helps to distribute backlinks to your website, which is an important component of SEO.

In addition to creating backlinks on social media, we include one post on our own social media accounts to your monthly article. This is also shared in a monthly blog article on our website each month. Keep reading to see examples of how this is achieved each month below.

WHO IS THE MWP SEO PROGRAM BEST FOR?

The MWP real estate marketing plan is best for agents who are looking to make a dent in their rankings. The extra time each month allows us to create authoritative content for your website each month. It also allows us time to share that content in order to increase your website visibility. If you or your team members are not able to share links to your website due to time constraints, technology barriers, or otherwise then this is the program to consider. It's fully automated and highly effective.

Let's take a look at what some of EstateVue's real estate marketing customers are up to this month below!

We recently launched a new website for Kevin Moist and Associates in Winnipeg, MB. They've got a great new map to help search for property for sale in Winnipeg. They also have some fantastic drone footage of the city! 

Brooks Lancaster of Royal LePage in Penticton is sharing tips this month on how to keep your Penticton home hazard-free!

Neufeld Jones is sharing all the latest Central Okanagan market news and sales on their blog this month.

The Big White Property Group is gearing up for a fantastic new ski season with the addition of a new Big White Real Estate development map! Check it out if you're looking for a new winter vacation home in BC!

RE/MAX Vanderhoof has completed a comprehensive guide to education opportunities in Vanderhoof with their latest article about Vanderhoof houses near colleges!

EstateVue's real estate marketing customers

RE/MAX Elite in Edmonton is sharing more information this month about schools near Sherwood Park houses! 

Miranda Moser is sharing advice on how to prepare your houses in Calgary for another winter!

Royal LePage in the Comox Valley is continuing their parks theme this month with another great regional park featured near homes in Comox Valley!

Have you ever wondered where the best place in Edmonton is to get a coffee? Edmonton REALTOR® John Mattiello is spilling the beans!

Ontario's #TheMylieGroup is doing an amazing local fundraiser this month - check out their Annual Food and Toy Drive this month!

The post The Difference Between the EstateVue MWP vs Basic Real Estate Marketing Program appeared first on Real Estate Websites in Canada for REALTORS®, Brokers and Banners.

A Consistent Effort Over Time is the Magic Bullet for SEO for Real Estate Websites

Just as there are all types of real estate website companies that offer SEO services there are also all types of customers who want some version of it. Be it, bad advice in the past, poor experiences by the DIY crowd, or other unsavory experiences; many customers are once bitten and twice shy.

It's understandable given today's work quick and cheap climate. Many agents who are looking for SEO services are looking for a magic bullet. Even more, come to realize that the magic bullet is actually equal to consistent effort over time. This realization also brings to the forefront that the best time to start your SEO strategy was yesterday.

I Want to Start SEO Now!

The second best time to start your real estate website SEO is today.  With a proper, consistent SEO program you do not have to break the bank in order to get consistent results. In fact, many of our customers pay between $200-500 per month for us to work on their websites regularly each month.

Each month they rest assured that a skilled individual is logging into their website. They check on the framework, update website plugins, review the data and compare listings to REALTOR.ca. Our team also handcrafts a custom real estate blog article each month for all of our SEO customers. Depending on the package level we wither create social media posts on your behalf or send you the link for distribution.

In order to get great results, we start with attainable goals in our SEO for Real Estate Websites.

Keyword research - not only do you want to be found under what people are searching for but you want to be able to attain some real results. If you have a brand new website and are new to the space then it's best to not set your keyword goals too lofty in order to avoid disappointment. Generally, we start customers off with a blend of keywords based on several factors. These factors can include competition index, visibility ranking, and search volume among other things.

Get in touch with us if you're looking to increase your reach and visibility using SEO for Real Estate Websites!

Sample blog posts for the month of September in Real Estate Websites

Neufeld Jones is featuring downtown Kelowna real estate this month on their blog!

Get the low down on Elementary Schools in Sherwood Park Real Estate from RE/MAX Elite!

Real estate in Vanderhoof is close to great schooling this fall according to RE/MAX Vanderhoof.

Houses in Penticton are encouraged to Vote in the upcoming Federal election this September!

Houses for sale in Comox are super close to Mount Washington on Vancouver Island. Check out what Royal LePage Comox has discovered this month!

Affordable houses in Kelowna? Hilbert&Crick have you covered!

Miranda Moser is discussing open vs traditional floorplans on her Calgary real estate blog this month!

John Matiello is spilling all the details on Edmonton Real Estate Agents and Edmonton amenities this month!

Josh Miko wants to show you modern West Kelowna homes for sale this month!

The post SEO for Real Estate Websites appeared first on Real Estate Websites in Canada for REALTORS®, Brokers and Banners.