In today’s digital world, a strong online presence is essential for real estate agents. When potential clients search for homes or agents in their area, you want to make sure you’re easily found. Here are some actionable steps to boost your visibility on Google and enhance your overall online presence.
1. Create or Update Your Google Business Profile
A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most effective tools to improve your local SEO and appear in Google’s local search results.
- Set up or claim your Google Business Profile: If you haven’t already, claim your business profile and make sure all your details are accurate. Include your business name, address, phone number, and business hours.
- Please note: Your business should include your name, and should not just be "Dalton Wade Real Estate Group".
- Example: "John Doe, Dalton Wade Real Estate Group"
- Add high-quality images: Photos of your office (if you have a brick-and-mortar branch), listings, and even yourself help humanize your profile and build trust with potential clients.
- Get client reviews: Ask satisfied clients to leave a review on your Google Business Profile. Positive reviews boost your ranking and can help convince potential buyers and sellers to choose you.
2. Optimize Your Website for SEO
Your website is your online hub. Optimizing it for search engines ensures potential clients find you when they search for real estate services. To do this with your kvCORE account, please watch Inside Real Estate's video here.
Google takes social signals into account when ranking websites. A strong social media presence can complement your SEO efforts.
- Be active on social platforms: Share regular updates on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Post photos of listings, local market updates, and success stories. Include relevant hashtags like #RealEstate and #HomeBuying.
- Link to your website: Every social profile should link back to your website. This not only drives traffic but signals to Google that your site is relevant.
- Engage with followers: Respond to comments, messages, and reviews. Engagement signals activity, which can also boost your rankings.
4. Get Listed on Online Directories
Being listed on relevant real estate directories can boost your visibility and SEO. These directories are trusted by Google and often rank highly in search results.
- Use real estate-specific directories: Get listed on platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, and Homes.com. Ensure your profiles are complete and link back to your website.
- Check general directories: Register your business with directories like Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and Yellow Pages. These also contribute to your local SEO efforts.
5. Start Blogging
A blog can be a powerful tool for sharing your expertise and improving your search engine ranking. Google rewards fresh, relevant content, so consistently updating your blog is a great way to stay visible.
- Write real estate guides: Create how-to articles on buying and selling homes, tips for first-time buyers, or the current market conditions.
- Focus on local content: Write about the neighborhoods you serve, community events, and market trends. Localized content helps you rank higher in your service area.
- Answer common questions: Use your blog to answer the questions your clients frequently ask. Google favors content that provides value to users.
- To learn how to write a blog on your kvCORE website, please click here.
6. Use High-Quality Backlinks
Backlinks from reputable sites can significantly boost your SEO. These links signal to Google that your site is trustworthy and relevant.
- Network with local businesses: Partner with home inspectors, mortgage brokers, and contractors to exchange website links.
- Guest post: Contribute articles to local blogs, real estate publications, or news sites. This will provide a backlink to your site and help drive traffic.
- Get media coverage: Offer insights on local real estate trends to journalists and bloggers. When they mention your expertise, they may include a link to your website.
kvCORE offers many add-on options in their Marketplace for advertisements. One of these is their Leads360 Bundle, you can learn more about that
here.
8. Maintain an Active Presence on Review Sites
Positive reviews on sites like Yelp, Zillow, and Google are a great way to improve your reputation online.
- Encourage reviews: After closing a deal, politely ask clients to leave a review. Offer step-by-step instructions to make it easier.
- Respond to all reviews: Whether the review is positive or negative, responding shows that you’re engaged and care about client feedback.
9. Use Video to Showcase Your Expertise
Video content is highly engaging and ranks well on Google, especially if hosted on platforms like YouTube.
- Create virtual tours: Offer guided tours of your listings. Homebuyers love seeing properties before scheduling an in-person visit.
- Share market updates: Record short videos about real estate market trends in your area, or answer FAQs related to the home-buying process.
- Optimize videos: Include keywords in your video titles and descriptions, and link back to your website.
Final Thoughts:
Improving your online presence as a real estate agent takes time and consistent effort. By optimizing your website, engaging on social media, building local content, and leveraging SEO, you’ll ensure you appear higher in Google’s search results and become more visible to potential clients.