Search engine optimization (SEO) puts your info at the top of a customer’s Google search, a difficult goal. But a local SEO plan may provide better results.
NEW YORK – Real estate professionals use search engine optimization (SEO) to be more visible in Google search results, but it’s challenging: There’s a lot of competition out there. Still, it’s a strong advertising technique that costs nothing to use.
A subset of SEO, known as local SEO, can benefit agents who serve a geographic area.
Local search algorithms are based on a proximity factor. That means Google considers a location when someone’s search includes a local keyword, which can kick in even if their search terms don’t include a city name.
Local SEO is also important in the real estate field because people using search engines often have a specific location in mind, and they’re seeking real estate agents in their local area, as well as other local businesses.
Google estimates that about 30% of all mobile searches relate to location.
When a local search occurs in Google, the results can show up in a map and also the usual list of results with blue links to the appropriate websites. High ranking results can appear in both.
To succeed with local results, agents should complete their Google Business Profile – a free, local listing that has information about the agent and their business. They should be specific in their Google Business Profile about their services and expertise, and to make it stand out, they should ask clients to leave reviews, which Google takes into account in local SEO.
Finally, agents should create localized content and be personally active in their community. In addition to extra marketing opportunities, it gives agents a way to build links back to their site and position themselves as a local expert and authority.
Source: Realty Times (08/01/22) Sutphin, Ashley
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