The Forward Thinking Estate Agent ‘taster' series:
As part of the build-up to the Forward Thinking Roadshow in Bristol we have put together a series of 5 articles by the experts who will be attending the show. These are designed to give you a taste of what the show will involve and also give your business a head start! These will be simultaneously posted to the Linkedin discussion group and also a Facebook Page so please feel free to comment and add your thoughts.
We also look forward to discussing it in person on the 24th of February at the Aztec West Hotel, Bristol.
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With over 8 million searches on Google UK per month for buying or letting property* it is clear that the power of search engines cannot be ignored for estate agents.
Rightmove and other property portals have proved a popular way of promoting properties for sale and rent online. However as search engines (particularly Google) become more innovative it seems that now is the perfect time for agents to place more focus on ensuring that their own website and property listings feature more prominently within search engines.
There are a number of advantages to this approach:
- Your brand awareness is increased
- The need for online advertising through property portals is reduced
- No need to pay finders fees or commissions for any leads that come through your website
- Your property listings could appear directly in search engines
- Each of your branches can now have separate listings in Google
As an example of the potential that search engines have to increase your leads let’s take a popular search in Google – ‘Property in Bristol’ - which averages at 21,000 searches per month*.
The top 7 results feature agencies in the Bristol area – that’s instant exposure to 21,000 potential leads looking to rent a house in Bristol in one month. These agencies have been pro-active in ensuring Google is aware of what they offer and where they are based. They have also optimised their websites and content to help increase their visibility.
Optimising a website for search engines can be achieved by having a technically proficient and accessible website with well written copy and regular updates. Twitter and Facebook posts now also appear within Google so combining optimisation with a good social marketing campaign can also help reap rewards.
If you would like to find out more how you can gain more exposure in search engines come along to the Forward Thinking Estate Agents road-show. To find out more join the
Forward Thinking Estate Agent group on Linkedin.
*(Source: Google Adwords Targeting Tool – January 2011)
Matt Jones, is the leading developer and SEO specialist at Blue Stag Studios. He will be availailable to answer your questions at the
Forward Thinking Roadshow in Bristol on the 24th of February.
This is the second article in a series of 5. The first can be read by clicking here:
Social Media Marketing.