The Who, What, Where, Why, and How of SEO for Real Estate

Have you ever asked the internet something completely ridiculous (Where did I leave my keys?) before realizing there's no way the internet will know the answer (though there is an app for that)? People are so accustomed to having access to answers that being unable to type in a query and instantly receive relevant information is strange. This dependence on search results is why having a strong SEO strategy is so important.

In a recent online event, Colton Miller, Senior SEO Strategist with Boostability, shared his tips on what it takes to rank highly in search results. He starts with five questions to ask. Check out his tips below and view the full webinar for more details.

What?

First, Miller explains, you have to ask yourself, "What would you search for if you were looking for what you offer?" Would you search "homes for sale" or would you look for "250K condos in Provo, UT?" The term a person chooses to use often indicates their goal. Buyers who are just beginning their home search are more likely to use general search terms while those further along tend to be more specific.

How?

Once you have a good idea of which searches you want to target, ask yourself how to target them. Luckily, you already have a whole list of websites that rank well in the keywords you want to use. Simply search your chosen keywords to find out who your competition is. Miller suggests that you then study those websites to discover "what they're providing, what kind of information they're talking about, how they might be displaying that information," adopt those strategies, then add a few extras to boost your results.

Where?

You know what you want and how to get it, but you also need to consider where you're showing up online. Miller explains that "The 'where' is essentially your business card. When it comes to local SEO, when anybody searches with those long tail searches, oftentimes they're looking for a specific intent. They're looking for, most of the time, the right person to help them." That's why it's important to have your profile where everyone can see it: on online directories, social networks, your website, etc.

He further stresses that your online presence should be "fully up to par," with more than enough details and plenty of clear, concise information.

Why?

Miller suggests that "the why can be anything—it's driving that emotion to spur someone to contact you, buy from you, or even just maintain a relationship with you."

Once you decide what your "why" is, develop a strategy to foster and build that "why." For example, if buyers and sellers should choose you because you're well known, billboards, online ads, and prominent signage are a good starting point. If you want to highlight your expertise, publish a few case studies. To feature how trustworthy or credible you are, video marketing with testimonials from past clients may be the way to go.

Who?

Who are you and what unique skills and perspectives do you bring to your listings and services? As Miller noted, "The way you handle things, the way you say things, and the way that you write things is 100 percent unique to you, and that's something that not a whole lot of people leverage."

Integrate your personality, voice, and ideas throughout your website, profiles, and social media sites to add the "flavor and uniqueness" that will draw people to your services.

To view the original article, visit the Homes.com blog.