Gone are the days of loading up the family in the car and searching for homes by driving around the neighborhoods on your wish list. Today, 86 percent of homebuyers consider real estate websites the most useful source of information when buying a home, according to a 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. In addition, 44 percent of those home buyers use the internet as their very first step when searching for a home.
What does all this mean for your business?
Your website has to be amazing. If buyers can’t find your business online, you’re losing out on dozens, if not hundreds, of sales opportunities. In this blog, we’ll cover a few best practices for optimizing your website to attract more leads.
Here are three easy ways to drive more leads to your website
- Write compelling blog posts using SEO keywords.
A real estate agency can have up to hundreds of listings at a time, with a few token properties that a realtor is particularly motivated to sell. One way to bring attention to that particular property is to write a targeted blog post on it. This type of blog should target the specific property’s address, which prospective home buyers will be searching for on any search engine. The address becomes the keyword, so use the address in title tags, alt tag on photos, and in the blog content. As for the content itself, describe the home’s features in a creative and unique way along with including the standard description of the property. About 250 words would be the ideal length for a blog of this subject. Other captivating blogs should use keywords that would attract homebuyers to visit your site.
Extra tip: While blog posts on featured properties can certainly boost your brand and traffic, don’t flood your blog with just these types of posts. Have a variety of content. Check out some blogging topics for realtors.
- Make sure your website is responsive.
89 percent of new home shoppers search for homes using their mobile devices. It’s become increasingly popular because of its ease and accessibility. Homebuyers can look for their next house on their phones while at home, at the office, waiting in line at restaurants—literally anywhere. But, not all mobile devices are equal, which is why you can’t just have a mobile-friendly website. It has to be responsive, so that your website can be displayed on any device without problems. Furthermore, responsive websites have a greater likelihood of ranking high in search engine results (SERPs)—Google likes it!
Try this: Use this tool to enter your full website url to see how responsive your website is across mobile devices. If it’s not displaying correctly on all devices, it means it’s not responsive.
- Use social media.
There are numerous benefits to using social media as a real estate professional. You can build your brand and nurture client relationships with the postings you share. Having a social account gives you another chance to show up higher on SERPs. Furthermore, you can easily lead your followers and connections back to your website. Have a blog? Promote it on social media. Have listings? Share them on social. The list of benefits goes on and on.
So, where do you start?
Think of this way. Homebuyers that search the internet are attracted to photos and video tours, so take advantage of social channels that promote visuals, such as Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Next, think of your audience. Who’s your ideal buyer? According to Sprout Social social stats, Facebook leads the way with a high percentage of Baby Boomers, Generation X, and millennials using the platform compared to any other tool. Have a social presence where your ideal buyers are the most active.
Extra tip: Don’t forget to engage and respond. Remember, social media is meant to be social. Your followers, friends, and connections don’t want to be talked at; they want to engage and know there’s a human on the other side.
Prospective homebuyers are also looking for a professional that is experienced, approachable, and a person that he/she can trust. Don’t be surprised if homebuyers reach out to you via social first. It’s fast and easy to do. Just don’t delay in responding; it could cost you. Check out this post for some great ideas on what to post on social media.
Start driving more business to your website
We know your job as a real estate professional is busy enough as it is. Balancing multiple clients and listings, following up with potential leads, showings, phone calls, meetings with contractors or lenders; the list never ends. Luckily, there are digital agencies that are available to help you with any website woes. Our team at Seventh Scout would be excited to partner with you to create a website that attracts potential clients and boosts your brand. Contact us and let us know how to help.
