Local SEO is significant for business because it is the first instance of a customer contacting you. If a customer needs a service, he will search Google, which shows nearby services.
Local SEO in real estate is valuable in the competitive real estate sector. Also, nearly half of Google searches look for local information. Following this, building your online reputation is essential for local real estate. Mastering the skills of local SEO optimization is a prominent part of marketing. Your real estate marketing is incomplete without optimizing local SEO.
What is a Local Search for Real Estate?
Though traditional ads are still relevant, most users choose online search options to buy a property. If a buyer is interested in buying a property in a particular location, then the first thing he would do is use Google. Besides, 97% of homebuyers today use the internet for home searches.
With this figure, not having an online presence can hurt your real estate business. Online search is simpler than contacting local companies, which makes online presence even more important.
For buyers, searching for an online property is trouble-free and convenient. Optimizing your Google profile page and increasing your positive review count are proven strategies to attract more clients. Let’s discuss this in more detail below.
Optimize Google My Business Page
Have you optimized your business for Google My Business (GMB) page? If you haven’t, you must do it. Optimization will give your business exposure to local SEO.
GMB is a Google business page to manage your online presence. When you make a page, complete your profile with your business name, contact, hours, address, etc. Also, it is essential to regularly update your Google My Business page so that you can engage with potential clients.
If your page is up to date, it will give your business credibility online. Moreover, having this business page can increase trust with prospective clients. Have you made your page yet?
Claim Local Listings
Have you claimed your business in local directories yet? You can get more visibility by claiming your business in different local directories. But you need to work on business information like – location, hours of operation, and services you offer.
Also, responding to the reviews on these directories can increase engagement. Engagement with your potential clients shows that you are attentive to their needs.
Leverage these directories to set a digital footprint in local SEO. Effort can be small, but it will be valuable in the long term. Ensure you use popular directories with good online traction.
Use Relevant Local Keywords
If you use keywords correctly, you can drive traffic to your website. Keywords are still prevalent in SEO, as they can increase your ranking in SERP, so include keywords relevant to your location.
Ideally, include the name of your city and location in keywords to reach the right audience. Local keywords in your site’s content will help search engines understand your target audience.
Another way to use keywords is by writing blogs. You can write blogs and use keywords in the content to increase your exposure. The best part is locally relevant blogs can sustain your SEO ranking.
Focus on Customer Reviews
When a user searches for a business online, he will first notice reviews. Yes, the power of reviews can help gain traction online. According to SEO experts, Google’s star ranking positively impacts the search engine ranking.
Your focus should be on positive customer reviews on Google My Business page. Always request your clients to leave feedback on your local business profile page. Once they do that, it will be reflected in Google reviews. Ideally, a review above 4 is ideal for business. Encourage your clients to leave a review on your page – more reviews mean more positive online visibility.
Focus on Link-building
Another significant factor you can focus on is link building. When you attract backlinks from other websites, it can help you to build local SEO. How? The more your site will attract relevant and quality backlinks, the more your site can establish credibility in the search engine algorithm.
Also, local link building is an ideal way to improve your local SEO. Additionally, sponsoring local events or partnering with local influencers can help you share a link to your company for every site visit. However, focus on credible links – not spammy ones to increase your rank.
Create Local Content
Content creation is the buzzword, and most influencers earn through it. However, you can also leverage the content creation trend to attract more clients. You must create content relevant to the local audience because that can help you rank higher in local search results. Create blog posts about local events or real estate news that can entice your audience.
Your focus should be on location and demographics while creating local content. Besides, you can’t write about global real estate trends as that won’t be interesting to read for a local home buyer near you.
Take Part in Community Activities
Local community activities can give you exposure like no other event. For instance, if an exhibition is near your location, participate in it to meet potential buyers.
Local events or activities can boost your company’s visibility and add an interactive element to your business profile. Participating in charity runs and community events can help you reach your target base. Apart from online traction, your business shows in search engines being actively involved in local events, which is a huge plus.
Leverage on local SEO
Remember that local SEO is an essential part of online real estate marketing. If you haven’t leveraged it, you can do it now. You can attract more business through local SEO to increase your business credibility. However, local SEO requires regular updates in the listing, so pay attention to customer reviews and service changes.