Find out what Google loves so you can be found on Google first (without the tech jargon)
Written by Mark Armstrong, CEO and Co-founder of RateMyAgent
Even if you have a love-hate relationship with Google (sometimes you don’t know where you stand and it changes without any notice), Google remains a crucial way to enable prospects to find and connect with you.
I recently Googled ways to improve your SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and it came back with a load of technical jargon including page structure, backlinks and metadata.
For a real estate agent whose main job is to list and sell property this is not helpful, so I wanted to look at practical ways you can improve your SEO without having to read through all that technical jargon.
SEO is a process of making your web pages appear (without advertising) at the top of the search results pages when visitors search for terms such as “best real estate agent in Richmond” in Google for example.
Google has an army of ‘bots’ that are constantly searching the web looking for new, useful information to add to our search results. Google loves information and will use what the army of ‘bots’ have found to decide what websites to put at the top of everyone’s search results. But that’s as far as we need to go from a technical perspective.
To be honest, nobody really knows exactly how Google works, apparently there are thousands of factors in their algorithm and it’s impossible to focus on everything but there are some consistent things we can always do that are in our control.
And leave the technical jargon with the RateMyAgent SEO team, their job is to ensure that we’re adhering to all the technical requirements to help your RateMyAgent profile page appear high up in the search results. So let’s have a look at what some consistent things we can always do that are in our control, to improve our SEO and make Google love us.
What can make Google love you?
Fresh, relevant content is key.
Google loves content that is updated and relevant so that’s one of the reasons why Google loves media sites because everyday new articles and videos are being posted so the ‘bots’ have got great new information to devour. You don’t need the volume of content as a media site but the more up-to-date and relevant content you have, the better.
Many agencies set up their website once, they add some content on the ‘about page’ and some static reviews on their testimonial page and that’s it. They never go back and update the content. It’s vital to continue to update your website, whether it be updating your agent profiles or sharing relevant market news.
Video content
Google loves video because users love video, and so by putting our content in the medium the audience wants (video) we help Google to help the user. If a video and a page of text contain the same information, the video will more often than not appear first in search results. Video reviews are quickly becoming a vital part of your SEO strategy.
Google My Business
Google loves itself. I think it is pretty safe to say that when it comes to Google nepotism is alive and well. Search for just about anything nowadays and you will be greeted with either a Google Map or a Google My Business listing.
If Google has a chance to show itself off it will! In fact, over 50% of Google searches now have ZERO clicks. That means that Google displays the answer on the page so that the person searching has no need to visit any website other than Google. So rather than fight it you must join it. Claim and set up your Google My Business listing, make sure the information is up to date, get reviews and post content onto the page. Reviews, New Listings, Sold properties, open for inspection, events, anything relevant to your business. Bring your Google My Business page to life and Google will fall in love with you.
In this edition of Espresso Series, I take you through easy steps on how to improve your SEO – without the technical jargon.
Here’s a recording of the episode:
Topic: How to use SEO to build your online presence and visibility (plus Q&A with Mark).
Espresso Series
RateMyAgent is here to help as you navigate this ‘new normal’ world with the launch of our free weekly webinar. The Espresso Series are short 15-minute educational sessions to help you learn practical skills so you can thrive in a changing environment
Every Wednesday, Mark Armstrong, RateMyAgent CEO & Co-founder will host and deliver these webinar sessions in addition to Subject Matter Experts from our business and industry leaders.
**Espresso Series is no longer running. All recordings are available here.**
When: Every Wednesday at 2pm AEST
Host: Mark Armstrong, CEO and Co-founder of RateMyAgent
