Why Blog

Real Estate Blogging – Why You Should Do It

Content marketing is the talk of internet marketing these days, and you’ve likely heard blogging is a content marketing technique that can drive traffic to your website and increase leads.

The term “blogging” can be a frightening word, making you think you have to be an excellent writer and add another hat to the many hats you already wear; or hire someone to write for you because you haven’t a clue where to start.

Set those thoughts aside for a moment, and let’s look at why blogging is highly beneficial for real estate professionals.

Search Engine Optimisation

Search engine optimisation occurs when you set your website up so that search engines love it and your content. Google, along with other search engines, use algorithms to determine the quality of your website and how it will rank in search engine results for certain keywords or keyword phrases.

In the past, website owners were able to influence their ranking by stuffing keywords or overusing keywords they wanted to rank for on their site. Google, however, is much smarter and can identify keyword stuffing as well as penalise sites by ranking them lower.

Today, Google wants to ensure that you’re the authority on a subject matter. Google also wants to see that you consistently have fresh content that is related to your subject matter. Blogging generates that fresh content and helps you achieve authority. Apart from blogging and keeping content fresh, Google also looks at whether or not your website is mobile-friendly, which is a must.

People are consistently “Googling” (it’s so big, it’s become a verb) to find real estate listings, to research real estate in areas, and to find out information about the real estate process.

The Local Expert

With content marketing and real estate blogging growing, how do you differentiate yourself? How do you provide value on your real estate blog?

You do so by positioning yourself as the local expert in your area. Nearly every other agent has a website with property listings and a property search function, so you have to stand out.

When a buyer is looking for information about schools in your area, you want your site to rank higher than other sites, so they land on your website. This positions you to guide them through the process. Sellers are also looking for experts in their areas, because they want to achieve the maximum selling price for their property and work with an agent who understands their unique neighbourhood.

Showcase your expertise on your blog and make it a helpful place where buyers and sellers can get the relevant information they need.

Content Real Estate Professionals Can Share

If you’re wondering how to keep your blog updated with fresh and fun content, we have many content ideas for your real estate blog or newsletter. Your content can be in a number of forms—from video to audio to text and images to eBooks. Diversify your content, so you can reach all potential clients who might prefer various forms. If you utilise video, keep content under two and a half minutes long. Studies suggest that longer videos lose viewers’ attention.

Here are some real estate topics you can write about on your blog:

  • Neighbourhoods—Take photos of the neighbourhoods you serve and discuss local schools, restaurants, and trendy hot spots. Show buyers that you’re an agent who is a great resource in the area they’re interested in; and show sellers that you understand the market and value of property in their neighbourhood.
  • Local Businesses—Feature kid-friendly restaurants or excellent coffee shops. If there are local parks or splash parks in your area, feature those as well. Showcase local businesses from mechanics to repair shops to flower shops. People are always looking for local shops near their areas of interest in order to find out what’s accessible to them.
  • Buyer’s Tips—Write blog posts such as: “how to make an offer on a home,” “first time home buyer’s property guide,” or “great streets to live on in {your area}.”
  • Seller’s Tips—Write blog posts with tips for sellers, such as: “how to prepare your property for an open home day,” “how to negotiate a purchase offer,” or “how to select the right real estate agent in {your area}.”
  • Market Updates—Write a regular post about how the market is doing in your area. Feature recent sales and comparables. Always include a call to action so people can call you for more information or for a valuation of their property.
  • Testimonials—Share written client testimonials or, if a client is willing, get a quick video recording of their testimonial and share it.
  • Listings—Feature your listings on your blog. Share images, information, and video tours to keep the content fun and informative.

Blogging is the Foundation of Social Media Marketing

Blogging really is the foundation of social media marketing. Your website is the platform for your online presence, and the social media you use works to drive traffic back to your website.

Getting social media to work successfully for you requires somewhat of a strategy. You don’t want to post all of your articles and listings to your profile non-stop, because readers see it as “spammy”.  Social sites are just that—social. Engage your audience, interact with them, and post helpful links and articles that come from others, too. Remember that each social media network is different; you’ll have to engage slightly differently on each one. For example, LinkedIn is a very professional network, whereas Facebook is a more informative, media-rich platform.

Blogging – A Highly Useful Tool

Real estate blogging is a useful tool that:

  • If done right, helps you rank higher in search results
  • Attracts leads, establishes credibility, and helps you achieve expert status
  • Helps you build long-term client relationships, which helps you sell homes

For additional information on real estate blogging, check out these 7 steps for creating a successful real estate blog.

If you need your own agent profile website, so you can begin blogging and build your own platform, reach out to us. We build user-friendly and mobile-friendly websites.

 

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