Your real estate listing needs to be everybody’s business
Search needs to get better. I am finding it increasingly difficult to find what I need online by doing simple searches through the major search engines. I know they tweak their algorithms and are always exploring ways to gauge a site’s content so the consumer can get more relevant information, but I am still unsatisfied. I find that lately the returns I get for my results are taking me to the second or third page of Google.
A few years ago, I would have been satisfied with page one’s results.
The real estate consumer might do a few online searches for real estate and land on a website through an organic or paid advertisement. Some consumers are just going to type in their address bar what they are looking for–"3 bedroom homes in Sacramento CA"–and see where that gets them. Others might be pointed in the direction of a blog post by a social network service like Digg and StumbleUpon real estate listings.
And let’s not discount household names Craigslist and Zillow for real estate listings and home value information–consumers are going there too.
Enter the phenomena of wildfire-spreading video networks like YouTube. Recently I typed in the same search term I referenced earlier in the post, "3 bedroom homes in Sacramento CA". Thirteen searches were returned–the newest from two weeks ago; the oldest from nine months ago. Something is lacking. Where is the high-touch marketing most consumers are promised?
Real estate buyers need visuals. Multiple photos are good; video is great.
The point is simple. There are more than just a few ways to search real estate. There are only a
certain number of buyers swimming in the water. There are more than a few ponds for them to go.
You cannot afford to have your real estate listing marketed in only one pond.
Ask your real estate agent where your listing will be. The answer and the action should be "everywhere."
‘Nuff said.
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll want to read:
- What to do when your house isn’t selling
- The 5 rights of a real estate seller
- Understanding the basics of short sales
Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson