Getting better SEO (search engine optimization) rankings on Google (and other search engines) can seem like a daunting process. There are so many resources and articles written on SEO it’s hard to know where to begin. Here are a few simple ways to get your commercial real estate SEO efforts to rank better in Google.
1) SSL Certificate.
Even more important to SEO than keywords is SSL. I could go into detail about why this is important, but you only need to know is that Google decided to push any website without a secure “https://” down to page 2 and below. If you do not see a green lock icon next to your URL, you do not have an SSL.
For most websites, this can be an easy fix. Simply calling your website host and asking them to add and install an SSL is usually all it takes. An additional fee might be needed, most providers don’t charge for an SSL. WordPress websites may lose their ability to show images after an SSL upgrade.
Make sure your website developer is available to fix any issues before you make the switch, as sometimes your image links might break.
2) Website Optimization.
Keywords for SEO can be a complex process, but if you want “just the basics” install a plugin like “All in One SEO” to easily change the Title and Description that search engines see. Keep with your main keywords “commercial real estate New York” but put in a descriptor that shows exactly what’s on the page.
Title: TDC Commercial Real Estate Brokerage in New York City
Description: Commercial real estate brokerage specializing in selling, buying, and leasing commercial property in New York City.
Note that I wrote the keywords “commercial real estate” 2 times. Once in the title and another in the description. You don’t want to repeat them any more than that, too many keywords can signal “spam” to the crawling bots.
3) Load Speed.
SEO ranks your load speed as a significant factor in deciding your ranking.
The number one cause of slow load speed is the use of high-quality images and embedded video. If any of your website’s images are above 500 kb, you’ll need to make them smaller or save them in as a WEBP, which will compress the image.
I know a lot of commercial real estate and marketing pros get hung up on that perfect, non-pixel look, but no one will see your website if it’s been bumped to page #3 because you HAD to show a building’s stucco pattern perfectly. It’s best to rank your load speed above perfection, I promise you, a few missing pixels doesn’t detract from the user experience.
4) Content Creation.
One of the easiest ways SEO strategies to rank higher is by providing a steady stream of new, original content.
It’s easy for me to say that, but it’s difficult to get going and keep up. If you write 1 blog article per week, in just a few months you’ll have enough keywords to end up on searches all over the web!
Batch your content and make it easier on you. If you sit down to write 12 articles, you can post those articles once a month over the next year. You can also repurpose your articles for marketing like newsletters and social media.
Not sure what to write? Check out Steal My ChatGPT Prompts to make a blog that’s optimized for SEO and long-tail keywords.
5) Backlinks.
A backlink is created when another website links to yours. The more backlinks, the better your rankings and your brand awareness (since you’ll be mentioned on other sites).
The biggest question I get is – can I use one of those “Buy 100 Backlinks for $40!” online marketing SEO services?
Funny story! A few years ago, Google went on a rampage punishing sites that used cheap backlink services by pushing them from page 1 to 3 or further. Seeing this, some hilariously evil folks bought backlinks for their competitors’ websites. Criminal geniuses!
Today, Google neither punishes nor gives credit to websites that use cheap backlinking SEO services. Therefore, those backlink services are a complete waste of money.
Real backlinks should be created by commenting on industry blogs (with your website address), providing guest blogs, and PR announcements for listings, or other digital marketing. This is the slow way to do it, but it’s the only one that works.
If you’re ready to get online, the first step is getting a website. It’s hard for clients to find you on Google without a website!
Anyone can create a pretty website, slap buttons on it and claim it’s “lead gen.”
I’m the only one offering the Sales Funnel Masterclasses to give you strategies on how to drive traffic to your website, create lead magnets that work, and nurture your leads so you can bring in more sales.
A website without the ability to generate and nurture leads is jewelry. It’s nice, but not useful.
Without a sales funnel, you won’t get long lasting results, period.
If you’re nodding along, let’s get started! Schedule a call or zoom.
I’m out to take the “broke” out of commercial real estate brokerage.
I want to start with you.
You ready? Schedule a call or zoom.
