Since we've been participating in monthly MasterMind group sessions, I've been blessed to meet a lot of great folks like Karyn Greenstreet.  My friend and business associate Karyn recently sent me some great tips, which were so AWESOME that I just had to share with you, my fellow bloggers here on AR!

When people search for you on Google, does your site show up on page 1 -- or on page 20 -- of the search engine results?

Since 84% of internet traffic goes through search engines, being ranked highly by search engines will send you a huge number of prospective customers.

Are search engines sending you enough traffic to build your business?

For instance, for the phrase "mastermind group" (which I rank #1), Google sends me 23,000 visitors per year. For the phrase "small business coach" (which I also rank #1), Google sends me over 10,000 visitors per year. Just those two search phrases alone send 30,000 NEW visitors to my site each year.

What if you could do the same for the keywords you want to target

Optimizing your site to get it ranked highly on the search engines can be a complicated subject.  To simplify things, it's helpful to first understand how search engines add sites to their database. Then we'll cover some tips that you can put on your own website that will help you to get listed on search engines and get a higher ranking.

The Major Search Players

Let's start off with the major search engines, the ones that most people use.  Google is the most widely used search engine, getting between 55-65% of all searches.  Yahoo Search and Microsoft Bing lag far behind with a total of 15-20% each.

While there are thousands of search engines, it's always a good idea to start with submitting your website to the three largest.  Why?  Because 95% of all searches go through either Google, Yahoo or Bing.

How Search Engines Read Your Site

There are two ways search engines read your site: automated search engine spiders (also known as crawlers and robots) and human-entered (directories).

Spiders follow the links found on your site and enter your site into their search database based on text they find on your pages.  This text is either found on your public pages, or the text keywords found in behind-the-scenes "meta tags". 

Keyword Density is the number of times your keyword appears on your page as compared to all the text on your page. The higher the density, the higher your rankings. But in case you think you can load your page with keywords in order to fool the search engine, think again.  Search engines are smart and you can be penalized for "spamming" keywords on your website. While there is a lot of controversy in the SEO world around keyword density, for plain ease-of-reading for your visitors, don't crowd your website pages with the same keyword over and over again. 

Human Directories are few and far between. Just imagine hiring enough people to research the millions of website on the Internet!  It's no wonder they're steadily being replaced by automated spiders.  Yahoo and DMOZ are some of the most famous human directories, where real people actually evaluate your site and categorize it in their search engine database directory.  Getting your listing in a human-entered directory for free (such as DMOZ) can take months.  Some human directories, such as Yahoo Directory, are charging a fee for business sites to be included in their directory.

How Search Engines Index and Rank Your Site

Search engines use several techniques to determine which category your site belongs in and what keywords people will use to find your site when using the search engine.

When they crawl your site, they check for repeated keywords in your text, looking for a clue as to the purpose of your site or a particular page.  Search engines can not read the text in graphics, so if you are using a graphic-based navigation or have your keywords on a graphic next to your logo, the search engine will not notice that text. There are special ways to code a graphic to insert keywords, called ALT tags.

Some search engines will rank your site based on behind-the-scenes coding called "meta tags." Each page gets a meta tag for a page title, page description, and keyword list. While not every search engine will read meta tags, it certainly can't hurt to use them. Most search engines will read your Title tag. Google's Matt Cutts says that Google definitely reads your Description tag as well.

There are about a dozen more SEO techniques you can use (which I teach in my SEO For Everyone class), but for now, the above techniques should get you started on the path to good SEO.

Submitting Your Site to Search Engines

Once your site is primed and ready for the search engines, then you have to submit it to them.  You have two choices: either go to each search engine and submit your site individually, or use a search engine submission tool.

Remember that the majority of searchers use either Google, Yahoo or Bing so consider submitting to those first.  You'll often find a link on their main page where you can add a site to their search engine.  If you want to automate the process, use an automated submission tool.  Make sure the submission search tool you select will analyze your site to tell you if you're really ready to submit, then submit your site to the top search engines for you.

Submit your site to the search engines:

·         http://www.google.com/addurl/

·         http://www.bing.com/docs/submit.aspx

Preparing your site for submission to search engines can feel like a daunting task.  With the above tips in mind, you will save yourself a lot of time and frustration when it comes time to submitting your site and rank higher in search results.

Karyn Greenstreet is an internationally-known self-employment expert and speaker. She has taught over 260,000 people worldwide and is extraordinarily passionate about helping self-employed people to increase traffic, sales and profits through internet marketing. Visit her website at www.PassionForBusiness.com

Back in “the day” the more unusual the card, the more likely people would remember you, right?  But today, the rules have changed!  As people seek methods to consolidate the plethora of incoming data, business cards are now quickly scanned into cell phones (using iPhone or Blackberry apps), or scanned contact management software such as ACT!  Which means that our business card design must be SCANNABLE.  The purpose is much different than before.

Today I received a black business card with the Century 21 logo.  Once scanned, the black background overpowered the card, the text was way too tiny for the software to interpret (meaning I had to type it in manually), and the logo was not readable when scanned (so I had to type in the company name manually).  It made me think about what is needed to meet the requirements for today's business cards!

When you design your business card, the most important purpose should be for scanning; and therefore, endless contact retention!  Here's some tips to help you design better cards:

Do:

• Use a sans serif font (such as Arial).
• Leave white space.
• Use a white background.
• Put your real estate license # on the card.
• Include your email, cell phone, and twitter handle.
• Realtor® registration mark.
• Max. 3 designations or certifications
• Company name printed as text, not just a logo (logo won’t scan as text)

Don’t:

• Use a black or dark background.
• Use tiny fonts.
• Cram words together.
• Put important info on the back.
• Include your street address (it's irrelevant).
• Include your fax # (very rarely used since most offers are emailed or uploaded).
• Put your name and title on the same line, it's hard to distinguish between them when scanning.
• Use fancy layout, such as a fold-over card, an extra-big card size, or text on an angle.
• Use thicker-than-normal paper or flimsy paper, these don't scan well.

What to put on the back of the card?  It's a pain when the back of the card is glossy because it's to slick to write on.  Also when the back is black or a dark color, it's annoying that you can't write on it.  Always use white background, with a matte finish, so you or the recipient can write down notes to follow up.  Here's ideas for the back of the card:

• A mortgage payment chart
• Appointment reminder on the back
• QR code link to your web site
• Simply leave it blank
  

Ready for the next topic:  what type of card reader/ scanner is best?

Regina Brown

You're a real estate salesperson, so your job is marketing, right?  Of course you attend networking events every week.  You come back from an event with a handful of business cards, pull them out of your pocket and place them on your desk.  And after a while, those cards start to pile up, and overtake your workspace. 

Then, when you need to find a phone number or an email address, you have to search through your stacks of business cards. You haven't typed them into your contact database because it's so time-consumer... isn't there an easier way?

Yes, why not simply scan your business cards into a system that uploads them to your contact database -- the ultimate use of technology to REALLY save you time & energy!

Well, what do you use for scanning your business cards?  And how do you sync the cards to your contact database?

We have a DYMO device from CardScan.  I love their scanner because it’s so simple to use.  Here’s where you can buy it:

http://sites.dymo.com/Solutions/Pages/Seg_cat_lndg.aspx?cat=CardScanCMS(DYMO)&locale=enUS

Also there is ScanShell which scans directly to ACT! database software and a few other types:

http://www.scanshell-store.com/scan-business-cards-to-act.htm

Now, you need to find a phone #?  Just enter the contact's name and it pops up with all their information, including a picture of their business card!  What could be easier...

And even better, it can help to automate your email drip system and your mailing / phone calling campaign.  It's all at your fingertips and on auto-pilot!!!

Regina P. Brown
Real Estate Instructor

As we are putting together a Tech Bootcamp, we brainstormed a myriad of ideas that we (and our fellow Realtors) may be interested in learning more about.  Take a look at the list, and vote on the items that YOU would like to find out more about. 

We grouped the topics into sections:  Social Media, Office Tools, Transactions, Marketing, iPad & Cell Phones, and Other for a total of 33 topics!  Isn't it amazing to realize how much technology impacts our daily business, and quite honestly our business would run without it.

Got Referrals?

At our new membership site, www.RealtyProAgents.com, we do!  Our goal is to build a large network of reliable carefully-screened real estate agents who can refer business to each other.  Join us today and you can give and receive member-to-member referrals from buyers and sellers! 

All information is available to RealtyPro Agents members and your most important sales features are also available to the public, so you can get found through SEO results and Google juice.  Our database boasts the most comprehensive categories to help you GET FOUND, GET CONTACTED, AND GET PAID!

Metro cities served - Enter the names of the cities you serve, and the general metro areas you work in.  For example, you may live in a small town like Pismo Beach, but you want the name recognition of a metro area like San Luis Obispo.

Counties served - For members who serve more than one county, this is a bonus because most membership sites only allow you to enter one county.  For example, a member who is in Los Angeles County may also serve Orange County and Riverside County.

States served - Some real estate consultants are licensed in two or more states, so this field allows you to select multiple states that you serve.

Zip Codes served - We know that buyers often search for homes by zip code, as well as city or county.  Entering all of the zip codes you work will help you get found by more buyers.

Realtor® Associations - If you serve a large metropolitan area, you probably belong to several Realtor® Associations.  List all of them here so you can be "found" by members looking to refer buyers and sellers to you!

MLS Memberships - Often a referral member will have a listing in a geographic area and require a specific MLS.  By entering all the names of all the MLS's you belong to, you increase the opportunities to receive referral business.  For example:  Central Coast, Sandicor, Southwest Riverside County, Fresno, SoCal.

Specialty Niches - What are your areas of specialty?  Whether you work with first-time buyers, investors, or luxury home sellers, you'll find your niche listed here.

Designations & Certifications - Select from the most comprehensive list of NAR designations and certifications, including the ever-popular GRI designation and the brand-new GREEN certification.

Professional Associations - We've included the minority professional associations, such as NAHREP, but also a few other of our favorites, including military veteran owned businesses.

Languages You Speak - If your referral buyers prefer to work with a real estate consultant in their native language, you can quickly and easily locate a member who speaks that language.

For maximum ability to get located and earn business, be sure to fill in all fields completely.

Join RealtyPro Agents today and become a TOP 10% Real Estate Consultant!  Join for FREE with a Bronze "Achievers" level membership for a limited time.  Or upgrade for maximum benefits!

Compare our pricing and plans and select the best option for you.  Remember you can always upgrade later.

Boost your business and skyrocket to success this year!

Regina P. Brown
Author, Instructor, Broker

Wow!  There are 26 (or more) NAR designations from the National Association of Realtors®, and it's easy to get lost in the alphabet soup of abbreviations.  How many designations do you have?  And how have they helped you increase your business and earn a profit?  Do your designations make you more professional?  Here's a list from the www.Realtor.org web site, along with the full title so you can decipher all those abbreviations:
  

• ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative)
• ABRM (Accredited Buyer Representative Manager)
• AHWD (At Home With Diversity)
• ALC (Accredited Land Consultant)
• ARM (Accredited Residential Manager)
• BPOR (Broker Price Opinion Resource)
• CAM (Certified Apartment Manager)
• CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member)
• CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist)
• CPM (Certified Property Manager)
• CRB (Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager)
• CRE (Counselor of Real Estate)
• CRIA (Certified Realty Investment Associate)
• CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
• e-PRO (e-PRO® Internet Professional)
• GAA (General Accredited Appraiser)
• GREEN (NAR's Green Designation)
• GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute)
• PMN (Performance Management Network)
• RAA (Residential Accredited Appraiser)
• RCE (REALTOR® Association Certified Executive)
• REPA (Real Estate Professional Assistant, sm)
• RSPS (Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist)
• SFR (Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource)
• SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors®)
• SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist®)

  
The NAR www.Realtor.org web site says: 

"Earning a designation from NAR or one of its affiliated Institutes, Societies and Councils can help you succeed in all aspects of your business and help you earn more money.

"REALTORS® who pursue professional designations have a distinct competitive edge as a result of their increased expertise and marketability. Based on the 2011 survey data, the median income of REALTORS® without a designation was $26,900 and the median income of those with at least one designation was $49,300. A difference of $22,400.

"There is an official NAR designation for practically every specialty in the real estate industry. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and its affiliated Institutes, Societies and Councils provide a wide-range of programs and services that assist members with increasing skills, productivity, marketability, proficiency and knowledge. Designations and certifications acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by each affiliated group upon completion of required courses.

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and its affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils provide a wide-range of programs and services that assist members in increasing skills, proficiency, and knowledge. Designations and certifications acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by NAR and each affiliated group upon completion of required courses."

Regina P. Brown
California Coast & Country Homes, Inc.

It seems like everyone's using DropBox and it's a great way to save and share files!  You can download it free at www.dropbox.com and copy files into it.  When you're away from your office, simply log into your dropbox account from your iPhone or any internet-connected computer, and Viola!  there are your files.  You can also share files with other people, so they can have access to the same documents.  It's a terrific way for a group to collaborate on projects!  Dropbox is simple, efficient, and effective.  That is what we love!

On the other hand, we do NOT recommend using SugarSync.  Too many people had bad experiences with the software deleting their files from their computer.  We have waaaay too much important stuff to put our transactions and files at risk!  Two thumbs down for this software.

Regina Brown
California Coast & Country Homes, Inc.

Lynn Friedman called me this morning to ask for my email address, and I gave her rpbrown@realtor.com.  I guess the realtor.com email address was impressive, because she asked how I got it that email.

I got my Realtor.com email forwarding address many years ago, and I use it for marketing materials and online postings.  I don't want to put my "real" email address online or in marketing materials because I get way too much spam already!

I told Lynn that she could get a realtor.com email address also and it's very simple.  I told her I would post instructions here on AR for her and our fellow colleagues. It's great because once you give your email address, EVERYONE instantly knows what career you have!  There's no guessing because the domain name speaks for itself.

ALERT:  Did you know that you also can get a Realtor.com email?  And did you know that it's FREE?!?

This is an email FORWARDING address so you cannot send outgoing emails from this address.  However, it's great for incoming emails because it filters out (some) spam and then sends directly to your regular email.

Want the recognition and prestige of a branded email address that's much more professional than gmail, yahoo, or hotmail?  Take a moment to secure your own REALTOR.COM email address.

All you have to do is to call NAR customer support at (800) 878-4166 x 1 and ask for a REALTOR.COM email forwarding address.  You will need your NRDS membership # (or simply your name & company) and the customer care rep will set it up for you over the phone!  Now, how's that for easy.

Regina P. Brown

I really, really hate when people refer to real estate agents as "realtors" because we are NOT all Realtors®, and furthermore, many consumers are not aware that the term "realtor" is NOT synonymous with "real estate agent".  My big pet peeve are the real estate shows on HGTV that constantly refer to all real estate agents as Realtors®.  Well, my friend, if you're a REALLY a real REALTOR®, you should be wearing a blue "R" label pin!  We don't want home buyers and sellers to think you're simply an ordinary real estate agent when in fact you are part of the biggest professional association AND you uphold the highest ethics of the National Association of Realtors®.

Here's a great article I found today that helps to explain the difference:

When Is a Real Estate Agent a REALTOR®?

A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when he or she becomes a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate®, the world’s largest professional association. The term “REALTOR®” is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abides by its strict Code of Ethics.

Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 members to more than 1 million today. NAR is composed of REALTORS® who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others who are engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.

Members belong to one or more of 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS® and can join one of our many institutes, societies, and councils. Additionally, NAR offers members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections. REALTORS® are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Working for America’s property owners, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® provides a facility for professional development, research, and exchange of information among its members.

Check out the Public Awareness Campaign television and radio spots that encourage consumers to rely on the expertise and integrity of REALTORS®.

The NAR advertising campaign runs February through November on network and cable television and network and satellite radio, helping consumers understand the real value of working with REALTORS®. From their voluntary adherence to a Code of Ethics to their incomparable knowledge of real estate processes, REALTORS® are the experts of residential and commercial property transactions.

Regina P. Brown

Drumroll please.... after months of hard work writing my first book for RealtyPro Academy, it's finally all coming together.  As it is being edited and finalized for publishing, we are offering a "sneak peak" premier training event to Realtor(R) Associations throughout California. 

First to book us for this speaking event is the North San Diego County Association of Realtors (NSDCAR), which is offering this topic to its members as an educational luncheon event on Monday January 30th at 11:00 am.  

It’s a Lunch & Learn, which means you can bring your own lunch OR you can simply pay in advance for lunch.  It’s my very first time teaching this class at the North San Diego County Association of Realtors so I’m hoping for a fantastic turnout!

We'll show you how to build your book of buyers and skyrocket your income!  It’s very interesting and we have some exciting tips to share with our fellow Realtors®, including:

• When's the best time to schedule your event to attract the most buyers
• How to screen buyers to find the most qualified prospects
• Get a mortgage lender to join you so you can qualify buyers on the spot
• Write up offers from your mobile "Freedom Office"
• How to stand out from the crowd and generate excitement
• Create a sense of urgency and scarcity so your house receives attention 
• Embrace local and national events, celebrate with themes!
• Prize and give-away ideas to keep clients walking in the door
• Talk to the neighbors and turn them into your biggest allies
• Marketing with flyers, online ads, and postcards to the farm area
• How to be prepared in an instant and ready to go without stress!
• Gain free publicity from social media sites
• What supplies to put into your Open House Kit so you're completely equipped
• Pull prospects into your open house and keep them engaged
• Sources for signs, flags, and other marketing materials
• Safety tips to prevent theft and keep you secure at all times
• Turn prospects into clients with your follow-up system

Tips will be taken from my book with the same title, “Host Open Houses for Fun & Profit” with the sub-title, “Guide for Real Estate Agents: How to Drive Buyer Traffic Straight to your Front Door”.  View the many tips & tools available for you at www.HostOpenHouses.com.

Register by calling Laura E. at NSDCAR (760) 734-3971 – hurry and reserve your seats before they’re gone.  And note that THR is the last day to order lunch; if you register after then, just bring your own sack lunch.

Thank you for your support of our RealtyPro Academy training program!  We are honored and humbled to have your support.

P.S. And please wish us lots of luck (and prayer) to get the editing and publishing finished before our deadline -- it's a daunting task and a welcome challenge!

Regina P. Brown
Instructor, Broker, Author