Real Estate Marketing 2.0

How Can Community Sites Generate Leads?

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:54:44 -0600

Why pay for water, when you could own the watering hole?

How many phone calls have you had from lead generation companies that want your money every month to send you leads?

Why let them build all the lead generation sites and sell you the leads? Why don't you just build them yourself and keep the leads for yourself.

Or better yet!!! Sell the leads to other agents and keep the referral commission. Become one of those agents that produces a ton of listing referrals and just make your money letting other people close them

We help agents and brokerages setup community websites that act as lead generation tools. These can be neighborhood sites, sites for building complexes or sites for brokerages wanting to showcase their agents

Watch this short video to learn more about us

Are you the most awesome agent on the planet?

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:34:28 -0600

You Are So Awesome

Fair Warning here .... don't click the play button if you can't handle the *F* word

Are you marketing yourself like this?

Chances are your not since you're here, but in case you are ... times have changed.

Try focusing on your clients needs, not how awesome you are. Not to hurt your feelings but... they really don't care about you.

Need help with social media marketing ? Start by reading my new book Real Estate Marketing 2.0

The Parradox of Choice

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:33:19 -0600

I found this video really interesting, it's about how we all have too much choice now and how generally consumers prefer and respond better to less choice

I was looking at if from the software, marketing side of things, but I think there are some good lessons to be learned for agents as well.

Controlling the number of choices that a customer has I bet is an important part of closing sales, I'd be willing to wager.

Must be nice to have your employer pay to bring in luminaries to talk, Google would be a fun place to work.

Get ranked in google in under an hour using video

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:43:32 -0600

Using video for SEO is a great way to get found quickly online.

You can shortcut a ton of link back activities with a couple of well titled videos that then link to the appropriate page on your website.

Don't be afraid to use redirects to make nice looking URL's that are easy to remember and shorter to link to in the youtube description box.

This video shows you how I get my listings ranked in the search engines in just minutes by using videos and links back to our sites.

I seriously suggest you give the free trial at Animoto a try, it's a really easy tool to use to make videos from pictures and stills, perfect to leverage your photo's, floor plans and other media resources into a video format quickly and cost effectively, which you can then use for SEO

Your Web Superhero's | XL-MEN

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:20:20 -0500

Need a super website?

We're having a little fun with our XL branding, thought I'd share this little video that I made

Thought it would be fun to do something a little more creative than "10 ways to rank better on google" articles - what do you think?

I made the video on Animoto this is done with a pro account, which removes their logo - pretty sweet if you ask me!

Learn to flip domains | Learn SEO Skills

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:34:23 -0500

Learn Website Flipping

You've heard of flipping properties right?

This is the same thing, but for domain names

Buy a domain, get it ranked to the top of the search engines and pulling in leads, then sell it for a profit

I can hear you now ... "But I'm a realtor, not a web designer"

I'll give you the site and coach you through each step you need to do to get this site ranked well. You won't have to know any HTML or do anything technical.

You can use the same techniques that I teach you to get your OWN website to rank better while you're doing the course with me and get twice as much value

Watch this short video where I outline the concept for you

Money Back Guarantee

I'm so confident you'll make money at this, that I'll make you whole if you don't

Learn More

Find out more about this workshop and register here: Website Flipping Workshop

639 Union Street | Strathcona Listing

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:49:24 -0500

liveinstrathcona.com

817 Union Sells Over Asking | Strathcona Real Estate is Hot

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:08:23 -0500

This listing sold out very quickly for over asking price. It's another in a series of over asking price houses that Rick has sold in the area.

If anyone doubts that east van isn't a great market to get into, you're not looking at what is happening over here, both from a owner occupied level, or from an investment point of view.

No doubt about it, Strathcona Real Estate is HOT!!!

639 UNION ST, Mount Pleasant VE, Vancouver, V6A2C1

2BR/2BA 2 Storey

offered at $599,000

Year Built	1993
Sq Footage	900
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2
Listing provided by	Sutton Grp-West Coast Realty

DESCRIPTION

Just move in and enjoy this front half duplex on one of the best blocks in Strathcona. Walk in your front door and you'll find the open plan living/ dining/ kitchen area with a 2 piece bathroom that's all been tastefully updated On the top floor is the master bedroom with vaulted ceilings and skylites and a second bedroom with a Juliet balcony and full skylit bathroom. In front garden is the perfect south facing patio just big enough to entertain or relax and enjoy a book and watch the neighborhood go by. You'll also have a single garage to park your car or turn into a little studio. This traffic calmed street is the Adanac Bike Route and is an easy ride downtown, to the seawall or to Commercial Dr

see additional photos below

OPEN HOUSE

**OPEN HOUSE - SAT OCT 17 / 3-5PM**

liveinstrathcona.com

Web Marketing Platform | Free Tour

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:39:30 -0500

Is it time to update your web technology?

Are you ranking at the top of the search engines for your area?

Join Web Strategy and SEO expert Riel Roussopoulos as he walks through best practices for website technology.

How to use on and off site blogs to improve your SEO
Social Engagement tools, are your visitors engaging with you?
Social Marketing Automation

If you're looking for a platform that can help you grow your business online, you won't want to miss our live webcast.

For more info on times and dates.
Visit: Agentxl.com/live

Oursourcing Your Business | Lessons from the other side

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:43:48 -0500

This is one of those potentially contentious topics, but I'm going to wade in here.

I outsource a lot of my business.

There, I said it ... I am an outsourcing master.

I have 4 people that have worked for me full time for several years, and I've never met them.

I also routinely have between 2 and 6 temps that are doing "internet ditch digging" for me (link building, forum posting, list building... manual labor type jobs) on any given week.

Get out what you put in.

That old saying still applies. While you might not have to pay as much for off shore workers, it doesn't mean that you don't have to manage them. You need to still manage your business, it just means that many of the less desirable tasks are better outsourced.

Even internally, marketing is a good example. Who wants to enter business cards that you just collected at an open, or a party?

Photo Copy them, have them data entered for a few dollars (I pay 0.15cents per card) and do something more constructive with your time than typing in names (like maybe compose the "nice to meet you, don't forget to check out my blog" letter you need to send once they've all been entered into your database).

There are so many things that I now outsource, I can't imagine what I did before.

If you're not outsourcing now, or don't feel comfortable with the idea, I encourage you to check out a new course coming out.

There is a $1 trial on right now with it, so it's easy to try it and cancel if you don't like it.

The guys teaching it are very experienced internet marketers. I've worked with some of their other programs and have been very pleased with the results, so I'm confident that this one will be no different.

Learn More about outsourcing your business here

Build an Audience, Don't Rent One | Seth Godin Advice

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:45:08 -0500

Seth Godin is no slouch when it comes to marketing and he published a blog post this morning that I thought really summed up what I've been trying to communicate with agents, but in a much more effective way. (That's where the whole "internationally renown author and speaker" stuff starts to show I guess)

He speaks about the change of the relationship between marketers and audience, how it's moving from renting the audience from the media company, to owning your own publishing platform and audience.

He singled out real estate agents in particular in one of his analogies and here's what he said.

"Consider the local real estate agent. She can spend to run ads every week in the local paper, or she can use the same money to start a legitimate media channel, a digital magazine, say, one that cheers on the school and gives the local paper a run for its money. And oh yes, the only houses listed for sale are hers. It might take a lot of work and even some money. But what does she get? A platform forever."

Read Seth's Full Post Here

In an earlier post about the results of building a community network for Rick, I outline the growth effect that it's had on his business. The interesting thing to note is that while the title is "40% Increase in Business, Not a Dime In Advertising" it's not entirely accurate.

As in most marketing, a catchy headline is good to get your message read.

In reality Rick has spent a ton on developing this platform and evolving the concept. So while it's true to say that he hasn't paid any money to traditional media advertising, he's spent that marketing budget on building out his own platform with multiple income streams and in multiple communities.

Looking at the date, it's very clear that while the first year or so was nothing to get excited about, as we've continued, the revenue has also been growing at an exponential rate.

Clearly, the investment in building his own platform and connecting with the community will continue to pay off exponentially as the years go on.

Rather than his advertising ROI staying constant, year after year it costs less to market himself as he's moved from a "New Client Acquisition" model, to an "Inside list" model, where his clients are already on his list and part of his circle of influence and thus much more targeted and cheaper to reach than trying to acquire new clients through costly ongoing media buys (paper / ppc / bus ads ... you name it)

Looking to build your platform? We can help.

Talk To Us

Make Great Looking Movies For Your Site in minutes

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:59:44 -0500

I know what you're going to say ... I don't know how to use those video editing programs.

This is the simplest thing you'll ever try, you upload some stills or video clips, add any text you want and click GO...

That's it ... like you were ordering a margarita, this baby mixes it up for you like a pro, inserts all the effects and fades you want and spits you out a video, ready to upload to youtube with the click of a button ... and just as easy to put on your site.

Don't like it? Hit MIX AGAIN and get a different version... it's so sweet and you'll look like a real pro.

The best part is that you can download a DVD ISO (that lets you burn a DVD for your clients), how's that for standing out from the crowed.

There is a free version that limits you to 30 seconds and puts their logo on the player (see the example below) or for $250 per year, you can have your own "white label" version with no limitations or branding.

Click here to go play with their free trial now. You'll have a movie done in just a few minutes.

Easiest Online Video Creator. Seriously, try it ... I've paid editors hundreds of dollars to not do as nice a job as this software does, it's truly a game changer.

Real Estate Marketing By Neighbourhood

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:14:57 -0500

Those of you who have followed my development of the community marketing platform, know that it has not happened over night.

We first tried to sell the community sites to agents, but they are not ready for a full time content job.

Instead, after consulting with many of you, it became apparent that paying for leads was not a great model and that in general people prefered to pay a referral fee.

We came up with a hibred model.

There are many free benefits to being a member including getting leads directly from your blog and / or profile.

For paid members there are some SEO advantages and the ads get removed from their profile (no more competitors ads on your profile page). In addition they are then elligible to recieve leads from us in a round robin fashion.

Have a look at this slide show that shows the difference between the free and paid profiles.

10 Traffic Tips | Drive More Web Traffic To Your Site

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:05:41 -0500

Article Marketing

In this case, you write articles about things that you have a vast knowledge of, in order to give useful information to your readers.

Your articles must be very well-researched and very well-written, so you don’t lose your credibility. This will ensure that you get good targeted traffic to your website.

Forum marketing

If you want other people to get to know you, you should post in various forums. But pay attention to the forums you choose: don’t just post on any forum you find on the Internet, look for the forums in the same field as your business.

To get traffic from the forums, you need to set up a signature in your profile, which is nothing but a couple of lines of text, with a link to your site or the affiliates website. The signature will appear at the bottom of every one of your posts, so the more you contribute to the conversation, the more links you'll get and the more traffic you will get.

Of course, the more you focus on things that are related to your business, the more you'll bring targeted traffic to your site.

Free classifieds

Like with all marketing, some sites are good, while others are not.

Craigslist is of course the best known example of a free classified site that produces real results for people. Another one is the ebay backed kijiji which also gets a lot of traffic.

There are hundreds and hundreds of other free classified sites on the internet, here is my tip to you regarding them. If you can't make a link back to your site, it's probably a waste of your time.

Think of each ad you place as not only being for humans, but for search engine spiders too. More links back to your site, means a higher pagerank, especially if that link is your keyword. For me it's something like Web Strategy, which is what I want to rank high for on Google.

If you're getting a back link out of it, it's at least worth something to you, but in general you won't get huge results from placing ads on classified sites. As with anything, there are always exceptions, but make sure you test each of your traffic sources to see if it's worth your time to keep doing that in the future.

Email

Emails can be used effectively to get people visit your website.

Emails are inexpensive, and can give huge profits to online campaigns of marketing. Emails can be used to update the customers about your company, your product, etc.

But be aware: you are allowed to send them emails only if they asked for them (opted into your list); otherwise, your email will be marked as spam.

Google AdWords

For targeted traffic, Google AdWords is a great option for webmasters to use.

The keywords being used with AdWords are very important when you are targeting people to visit your site.

The keywords must also be relevant, and must be in relation to the product that is being sold.

Title tag

A blog must have an attractive title in order to get a good ranking in the search engines.

The title plays a vital role; it has to be catchy, not to general and it is better if it contains key-words. But remember one thing: even if you have a very good title, you will still have to write a good article. That will get your site good traffic.

Submission to directories

Though the submission of your blog to the various online directories is a monotonous job, it is very important since it goes a long way in increasing the blog popularity.

Every directory that you submit the link to, results in better rankings.

HubPage and Squidoo

Both of these allow you to focus on a specified topic, and write on it. Also, both of them permit you to bring RSS feeds, which means you can republish your blog on their site (good time saver, and lots of back links).

Tell-a-friend

You can place a “Tell-a-friend” script on the website, to make it easy for people to recommend your website to others and thereby get more traffic to your site.

Paid reviews

There are many freelancers out there, so you can surely pay someone to review your blog.

This is a great way of exposure for those who are new to blogging. And if you get to convince a well-known freelancer to review your blog, your traffic might grow spectacularly.

Many of the things mentioned in this article are made much easier using our Real Estate Websites For Real Estate Agents | AgentXL

Monopoly Land Rush | The Ultimate Real Estate Game

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 06:47:54 -0500

It was so popular that it crashed googles servers on the day that it launched.

It took them 2 days to get the load under control, but it's up now and seems to be running just fine, I took it for a spin just now.

I could see this getting pretty addictive, you want to know who owns your street and what you can grab while the getting is good

Check the video, there is one very viral aspect to it that will keep people coming back for more, day after day after ....

If you want to check it out, go on over to MonopolyCityStreets.com

Vic Jang on when Real Estate Is Like Dentistry | Real Estate Marketing 2.0

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:39:53 -0500

Recently we spoke with veteran real estate broker and owner at Sutton West Coast about how real estate is changing and how many agents are struggling to keep up with the changes that information access has brought to the game of real estate.

There was a time when knowing what listings were for sale was perceived to be the benefit of working with an agent. Now, it's uncommon for your clients to know more about a listing than you do, well before they contact you about it.

How has your business changed in the last 5 years?

40% Increase in Business, Not a Dime In Advertising

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:12:52 -0500

This slideshow outlines how we increased Rick's business by over 40% last year while everyone else was moaning about the market, Rick was steadily gaining dominance in his local area.

If you want to use the same tools he does, check out AgentXL.com

There is a free 60 day trial with no credit card required.

Where is Real Estate Marketing Going?

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:10:42 -0500

As one of the owners of Vancouver's highly successful Sutton Franchises, Vic Jang has some industry experience when it comes to Real Estate Marketing.

Listen to what he had to say when asked, how is real estate marketing changing and where do you see it going in the future.

It made me laugh that just a day after this, I had our knuckles wrapped for non compliance when our community sites were perceived as not being a real estate marketing site. Go Figure.

Thank you Vic, for taking the time to speak with us that day, it was a nice chat.

Let me know in the comments if you liked this, we shot a lot more footage and I'm happy to cut out some more nuggets if you're interested, send a reply and let me know.

10 Web Copy Tips

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:39:25 -0500

Download this free report with 10 web copy tips

Thank You Karin Davidson | Vancouver Real Estate

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:07:57 -0500

Thank you to Karin Davidson for being the most recent PRO member upgrade on the LIVEIN network, we appreciate your support

817 E GEORGIA ST, Mount Pleasant VE, Vancouver, V6A2A4

3BR/4BA 2 Storey w/Bsmt.

offered at $999,000

Year Built	9999
Sq Footage	2514
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	4
Listing provided by	Sutton Grp-West Coast Realty

DESCRIPTION

This beautifully crafted home a favorite of the '04 Vancouver Heritage Tour. Originally built over 100 years ago, this unique home has been completely rebuilt and restored with the utmost attention to detail, with City of Van permits. 2 + 1/2 baths, 2 beds up [easily could be 3!]. 8 foot ceiling on the ground level could be the perfect nanny or guest suite. Main floor is open concept with French doors out to the rear garden oasis with tropical plants, a large palm tree and a cabana style garage. Between the house and garage is a large concrete terraced pond that was inspired by Balinese rice paddies. Wood floors throughout with all the original doors and hardware. 17 skylites make this home bright. **SOLD!**

see additional photos below

Karin Davidson, Sutton Grp-West Coast Realty | +1 (604) 999-1731 Contact

Sutton Grp-West Coast Realty, Davidson, Karin

Karin Davidson

CONTACT DETAILS

Website	karindavidson.com
Phone	+1 (604) 999-1731
Address (map)	1508 West Broadway
	Vancouver
	BC

DESCRIPTION

As a real estate professional with outstanding academic credentials, Karin Davidson applies a proven formula for achieving success.

This formula emphasizes individualized, customer-focused service and the ability to recognize the unique needs, expectations and desired outcome of each client.

With over 20 years of sales and marketing experience, Karin has established herself as having an innate appreciation for satisfying consumer needs and wants. As a long time resident of Vancouver, Karin has full knowledge of local amenities, including entertainment, fine dining, fitness facilities, educational centres, parks and leisure venues.

Contact Karin Online

Learn More about how you can join here : Join The LiveIn Network

What do Building Your List and Dog Walking have in common?

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:32:17 -0500

Nothing, except that I learned a very valuable lesson about list building when I tried to volunteer to walk dogs at the local animal shelter. Watch the video, you'll see what I mean.

Live In White Rock BC | White Rock Real Estate

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:20:45 -0500

real estate - forums - blogs
business directory - shops

www.liveinwhiterock.ca.ca

it's your neighbourhood. get involved!

Whiterock is a beautiful area with beach front houses to die for.

Check out our latest community site LiveInWhiteRock.ca

You can check out some of the local area listings

Agents and other local businesses can add their profile to directory and start a blog on the site for free.

Click Here to Register For A Profile On LiveInWhiteRock.ca

Michael Jogia | Mount Pleasant Real Estate Agent

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:39:33 -0500

Just a quick note to thank you for Joining the livein network Michael. Nice to have you aboard I look forward to reading your first posts

I wanted to show you how easy it was to embed your profile on anther website using the embed code feature on the LiveIn Sites.

Michael Jogia , Re/Max Select Properties | +1 (604) 737-8865 Contact

Re/Max Select Properties, Jogia , Michael

Michael Jogia

CONTACT DETAILS

Website	http://www.michaeljogia.com/
Phone	+1 (604) 737-8865
Address (map)	250-4255 Arbutus St
	Vancouver
	B.C.

DESCRIPTION

Michael has been selling Real Estate since 1993. His focus has been to provide clients with the highest standard of service, in return he has been fortunate to receive numerous referrals.

Contact Michael Online

100+ free links back to your website from our mistake

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:35:48 -0500

This is one of those mistakes where you wonder if it wasn't actually a good thing.

We have 100's of websites that are "live in" sites. Only about the first 10 of them are actually setup - you can see which ones at http://liveinmyneighbourhood.com

Before we finish configuring them, we point the domain to our engine so it resolves anyway. Much of the site is not yet finished, but we've noticed that google has indexed many of them anyway and it's registering backlinks from our directories and blogs.

So here's a little insider tip to the A/R crew - while we're still developing these, even if we don't have a site in your area... it would seem that it's a good way to get 100's of back links to your site from all the domains that are registered and pointing to us

You can see here is a domain http://liveintoronto.net/directory/real-estate that is not configured so everyone is showing up regardless of area. Same with http://liveinedmonton.com/directory/real-estate and countless others. It's a whole, but we won't rush to patch it, gives everyone a little extra free boost that way.

Screen Recording With Jing

Riel Roussopoulos - SEO & Web Strategy Expert (StrataXL Software Inc.) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:34:27 -0500

I've been telling any realtor that will listen to me that the easiest thing they could do for video blogging is to use Jing to record the screen while they visit the agents section of MLXchange (or whatever your local site is).

Having a way to record your reactions is a simple way to both build rapport with your audience as well as creating truely unique content that is relevant to the buyer.

Without further ado, here is my screencast on how to use Jing to create a video blog post.

(Ironically, I used a different screencasting program to record this, since... I wanted to record things like the setup and admin section of the Jing Application. leave me a comment if you want me to also review this one.)

You can use the free version of Jing which is great, but for the $14.95 a year they ask for the "pro" version, it's well worth it. Adds the ability to upload straight to youtube as well as removing their billboard ad at the end of your screen recordings.

You can pick up Jing from their website JingProject.com