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#1 Page Rank on Google Isn't Necessarily the Best

By Michael Thomas

Services for Real Estate Pros with First SEO Consultants

May 27, 2007 07:44 AM

Ask friends, family, colleagues - ask real estate clients (ask yourself):

"How many times when conducting searches on Google, or any other search engine for that matter, do you either skip right over the first couple results on the page as you scroll down looking for a match? Or they click on several different sites on the results page before settling on a site that works for you?"

"I know I do", is the most common answer people give when asked this question. So the question becomes not only what is your page ranking, but what are you doing to keep people at your website (whether you are number one or number 10 - or using pay-per-click sponsored search)? This is a topic that will appear in my next blog.

I know that the fact really is if you are in the top 5 you are looking good, but at the end of the day, it still sure is nice to be Number 1.

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Mother Lode

Real Living Sugar Pine Realty - Sonora, CA

Real Estate Master

Really, to appear anywhere on that first page is what we're hoping for. From what I understand it's best to be above the fold (where you're not so far down that someone must scroll to see you). I guess that's the top five (like you said). The bottom line is they click on our link no matter where we appear. Right? Mike C

May 27, 2007 08:17 AM

Missy Caulk

Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI

Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

I'll take ANYWHERE on page one of google and be thrilled about it.

May 27, 2007 08:22 AM

Michael Thomas

First SEO Consultants - Scottsdale, AZ

Real Estate Website Optimization

It is true that anywhere on the first page is nice - but that really is not that hard when you know what you are doing - which we do.

The second item I would want to mention with regards to "Above the fold" by Emmett, you are right, but bear in mind the fold cut-off is changing more and more as screen sizes get bigger - and people know how to scroll mroe and more as the internet users become mroe savvy.

May 27, 2007 08:35 AM

Leon Austin

Mobile Notary Services - Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs Mobile Notary

I think that what is most important is what descriptions people see when they are searching google, and how the website is put together. If a person is searching for a realtor, and the number 1 spot on page 1 is held by someone who advertises him or herself in bad taste, or their website initiates a lot of tasteless pop ups, they will be skipped over. I have done that many times on many searches.

So rank does play a role, but it's what you're able to do with that ranking. If people visit your website, will they want to stay there?

May 27, 2007 09:11 AM

Leo,

How right you are - and I will be writing about building a compelling landing page (home page for most sites), how most people leave within 3 to 5 seconds, covnersion rates and giving the people what they want in some of my upcoming blog themes.

I am actually giving away a lot of SEO trade secrets, which I don't mind doing since I know that in the big picture there is a lot of territory to cover, and those that follow my advice - will and deserve to do well.

May 27, 2007 09:18 AM

Chuck Tuttle

Residential Realty Advisors, Tuttle Team - Centerville, MA

Good points Michael - I have always thought that being anywhere towards the top is good enough, but as you say, it is nice to be in the number 1 position

May 27, 2007 09:45 AM

Christine Norcross

William Raveis, Wellesley MA - Wellesley, MA

I am happy being on the first page too?

May 27, 2007 09:53 AM

Jacob Morales - Arizona Mortgage Planner

US Bank - Scottsdale, AZ

I'm on page 1 of like 10 major searches for the searches I want. It has done incredible stuff for my business. Thanks for the post and reminder Michael.

May 27, 2007 10:11 AM

Michael Lyons

COMPASS Lyons Group - Boston, MA

Luxury Specialist

Also having a strong brand behind your site is very helpful - for us - I look at who is in the top spots and it becomes clear

May 27, 2007 10:13 AM

#1 Page Rank on Google Isn't Necessarily the Best

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