I used to expend great effort to be in the top slot on google and yahoo for my business - home inspection. Blogging was helpful with this, and I even tried google ad-words for this presence. I results were disappointing to say the least.
For real estate agents this is different, and for some it is essential to be at the top of the page. What ever works for you is great.
For my business, nothing compares to referral business from the agents and offices I deal with. I have found some wonderful people since I started my business. Most of them do the sort of required hand-out of 3 referrals, and let the client choose, and I get a lot of business this way.
Some inspectors feel this is unethical, and they do not want to feel they are dependant on the real estate agents, especially since this relationship can be spoiled when a deal 'goes south'. Others that have had bad experiences with agents also feel this way. Nothing is ever perfect, and some referrers do jump ship once in a while. Others would never consider any other inspector, and this feels good.
If you are properly insured, and ethical, and honest, there is no reason to not do business in this manner. I would NEVER hide a defect or lie to a client if asked to by ANYONE. My business means more to me than almost anything, and I will not compromise it.
I have a pretty decent website which I update myself, and I do receive some business through it, but nothing can compare to quality relationship building the old fashioned way - meeting people face to face. It takes a lot of time and effort, not to mention gasoline, but it WORKS! -Ray
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Ray, you are right on the money. I have been a RE Broker for more years than I care to remember, and I can tell you my integrity guides me in my business. If I refer business to an Inspector it is not because I expect he will provide a "PASS" but because I trust he or she has integrity and will provide honest and provide clients with a true picture of what they are purchasing. It is in my best interest to ensure my clients are not going to be surprised later on, and I might add, have it come back to haunt me. That is how you build good relationships. Websites, and blogging help, but its the one on one development that works best.