When it comes to internet marketing you either; hire a usually expensive service, do your own, or don't see any benefit whatsoever.  The fact is that Buyers and Sellers are looking for you, your property and yes they want to be wowed on the internet.  Chances are, they will not find you on the MLS, or even on a Real Estate site.  They will likely search for you, your brand and even properties that you have listed... "Sold" or "On the Market".  

Take the test and Google yourself... Google:  Your Name and Location, then Google: Your Name and "Real Estate".  Here is the brutal truth:  If you are not on the first page of Google in your local area, you need help.

An inexpensive way to do this is to hire a Virtual Tour Provider that markets you, your brand, and your listing (all at the same time) on a "Local" and "National" Social level.  While it may be true that most Virtual Tour Providers do fantastic photography, very few possess the knowledge or resources to actually market their work for you, and even for themselves in some instances.  

The following is a good reference in getting the help you need to get noticed by Google and other search engines through a quality virtual tour provider:

• Is their company on the first page of Google?  (i.e. Denver, Virtual Tours)

• Do they offer Social Networking, Bookmarking and Blog Service?  (Usually for under $50 per tour)

• How many Social Networks (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, Digg, Mixx, etc...) do they belong and post to?  (a minimum of 15-30 is acceptable)  NOTE:  MLS systems, and standard sites like Oodle, Trulia, Hotpads, Vast, Backpage and FrontDoor do not count as these sites should already be a bare minimum of syndication for quality Marketing providers.

• Will they place a link to you from their company site?

• Do they provide Property Specific Websites?  (i.e. www.Neybor.com)

• Do they provide Craigslist Service?  

• Do they grant Image rights?  (some may charge a fee per image, while others include all imaging in a package)

• How long have they been in business?  (minimum 2 years)  Keep in mind some of the older companies may be using outdated technology, make sure to ask if their work is indexed by Google.

• Are their tours reasonably fast loading and of good quality?

• Are they a large company? (smaller providers usually have more local resources when it comes to Marketing, and also work where you sell.)

There are other ways to get noticed by Google, however in my experience, most Real Estate professionals don't have the time to stay up to date with their SEO efforts.  By finding a quality virtual tour provider using the above guidelines, you will not only get an appealing display for your listing, but you will get recognition for yourself long after your listing has sold.  When compared to the cost of print that is recycled and forgotten, residual exposure on this level is "Priceless."

Happy Marketing, and Good Luck!!!

Nathan Strauch (Mktg/Op's Director)
Hot Shots Digital of Colorado
www.HotShotPros.com
See some of our Virtual Tours