GOOGLE YOUR NAME THEN GOOGLE YOUR COMPETITION

Fred, this is interesting.  With my some what unique name, I had a false sense of security because I dominate the Google Search of my name.  After reading your post, I just googled myself my geographic area, then tried the same for my competitors. I have some major catching up to do!

The first time I Googled my name I was completely humbled back on page 56 of the search results !

I still have a LONG way to go ! I never realized how common my name really was !!!!!

When demonstrating this to others, I add my town(Lancaster)  to appear on pg.# 1 !  *L*

It's a powerful tool! Great information Fred, it really does work when your selling your marketing skills to your possible clients. Google on!

Fred your topic is my planned strategy going forward.  I read Debe's post and loved what I saw.  Great post

Just be sure to clear yoru caches or use someone else's computer so your are sure you are getting true results.

Wow, I am new to AR but impress with your results.  Thanks for the imput

I think you probably know this, but clear your browser history and your cache before doing searches. Most browsers keep a history. I run a product called CC Cleaner once a week and and get all the cookies and assists off. It's a free download, good product.

A valuable exercise is to make Google alerts for your name, your company name, and all your competitor's names - you can watch what other folk are up to.

I think this was suggested above, but lots of long tail searches in all kinds of combos will help you with your key words and post titles.

Thanks for sharing.

I did that a few weeks back and found that two agents (an agent in my office and another top agent in the county) were paying for google placement for my name!

Hmmm...

Fred,

Great news, it sounds like you have mastered the art of 'getting out there'.

-Brent

In the past I have Googled a couple of old school realtors trained my Mike Ferry's system as I wanted to chat wioth them.  They do a pretty good business, but almost nothing shows up for them online.  I had trouble finding on guy's phone number.

The challenge varies with the uniqueness or commonness of your name, but it's important enough that some SEO specialists focus solely on "reputation management." My name is less challenging than most, but if you're in any sort of one-on-one business, you'll want good Google coverage of your name so people find you easily.

Here, "let me Google that for you": Dave Keys

hi fred that is a great post with a lot of great thoughts to share

thanks for the ideas

Fred,

This is a great post to emphasize the need to have an Internet presence. I would also suggest setting up a Google Alerts for your name, web site and and listings for your area that will be sent to you every morning by e-mail.

How does having your name show up in google sell listings?

I do this often.  But I'm going to try it after I log out of my Gmail account so I can see what the results are.

How do you know all million plus are you? I know I'm not the only Jackie Hawley on the planet.

I need to blog a ton more! Gotta keep moving up and filling up the google pages.