I have been asked multiple times by clients, if they can learn and do SEO themselves for their sites .

My belief is that if proper time and hardwork is applied, anybody can learn any skill. Same is the case with SEO. Yes, there will always be people who are much better than the rest due to their extra hardwork, innovative techniques, flair and other variables. But, as far as learning any skill (SEO included), it should not be difficult for anybody.

The reason why clients ask me this question is because of human nature. Human mind is curious. My clients also are. They are intrigued and curious on how we can get their sites in top 10. And some client are also intrigued(and frustrated) when they are impatient and their sites do not climb to top 10 in 15 days :(

So essentially more than from saving few dollars, what the client really wants to know is how and what are we doing for their sites. So I make it a point to tell them (in most cases Guide will be more appropriate) on what all steps we undertake for SEO and what are the benefits. I am specifically transparent about this. This also helps when some SEO competitor tries to brainwash a client by impressing with technical jargons, and various facets of SEO like whitehat/blackhat etc.. Due to my guidance, my clients are most of the time so well informed that they don't demand explainations from me everytime. Moreover, since my clients are up to date, it also forces me to update my knowledge constantly. Many times my clients give me new ides, that can help their sites.

Another thing, I tell my clients is that their time is better spent on other activities more directly related to his/her business. That is their time is worth more than just USD 6-10 per hour. I believe that my clients can do probably much more $$ worth of work in an hour. It has to be understood that SEO is hardwork and takes lot of hours. Is the client willing to devote that many hours consistently without sacrificing his other dutees. I think not.

And now the another fact. Real Estate SEO companies usually have dedicated group of SEO, Link builders and content writers each proficient in their field. And it's their job to keep themselves abreast of latest updates and news in SEO world. It's only natural that they can do the JOb best then anybody else.

Have other SEOs also faced this question from their clients? if yes, then what's your answer. 

--
Aniruddha
Real Estate SEO Specialists
Enovabiz Solutions  

 
Post is included in group: Real Estate SEO
Post is included in group: Realtors Link Exchange For (SEO) Search Engine Optimization
Post is included in group: Search Engine Optimization: An Hour a Day
Post is included in group: ActiveSEO
Post is included in group: Search Engines, SEM, SEO & Top Search Engine Ranking.

21 Comments on Best way - DIY or SEO specialist?

JUN
18
2008
134,641 Points Outside Blog

Like any skill, it takes both time and expertise.  SEO is no different.

12:33am • #1
347,750 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Aniruddha, SEO is one of those buzz words in today's commerce that everybody knows is important, even if we don't totally understand it.  It's great that you keep your clients informed.

12:38am • #2

Aniruddha,

Great post. I like to tell agents that getting a good understanding of the fundamentals of SEO is essential, so that they can then hire the RIGHT team to do the actual work (webmaster/designer/SEO advisor/link builder).

Knowldege can save an agent a lot of anguish and misspent money, when it comes to SEO work. I've seen it cut both ways.   

Then, once you have hired the right pros, go sell houses. :) Your time is more valuable than hunting down hundreds of links.

11:50am • #3
JUN
19
2008

Great post, thank you for the information. SEO is a very important part of real estate (and any industry) marketing campiagn  

10:29am • #4
1 Featured Post

Thanks for the info.  I am one of those curious ones you mentioned.  I think I am a 'closet' computer geek. :)

10:35am • #5

Christine:

I like & prefer "curious" clients who are well informed, know what they are getting and appreciate us for the efforts/results

--
Aniruddha
Real Estate SEO Specialist
Enovabiz Solutions    

11:03am • #6

Aniruddha,

I think it a quiestion of comparative advantage.  Unless agents want to spend 10 - 20 hours per week working on their website, writing content, blogging, requesting and organizing links, looking at their traffic stats and evaluating their competition it would probably make more sense to outsource the activity.  Of course I'm the exception to the rule.  When I started my real estate career I did it all.  Building websites, SEO, content, backlinks, CMS, evaluating, follow-up, previewing properties, showing property, negotiating transactions and ultimately closing deals.  I probably spent 25 - 30 hours per week on the web side and 25 - 30 hours doing agent work...  I fortunately came from a strong sales and marketing background (agent work) and had been a web developer and run my own dot com so I had the web side so I was a rare breed...  Now I'm doing what I really enjoy which is web dev and marketing for REALTORS.

All the Best,

Glenn Sanford
--
Founder / CEO
BuyerTours Realty LLC
Working The Magic LLC
My Real Estate SEO blog

11:27pm • #7
JUN
20
2008
139,738 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Ani - You are so right about the time spent.  I stumble around for hours trying to create a presence on the web.  I am thankful for what I have learned here on AR.

Thank you so much for the help on my website.  You don't waste any time, do you?

3:42am • #8

great post. It was very informative and I look forward to reading more.

4:13am • #9

Welcome to AR, Aniruddha.  Great post, with very good information.

I need all the help I can get - and you're an expert.  And I'll pay too.  Any suggestions for me? :)
(I'm a newbie myself.)

6:50pm • #10
200,172 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

ooops.... I see AR kicked me out and my signature didn't show up (and what's with this keyboard when I type on AR? Only half the letters show up).

Anyway, Aniruddha, I'm the anonymous up there. :)

6:52pm • #11

Aloha Aniruddha,

Welcome to active rain, I look forward to seeing your contributions to the site.

8:19pm • #12

Congratulations on joining Active Rain. I look forward to reading your blogs. This is a great place to meet Realtors and others.

9:09pm • #13

Sylvie: I will check your website. Any specific things that you would like me to help you with. 

Pete, Laura, Anthony : Thanks for the warm welcome. I will strive hard to make positive contributions

Glen: I was also a web developer before I started my own company. :)

10:15pm • #14
JUN
21
2008
359,979 Points 23 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Anirudha, haven't even read your posts yet........but I will shortly......however I did read Virginia Hepp's apology to you............so I'm here to say Hi and welcome you...........and check you out!  Welcome........!  I'm relatively new......well 3 months.........so I've had some gentle reminders about 'mistakes' i've made as well!

10:37pm • #15
JUN
22
2008
216,131 Points Outside Blog

Hi Aniruddha and welcome to active|rain. There are thousands of tips, tools, and tricks of the trade here. Be sure to check them out. Best of luck and see you around.

12:22am • #16
139,738 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Ani - It just occurred to me that in your title here, DIY means Do It Yourself!

Duh!  I thought it was something new to me, ya know, like SEO!

10:54pm • #17
JUN
23
2008

Virginia: I will take care to have more clearer titles

Liz: Hello, Thanks for the welcome.

Vincent : Hi. yes, I have been checking  AR from the day i joined it :)

12:02am • #18

Hi Aniruddha, welcome.  I am also a newbie and have found the information you've provided to be extremely helpful.  I am also quite new to real estate, and can use any helpful technological guidance; I have become increasingly aware that being able to navigate (understand blogging, etc.) here creates a distinct (and welcome) advantage for we agents with "curious" minds.  thank you.

12:57am • #19

Hello Carie,

Thanks and you are also Welcome to AR. Stay around and you will become soon become a real estate pro.

1:28am • #20
AUG
04
2008
Outside Blog

SEO is actually really easy, but as the OP said.... it takes time and patience. Getting quick results is not an SEO game. Working over time and building up your website is the name of the game.

10:24am • #21

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Aniruddha Badola | Real Estate SEO

Dallas, TX

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Enovabiz Solutions

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Everything and more about Organic Real Estate SEO and Promotion. Proven, Effective, Economical, Long term (P.E.E.L.) results. That's what we provide and strive for. This blog reflects my views, my research and experimentation in the exciting field of Real Estate SEO and Marketing.



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