Google is now placing even more emphasis on blogs and social media. You have no doubt heard about the new Google SERPs (Search Engine Results Page) options that are available to refine your Google search even more than before. In addition to the typical News, Images, Maps and Videos, Google has now added the options to refine your search term according to Blogs, Updates and Discussions.
How will this affect your business as a Realtor®? Instead of having to go to the Google blog search engine, people can type in keywords and simply click "Blogs" in the left hand menu. This will allow them to have the most relevant information available at their fingertips. If this isn't an incentive to start blogging for your business, I don't know what else I could tell you to change your mind.
With the "Updates" option, Google pulls information from real-time search results. This means that, by updating your status on Facebook and/or LinkedIn and Tweeting with your keywords, someone searching your market will be able to find you in real-time. This is why you need to become socially active. Setting up an account on a social media organizer is a great way to set up Tweets and Updates for different times on your different accounts to maximize your keyword and business exposure. However, you do not want to appear SPAM-my by ONLY using keywords in your updates.
The "Discussions" option pulls information from forums and other Q&A sites. Interacting with other Realtors®, businesses in your area or answering questions from potential clients online can increase the odds of someone finding you through a Google keyword search. Places like Trulia, LinkedIn and even Active Rain encourage you to join up with groups and interact by answering questions and helping others in the community.
Now that Google has placed even more emphasis on blogging and social media, don't get left out in the cold. Keep your keywords in mind when doing a status update, a tweet and a blog post. This is a great way to get your name out in front of potential clients. If you are unsure how to go about doing this, contact your friendly neighborhood Real Estate Virtual Assistant. That's what we're here for!
Heather Chavez, Real Estate Virtual Assistant - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!
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