Some estimates say that more than 60% of people looking to buy or sell real estate go to the internet first when they begin their search for real estate information. And as agents and brokers become more net-savvy, and more and more people get online, that number will only increase.

That means that the hottest sources of real estate prospects, leads, listings and sales is online. Which obviously means that if you are a Real Estate Agent, or if you provide a real estate service, you need an online presence.

** Establishing an online presence

Most people have no idea how to create an online presence. But the truth is, it is fairly straightforward, once you understand how the internet works.

It’s all about getting traffic to your website, and then having a website attractive enough to attract the attention, and get the responses of your website visitors.

** How do you get traffic?

There are two well established ways to get traffic to your website. Both of them involve the major search engines like Google, Yahoo and MSN.

The first method is to run advertisements that target the buyers or sellers you want to reach. There is no better way to advertise than by using paid search advertising — what is called “pay-per-click” advertising.

The second method is to promote your website so it comes up high in searches. Most people begin their search for real estate information by typing a search term into their favorite search engine. The list of possible sources that the search engine gives you is called “natural” or “free” results. You place high in these searches by impressing the search engines with the importance of your site. When you come up in the first few spots in “free” searches, you are virtually guaranteed to get “free” traffic — because people will click on your link and be taken to your site.

** Pay-Per-Click Advertising

Most real estate agents are used to traditional advertising methods such as running ads in real estate publications. And they think it is necessary to pay between 0-0 for one insertion that may or may not bring them any responses. That is the major problem with traditional advertising — it is expensive, and it gives you no guarantee of response.

But pay-per-click advertising is different. On the one hand it can be targeted to reach the precise target segment you want to reach — for instance, people looking for real estate in your town or city.

On the other hand, you only pay for “clicks” when someone who is potentially interested in your service clicks on your ad and visits your website. This is the revolutionary advertising concept that has made Google the hottest and most dominant player on the web.

But pay-per-click advertising can also be expensive and difficult to manage. Fortunately there are ways of establishing an online presence without paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month.

** Search engine marketing – Search Engine Optimization

As mentioned earlier, the other way to generate online traffic is to promote your site so it comes up high in organic or free searches. This is called “search engine marketing” and involves two important components.

First, it involves creating a website that makes it very clear who your prospective visitors might be. This process is called “search engine optimization”. You “optimize” your site to include as many references as possible to the subject matter you want to focus on, and the target market you want to reach.

For instance, if you are trying to reach potential home buyers in Sarasota, Florida, then you must make it clear that your site is about “real estate in Sarasota.” You must build as much content into your site about Sarasota as you can.

Since most online business people do not know the “tricks of the trade” when it comes to search engine optimization (SEO), they hire an expert who does. Unfortunately there are no guarantees when it comes to search engine optimization. Even with sites that have been highly optimized there is no guarantee that the search engines will reward you with a high ranking. Nevertheless, it is an important exercise to go through, and is one of the foundations on which to build your search engine marketing.

** Search engine marketing – Linking

The other component of search engine marketing is to get lots of “inbound links” pointing to your site from other sites. An inbound link is a link on someone else’s site that makes a reference to yours.

Links give you two important sources of traffic. First, visitors to the sites where your links are found may actually click on those links and visit your site. This is especially the case if your links are on high traffic pages that are highly relevant to your service.

Second, inbound links impress the search engines. When the search engines find lots of links to your site in various places around the web, they interpret this as an indicator of the importance of your website. And that in turn results in the search engines rewarding you with higher rankings in free or organic searches.

Inevitably that results in traffic. And if your website is written to get results, traffic should convert to sales.

If all of this sounds a bit overwhelming, it is best not to simply throw up your hands in despair and concede all of those potential online customers to your net savvy colleagues. The fact is there are very inexpensive ways to cash in on all that online gold. You just have to keep looking until you find the right people to work with.

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/real-estate-agents-getting-more-sales-from-the-internet-25729.html”

(ArticlesBase SC #25729)

Rick Hendershot -
About the Author:

Rick Hendershot creates Lead Producer Websites for real estate agents | Link Popularity – text links to get traffic | Real Estate Investing Made Easy

Rate this Article

1
2
3
4
5

vote(s)
0 vote(s)

Feedback
RSS
Print
Email
Re-Publish

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/real-estate-agents-getting-more-sales-from-the-internet-25729.html

Article Tags:
real estate agents, real estate markets, real estate selling

Latest Non-Fiction Articles
More from Rick Hendershot

Why Should Any Real Estate Agent Utilize Internet Marketing

Internet Marketing for Real Estate can be both an effective real estate marketing endeavor or it can be the worst idea you have ever tried out to build your real estate business. Internet Marketing for Real Estate is a whole new ballgame in itself, so be prepared to be an astute learner to gain the most from the experience.

By:
Joe McFerrinl

Finance>
Real Estatel
Jan 29, 2008

What Good Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Agents Should Do for Your When Selling Your Home

Do you live in Sandpoint, Idaho and need to sell your home? Then as you search the available Sandpoint Idaho real estate agents, here are some services that you should look for your agent to offer.

By:
MJ Marksl

Finance>
Real Estatel
Feb 11, 2009

Smart Investors are Buying Homes Right Now, Real Estate Agents With Exclusive Marketing Territories From Top Web Site are Reaping the Rewards and Beat

Get info on the National Association of Realtors and an overview on the nation realtors services, its Code of Ethics

By:
JD McCutchinl

Finance>
Real Estatel
Jan 07, 2009

Seattle Real Estate Agent Advertising and marketing Plan Has Established To Sell Houses

Most consumers do not trust estate agents due to the fact they do not appreciate what is there about promoting a residence that an agent can do but they can’t do for on their own. This is a ordinary response. Being an estate agent is a odd profession to belong to considering agents are either loved or hated. There is no other emotion in the middle. It is not compulsory for any one to enlist the help of an agent. A seller can discover his or her personal buyer but the query that would c…

By:
Milton Staffordl
Home Improvementl
Nov 23, 2010

Leads for Real Estate Agents – Big Mistake or Real Money Maker?

There are almost too many choices when it comes to buying leads for real estate agents. You can buy internet leads, phone verified leads, email leads; the list goes on and on. How do you know if the leads you buy are high quality or just data being re-sold a million times before you’re the next sucker who buys it? Let me tell you about my experience so you avoid some pitfalls…..

By:
Josh Sandersl

Marketing>
Marketing Tipsl
Apr 27, 2010

Estate agents London- Making the Buying and Selling Process Hassle-Free

Finding an appropriate property in London seems to be a troublesome affair. However, estate agents London can help you a lot in making this process so convenient and stress-free.

By:
Russell Murphyl

Finance>
Real Estatel
Sep 09, 2010

Craigslist Helps Real Estate Agents Reach Buyers -commercial real

They say the bubble is bursting, but you would not know it by the over 32,669 active housing listings from the past 7 days alone in the San Francisco section on Craigslist.com. Real estate sales are alive and well on Craigslist with the real estate sales section as the #3 most popular category, more agents are realizing the power and value in using Craigslist to reach new buyers.

By:
Suhana Smithl

Marketing>
International Marketingl
Jul 24, 2010

13 Characteristics of a Good Real Estate Agent

Planning on buying or selling property? A real estate agent would be able to help you get the best deal, right? The truth is there are so many agents out there but not all of them are worth their commission. Here are some characteristics of a good real estate agent:

1….

By:
Elizabeth McLachlanl

Finance>
Real Estatel
May 08, 2010
lViews: 269

The Wedding Plan of Prince William

Prince William proposed to his longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton a few weeks ago. William’s nuptials will likely be Britain’s grandest royal wedding in nearly 30 years. But more than that, the young lovers represent a royal redemption, rehabilitation and reboot from the fraught triangle of Charles and Diana and Camilla. Over the past two decades, the reputation of the entire royal family has steadily declined from regal to rancid.

By:
Billl

Writing>
Non-Fictionl
Nov 25, 2010

One World One People

Despite geographical difference which seem to tear countries apart, there is still on power that holds us all together.

By:
maakrishnal

Writing>
Non-Fictionl
Nov 23, 2010

The Asiad comment, a real China behind gold medals

The Asiad comment, a real China behind gold medals ———-gold medals can’t change the fact of China

By:
Sophia Brainl

Writing>
Non-Fictionl
Nov 22, 2010

Dark Rift: Purgatory

The humans are about to make a pact they can’t refuse if they want to survive…. they are about to come…. for the second scroll is in hiding we are about to perish….

By:
randalll

Writing>
Non-Fictionl
Nov 17, 2010

World’s Top Most Expensive Food

The price of the food rises a lot with the higher inflation comes recently. In South Korea, a cabbage costs almost nine dollars. It is incredible that they could use 9 dollar to buy a dozen of cabbage one year ago. However, the most expensive food is not caused by the higher inflation. Now let’s have a look at the world’s most expensive food to find out the reason.

By:
Billl

Writing>
Non-Fictionl
Nov 17, 2010

Why Lady GaGa is So Popular Worldwide?

Lady GaGa has become the most popular singer of the world. She is famous for her songs and daring dressing style. She is not the slave of fashion. She has been the pioneer of the fashion. Lady GaGa is not only popular in United States, but also she is popular around the world. Even her name has become the most popular word in the world. Why does Lady GaGa so popular?

By:
Saral

Writing>
Non-Fictionl
Nov 17, 2010

Dark Rift:Purgatory

The beginning of the new age has begun… the return of Namada and the exile to the new homeland these are only a few of the prophecies that will be fullfilled. Soon everyone is about to go to war…. and the fight for the dark rift has begun………………………..

By:
randalll

Writing>
Non-Fictionl
Nov 16, 2010

Freelance Writing- How to take a story idea from thought to published

Breaking into the world of freelance writing is not easy. There is a lot of rejection. But once you publish that first article, many more will follow if you are professional in your methods and prove yourself reliable to your editors. Use this methodology to get clear guidelines on how to pitch your story idea to the right publication for the best chance of getting it accepted and sold.

By:
Jill Malcolml

Writing>
Non-Fictionl
Nov 16, 2010

IT Training Leads To Secure IT Jobs

IT training is a very important career choice in the modern world, as it will grant the individual exceptional job security in a quickly-growing marketplace. Because it grants almost guaranteed job placement, a career in the IT field can be a very smart, safe, and profitable choice.

By:
Rick Hendershotl
Careersl
Oct 14, 2008

Personal Injury Lawyers Should Be The First Number Called After An Accident

Does this sound familiar? You have been injured in a car accident, a work incident, or any other kind of accident that has caused you personal pain. You understandably want to get your medical bills paid for, and you want compensation for the pain that you are suffering.

By:
Rick Hendershotl
Lawl
Oct 12, 2008

Effective Ways To Stop Debt Collector Harassment

Debt collection harassment is an annoying and embarrassing experience for anyone to go through. Luckily, there are ways to stop debt harassment, if you know your rights.

By:
Rick Hendershotl
Lawl
Oct 12, 2008
lViews: 573

A Pretty Goa Villa for Your Perfect Honeymoon

People who are seeking a unique, beautiful and affordable vacation or honeymoon destination should consider Goa.

By:
Rick Hendershotl

Travel>
Destinationsl
Oct 05, 2008

The Ultimate Sports and Events Tickets Are Awaiting You Online

It doesn’t matter whether it is for a concert or a sporting event. There is no better way to get tickets to the best sporting events and for the best concert tickets that anyone can find.

By:
Rick Hendershotl
Arts & Entertainmentl
Oct 03, 2008
lComments: 1

4 Reasons to Use a Personal Injury Lawyer

Chances are if you have been injured in a car accident or in any other way due to another person’s actions you’ve probably been told you should consult with a personal injury lawyer.

By:
Rick Hendershotl
Lawl
Sep 30, 2008
lViews: 127

How The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Helps You

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which is more commonly referred to as the FDCPA, is a statute in the United States that is designed to protect consumers who have creditors who are attempting to collect a debt from them.

By:
Rick Hendershotl
Financel
Sep 30, 2008
lViews: 141

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy or Debt Consolidation: Which Is Better?

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a legal process that differs from traditional debt consolidation in certain important ways. This article details some of the most significant differences.

By:
Rick Hendershotl

Finance>
Personal Financel
Sep 26, 2008
lViews: 882

Add new Comment

Your Name: *

Your Email:

Comment Body: *

Verification code:*

* Required fields

Submit

Your Articles Here
It’s Free and easy

Author Navigation

My Home
Publish Article
View/Edit Articles
View/Edit Q&A
Edit your Account
Manage Authors
Statistics Page
Personal RSS Builder

My Home
Edit your Account
Update Profile
View/Edit Q&A
Publish Article
Author Box

Rick Hendershot has 58 articles online

Articles Categories
All Categories

Advertising
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Business
Careers
Computers
Education
Finance
Food and Beverage
Health
Hobbies
Home and Family
Home Improvement
Internet
Law
Marketing
News and Society
Relationships
Self Improvement
Shopping
Spirituality
Sports and Fitness
Technology
Travel
Writing

Writing

Article Marketing
Book Reviews
Copywriting
EBooks
Ezines and Newsletters
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Publishing
Quotes
Satire
Screenplay
Self Publishing

Need Help?
Contact Us
FAQ
Submit Articles
Editorial Guidelines
Blog

Site Links
Recent Articles
Top Authors
Top Articles
Find Articles
Site Map

Webmasters
RSS Builder
RSS
Link to Us

Business Info
Advertising

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2010 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved.

Rick Hendershot creates Lead Producer Websites for real estate agents | Link Popularity – text links to get traffic | Real Estate Investing Made Easy

Find More Buy Inbound Links Articles

Share and Enjoy: