If you’re a realtor who isn’t getting good leads and doesn’t want to pay a lot for advertising every month, Local SEO for Realtors could be exactly what you need. Unlike your competitors, who are spending hundreds on Facebook ads and Zillow leads, some real estate agents are focusing on capturing clients through free, eager buyers and sellers who are available through local searches, and are doing local search SEO.
For the last decade, I’ve assisted real estate professionals with Google rankings, and can confirm that there are no fast, SEO magic tricks. When properly done, local SEO for real estate agents and real estate professionals will be the most cost efficient method to successfully build a reliable, lead generation system that will provide 24/7.
In this guide, I will eliminate the fluff and false promises, and provide local SEO for realtors done for you, step by step. No matter where you live, be it Austin, San Francisco, or even Miami, you will be able to implement these tactics so that potential clients can find you searching for “real estate agent near me” or “homes for sale in [your area]” on Google.
Let’s go.
Local SEO for Real Estate
With local SEO for real estate, you’re working to make your business show up online when buyers and sellers search for real estate services in your region. Local SEO still qualifies as search engine optimization but is a little different from traditional SEO. Instead of focusing on broad, national keywords, local SEO is about targeting people when they are searching for services in your local area.
When a person types “best realtor in Dallas” or “luxury homes for sale in Beverly Hills” into Google, they are served three types of results. Google gives the user a local map for directions, paid ads, and organic search results. With local SEO, you can earn prominence on the local map and get the organic results without paying for them.
Local SEO still relies on the same basics as traditional SEO: Google still gives priority to relevance, prominence, and proximity. The search engine still wants to show people real estate professionals who are close by, and in addition, reputable and comprehensive in what they sell.
Your Google Business Profile (previously Google My Business) drives local search optimization. In conjunction with a location-optimized site, local citations, and customer reviews, these pieces tell Google you’re a legitimate and trustworthy real estate professional in a specific location.
Does SEO Work for Real Estate Agents?
Absolutely, and the proof is in the numbers. Real estate SEO is powerful because potential clients actively search for keywords like “homes for sale in [area]” or “real estate agent [city].” They are looking for a real estate agent, and ready to buy, as opposed to customers window shopping or researching.
Even the big companies like Zillow and Realtor.com have keywords and search engine optimization strategies in place to ensure that they continuously come to the top of search results. They have mastered the technique of SEO.
The good news is that local SEO gives you the ability to compete. While you will not be able to beat Zillow in national rankings, you can surpass them in local results for searches that combine “real estate agent” or “buy a house” with a specific neighborhood or city.
I have watched realtors transform from receiving little to no organic leads to 15-20 real estate inquiries a month. One of my clients in SEO Austin was able to close 4 deals, worth over $2.1 million, from organic traffic within 3 months of focusing on SEO for neighborhood-specific searches.
The thing about SEO for real estate agents is that it takes time, consistency, and following the right steps. If someone tells you that they’ll get you to the first page of Google results in a week, they’re lying and probably using shady tactics that will get them ghosted by Google.
Is doing a local SEO worth it?
This is the million-dollar question every realtor has for me. The short answer is yes, but you need to understand the costs and the time it takes.
Let me explain. Most realtors spend around $500 to $3,000 every month on leads from Zillow, Realtor.com, or ads on Facebook and Google. The leads are pricey, of inconsistent quality, and usually shared with multiple agents. You’re basically just buying rented attention.
With local SEO, you’re building an asset. When you rank for important searches in your area, the online traffic you get is free and keeps coming every month. There is an initial investment, whether it is your time, or if you hire someone, it’s money. But SEO is a much better long-term investment than ads that disappear when you stop paying.
Here’s a realistic outlook: you’ll start to see initial movement in the first month to three months, meaningful in three to six months, and significant lead flow in six to twelve months. Things like competition level, your starting point, and consistency have an impact on this timeframe.
Some markets are tougher like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami, which means it will most likely take longer. Smaller markets or certain neighborhoods will typically lead to quicker results. But the important point is to start now—every month you wait is a month your competition is gaining the advantage.
Just to keep repeating myself—local SEO for realtors combines with excellent service to produce results. I have one client, where I optimally configured everything for the site, Google Business Profile, and citations, and they started ranking in mere weeks, yet they complained because they weren’t receiving conversions—awful customer service and bad reviews. No level of SEO service will rescue a broken business.
The 4 Core Pillars of Local SEO for Real Estate
Local SEO for realtors focuses on four core pillars. Learn these and you’ll have your local market in the palm of your hand.
Pillar 1: Optimizing your Google Business Profile
Having a Google Business Profile means having an online storefront. When optimized well, your profile will show on Local MAP Pack, which features 3 highlighted business profiles above regular search results. This is important online real estate, because it gets the most attention.
Pillar 2: Location Focused Website
Your website must clearly communicate the nature of your business and the geographical area it serves. Having generic content, like “Realtor in Texas” is not specific enough. You will also need to include location specific pages, relevant local market insights and details that address the specific needs of your target clients.
Pillar 3: Local Citations and Consistency
Citations are references important for local search, Google uses them to verify the legitimacy of your business. These consist of your business name, address and phone number. Inconsistent citations result in lower rankings, while consistently accurate citations from reliable directories improve your authority.
Pillar 4: Reviews and Reputation
For local SEO, reviews are the most important ratings. Having more reviews, higher ratings and regular reviews signal to Google that your business is active and trustworthy. This pillar on reviews also greatly impacts new customers, as most people will choose a business with positive reviews.
These four pillars work together and influence each other. This is why comprehensive local SEO services for realtors focus on all four at the same time. Instead of picking and choosing.
How Much Do Local Realtors SEO Charge?
We all know the last thing on your mind is money, so let’s talk about it.
Most realtors local SEO services range from $500 to $2500 each month. This depends on market level competition, the extent of work, and the local SEO provider expertise. Here are common pricing setters for local SEO services.
$0-500 a month – Do it yourself (DIY)
If you want to learn, you can do basic local SEO yourself. Other than your time, you will need SEO tools which can cost $100 to $300 each month. Expect to spend 5 to 10 hours at first and 2 to 5 hours each week afterward for maintenance.
$500 to $1,500 a month – Freelance local SEO
Hiring a local SEO expert for realtors who works independently usually costs less than agencies. All the experienced consultants in this range who focus on real estate will generate great results.
$1000 to $2500+ a month – Local SEO Agency
Most local SEO Company for realtors or full agencies will charge this amount and include everything. strategy, implementation, pA content creation, reporting, and ongoing optimization. This is best when you want to sit back and do nothing.
One-Time Setup: 1,500-5,000
Certain providers have one-time optimization packages. You get everything set up correctly, then you maintain it. This works if you are looking to save and want a pro set up.
What causes a change in price? Market competition gives a huge difference. Local SEO for realtors in South Florida or California makes a lot more money than smaller markets because the competition is more severe. The geographic serviced area also makes a difference- covering one city is less than covering an entire region.
How much should a small business spend on SEO? For realtors, I say to set aside at least 1,000 each month. If you are doing it by yourself, you should be spending at least 10+ hours a week on it. Anything less is too little and won’t work in competitive markets.
One cheap SEO service I have seen is 200-300 a month and it really is a scam. If it seems too good to be true, it really is.
Complete Step by Step on How to Do SEO for Real Estate
Let’s get to the actionable items. This is how to do local SEO for your real estate business starting from the very beginning.
Step 1: Optimize and Set Up Your Business Profile on Google Business
Your Google Business Profile serves as the building block of local SEO for real estate agents. Here’s the correct procedure for setting it up.
Setting Up Your Profile Correctly
To begin, and as Google provides the first steps, log on Google and then create your profile at business.google.com. You will be entered into the profile and be asked for some basic information, be prudent in your responses.
Profile Name Tactics
In the case of solo agents: “[Your Name] – [City] Real Estate Agent”
Sample: “Maria Rodriguez – Austin Real Estate Agent”
This method makes you rank for the keyword “real estate agent Austin” while keeping your name front and center. Be cautious of unnaturally stuffing keywords, as Google will flag you.
In the case of teams: “Real Estate [Team Name] – [City]”
Sample: “Skyline Realty Group – Miami”
One last important thing. Your profile name should be in unison with your business name. If you create a profile called “Best Luxury Homes Miami” but your business is actually “Johnson Realty,” it will be flagged as a spam by Google, as it is untrue.
Choosing the Right Primary Category
Pick “Real Estate Agency” as your prime category. This is important as your prime category impacts the majority of searches your profile will appear for.
Include more secondary categories like:
- Real Estate Consultant
- Real Estate Appraiser (if it fits your services)
- Commercial Real Estate Agency (if you provide services for that market)
Avoid irrelevant categories even if you think it will help you rank for more searches. It will dilute your relevance.
Business Address Strategy
If you have an office, use the real address. If you are working from home and don’t want your home address out there, you can have a service area business (SAB) to hide your address and show your service area.
Google will need to send a verification postcard to this address, so it needs to be a real address where you can get mail. There can’t be a P.O. box.
Service Area Definition
Define the specific cities and neighborhoods you actually service. Don’t go over the top—serving 50 cities across 3 states will actually hurt your local relevance. Focus on areas you truly work and can realistically serve.
Business Description Optimization
You have 750 characters to communicate to Google and your potential clients what you do. Use your most important keyword first and include location terms.
Make sure the “Hours of Operation” section is complete and accurate, and include any extra holiday hours.
- Website URL: Provide a link to your website and a booking link (ex: Calendly).
- Phone Number: Use a local number if possible instead of toll-free numbers.
- Attributes: Select all that applies (e.g. women-owned, veteran-owned).
- Services: Include specific services provided (e.g. buyer representation, seller representation, property management).
- Products: This is a great space to highlight listings that are currently active.
Valuable Photos and Videos
Upload a professional headshot and use that picture as your profile photo. For your cover photo, use either a branded image or a quality photo that depicts your space.
Keep adding photos and videos! Think of things like: listings that you’re currently selling, properties that are sold, community events, behind-the-scenes moments and activities. Businesses that have photos on their Google Business Profile receive 42% more requests for directions, as well as 35% more website clicks.
Having videos is even more useful! For example, a 30 second introduction video, or videos of property tours, add a great deal of engagement.
Google Posts: Your Secret Weapon
Most realtors seem to ignore Google Posts and that is your perfect opportunity! Posts are shown directly on your Google Business Profile. They can include your listings, open houses, market updates and tips, and more.
Remember to post at least weekly. Don’t forget to add:
- Announcements of new listings and their pictures
- Details of open house events
- Properties that were just sold
- Updates on the market
- Tips on buying or selling homes
You can add action buttons on each post like Learn More, Sign Up, or Call Now. Plan your posts so that these buttons serve a purpose.
Pro Tip for Competitive Markets
If your market is highly competitive, you may want to create new profiles for different areas of different services. For example, you can create a different profile for your buyer’s agent services and for your property management. Just ensure that each has a real, different business, entity, and location. Don’t create fake locations as that is against Google’s policy and may lead to account suspension.
Step 2. Website Optimization for Local Search
Optimized Google Business profile is not enough. You need a website that reinforces your local authority and captures additional local search traffic.
Building Location Focused Content
Your website should have dedicated pages for each of your primary service areas. Don’t create just one “Austin Real Estate” page. You should create individual, detailed pages for each neighborhood you serve.
Real Estate Agent in [City/Neighborhood]
Example: “West Lake Hills Luxury Homes”
Example: “Bouldin Creek Homes for Sale”
Every location page should incorporate:
- An introduction to the neighborhood with your key phrase.
- Current market statistics.
- What the buyers love about the area.
- Information about the schools, amenities, lifestyle, and the neighborhood overall.
- Recent sales and/or active listings.
- A call to action at the end.
This approach works best when you understand your market’s demographics. For example, Austin’s demographics: professional services constitute about 18% of local businesses, so likely buyers in the area are tech professionals. Tailor your content to speak to that. For example, the proximity to tech campuses, coworking spaces, and Austin’s startup culture.
In contrast, content for Dallas is written for buyers from the health care (13%), professional services (11%), retail (8%), and other sectors which makes it a balanced economy. The content should incorporate buyers from all demographics and sectors.
On-Page SEO Essentials
Every page needs proper optimization and overall, correct use of key phrases and target audience.
Title Tags: Key phrase and location.
Format: [Service] in [Location] | [Your Name/Business]. For example, Luxury Real Estate Agent in Beverly Hills | Sarah Chen Realty.
It should stay under 60 characters to avoid cutting off in search results.
Meta Descriptions: Write quick summaries that grab attention and contain your keyword.
Example: “Need a Beverly Hills luxury real estate agent you can trust? Sarah Chen works with high-end properties and offers personalized service. Check out her exclusive listings.”
Keep it under 155 characters.
Header Structure: Logically use headers with your keywords
H1: The title of your main page with your primary keyword
H2: Major headings that respond to common queries
H3: Minor headings with specifics
Example structure of a neighborhood page:
H1: Hyde Park Austin Real Estate Agent
H2: Why Buy a Home in Hyde Park, Austin?
H2: Hyde Park Austin Market Statistics 2025
H3: Average Home Prices in Hyde Park
H3: Days on Market and Sales Trends
H2: Best Streets and Blocks in Hyde Park
H2: Hyde Park Schools and Amenities
Schema Markup for Real Estate
Schema markup makes it easy for Google to understand your content. Use:
- LocalBusiness schema for your homepage
- RealEstateAgent schema for agent pages
- Product schema for each listing
- FAQPage schema for your Q&A sections
It may sound complicated, however, most new web builders have add-ons that simplify this process. If you use WordPress, schema markup can be added through a plugin called Schema Pro or you can use Yoast SEO Premium.
Ensure Your Site Keeps Up With the Mobile Users
Most users do real estate searches on phones and tablets. Your site should:
- Load in 3 seconds or less
- Adjust to all screen sizes
- Have buttons and phone numbers that can be tapped with fingers
- Have a font that is larger than 16px
Use Google Mobile-Friendliness Test site to check this. If it doesn’t work well on the mobile site fix it. Google searches will prioritize it.
Create Content That Gains Attention
In addition to service pages, develop blog posts intended on answering questions your clients ask:
- “[Your City] Real Estate Market Update [Month/Year]”
- “First-Time Home Buyer Guide for [Your Area]”
- “How Much House Can I Afford in [City]? 2025 Guide”
- “Best Family Neighborhoods in [City]”
- “[Neighborhood] vs [Neighborhood]: Where Should You Buy?”
Paragraphs with more than 3 lines will be abandoned by mobile users. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and headers to make your content easy to scan.
Internal Linking Strategy
Link related pages to each other. For example if you mention a neighborhood in a blog post, link to that neighborhood’s service page or if you discuss market trends, link to your market reports page.
For the anchor text, use something like “find out more about Hyde Park Austin real estate” instead of the boring “click here.”
Step 3: Local Citations & Directory Listings
Citations are when your business details – name, address, and phone number – are mentioned online. These help Google confirm your business exists and figure out the area you operate in.
Citation Consistency is Critical
Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) must be exactly the same everywhere. Inconsistencies confuse Google and hurt your rankings. If your Google Business Profile says “Rodriguez Real Estate LLC,” don’t list yourself as “Maria Rodriguez Realty” on other sites. If your address is “123 Main St, Suite 200,” don’t forget to use the same style and write “123 Main Street #200” somewhere else.
Important Real Estate Directories
These are the most important citations you should start with:
Industry-Specific:
- Zillow Agent Profile
- Realtor.com Agent Profile
- Homes.com Professional Profile
- Trulia Agent Profile
- Redfin (if applicable in your market)
General Business Directories:
- Yelp
- Facebook Business Page
- Better Business Bureau
- YellowPages
- Bing Places
Local Directories:
- Chamber of Commerce
- Local business associations
- City/County business directories
- Neighborhood association listings
Tips for Efficient Citation Building
I get that manually creating citations can feel like a chore, but it is also important. For every directory:
- Claim or create your listing
- Use the exact NAP from Google Business Profile
- Complete every field
- Describe your business and upload relevant photos
- Keep the login details in a safe space
Local SEO software for realtors like BrightLocal, Yext, or Moz Local can automate citation building and monitoring. Although, these services can be pricey, ranging from $50-200/month. If you are on a tight budget, you can always do this manually.
Cleaning Up Citations
If you have moved offices or location, changed your phone number, and or rebranded, you need to recrawl the web and refresh citations. Outdated information will hurt your rankings. Find searches with your old business information, and systematically refresh or remove it.
Step 4: Creating and Managing Reviews
When it comes to local SEO, reviews handle ranking factors realtors the best. Reviews are the best marketing tool because people trust them. In fact, people trust reviews as much as they trust word-of-mouth recommendations.
The Importance of Reviews
According to Google, the most favorable businesses have:
- Higher averages ratings (4.0 stars or higher).
- More reviews than their competitors.
- Recent reviews (not just old reviews).
- Reviews containing relevant keywords.
Aside from SEO, reviews significantly impact your conversion rate. Would you rather hire a realtor with 3 reviews or with 43 reviews and a 4.8 average star rating? The answer should be clear.
More Google Reviews (The Right Way)
This is the strategy that works:
1. Ask at the Right Time
The best time to ask for a review is right after a closing, when clients are the most happy and thankful. There is no time to waste as you want to capture the momentum.
2. Make It Incredibly Easy
You need to make it easy for clients to leave reviews by sending them a direct link. Don’t make them search for your profile.
To get your review link:
- Go to your Google Business Profile
- Click “Home” and then “Ask for reviews”
- Copy the shareable link
You can send this in your post closing email or text.
3. Use QR Codes
You can print QR codes on your business cards that will go straight to your review page. After showings or meetings, hand your cards with the QR code and say, “If you’ve enjoyed working with me so far, I would love a review. Just scan this code.”
4. Send Follow Up Requests
Not everyone is going to leave a review right after you work with them. That is why it is important to send a polite reminder after a 3-5 day period.
“Hey [Name]! Hope you’re doing well. Seen any new movies lately? And again, congrats on your new house! If you have a second, I would really appreciate a Google review. It helps other families find me when they are looking for a realtor. Here’s the direct link: [your review link]. Thank you again!”
5. Avoid Violating Google’s Guidelines
- Don’t offers incentives for reviews (gift cards, discounts, etc.)
- Don’t write fake reviews or have employees review your business or you.
- Don’t left review for you self from fake accounts
- Don’t ask clients to only leave positive reviews (that’s selective solicitation)
Google can find and delete fake reviews. If you break the rules multiple times they will suspend your profile.
Best Practices for Responding to Reviews
Respond to all reviews. This shows you are engaged and care about what the clients have to say
For Positive Reviews:
Keep it personal and grateful. Include things from their review to prove you read it.
Thank you, Jennifer! It was lovely working with you and Mike to find your new home in Hyde Park. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the neighborhood tour and appreciated my support throughout the process. Happy years in your lovely home!
Negative Reviews: Unprofessional, Non-Empathetic, Uncaring
For Negative Reviews: Unprofessional, Non-Empathetic, Uncaring
Your negative reviews will be potential clients only reading about your reviews. Help with this problem, and this will build rapport.
For Negative Reviews: Unprofessional, Non-Empathetic, Uncaring
Your negative reviews will be potential clients only reading about your reviews. Help with this problem, and this will build rapport.
How Many Reviews Do You Need?
Start with 10. This is the realistic minimum to look credible. From there 25-40 is the competitive number to shoot for to work in most markets. 50+ reviews to take the lead in your market.
In competitive places like Los Angeles or Miami, the agents have over 100 reviews. Counter this with consistency. You only need 2-3 reviews each month, and in a year, you will have 25-36 reviews.
Check Velocity Matters
Google likes to see the even flow of reviews. Getting 20 reviews in one month then nothing for 6 months looks suspicious. Having a steady flow of 2-4 reviews per month shows you have an active business.
Step 5: Integrating Social Media Accounts
Having social media accounts does not improve your SEO, but it does improve your local presence.
Link to All Your Social Profiles
In your Google Business Profile, include links to your
- Facebook Business Page
- YouTube (if you have videos)
- Twitter (or X)
Don’t forget about Google’s consistent Name, Address, Phone Number (NAP) rule.
Instagram is Indexing Now
Now, Instagram content is searchable on Google.
This means Google can find your Instagram content for your listing under “Miami Beach luxury homes.”
To maximize your presence on Instagram:
- Tag the location of the post
- Use location-relevant
hashtags
- Write the captions that include the location keywords
- Post Stories that highlight local areas
Cross-Posting Strategy
Post on Google Business, then use the same content for social media. When you share something on Facebook or Instagram, create a Google Post linking to it.
Keeping active on multiple platforms is important for reinforcing your presence everywhere, and for keeping your channels open and functional and active. That’s crucial because inactive social profiles can hurt your authority.
Local Engagement Builds Authority.
Jump on social platforms and engage with other local businesses and communities. Leave a comment on local restaurants, shops and organizations social media posts. Share posts relevant to your region. This helps to build relationships and to also show that you are a real and genuine community member, not just someone trying to profit off selling houses.
Step 6: Local Link Building for Realtors.
Backlinks, which is other websites linking to yours, is a strong factor on rating. For local SEO for realtors, you want local backlinks.
Quality Over Quantity
One link from your local newspaper’s real estate section has far greater value than a 100 links from spam comment on random blogs. Legitimately gain links from:
Local News and Publications
When reporters need expert commentary on local market trends, be the agent they call.
To achieve this:
- Put together a media kit that has your photo, a bio, and your areas of expertise.
- Deliver this media kit to local real estate reporters.
- Be quick to respond when reporters are searching for sources (use HARO – Help A Reporter Out).
- Write guest blogs for local online magazines.
Community Involvement
Sponsor local events, youth sports teams, charity fundraisers, or community initiatives. Most of this type of organization will link to sponsors on their web pages.
Join community boards, neighborhood associations, and local chambers of commerce. These organizations usually have membership lists and will give you a link to your own website.
Partnerships with Local Businesses
Create partnerships with these types of local businesses:
- Mortgage brokers
- Home inspectors
- Title companies
- Moving companies
- Interior designers
- Contractors and home improvement services
Most will include you on their “preferred partners” or “recommended professionals” list and link your website.
Guest Blogging
Write helpful articles for local blogs, community websites, or regional publications. Include a bio with a link back to your site.
Blogging Ideas:
- “5 Things to Know About Buying a Home in [Your Area]” for a local lifestyle blog
- “Current Real Estate Market Trends in [City]” for a chamber of commerce blog
- “How to Prepare Your Home for Sale” for a local home improvement blog
Avoid the Following
Don’t purchase links from link farms or partake in link schemes. These will trigger Google penalties. Also, don’t pay for link-selling directory listings. Lastly, ditch automated link-building software.
One relevant local link is infinitely better than a thousand irrelevant spam links.
Local SEO for Realtors in Different Markets
Different markets need different SEO strategies. Here are a few cases.
Local SEO for Luxury Realtors in California
When it comes to California luxury real estate, competition is fierce. So is the local SEO expectation. Luxury real estate SEO requires focus on ultra-specific niches within neighborhoods and high-value keywords.
Long-Tail Keywords
Instead of “Beverly Hills real estate agent,” go for “Beverly Hills Post Office luxury real estate” or “Bel Air estate homes specialist.”
Portfolio
Luxury buyers want to see proof of your experience with high-end properties. Your website needs:
- Past luxury listings with professional photography
- Virtual tours and video walkthroughs
- Guides to exclusive neighborhoods
- Reports for luxury price range specific markets
Network-Based Links
Luxury real estate operates on networks. Obtain links from:
- Designers of high-end homes
- Private school linked to real estate
- Exclusive clubs and organizations
- Publications that focus on high-end lifestyle
Content for High-Net-Worth Clients
Simply put, your content needs to reflect your audience’s sophistication. Think of such topics as:
- Strategies for profitable estate investments
- Architectural styles of wealthy neighborhoods
- Estate planning with real estate
- High-end homes as real estate silos
Local SEO for Realtors in Hawaii
Hawaii and other island markets have distinct SEO challenges and opportunities because of their uniqueness. Local SEO for realtors in Hawaii involves considering the search patterns of residents and those buying vacation homes.
Identify Various Buyer Types
Develop content strategies for:
- Residents relocating within islands
- Mainland buyers relocating to Hawaii
- Vacation home buyers
- Investment property seekers
Each buyer type has unique search behaviors and requires different information.
Create Island-Specific Content
Avoid narrowing content to simply “Hawaii real estate.” Instead, consider:
- Specific islands (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island)
- Specific regions within islands (North Shore, Kihei, Kailua-Kona)
- Distinct neighborhoods and communities
Mainland Buyer Questions
Mainland buyers have unique questions regarding Hawaii real estate, such as:
- What are the distinctions when buying property in Hawaii compared to the mainland?
- What are the property tax implications?
- Condo vs. house considerations in island markets
- HOA and Maintenance
- Hurricane insurance and island concerns
Develop content to answer these questions to capture mainland buyers in the initial stages of their research.
What to Think About When Renting a Vacation Property
A lot of people who buy property in Hawaii think about how much it would make as a vacation rental. If this is your area of expertise, please write about:
-Which areas will most likely make money from vacation rentals?
-What are the legal aspects to consider about short-term rentals?
-What are the different options for management of the property?
-How to calculate ROI for investment properties?
Strategies for the Major Markets in Texas
Because of its diverse and growing economy and affordable vs. coastal real estate, Texas has a unique set of opportunities and options.
Austin: Focus on Tech Professionals
Since about 18% of Austin’s businesses are in professional services, many buyers are in tech. Focus on:
- Drive times to the big tech campuses (Apple, Google, Tesla, and Oracle)
- Neighborhoods and communities where tech people live
- Remote work and home office layouts
- Connectivity and internet access
- Work-life balance and lifestyle content
Dallas: Balanced Economy
Dallas’s economy is the most balanced in the country. No one sector exceeds 13% of businesses. Because of this balance, your buyers come from everywhere. Your content should:
- Speak to many different types of professionals
- Showcase different neighborhoods and what they are like
- Highlight different price points
- Address rural and suburban preferences
- Recommend places to live in the city and the suburbs
Houston: Diverse Industries
Houston has heavy representation in professional services (about 10%), healthcare (10%), retail (11%), and energy. Keep in mind:
- Distance to major employers (medical center and energy corridor)
- School districts (this is important for families)
- Drive times (Houston is well-known for bad traffic)
- Flood zones and insurance (this is critical after Harvey)
San Antonio: Military, Health, and Tourism
With 12% of businesses in healthcare and social assistance, and significant military and tourism, buyers in San Antonio often have unique buyer needs:
- Military relocation and moving assistance
- VA loan specialization
- Close to hospitals and medical centers
- Investment Opportunities in Tourism
Customize your local SEO approach by targeting your buyer personas.
Local SEO Tools and Software for Realtors
Finding the right local SEO software tailored for realtors will help you save time and improve the effectiveness of your campaigns.
Google Business Profile Management
Google Business Profile Dashboard (Free)
This is where you manage your profile, respond to reviews, check insights, and create posts.
BrightLocal ($29-99/month)
Manages your Google Business Profile, tracks rankings, reviews across platforms, and builds citations. Great all-in-one solution.
Rank Tracking Tools
Local Falcon ($15-50/month)
Shows you the exact location of where your Google Business Profile is ranking on the map in various parts of the city. Valuable for understanding your map visibility.
BrightLocal Rank Tracker (included in plans)
Tracks your rankings for specific keywords across different locations.
Review Management
Birdeye ($299+/month)
Comprehensive review management system as the facility to request, monitor, and respond to reviews across 150+ platforms. High-end solution, more suitable for agencies and teams.
Podium ($289+/month)
Review and messaging platform that streamlines communication via text with leads and allows review requests.
Grade.us ($49-99/month)
Budget-friendly review management solution focused on generating more Google reviews with review requests.
Citation Management
Moz Local ($129-219/year)
Sends out your business info to big data aggregators and directories, checks for inconsistencies, and corrects mistakes.
Yext ($199+/month)
Expense solution to keep your info updated across 100+ directories and platforms. It’s pricey, but very reliable.
Website and SEO Tools
SEMrush ($119.95+/month)
All-in-one SEO solution for keyword research, competitor audits, site audits, and tracking. High-end solution for professionals.
Ahrefs ($99+/month)
Great tool for backlink analysis, keyword research, and competition analysis. Helps find link building opportunities.
Google Analytics 4 (Free)
Must have for tracking your site traffic, where your visitors are coming from, and how well your conversions are performing.
Google Search Console (Free)
Lets you see how your site performs on Google Search. Which keywords you rank, and how many clicks you get, and if there are any technical problems.
My Recommendation
If you’re just starting: try out the free tools (Google’s suite) and get Local Falcon ($15/month) to monitor your map rankings.
If you’re serious about local SEO: spend on BrightLocal ($49/month) + Grade.us ($49/month) for complete tools coverage for under $100/month.
If you have budget and want full control: SEMrush ($119.95/month) + BrightLocal ($79/month) + Birdeye ($299/month) offers professional tools.
Can I Do My Own SEO as a Realtor?
One of the questions I hear a lot is: “Is SEO something I can handle myself, or do I need to bring in a local SEO specialist for realtors?”
Well, yes, you can absolutely do it. Just know that it will take a lot of time, dedication, and the effort to learn. So, here’s the information to help you decide.
What it Takes to Do Your Own Local SEO
When you decide to do it yourself, you will need to:
- Set up and optimize your Google Business Profile (initially 3-5 hours, then 30-60 min/week ongoing)
- Build and optimize your website (10-20 hours if you use a template, much more if custom, a lot more)
- Create location-focused content regularly (2-4 hours per blog post/page)
- Build and manage citations (initially 5-10 hours, then more hours for ongoing updates)
- Consistently and respond to reviews (30-60 min/week)
- Monitor ranking and analytics (30 min/week)
- Stay updated on SEO and algorithm updates (this takes continuous effort)
So, to start, you will need to invest 20-40 hours of your time. Then it will take you 5-10 hours a week to maintain.
Skills You Will Need to Learn
You won’t need to master everything, but you need to have a foundational knowledge of:
- How search engines function
- Keyword research fundamentals
- Writing and optimizing content
- Managing a Google Business Profile
- Basic HTML or website construction tools
- Analytics and data analysis
None of this is particularly complicated. With some motivation and the zeal to learn, you will be able to master it. There is a lot of free educational content on YouTube, blogs, and within SEO communities.
When a DIY Approach is Worth It
You might want to try DIY if you:
- Like acquiring new skills
- Can spend 5-10 hours a week on SEO
- Operate in a non-competitive market
- Have a tight budget
- Prefer total autonomy
- Plan on acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of your marketing.
When It Makes Sense to Hire an Expert
Think about hiring an SEO company that works with realtors if you:
- Can’t do the consistent SEO work
- Operate in a highly competitive market
- Need results quickly
- Don’t like the tech or marketing side of things
- Have a budget of $1,000/month or more
- Want to do what you do best, like selling real estate.
A Combination of Both
Many thriving realtors work with a combination of the two: an expert who sets everything up properly and teaches you the essentials and then you manage all the daily tasks. This is more affordable than ongoing support and guarantees that everything is set up properly.
My Honest Take
In my experience for over a decade now, the most successful realtors I’ve worked with have either learned SEO for themselves or hired someone for it. The agents that have the most trouble are the ones that “try” SEO for themselves, but either don’t put in the necessary consistent work or they bring someone in, but don’t let the person work.
Remember, SEO is always going to need work. With DIY or outsourcing, you need to choose a path and stay the course.
The 3 C’s of SEO for Real Estate
What are the 3 C’s of SEO? In real estate, I look at them as: Content, Citations, and Credibility.
Content: The Foundation
Content is everything you put online, including web pages, blog posts, Google Business Profile posts, social media updates, and listing descriptions.
Here is what realtors need to have for local SEO:
- Answers the specific questions your clients ask.
- Uses location-specific keywords.
- Offers real, valuable information, not just fluff to satisfy SEO.
- Is in current, updated status.
- Demonstrates your expertise or personality.
Content is weak when it is generic, thin, duplicated across a bunch of agent sites, or is written for a search engine instead of for a person.
Citations: Verification and Authority
Citations across the web refer to mentions of your businesses. They confirm the legitimacy of your business and show that your business operates in certain locations.
Strong citation profiles have:
- The same NAP on every platform
- All major directories
- Industry directories (Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.)
- Local directories (chambers, associations, etc.)
- Regular updates as info changes
Credibility: Trust and Authority
Reviews, backlinks, audience engagement, and overall digital reputation lead to credibility.
Build credibility through:
- Consisteently positve reviews on every platform
- Answering reviews (all of them) in a professional manner
- Quality local backlinks
- Active social media
- Local community (online and offline) participation
- Awards, certificates, and recognitions
These three C’s are dependent on each other. If you focus on content and neglect the other aspects, your content will not rank. If your content has no consistent citations, it will lead to confusion. Focus on all three C’s to achieve the best results.
Most Common Local SEO Mistakes Realtors Make
I repeatedly witness the same mistakes, over and over again. The mistakes listed below will help you to get ahead of your competition.
Mistake 1: Inconsistent Business Information
“Rodriguez Realty” on Google, “Maria Rodriguez Real Estate” on Zillow and “M. Rodriguez Properties” on your website. Each of the inconsistencies will confuse Google and dilute your authority.
Make a document that includes your business name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. Make sure you use the same formats in every document—don’t use anything different.
Mistake 2: Not Using Google Business Profile
Setting up your profile and never touching it again would be the same as opening a store and never restocking your shelves. Google will reward you for active and updated profiles.
Make sure to post at least every week, respond to every review in the given 24-48 hours, and add new photos and change information whenever it changes.
Mistake 3: Non-Local, Generic Content
“Welcome to my real estate website! I help people buy and sell homes.” Google and the people visiting your page don’t have a clue what you do.
Every page on your website should have your business area and client needs, such as “Hyde Park Austin Real Estate Agent Specializing in Historic Homes.” It tells everyone what you do and where you do it.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Your Reviews
You have 3 reviews from 2 years ago and your competitor has 49 recent reviews with a 4.9 average. Who do you think will be called?
You need to build review generation into your business process. Setting a goal of 2-3 new reviews monthly will help a lot.
Mistake 5: Not Optimizing For Mobile Devices
Your website is awesome on a desktop, but totally broken on phones. Since more than 60% of potential clients are searching for real estate on a phone, you are breaking potential clients.
Fix: You need to check your website on several different devices. If it’s not perfect on mobile, get it fixed ASAP.
Mistake 6: Buying Fake Reviews
Some agents will buy fake reviews or give out incentives to avoid hard work. This type of practice can get you suspended on Google, so don’t do it.
Fix: Ask for honest reviews from clients, don’t incentivize them. Even if it takes longer, it’s the best route to take.
Mistake 7: Keyword Stuffing
“I’m the best Austin real estate agent in Austin helping Austin home buyers find Austin homes for sale in Austin Texas…”
This does not trick Google, it just makes you appear incompetent.
Fix: Speak, or rather, write in a natural manner. This does not mean you should avoid critical keywords, just that they should not be jammed into every sentence.
Mistake 8: Not Paying Attention To Your Conversions
So, you are ranking #1 for, “Austin real estate agent” and your phone is silent. The problem is your website is not converting visitors into leads.
Just because your website has a good ranking doesn’t mean it will work effectively. Calls to action, compelling copy, easy methods to contact you, and trust signals all work cohesively.
Mistake 9: Giving Up Too Soon
You do SEO for 6 weeks, don’t see action, and quit. Remember, it takes time for SEO to work, and it really gains traction around months 4-6, not weeks 2-3. Consistency is key, so set realistic expectations–3 to 6 months for SEO to see meaningful results. And don’t forget to track your wins, no matter how small, gains in ranking, traffic, or even in views on your profile.
Mistake 10: Following Black Hat Advice
Do you read a blog about ‘secret technics’ to get to the first rankings in 7 days? That’s a violation of Google’s guidelines. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably not true. Stick to the white-hat techniques, because you will get results in the end.
What is the Most Effective SEO Tactic for Realtors?
If I had to choose one tactic for SEO, it would be, constant and strategic revisions.
Reviews Impact Rankings
The amount of reviews you receive, the velocity in time, and the recency of the reviews all affects Google’s local algorithm. If you want better rankings in the map, you need more reviews.
Impact of Reviews on Conversions
Even if you’re ranked number one, customers are still going to call the agent who has more reviews, greater reviews, and better reviews. It’s because reviews inflate trust.
Reviews Create Momentum
More reviews lead to better rankings, more visibility, more clients, and more opportunities to get more reviews. It’s a positive cycle.
How to Make This Your Competitive Advantage
Most realtors are not good at getting reviews consistently. They sometimes ask, get in the reviews, and if clients don’t respond within a certain timeframe, just stop.
This is how you can do it: Create a systematic approach to getting reviews, and include it in your business’s daily routine.
Here’s the system.
- Congrats on closing. Send a congratulatory message, and touch on reviews subtly.
- 3 Days After Closing. The direct review link is now your email, along with simple instructions.
- 7 Days After Closing. Text message follow-up if no review was submitted.
- 30 Days After Closing. The final email focused on settling in the context of instructions in your new home.
Don’t just rely on your memory; automate review reminders with your email system or CRM.
The Next Best Thing
If I had to choose just one more tactic, it would be regularly posting on your Google Business Profile.
A lot of your competitors don’t post anything. Just by posting every week (or even every month) shows that your account is active and that you are engaged with your audience. Additionally, these posts allow you to include keywords, highlight your listings, and grab your audience’s attention when they’re actively searching for something.
These tactics based on reviews and GBP posts are simple and create high returns on their efforts while giving you an edge that builds over time. Focus on these before you stress about complicated and advanced strategies of technical SEO.
Is SEO Still Relevant in 2025 for Real Estate?
Yes, and in many ways, it is even more critical now than in the past for real estate agents. It has to do with how the market is changing and how you must adjust to these changes.
Why SEO Isn’t Going Anywhere
People will always use the internet to search for real estate agents and properties. SEO will always be important as long as Google and any other search engine are active.
Moreover, as prices rise in ads on various platforms (Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Zillow leads), organic search will be more invaluable to your business as it offers free, targeted traffic.
How AI is Changing Search
Most people aren’t aware of how AI impacts the search. AI is changing the processes of how people search, but not the necessity of searching.
Snippets from Google’s Generative AI system have replaced featured snippets on Google Search. These AI snippets provide text compiled from various online resources. Well-optimized and authoritative content can end up being cited in AI snippets.
For research purposes, AI systems are used in the same way as ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity. For example, someone could enter the question “What should I look for in an Austin real estate agent?” and receive an answer. For the AI to recommend your content, it needs to be cited as comprehensive, accurate, and authoritative.
This is Generative Engine Optimization, or GEO, and it means that people are optimizing their content for AI systems to be used as references, or cited.
How to Remain Relevant
Create Comprehensive, Authoritative Content
Detailed and accurate content is prioritized by AI systems. Thin and short content will be ignored, while extensive and helpful guides will be cited.
Answer Specific Questions Clearly
Organize your content in way that your audience can ask their questions and receive a direct response. Use headers and provide concise answers.
Build Strong E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritative, Trustworthiness)
AI systems are instructed to lend priority to content authored by people of real experience and expertise.
Keep Your Content Updated
Having content that is regularly updated shows your audience that the content is still relevant. When people have content that is outdated, their websites and profiles appear abandoned.
Prioritize User Experience
Google rewards sites that deliver good user experiences. Examples are fast load and response times, mobile friendliness, easy navigation, and straight-to-the-point info.
Is AI the End of SEO?
No. Anyone saying “SEO is dead” is trying to convince you to buy something.
What is happening is that SEO is changing. The basics are still the same. It still involves helping search engines figure out who you are, where you are located, and proving to them that you are credible. The strategies just change with advancements in technology.
For example, 20 years ago you could manipulate search results by stuffing keywords and spammy directory links. Those strategies failed, but SEO carried on.
When mobile phones became the primary means of access to the internet, SEO shifted focus to the mobile user experience. The same happened with voice search, and now with AI driven search.
What is the Change in the AI Era?
AI is designed to pull info from different sources and generate summaries. To get cited in AI summaries, you need:
- Comprehensive and factual content
- Clear and structured info
- Strong signals of authority
- Natural language that AI can work with and repurpose
This change actually favors businesses that are doing SEO right by creating content that is truly helpful. Businesses that try to manipulate the system are the ones being left behind.
What Hasn’t Changed
Your local SEO fundamentals stay the same:
- You have a Google Business Profile
- You have the same business information everywhere online
- You have feedback from actual customers
- You have content for specific locations
- You show competence, authority and trust
AI doesn’t remove from the fundamentals, AI actually makes it worse since these criteria have become the primary signals to AI systems on which business to recommend.
What Is Replacing SEO?
Nothing is “replacing” SEO. The proper question is “How is SEO changing?”
Previously, SEO only considered the traditional blue link results on Google. Now, Modern SEO encompasses:
- Organic outcomes ranked by Google
- Google Map Pack results
- Voice command searches
- Overview citations meeting the AI engines
- Video searches and YouTube SEO
- Social media searches on Instagram and TikTok
All of these still beat the same SEO drum—ensuring your content is found by people looking for your goods or services. The variations of platforms and formats increase, but the underlying principle remains the same.
For Realtors Specifically
Your SEO strategy should also include:
- Business Profile on Google setup and tuned (For the Maps Section)
- Optimize Website (the regular and traditional organic search)
- Have a presence on YouTube (video search, property tours, market updates, and tips)
- Instagram Account Optimization (it is now also searchable on Google)
- Content structured for AI citations (GEO)
This may appear to be a lot, but the good news is that quality content will work for all these options. You can create a single blog post about tips on buying a house in your area and:
- Post that on your website.
- Create a YouTube video for it.
- Split key points into a series of Instagram carousel posts.
- Mention it in posts for Google Business Profile.
- Configure it for AI tools to cite it.
Same content, multiple channels, and it works in all of them.
When to Hire a Local SEO Expert for Realtors
Not all realtors need to enlist professional help, but these signs probably mean you should:
Your Market is Highly Competitive
If you are in big markets like Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco or Manhattan, you will find that SEO is more challenging to implement yourself. The competition is stiff and strategies that are professional will give you a real boost. Markets where professional service businesses account for 15% or more of the local economy (like Austin) usually have SEO competition that is sophisticated and will require professional help.
You Don’t Have 5-10 Hours Weekly
When you have 50+ hour weeks selling real estate, you don’t have 5-10 hours a week to add to your workload and work on your SEO.
You’ve Tried DIY and Aren’t Seeing Results
If you’ve optimized your Google Business Profile, created content, and requested reviews, and you still don’t rank well after 4-6 months, and don’t have driven traffic, I can spot the gaps.
You Want Results Quicker
No SEO professional worth their salt will promise results on a specific timeline, but seasoned experts will deliver results faster than your DIY efforts because they know what to focus on, and have the tools and processes to implement faster.
You’re Overwhelmed by the Technical Stuff
You probably need help with technical optimization if terms like “schema markup,” “canonical tags,” and “robots.txt” make your brain shut down.
You Want Strategy, Not Just Tactics
Local SEO Experts for realtors don’t just execute tasks; they develop strategies based on your market, competition, and business goals, and know what to focus on and what to prioritize.
How to Choose the Right Local SEO Agency for Realtors
If you decide to hire help, here’s how to choose the right local SEO company for realtors.
Seek Real Estate Experience
Many basic SEO providers miss the intricacies involved in marketing for real estate. Seek out someone who has:
- Collaborated with numerous real estate agents
- Familiarity with the MLS systems and real estate property listing systems
- Knowledge in real estate search systems and psychology and behavior of buyers
- Real estate-specific case studies
Inquiring the Right Questions
Prior to making any decisions, it’s best to ask
“How many real estate clients do you have you have right now?”
This helps you understand whether they have the right applicable experience, and if they don’t, it means they’ll have to learn at the expense of your money.
“Can you show me your case studies with real clients in real estate and the actual outcomes?”
Make sure they don’t give you huge marketing promises that are impossible to fulfill, instead they should highlight specific outcomes. Things you’ll want to learn include keyword rankings, increase of website traffic, and the level of leads generated.
“How long do you take to deliver the expected outcomes?”
Be careful of people who want to give you results in less than thirty days. The best timeframe to give is the first month is for setting the base or primary system, the next month is for improvement and planning, and within the fifth month, the system should be active.
“Do you use only white hat, Google-approved tactics?”
You should be sure they are not cutting any corners to improve the SEO ranking that Google can see.
“What and when will you report to me?”
Reports should be sent to you monthly and include information on strategy, traffic gained, conversions, and what specific actions were taken.
“What’s included in your service?”
Like what? Is it optimization for Google Business Profile? Content generating? Review generating? Citation building? Getting specific helps us understand what you will be paying for.
“What do I need to provide or do on my end?”
Some agencies do everything on their end while others require client participation for photos, review requests, and more. Make sure you clarify what’s expected.
Red Flags to Watch For
Watch out and avoid agencies or consultants who:
- Guarantee specific rankings or “get to page 1 in 30 days.”
- Won’t explain their tactics.
- Only use automated tools without oversight.
- Have no real estate client references.
- Use long contracts (over 12 months) without proving results.
- Focus only on rankings, not leads and ROI.
- Show you generic website templates, not a customized strategy.
Understand Pricing Models
Most local SEO for realtors falls under these three models:
Monthly Retainer: $1,000-2,500/month
You pay a flat fee per month for ongoing optimization, content creation, and management. Most agencies use this as their primary model.
Project-Based: $2,000-8,000
You pay a flat fee to complete your setup and optimization, and it’s yours to maintain afterward.
Performance-Based: Varies
This is rare in legit SEO because you cannot control rankings fully. You pay on results (rankings, leads, etc.) achieved.
Hourly: $75-200/hour
Pay for specific hours of work. Good for consulting or small projects, not comprehensive campaigns.
Warning About Cheap Services
Be extremely skeptical of offers under $500/month for comprehensive local SEO. Quality work requires time, expertise, and often paid tools. Rock-bottom pricing usually means:
- Automated, low-quality work
- Outsourced to inexperienced providers
- Corner-cutting that risks penalties
- Limited actual strategy and customization
- Risking time wasted
Remember: cheap SEO that doesn’t work is more expensive than zero SEO because it wastes time and potentially harms your online presence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Local SEO for Realtors
What is local SEO for real estate?
Local SEO for real estate is the process of optimizing your online presence to appear in location-based searches when potential clients look for real estate services in your area. It focuses on Google Business Profile optimization, location-specific website content, local citations, and reviews to help you rank in the Local Map Pack and organic search results for searches like “real estate agent [city]” or “homes for sale [neighborhood].”
Does SEO work for real estate agents?
Sure does! SEO works amazingly for real estate agents as long as it is done the right way. SEO gives you free and qualified traffic from potential clients looking for agents or properties in your area. SEO gives you long-term traffic and customers as opposed to paid ads that stop working as soon as you stop paying. Realtors who do local SEO right get about 10 to 30 qualified leads every month from organic searches after they’ve optimized their site for 3 to 6 months.
How much does the average local SEO cost?
Local SEO for realtors costs about $500 to $2,500 every month depending on the level of competition in their area, the services they provide, and how experienced they are. If you want to do it yourself, SEO will cost $100 to $300 a month in tools, but it will take you 5 to 10 hours of your time each week. For the one-time setup, you will spend between $1,500 and $5,000. In competitive markets for professional services, expect to spend at least $1,000 a month, or a lot of time if you want to do it yourself.
Is doing a local SEO worth it?
Local SEO is worth it for most agents. Time or money is spent at first, but it gives a lower cost-per-lead than paid ads (Zillow, Google Ads) and creates a sustainable asset instead of renting attention. Realtors who regularly use local SEO see 3-5x ROI within 12 months. 3-6 months must pass before you see the significant results, so it is not good for those who need leads this week.
Can I do SEO on my own?
Yes, show more than 5-10 hours a week. You can learn and put into place strategies by yourself. For SEO, you need Google Business Profile, content-creation, citation-building, and review-building. DIY works best in less competitive markets or limited budgets. You will get better results by hiring a professional, and you will get more time to sell real estate instead of learning SEO.
How much should a small business allocate for SEO?
Engaging in SEO for a real estate business in competitive markets should mean a monthly budget of $1,000 to $2,500, while in less competitive markets $500-1,000 will work fine. Essential services should include Google Business Profile management, monthly reporting, website optimization, content creation, citation building, and supporting review generation. Anything drastically below that likely skims on quality or is offering something of little real worth. This is more of an investment in predictive lead generation than an expense.
What are the 3 C’s of SEO?
Content, Citations, and Credibility are the 3 C’s of SEO for the real estate business. Content includes the website pages, blog posts, and Google Business Profile posts that contain location-targeted keywords. Citations are stakes of your business name, address, and phone number as well as mentions in the directories and other locations. Credibility comes from reviews, quality backlinks, engagement, and your digital reputation. All three are interdependent. Strong content will be useless if it lacks credibility and vice-versa will lead to the chaos of credibility distortion.
What is the most effective SEO tactic?
For realtors, the most effective tactic for SEO is the systematic generation of reviews. Reviews determine rankings, as Google’s algorithm highlights reviews that are positive and more recent, and they determine conversion rates, as clients will go for agents that are highly reviewed. After every closing, have a system for requesting reviews, provide direct links to review platforms, and professionally acknowledge all reviews. For maximum impact, combine this strategy with regular postings made on Google Business Profiles.
Conclusions regarding Local SEO for Realtors
Concerning Local SEO for realtors, it’s not a magic process that provides the results you want immediately and it’s not as complicated as a lot of “experts” say.
Simply put, it’s a systematic effort to make your business visible when potential clients search for real estate services in your vicinity. It entails Google Business Profile optimization, location relevant content on your website, consistent business details across all platforms, strategic review generation, and expertise demonstrated in easy-to-understand content.
The winning realtors in SEO execution are those who understand the power of consistency. They do not set up their Google Business Profile and walk away. They do not publish three blog posts and then leave the site. They do not ask for reviews and then remember three months later. They create systems of continuous optimization, content creation, and reputation establishment. They build systems that keep their digital footprint active and maintain their online prominence.
If I could give you just three action steps you could implement and start working toward today, I would say:
1. Optimize your Google Business Profile completely. Fill every section, upload photos, create your 1st post, and build a system to maintain a monthly minimum.
2. Build a review generation process. Build a simple system that allows for reviews to come in stored continuously for every client after a closing. Offer direct links, follow up consistently and respond to every review.
3. Create one piece of location-specific content. Write a blog post or create a neighborhood page about one area you serve. Make it useful, helpful, and clearly comprehensive.
Do those three things consistently, and you will be ahead of 80% of realtors in your market.
SEO builds cumulative value, unlike advertising. SEO also provides gradual benefits over time.
It would have been great to start local SEO six months ago. Waiting this long isn’t a huge deal though. The next best option is today.
If you would like to talk about how to use these strategies in your market, you can definitely get in touch. For more than 10 years, I have been helping Realtors succeed in local search. I would love to show you how I can help with your specific needs.
It’s time to get started. Go get your ranking!