Hi all,

There has been much talk from other REALTORS lately about whether website development, search engine optimization and Internet leads are worth the time and effort. I must say that I have based a large part of my real estate business directly around the Internet. And yes... I do close many of my Internet leads. I have two top ranked websites that I developed on my own. The trick to getting top rankings is basing your website(s) on a niche.

It will be extremely difficult for a REALTOR to secure a top position for a website targeted a general keywords such as "Atlanta Real Estate" or "Waterfont Properties". Furthermore, targeting a website to your own name, is in some ways a big waste of time... at least as far as search engine optimization goes.

These are my tips for creating an internet presence that will bring you decent leads:

1. Identify a niche... locality, type of client, type of business, etc.

2. Purchase a domain name or several that include your targeted keywords within the domain. For instance, for locality I purchased www.FairfieldCountyRealEstate.com. This is much better than buying a domain with my name in it. Few people are going to be searching for your name.

Another example... marketing to niche clients is my site at www.GayConnecticutRealEstate.com. I closed 12 deals my first year in business just from this one site alone and it ranks number one for many keyword combinations on the major search engines.

3. Build your website using keyword rich content. A beautiful site filled with pictures does nothing to get you at the top of the search engines. I see so many websites that have a beautiful index page with no text at all. Just graphics. The search engines cannot read graphics. They can only read text.

Now, I have learned over the years how to build my own websites. It is very time consuming and for most agents, probably not your best option. Search for website designers online, look at samples of their work, find out what type of SEO results they have gotten for others. Make the investment in building a good website. An agent without a website in today's market can be compared to a taxi car driver without a backseat.

4. Over time, submit your websites to directories, classified sites, etc. and build your presence. The more relative links you have pointing to your website the better. Note: Do not blast your links out to non-related websites and be aware that in some cases, paid links are being discounted by the search engines.

5. Take the time to participate in message boards, blogs, etc. Include your links in your signature, or when appropriate as references. DO NOT SPAM.

6. Write articles that link back to your website and submit to article directories online.

7. Don't expect results overnight, within a month, or even 6 months. The process takes time, but it is well worth it.

If any one would like help, I am happy to offer suggestions or share my knowledge for free. Just contact me.

Best wishes,

Christopher Rich - REALTOR
William Raveis Real Estate
Your Fairfield County CT Real Estate Agent