Social Networking Update By Bennie Henderson

As a Web site developer and marketing professional, I teach REALTORS® how to effectively market themselves on the Internet. It was only a few years ago when all you needed was a picture of yourself, a short bio and link to your listings. The times have changed a bit since then. You now need to enhance your web presence by integrating Social Networking as part of your marketing plan. I often refer to this as the solar system approach. Think of your main web site as the sun. You need to create the little social networking sites like stars or planets that will revolve around your site and drive traffic to it. You will create new relationships as well as maintain contact with past clients and also build a referral base with REALTORS® throughout the world.. I have received calls from agents, and brokers thanking me as they have not only enhanced their search engine rankings, but have also received referrals and leads. Recently a REALTOR® in Florida, referred a $2.1 listing as a result of her presence on Facebook.

Below are some of the most popular social Media applications being used:

o        Facebook, with over 150 million active users in its promotional material, provides a forum to post photos and videos, write longer pieces such as a recent trend of listing “25 random things about me,” and create and support causes and groups.

o        Twitter is essentially a shorthand version of Facebook, allowing entries of up to 140 characters, which are often used to post links to other Web sites of interest.

o        LinkedIn is a professional networking site, where people can build up networks of work-related connections and write recommendations for colleagues looking for employment.

o        Slideshare is great way to post presentations and documents.

o        Flickr allows you to create photo galleries and tag each photo.

o        WordPress is an outstanding way of sharing your thoughts and shows your clients that you are tech-savvy.

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Social Networks

I recently had a conversation with Megan,  a new consultant at my office about the importance of Social Networking.  I had asked her to write a post on her experience and what she has learned.  Here is what she had to say.

I’ve recently learned the importance of social networking through out the Real Estate industry. While working hand-in-hand with my boss I have come to see why blogging and using Facebook, Twitter and other networking sites has grown in popularity since a year or two ago. Many people, especially Real Estate agents/offices use these social networking avenues to appeal to a younger generation – one that is utterly technologically driven.

For example: by using Facebook a real estate professional can become “fans” of a Board and/or MLS, as well as, recent and previous clients that has a profile on Facebook. From there the friends or “fans” of those individuals/Boards and MLSs can see that this specific agent has connections and popularity – therefore the knowledge to help buy/sell a property.

Blogging is also very important avenue in SEO (search engine optimization), which is also the important aspect of social networking. There you can interact with other agents or people by blogging about your ideals, opinions and/or views on this ever changing economy!

Take a look at these statistics: (
http://www.realtor.org/library/library/fg006
)

• It is said that 84% of home buyers today have used the computer to help purchase their home!
• Actions taken as result of using Internet site:
  • Drove by/viewed a home – 73%
  • Walked through a home viewed online- 57%
• 89% of Real Estate offices said “Yes” our company does have a website – so why not capitalize on that! Plug in to the social networking sites and link them to your website. That way people can get from your social networking pages to your website and vice verse!
• The top places where REALTORS® place their listings are REALTOR.com, their broker’s website, their own site, and their local MLS site.

Again social networking is extremely important in becoming successful in the real estate industry.  So try it!  Here are some sites that you can try out.

http://www.facebook.com/
-  Social Networking Site

http://wordpress.com/
– Blogging Platform

http://twitter.com/
– Micro-blogging Platform

http://activerain.com/
– Social Networking Site for Agents

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Web Browser Roundup

Web Browser Roundup

The Internet is constantly evolving.  New technology appears (and sometimes disappears) faster than most of us can keep up with it.  It’s hard to imagine that only a little over a year ago most of us thought a “tweet” was merely the noise that a bird makes.  Now, not only do we have to keep up with the latest trends and technologies, but we must also keep our eyes on the vessel that we navigate this vast ocean of the Internet.  I speak, of course, of the web browser.  For many, it’s known simply as “the big blue ‘E’,” and for others it’s the centerpiece of their computer’s desktop. Whatever you may call it, the web browser is one of the most important pieces of software on computers today.

Apart from the security enhancements and performance, many browsers also add support for new features that take advantage of the most current technologies developers can use to make for a better experience on the web. I’d like to take this opportunity to expose our readers to the latest versions of all the popular browsers out there that they may or may not be aware exist.  All these versions are current as of this writing.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 (Windows)

OK, this came out about a year ago, but it’s still not used as widely as some of the others. I mean, according to many statistics out there, there are some who are still using Internet Explorer 6! For those of you who haven’t updated to version 8, I have to tell you that you’re missing out on the best Internet Explorer yet. I highly encourage you to update, especially if you’re still using version 6.

Among the improvements you’ll find that security takes front and center. There are many new tools built in that help protect you while you’re browsing the Internet. Speed is something that has also been improved greatly. The differences between version 8 and version 7 are like night and day with version 8 running much faster than its predecessor. Finally, one of the most talked about features that version 8 boasts is support for many accepted web standards that web site developers and many popular web sites have been taking advantage of for some time now.

Check it out here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx

 

Mozilla Firefox 3.5 (Windows / Mac)

 

The Mozilla Corporation’s Firefox web browser has been a popular choice for many on the Internet. Some of you, like me, may remember the Mozilla name from it’s humble roots as the Netscape Navigator, but version 3.5 is a far cry from the now extinct browser. Firefox is most loved for its ability to add on new features (or plug ins) and to add your own unique look by downloading a theme.

Firefox 3.5 looks similar to 3.0 and has all the great security enhancements from 3.0, too, but the real difference is under the hood so to speak. Firefox 3.5 has vastly improved performance issues and memory leaks that have often been complained about. With version 3.5 also comes the support of new web standards including the budding HTML 5 specification. With it’s slick speed, customizable features and stability, this latest version of Firefox continues to prove itself as a solid choice and I would recommend giving it a try.

Check it out here: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/personal.html

 

Safari 4 (Windows / Mac)

 

Safari was once the new kid on the block in the world of web browsers. With the new Mac OS X came Safari, and over the years it’s evolved into a truly unique way to experience the web. Noted for it’s lightweight interface, speed, and adherence to web standards, it continues to grow in popularity in direct correlation to the growth in popularity for Macs. Ever since Apple has released a Windows version even PC users can join in on what Mac users have been experiencing for years.

Safari 4 currently touts itself as the “worlds fastest browser” and with its new browser engine, you’ll see why. Today’s Internet is full of rich internet applications and Safari 4 runs them with seemingly little effort. Along with Firefox 3.5, Safari 4 fully supports HTML 5 as well as a wide range of cutting-edge features and styles. Also, the all new Windows version works more seamlessly with Windows. Safari 4 has also made browsing your bookmarks and history simple by integrating their Cover Flow technology with them allowing you to quick look at your history and bookmarks as a small photo thumbnail.

Check it out here: http://www.apple.com/safari/

 

Google Chrome 2 (Windows)

 

Google Chrome is a new browser brought to us by the most popular search company on the Internet. There browser is very simple and without a lot of the bells and whistles you’ll find in the previous three examples. However, don’t let it’s humble exterior dissuade you from trying it out. There is brilliance in Google Chrome’s simplicity. This fast, stable and secure browser will surely impress the most skeptical.

While Google Chrome’s claim to fame isn’t a library of features, it continually strives to bring a solid, secure browsing experience to any who wish to use it. It’s all-in-one address bar is more than just a place to type in a web address. It will also act as a Google search box and even give you suggestions for what you are looking for.

Check it out here: http://www.google.com/chrome/

Well that’s it and my view on some of the popular web browsers the web has to offer.  Enjoy the post.

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Municipal WiFi – Coming to a city near you?

Municipal WiFi – Coming to a city near you?

More and more cities across the United States are deploying their own wireless networks to offer public safety personnel and public works employees remote access to their municipal data network. The added benefit is that there is often dual-band equipment installed that enables the town to set aside space for free wireless access to residents. Through the use of small access points mounted on top of light poles, traffic light arms, and other structures, cities have enabled their employees to save time and resources by remotely accessing the municipal network in real-time, instead of the employee having to travel back to his or her office to upload or work with their data. Some municipalities offer completely free wireless internet access to their residents and manage the infrastructure themselves. Others have opted to lease space on their wireless networks to ISPs, who will in turn charge a fee for access to the network.

Whether free or not, it is clear that the freedom of wireless internet access is in great demand, and the number of locations where public wireless internet access is available will continue to grow – maybe even to a city near you.

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The Art of Blogging

The Art of Blogging

Today blogging is becoming an art form, melding sensible conversation and technical savvy to increase your sphere of influence to your potential prospect base.

When you write a blog you are really looking into reaching a diverse base including; new prospects and the search engines.  Sometimes it can be difficult to create a post that encompasses both.

Every month in my SEO seminars I speak of the concept of knowing your audience.  Before you can even begin to blog you need to know exactly who you are writing for.  I frequently speak about the concept of community.  As an Agent this is probably your most biggest allie.

Long Tail Keyword Terms

I also always introduce a term called “Long Tail Search Terms”.  Look at it like this – Short tail search terms are things like real estate, open houses, or even New Jersey Homes.  These terms on the surface seems like the holy grail, but in reality are extremely difficult to obtain and generally do not produce a good results.  This is mostly due to the fact people searching on these terms are generally in the beginning of the the consumers research cycle.  By contrast, long tail key terms are phrases that are much more precise such as Bergenfield New Jersey Split Level Homes.  As you can see you can have literally dozens of long tail key terms per community and believe or not many people do not take the time to blog about each of them.  Sure it takes time but then again nothing worth while is life is usually easy.  These terms are generally used by consumers in the later stages of the buying cycle.

Blog Titles

The right title is very important in your blog.  As I spoke about in my first paragraph targeting the community or neighborhood works best, such as “Luxury Homes in Alpine, New Jersey”.  Most consumers will search by a community or town/state when they looking for real estate.

Repeat your title as the first line of your blog and bold it.

Luxury Homes in Alpine, New Jersey is one of the most sort after spots in the Eastern seaboard.  Alpine, New Jersey has become a mecca of multi-million dollar homes and is only a short drive to Manhattan.

Placing your key word title “first” helps the engine determine the importance of your phrase and bolding it helps your readers.  This is often referred to as keyword prominence.  In general, a keyword that appears closer to the top of the page or area will be more relevant.   The first sentence in your post is often the phrase that is in the title of your search results so it will also help the consumer to know exactly what your post is about.

Keywords in you post

You also want to make sure you repeat your keyword phrase 3-4 times throughout your post.  This is most often referred to as Keyword Frequency and  is how often a keyword appears on the page or in an area on the page. In general, the more times a keyword appears on the page, the more relevant it will be to that search.  Different search engines use different algorithms to determine frequency.  3-4 times is more or less an average that I feel works well.  You can research into for example what the optimum frequency for Google might be and tailor a post that way as well.

Tagging

You also want to tag your post with related phrases that consumers might also be interested in such as Alpine New Jersey Open Houses.

The Finishing Touches

Lastly you want to include images and/or video’s in your post.  These not only add some depth to your post but video’s are fast becoming another avenue to increase your sphere of influence.  Don’t forget to add relevant alt tags and link to relevant content when you can.

Blogging in this fashion is a good way to produce some well thought out posts that appeal not only your readers but also the search engines as well.

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Getting Inbound Links

Any good SEO strategy includes link building and any good link building strategy includes getting the sort after inbound links. I often get questioned how does one get good inbound links, after all why would someone link to my site if I do not reciprocate back?

Here are some ways you can build your inbound link count. Some are fairly easy to do while others take some effort. After all if no effort was involved everyone would do it.

Remember that the Internet is based on content and the success of the Web is built upon the proliferation of accessible information. If you build a website with information people want, they will come. If you build good content people will then want to link to it. But always be mindful of not getting into link spamming or placing links on sites that practice the same.

So what are some of the ways you can build some good inbound links.

1. Place your links on directories
2. Join social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Active Rain, etc.
3. Write articles in enzines
4. Create pages in hub sites such as Squiddo or Hubpages
5. Use Yahoo or Google news
6. Embed links in video’s you post to YouTube
7. Use Microblogging such as Twitter
8. Of course set up your own Blog

Linking

Another interesting way to get your links out is allowing people to easily bookmark your pages.  Services such as “ShareThis” provide code to put on your webpages which visitors can click on and book mark your webpage on major social media sites.  Write good content and people will bookmark you.

Press Releases

Press Releases are another great way to get your links out.  Services such as PR.com allow you to post a press release for a reasonable fee.  When you create a release you can then add your link.  They also offer a free service but you do not get the luxury to add your link.  But even the free release will be picked up by Google News and be broad-casted.

Google Alerts

Try setting up alerts on your keywords and when you get hits, examine the source and then comment on the sites if you can.  Much of the news comes from Blogs so you can then comment on the Blog.  Good relevant comments will ensure the Blog master will publish your comment.

Relationships

Don’t forget the simple ways too.  Within your profession you have established relationships with Mortgage Brokers, Appraisers,  Home Inspectors, etc.  Why not ask for a link to you on their website.  The very least is you can get a reciprocal link on a relevant site.

Link building is a evolving process and you never really stop trying to build links.  Even if you participate in social networking, blogging, etc. on a regular basis you will begin to see your link count go up.  Remember good content is the key for good link building.  Have a site that becomes an invaluable resource and build upon that.

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