A word of caution to all real estate agents! Be on guard against so-called marketing “professionals” who might try to instill panic by creating Real Estate SEO Myths and suggesting your website is malfunctioning or in dire need of real estate SEO intervention, using Google Page Speed Insights tests as evidence.
When business is slow, certain real estate SEO “professionals” may opt for unsolicited contact with real estate agencies, offering reports with the intention of creating fear and securing sales. These individuals have a long history of frightening people into paying for unnecessary fixes or investing in minor aspects of their online strategy.
It’s important to acknowledge that page speed is essential for user experience and overall website performance. Nevertheless, when interpreting Page Speed Insights tool results, use discretion. While helpful, this tool doesn’t offer a complete evaluation of your site’s performance, user experience, or SEO capabilities.
Marketing “professionals” might attempt to intimidate you with Page Speed Insights test results, asserting they can resolve all your issues (for a fee, of course). However, bear in mind that these results don’t show the complete picture, and these “professionals” enjoy utilizing these tools to create uncertainty among unsuspecting agents and marketing teams. Concentrate on providing a quick and smooth experience for your website visitors but avoid letting scare tactics pressure you into hasty decisions or spending large amounts on unneeded fixes.
Tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights and GT Metrix might not be as vital as you think and are less important than other SEO factors.
John Mueller of Google recently mentioned:
Becoming overly obsessed with these [Google PageSpeed Insights] numbers is not a productive use of time and energy. Consider the broader picture instead. Source
John Mueller
In fact, Google has recently retired Mobile-Friendly, Page Speed, Secure Sites, and Page Experience ranking systems. So, let’s explore what this means for real estate agents and their websites.
Retired Ranking Systems: What are the Implications?
Google has revised its documented ranking systems, removing four ranking systems from the list:
Page experience system
Mobile-friendly ranking system
Page speed system
Secure sites system
Google removed these systems, stating that page experience is more of a concept than a genuine ranking system. Despite these changes, it remains crucial to offer an excellent user experience for your website visitors, as this can contribute to success in search rankings.
What Should Real Estate Agents Prioritize?
Rather than being concerned about retired ranking systems, real estate agents should focus on more critical SEO factors, such as local SEO, informative content, dynamic suburb profiles, and positioning themselves as real estate experts. These factors can have a significant influence on your website’s Google ranking and overall online presence.
Be Cautious of Questionable SEO Practices
It’s essential to stay current with Google algorithm updates and be aware of dubious SEO tactics. Don’t be deceived by marketing “professionals” who use Google Page Speed reports to frighten you. Implement reliable SEO strategies, like those mentioned earlier, to enhance your website’s visibility on Google.
Essential Ranking Factors for Real Estate Businesses
Real estate agents should pay attention to SEO factors that significantly impact local business website rankings on Google. These factors help your website stand out in local search results and attract potential clients in your target areas. Consider these crucial ranking factors for local businesses:
- Google Business
- Local Citations and NAP Consistency
- Local Keywords and Content
- On-Page SEO
- Mobile Responsiveness
- Apple Business Connect
Google Business
Setting up and optimizing a Google Business listing is vital for local businesses to appear in Google Maps and local search results. Ensure that your profile is complete and up-to-date with your business name, address, phone number, website, and business hours. Encourage your clients to leave reviews, as these can positively impact your local search ranking.
Local Citations and NAP Consistency
Local citations are mentions of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on the web, found on local business directories, social media profiles, and review sites. Consistency in your NAP information across different platforms is crucial for improving your local search ranking. Update your business information on all platforms to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Local Keywords and Content
Using location-specific keywords in your website’s content can help improve your local search ranking. These keywords can include the names of suburbs, cities, or regions where your business operates. Creating localized content, such as blog posts about events in your area or dynamic suburb profiles, can also enhance your local SEO efforts.
On-Page SEO
On-page SEO involves optimizing individual web pages to rank higher on search engines. This includes using relevant local keywords in your title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags. Additionally, optimizing your website’s URL structure and providing high-quality, valuable content can improve your local search ranking.
Mobile Responsiveness
Even though Google has retired the mobile-friendly ranking system, having a mobile-responsive website remains crucial for local businesses. Many users search for local businesses on their smartphones, so it’s essential to ensure your website looks and functions well on all devices.
Apple Business Connect
Besides Google Business, Apple has introduced Apple Business Connect to help local businesses enhance their visibility on Apple Maps and Siri search results. By setting up and optimizing your Apple Business Connect listing, you can ensure that your business information, such as your name, address, phone number, website, and business hours, is accurate and up-to-date on Apple’s platforms.
This service also allows you to manage customer reviews, showcase your products and services, and engage with your customers through messages. Leveraging Apple Business Connect can help you reach a broader audience and improve your local search visibility on both Google and Apple platforms.
Conclusion: Real Estate SEO Myths
Don’t be misled by marketing “professionals” who try to scare you with Google Page Speed reports. These tools are not as important as other SEO factors, and Google has even retired some ranking systems. Instead, concentrate on what truly matters: creating valuable content, enhancing user experience, and implementing proven SEO strategies to boost your website’s ranking on Google.
For more information on real estate SEO and other ways to improve your website’s ranking, explore the resources provided earlier in this article.
Always remember that the primary goal of your website is to attract and engage potential clients. By focusing on the right SEO factors, you can ensure that your real estate website remains competitive in the ever-changing digital landscape.
Don’t be burdened by retired ranking systems or marketing “professionals” attempting to scare you with Google Page Speed reports. Stay informed, focus on what genuinely matters, and always strive to provide your website visitors with the best possible experience. Happy ranking!
Frequenly Asked Questions About Real Estate SEO Myths
What are some common real estate SEO myths?
Common Real Estate SEO Myths include overemphasis on Google Page Speed, the importance of retired ranking systems, and the effectiveness of scare tactics by marketing “professionals.”
How can I improve my real estate website's SEO?
Focus on local SEO, informative content, dynamic suburb profiles, on-page optimization, mobile responsiveness, and consistent NAP information across platforms.
Are Google Page Speed Insights reports essential for real estate website success?
While page speed is important, it's only one aspect of a successful website. Focus on overall user experience, content quality, and other proven SEO strategies.
What are some retired Google ranking systems?
Google has retired the following ranking systems: Page experience, mobile-friendly, page speed, and secure sites systems.
How important is mobile responsiveness for a real estate website?
Mobile responsiveness is crucial for local businesses, as many users search for local services on their smartphones. Ensure your website looks and functions well on all devices.
