Google in 2012 The 800 Pound Gorilla

On almost any page you look at for information about how you should “position” yourself  in Real Estate in 2012, you’ll see some mention of Google.  In fact, depending on what you are reading – you might have the impression that Google is the ONLY search engine, and Facebook is the ONLY way people are connecting using Social Media.  That’s not true, of course.  However, there’s little chance that in 2012 the reach and importance of these two giants will diminish!

People use Google for research and reviews more than they use Yahoo, Bing, AOL or ASK.  In the United States Google is reaching over 65% of all Search Results!  It’s important to remember, however that Google is not just a search engine!  It also has powerful tools including YouTube, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Adwords (pay per click), Picnik and Picassa.

Top 2011 Google Tools for Real Estate Agents in 2012

• Google Keyword Tool:  Use the Keyword Tool to find the 2 and 3 word Phrases that you want to be found under.  Also, check out your competition, and see what terms your competitor’s sites are using!
• Google Analytics:  Use the Analytics to see who is coming to your site, what is referring them to the site and how long they are staying.  (Okay – it’s not going to really tell you the name of the people who come to the site, but it does give you some great intel!)
• Google Places and Google Local Business Listings:  You should be showing up on local listings, especially mobile searches, be sure you’ve added yourself to your business location!
• Picnik: Real Estate Agents who do not take “perfect” pictures (like one that might be slightly crooked?) should definitely check out Picnik.  Works like a charm!
• Google Real Estate Search:  There’s not a Google Real Estate Search at this point, and though there’s been some rumors that Google is testing something for 2012, I can’t find any real support for that theory.
• Google + Business pages:  Google allows you to create 10 different pages per Google Account, so if you are the ambitious type and just WANT to have one page for First Time Home Buyers, One for Green Homes (for instance), and another on Avoiding Foreclosure, you could! They’ve only been out for about 4 weeks – but it’s been proven already that content shared by businesses and brands via Google+ is becoming more and more prevalent in search results.
• Custom Google Maps:  This is probably one of the least used, best features available to Agents. Most locals, like Atlanta, have “common” terms for certain areas we’ve all heard of – like “Buckhead.”  If you think that might be an interested in living in… wouldn’t you like to know what general area that is on a map?  Draw it out!  Add your favorite coffee shops, and parks.  Include a video of the area on the map, and then refer folks to the map at the bottom of each post about Buckhead!  Live in a more Rural Setting?  You can create a map that shows which homes near by qualify for USDA financing… or Create a Map of a Golf Course.
• You Tube: Don’t think you are ready for Video?  Look at Jing and learn how to do a quick video from that CMA you just finished!

Internet users watched an all-time high of 42.6 billion videos during October, with YouTube accounting for 20.9 billion of those views — 49.1% of the total. ComScore credits YouTube/Google with an audience of just under 161 million unique viewers, almost triple the reach of Facebook, which was second with a little less than 60 million unique viewers.

If you need more help working on your Keyword List, or you have questions about creating Great Blog Content, let me know!  I love helping agents who are trying to improve their search, and generate Internet Leads!  I’d love to help you and learn more about what’s working in your market! Are you on Facebook and Twitter?  Let’s Connect!