It is increasingly more important that estate agents have an online presence and visibility that goes beyond simply having their own website and listing properties on the main portals, as part of a wider marketing mix, according to Ben Sellers, co-founder of Starberry, part of nurtur.group.

Given that most people now start their search for property online, Sellers is urging agents to be be more savvy when it comes to cutting through the noise and reaching the right audience online.

A digital presence now plays a pivotal role in the property sector and estate agents need to be “innovative and stand out to ensure they reach potential buyers”, he explained. “There are effective strategies that estate agents can use to optimise their property listings for search engines, which will help drive increased visibility and attract the right audience.”

He notes that some of the key strategies that estate agents should be using involve the use of relevant keywords, crafting engaging property descriptions, and leveraging local SEO techniques. As property search behaviours evolve, estate agents must adapt their online presence to ensure maximum exposure for their listings.

Sellers said: “In a crowded digital landscape, estate agents need to employ strategic and targeted approaches to ensure their properties capture the attention of potential buyers. Keyword optimisation, compelling property descriptions, and local SEO are crucial elements in enhancing visibility and ultimately driving successful property transactions.”

Expanding on the key elements, Sellers breaks down what agents can be doing to optimise their property listings:

Keyword optimisation

Sellers commented: “Firstly, it is important to identify and incorporate relevant keywords that potential buyers are likely to use when searching for properties. Identifying keywords can be done using tools such as Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush or Ahrefs. These kinds of tools provide valuable insight into search volume, competition, and related keywords.

“Another useful tool is Google Trends, which can identify trending keywords within a specific sector. This tool shows the popularity of search queries over time and can help agents understand what terms are currently in demand.

“Once the keywords have been identified and incorporated into the property listings, agents should continue to utilise tools and analytics to understand popular search terms and tailor listings accordingly.”

Engaging property Descriptions

He continued: “Agents should craft unique and compelling property descriptions that highlight key features, benefits, and selling points. He notes that using storytelling techniques to evoke emotions can help to create a connection with potential buyers.”

Local SEO techniques

Sellers added: “Leverage local keywords and phrases to enhance the property’s visibility within specific geographic areas. Buyers often search for properties based on specific locations, so using regional terms is crucial. For example, ‘estate or lettings agents in area’ are two of the most powerful business generating terms with great search volumes.”

According to Sellers, by targeting specific geographical locations, estate agents can promote properties to individuals who are actively seeking property buying opportunities in those neighbourhoods. This level of personalisation enhances engagement, drives traffic to listings, and increases the likelihood of successful sales.

He adds that optimising their Google Business Profiles, Apple, Bing Maps and other local directories will also improve local search rankings. Agents also need to be consistently posting content on to their Business Profiles and driving Google Reviews too.

In conclusion, Sellers further emphasised: “In today’s digital age, the success of an estate agent goes beyond traditional marketing. Online visibility is paramount, and optimising property listings for search engines is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. It’s about connecting with the right audience at the right time.”