Realtors choose to be inspired and successful

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I recently came across two quotes from Abraham Lincoln that remind me of how I approach my own work:

“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
“If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six sharpening my axe.”

My creativity and enjoyment for my work sometimes requires a jump start. No matter how busy I am with work, I incorporate time for what I call “building my toolbox”.

This involves researching new technologies, checking out what’s new in my field (web development, marketing & seo) and in yours (real estate technology and marketing). I do this not only to keep on top of the latest trends but because it inspires me. I love learning new things and I love sharpening my skills and challenging myself.

Enough about me. My intention is to share some ideas that may help inspire you. Listening to news about the economy and the mortgage crisis could leave even the most enthusiastic Realtor somewhat discouraged. If you are feeling discouraged or disheartened about real estate, your profession, your marketing efforts etc. This would be a great time to do some axe sharpening. Times are changing, the way we market our services and do business are changing. This can be frightening for some but others who are willing to embrace change will surely benefit.

Spend some time on the internet looking outward, not just at other Realtors but also other industries to see how they are embracing social media, blogs and other technologies. Think about ways to connect with clients and industry peers in terms of your ability to fulfill their needs and answer their questions. Realize that in the tough times your services are even more precious to home buyers and sellers. Anyone can sell a house in a seller’s market.

Do you need to sharpen your skills by learning more about short sales? Are you attracting and can you be of service to first time home buyers? Their number will be increasing due to low interest rates, higher inventory, tax credits and FHA loan programs. Does your website have any information for foreign buyers? I have read that international investors are interested in US real estate.
See how successful real estate blogs are evolving, shifting their focus as the real estate market changes:

What is a blog?

Star Position Search & Navigation Solutions

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Everyone who has a website receives these types of messages sooner or later. If you receive an email offering a service from a company or person that you do not know, it’s called spam. Delete it. Read more

Google top ten? Re-think your website goals!

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If your main website goal is to be found in the top 10 search results on Google then you will want to consider re-defining your goals.

I have many clients who enjoy an enviable top 10, #1, top 3 etc. search engine position. This was their goal and a key reason for hiring me. These same clients now want to increase their results to include additional search terms and generate even more traffic. They are convinced that even though they are prominent for the search terms of their market area it just isn’t good enough and they need more. Well sure, who doesn’t want more traffic?

There is a flaw in this strategy, ask yourself this; What is this great flow of traffic going to do when they get to your website? Call you? Hire you? Send you money, buy your stuff or just surf on to another search result? Check your web stats, if your visitor’s are moving on then you need to consider why.

Admittedly, just a few years ago, having a web presence and being found in a search was novel enough to generate leads. This is no longer the case. The web isn’t new, it has evolved and so have the people who use it.

People using a search engine or “googling” are researching, looking for an answer, looking to purchase something specific or maybe want to be entertained. The website that answers the question, fulfills the need, engages the visitor, earns trust, makes a connection, builds a relationship etc. will generate the lead. And this of course, should be the goal of your website.

You need to take responsibility for your web success by building relationships and trust with your visitors. Define your your audience and give them what they want. Re-focus the time, energy and money you spend on search engine positioning and direct it towards content for your audience.

Incidentally, acheiving this goal will also greatly improve your SEO.