Getting better rankings on Google and other search engines can seem like a daunting process. There are so many resources and articles written on the subject it’s hard to know where to begin. Here are a few simple ways to get your website to rank better in Google.
1) SSL Certificate. I could go into detail about why this is important, but you only need to know is that Google decided to push any website without a secure “https://” down to page 2 and below. If you do not see a green lock icon next to your URL, you do not have an SSL. For most websites, this can be an easy fix. Simply calling your website host and asking them to add and install an SSL is usually all it takes. An additional fee might be needed, most providers don’t charge for an SSL. WordPress websites may lose their ability to show images after an SSL upgrade. Make sure your website developer is available to fix any issues before you make the switch.
2) Website Optimization. This can be a complex process, but if you want “just the basics” install a plugin like “All in One SEO” to easily change the Title and Description that search engines see. Keep with your main keywords “commercial real estate new york” but put in a descriptor that shows exactly what’s on the page.
Title: TDC Commercial Real Estate Brokerage in New York City
Description: Commercial real estate brokerage specializing in selling, buying, and leasing commercial property in New York City.
Note that I wrote “commercial real estate” 2 times. Once in the title and another in the description.
3) Load Speed. The number one cause of slow load speed is the use of high-quality images and embedded video. If any of your website’s images are above 500 kb, you’ll need to make them smaller or save them in as a PNG-8, which will compress the image. I know a lot of people get really hung up on getting a perfect, non-pixel look, but no one will see your website if it’s been bumped to page #3 because you HAD to show a building’s stucco pattern perfectly. It’s best to rank your load speed above perfection.
4) Content Creation. One of the easiest ways to rank higher in search engines is by providing a steady stream of new, original content. It’s easy for me to say that, but it’s difficult to get going and keep up. If you write 1 blog article per week, in just a few months you’ll end up on searches all over the web! Batch your content and make it easier on you. If you sit down to write 12 articles, you can post those articles once a month over the next year.
5) Backlinks. There are many myths and rumors that revolve around backlinks. A backlink is created when another website links to yours. The more backlinks, the better your rankings.
The biggest question I get is – can I use one of those “Buy 100 Backlinks for $40!” services?
Funny story! A few years ago, Google went on a rampage punishing sites that used cheap backlink services by pushing them from page 1 to 3 or further. Seeing this, some hilariously evil folks bought backlinks for their competitors’ websites. Criminal geniuses!
Today, Google neither punishes nor gives credit to websites that use cheap backlinking services. Therefore, those backlink services are a complete waste of money.
Real backlinks should be created by commenting on industry blogs (with your website address), providing guest blogs, and PR announcements. This is the slow way to do it, but it’s the only one that works.
If you’re interested in upgrading your site to a lead generating machine, I have you covered. A beautiful website is great, but if it’s not converting traffic into leads, you’ve got a dud. Websites should make you money, not drain you of it. Our modern commercial real estate website design package is built around one goal – converting traffic into leads.
Modern websites that act like lead generating machines is just another way, I’m taking the “broke” out of commercial real estate brokerage.
