Stop trying to beat the giant monsters at their own game. You have to play a different game instead.
It is super frustrating to see Zillow take up the whole front page of Google. I completely get it! But Zillow is like a massive dictionary. It has everything, but it is a little bit boring and has no personality.
You need to be the friendly, fun, local guidebook.
Here are three simple ways to get people’s attention away from the big websites and onto you:
1. Go super, super local Zillow wants to show up when people type “Houses in Florida.” That is too big. You want to show up when people type, “Best neighborhoods in Orlando for dog owners.” Write blog posts or make videos answering very specific questions.
2. Focus on Google Maps When people search for “real estate agent near me,” Google shows a map with three local businesses before it even shows Zillow! Make sure you have a Google Business Profile. Fill it out completely, add lots of pictures of you working, and get as many five-star reviews as you can.
3. Show your face Zillow cannot smile at a client. Start using video. Walk down the street of a neighborhood you love and talk about why it is great. Talk about the local schools, the best pizza places, and the community events. Put these videos on YouTube and Facebook.
Buyers might use Zillow to look at the number of bedrooms. But when it is time to actually spend money, they want a real person who knows the town inside and out. Show them you are that person!
Zillow and Realtor.com are giant bullies on Google. Stop trying to fight them.
It feels impossible to get your real estate website to show up on Google right now. Every time someone searches for “homes for sale in [your town],” the big guys take all the top spots.
It is frustrating. But here is the truth: you cannot beat Zillow at being Zillow. They have millions of dollars.
But Zillow cannot beat you at being you.
Zillow is a giant machine. It does not know that the coffee shop on Main Street has the best blueberry muffins. It does not know which streets get the most trick-or-treaters on Halloween.
Here is how you win: Stop playing their game. Play the “Local Mayor” game.
- Make videos about the town, not just the houses. Review local parks, interview the high school football coach, or show off a new restaurant.
- Answer very specific questions. Zillow ranks for “Homes in Dallas.” You can rank for “What is it like to live in the Oak Cliff neighborhood in Dallas?”
- Own the map. Make sure your Google Business profile is filled out perfectly. Ask every happy client to leave a review there.
People might use Zillow to look at pictures of houses. But they want to hire a human who actually knows the neighborhood. Be that human!
What is your favorite local business to show off to new buyers?
Let me know at https://khalidseo.com/
