Advanced Summary:
This article pertains to real estate search engine optimization (SEO). In this article's usage, real estate SEO is the act of improving a real estate agent's website for better search engine visibility.

The Research Factor
Could you imagine spending a small fortune to build your dream home, only to realize that your choice of siding material is totally wrong for the local climate?

Imagine the headache and heartache! Imagine how it all could have been avoided through proper research ahead of time.

Real estate search engine optimization (SEO) is a lot like that. Only in this case, you're building a web presence. And your building materials are words, phrases, hyperlinks and web pages.

Real estate SEO requires research and planning. It's not rocket science, mind you, but you do need some fundamental research to go about it the right way. What should you research?

* Research SEO
Learn the basic principles of search engine optimization. Learn about keyword research, inbound links, relevant content, article marketing, hyperlink strategies and more. If you'd like some help in this department, please see our featured resource at the end of this article.

* Research Keywords and Phrases
Before you can optimize your website or blog for certain phrases, you have to know what those phrases are in the first place. Your key phrases should directly relate to your services, your web content, and your geographic location.

* Research Your Website
Does your website have enough content pages to allow for search engine optimization? If not, you might want to make content development a top priority. Do other relevant websites link to yours? If not, you should start a strategic link-building campaign. Is your website well-organized and navigable? In other words, will search engine spiders be able to transit through your site unobstructed?

Conclusion
In summary, always apply the "Seven P's" to your real estate SEO program. Proper prior planning prevents painfully poor performance!

* Copyright 2006, Brandon Cornett. You may republish this article online provided you keep the byline, the author's note, and the active hyperlinks.

Brandon Cornett

Brandon Cornett is the founder of ArmingYourFarming.com and HomeBuyingInstitute.com. Through Arming Your Farming, Brandon helps real estate agents improve their real estate marketing programs. Through Home Buying Institute, Brandon helps first-time buyers learn about the home buying process. Contact Brandon through either of the websites listed below.