Real Estate Internet Marketing

Do you think only a word like MLS reaches real estate listing leads? Read on to learn why you may want to change that thinking…

In case you haven’t heard, there’s a legal, and ethical, debate going on regarding who is allowed to use the term “MLS.”

Apparently, the NAR and some MLSs are against REALTORS using the term MLS on their websites or marketing materials. That would include domain names, email addresses, text on websites, and any other marketing materials.

Sometimes it’s easier (and more profitable) to change than fight the system. So, instead of jumping into this debate about whether REALTORS should be allowed to use the term MLS, I’d like to give you ideas on how to avoid using the term, and still have wording that generates real estate listing leads.

By the way, if you want to read more about this issue, Inman News Blogs has a good post about it at: Use of MLS in a Realtor Web site: An ethical dilemma

Now for my suggestions:

Domain Name

To help get your website ranked higher on search engines, the keyword phrase people search on the most is what you want to use in your domain name. In most markets, that keyword phrase is some combination of “YourCityRealEstate.com”

For example, I’m currently writing web content for an agent in the greater Jackson Mississippi area. After searching for an available domain name, we came up with www.RealEstateJacksonMS.com.

Domain name bottom line: choosing a domain name with some combination of YourCityRealEstate.com will drive more traffic to most sites (and bring in more real estate listing leads) than a name with MLS in it.

Email Address

This should match your domain name. So, if your domain name is www.RealEstateJacksonMS.com, your email should be name@realestatejacksonms.com.

Website Wording

Instead of a button that reads “Search the MLS” use a button that reads “Search for Homes.” Believe it or not, some people don’t even know what MLS means, but everyone knows what “Search for Homes” means.

Instead of writing “Use this site to search the MLS” write “Use this site to search like a REALTOR.” Which sounds more powerful to you?

If you have a question about how to reword any uses of MLS on your website or marketing materials, post a comment to this blog. I promise to respond!

To Boosting your Business,

Kathy Goughenour

I found a great resource for blog content and for online or offline marketing materials. The best part is that it’s a FREE marketing tool for real estate agents!

It’s created by Realtor.org and is called Handouts for Customers.

Here you’ll find over 50 free downloads on hot real estate topics, from how to choose the best mortgage to moving safely with pets and more…

For Sellers

• Determining if you should sell
• How to get ready for showings
• Financing your home

For Buyers

• Why buy
• How to prepare to buy
• Finding the right property

You can use the content to create a multitude of blog posts by just adding your keyword phrases. Or, add your local information and use it as wording for your website.

Put your logo, photo and contact information on it, and you’ve just created a customized print mail piece.

Get more great marketing tools for real estate agents sent straight to your email by subscribing to this blog. Just put your email address in the Email Subscription box at the top right of this blog and click Send Me Updates!

To boosting your leads,

Kathy Goughenour