Going through our ActiveRain Help Desk Tickets tonight, I came across the following inquiry:
Can you tell me what's wrong with my profile? Or is your search function broken? 
Something just isn't right! I am ranked 10th in my city, and 14th in the county, yet when I type my name in the Search box, nothing comes up!
I've tried several different variations of my name, along with my office name, and city, but I'm not getting any results!
Could you please help me? I don't see any purpose in being involved on here if people can't find me!
Here was my response:
Dear Joe:
When I entered your name into the ActiveRain 'Search' bar, your name came up in the 2nd spot on the first page.
Nonetheless, not being able to find yourself by searching for your name is not cause to end your involvement here.
When potential clients are searching the Internet for information about real estate, 99.9% of the time, they aren't going to type in your name. They usually don't know you from Adam. And even if they did, they're going to be using other key search terms that are more relevant to their needs, such as:
'Homes in XYZ city' or 'XYZ State Real Estate' or 'XYZ County Properties' or 'FHA Mortgages in XYZ Town.'
Many times, they are searching for information on a very specific topic of interest related to real estate. One of my past blog articles that has consistently attracted significant traffic is about VA Loan Appraisals. I wrote that article over two years ago, and it still generates traffic!
If your goal is to be 'found,' then you need to consistently write good, quality blog articles that contain helpful information about real estate in your market, and use the same key search terms in the body of your articles that consumers will be using when conducting their on-line searches.
That is how people will find you!
For the complete archive of "Blog Tips for Rain Drips," go HERE!
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com
As always great info,and great post-Dinah Lee
Rich, thanks for the post. I must admit that it is a very attractive feature to have prominence here on AR but that has nothing to do with blogging. It is important to have content and information that is valuable to a consumer in a blog post. Therein lies the secret to generating leads and closed deals. Take care and happy blogging!
I agree Jason. Without Content you have an empty shell!
Your right to an extent... tech savy generation will do a better search. Even if I only know somethign of significance like... your office#, cell#, full name, lic#, company name etc etc... you google it... with quotes...
ex.
I'm looking for Richard Jacobson in washington... I'll search with "rich jacobson" or maybe "richard jacobson" r. jacobson" and then type the company name after.... or a "123-456-7890"... the key is using the quotes.
Also... if you want to be found... you have to force the meta's to find you... by always using tags, keyword, seo, sem, videos, blogs, v-blogs, and etc etc...
Content isn't everything it's frequency and volume...
Key words are king as always. Your tag cloud should make it easy for people to find you.
great info - I will definitely add you to my list of daily blog reads - thanks
it's important to be found and equally important for there to be content of interest once you are found.
I have found a few people that I was looking for by trying just the first name, then, just the last name. When we signed up and chose our signin name, that is the name you must know to find the person. Not everyone has the same thought process of the user name. I've seen many that I would never have guessed. So, trying the first name and then, going back for the last name has worked for me! Then, Whoo Hoo! I have found the secret agent!
It's a Good Life!
Fran
Rich,
Having content and changing from time to time keeps it fresh, I think.
Rich, I think that you have hit the nail on the head. MOst people DO NOT know your name they are looking for a professional in a certain area. Putting up valuable info helps that. I love this site!
thank yo for this post. I'm relatively new to AR and need all the info I can get
Funny you should be writing this post -- I just got a google alert with my email address -- when I checked it out someone had been searching for "bar stools" in Amherst NH. not for Joan Whitebook -- and there was one of my Active Rain Articles listed. I don't think I will change my name to "bar stools". Content is so important. I also had someone find me because they had read an post I did on winterizing pets for winter. You just never know.
Rich, Well said. I think the two main "keywords" for success are consistency and content. Stephanie and I really really appreciate the Active Rain gods as the forum is awesome. Even being on here for a short time, we have already benefited as part of our business. ~ Chris Somers
Getting lost in the blogosphere may be a concern...contributing to local information is something we could all do more of....and worry less about our 15 seconds of blog fame.
You are right people usually aren't searching for your name but the city you live in
The only folks who search my name are when I ask them too, if I am competing for a listing. Then I ask them to go to Google to compare the agents they are interviewing.
Rich, I so appreciate all the posts you guys do that help us to get and stay on the straignt and narrow re: blogging. Thanks.
Rich,
Really well said.
Consumers don't care about "you" or "me", they want information. If you can provide them that information then they will like you. :)
Thanks for the reminder to use key words and I like the reminder of Good Quality blogs. Great tips.
A well known blogger used to entertain w/ stories about how she was on a "first name basis" with one search engine (not Google.) She was thrilled with how you could type in just her first name and this search engine showed her, her brokerage and her blogs. It was entertaining since she obviously missed the point that making the name and contact info and useful real estate content pop up when someone searched for
is the reason to spend anytime posting content to the web.
I wonder why the AR search which is a Google search would not pop up Joe's name for him before reading that Rich got it to pop up I wondered if he had all members only posts.
... such a good point Rich ! I think waaay too many people think they are found on the internet through their name. I was told long ago that people online put in search criteria more along the lines of "Homes for sale in Miami", or "Las Vegas Homes" and not the Realtor's name !! Of course there are some times where they are trying to track you down if they got your name from somewhere, but the majority of new leads, will come from you seeming to be an authority in a specific town they are looking for.
Great post !
Finding your name from a search is only going to show that you are indexed on Google.
Rich: This was a great reponce to Joe. Someone out of town is not going to know Joe. They will how ever know they want information is Joe's area
that's some good info and things we need to remember.
http://www.westernmontanagrapevine.com
Really like the information. Just started blogging so everything helps me.
Great post as always! Thanks for the tips!
;)
That is easier said then done. I tell my clients the very same thing all the time and some think that just be being their the magical Internet Fairy will have them be #1 for any keyword they think they should be found under.
I have had people teaching a class brag about how they can find their name in a google search, I want to be rude and scream "Who's gonna be looking for YOU?" No One! Concentrate on good key words, that's where the business is, u r correct! Good post!
Rich, Good points. I typed in Feng Shui and my name and both came up. Byt anyone looking would probably type in Feng Shui or New York (which I'm off to check now that I thought of it :) Thank you for the information.
Rich,
Great post.
I see AR members coming up everywhere in my area, especially Missy.
Thanks for the continuous updates. I have to say when I google my name it pops up all over the place (and fortunately not on the Post Office Wall!) I have to type my name and either Austin or Real Estate after and the first two are my profile and blog at AR followed by a slew of other mentions and even my outside blog! THANKS to you guys!
Rich,
This is good sound advise. It takes time for new and even not so new people to learn and navigate AR. I put up my profile right out of the gate but I did not understand the importance of hoping on the band wagon. I do now and I am working really hard to learn. I agree with the above comments, keywords are king. Understanging their relevance to your business, the right long tail keywords to use, and getting them into content rich blog posts will get you found.
Rich,
Great content. Thanks for reminding us that it is the "posts" that trigger the calls! Congratulations on a great featured blog.
Hi Rich~ the important thing is that we have the right keywords, tags so that our posts pop up in their browser and that information they are looking for is there!
I am always surprised how many people (especially ones with uncommon names) are excited when they do a name search on Google and they come up first. I am unaware of any other people named Steve Shatsky out there, so the fact that Google finds my websites, etc. when I search on my name as a keyword is not something I consider a big accomplishment.
I come up for many long tail searches for my area - I should say, my AR blog posts come up. But it is nice to Google my name and see pages of it all - and the AR stuff is on the first pages.
>99.9% of the time, they aren't going to type in your name. They usually don't know you from Adam. And even if they did, they're going to be using other key search terms that are more relevant to their needs,
True, but there's something more to keep in mind: In just the last few months I've had clients find me for "city real estate" type terms, THEN google my name to see what they could find about me. Because I have a presence online, they felt comfortable calling me.
Your name may not be the way people find you initially, but they are certainly expecting to find some there, there when they google your name- and they will google your name.
I don't know if this was a newer AR member, but AR will, eventually, pull hard for a name search. Just keep writing. And a presence on LinkedIn, twitter, facebook, will also pull for google, so don't neglect, or abuse, those seemingly frivolous spaces.
Teri L: Absolutely! We should create a very strong Internet presence with our name. But I think many times, we're just ego driven, and want to see our name show up!
Rich, Love this post because I can relate:) When I first moved to Huntsville I was scared to death that I wouldn't make it...didn't know a sole. "How will people find me on google when they don't know me"? I was panicked, truly. LUCKY FOR ME I found Active Rain last winter, and quickly learned that content is king...My AR posts have made me money and I'm so thankful! It truly has been dumb luck on my part. I didn't have a clue what I was doing. Luckily, Active Rain took care of that part for me. I can only imagine what I can do when I figure out how to really drive traffic to myself, lol. Looking forward to it!
Thanks, Rich! The part that I still struggle with is the concept of "key words." I've spent my entire life writing for the purpose of communicating about a given subject, but now I have to re-structure my thinking and strategy a bit ~ incorporating and coordinating key words into titles, text, tags, etc. Thanks again for the insight and encouragement!
Randy: It helps just to put yourself in the shoes of the consumer. What key search terms would you use to find your articles?
I agree the tags/ keywords and quality are very important. When I do random google, yahoo etc. searches I am typically always on the 1st page thanks to ActiveRain.... Quite often I am even 1st or second! :)
Nice post! As a real estate professional, you should be concerned if your name doesn't appear when you Google it (because someone may be looking specifically for you). But on Active Rain? I would guess that 99% of the visitors are here to find local information and advice. To be easily found on AR, you need lots and lots of good content.
Rich I am glad I am not a Rain Drip - LOL
I'm going to amend my marketing campaign.
Rich,
I've done searches for my area and the people that are on top here are also usually on top in the searches, even though I don't know their names.
I must remember this..... two main keywords for success are consistency and content.
Rich,
Good information. May I add, I work by referal only so I included my name and my company names to every one of my list of key words.
If you check any of my blogs you'll see I sign them "Bill" then add my full name "William J Archambault Jr" then I always list my full name again in the key words. I also included "The Real Estate Investment Institute" and "REII" as my publisher is known by both. Don't for get to carefull seclet your key words and if you're responding to someone else's blog use the same key words.
It's important to consistantly use your full name, a search for "Archambault" will bring lots of hits and I might be on the first page or the third, Use the full name and you'll have to dig very deep to find anyone else.
Bill
R.....Tru Dat!.....I was a nobody....before I started using Old Spice for men....oops...wrong commercial. Since writing over 400 blogs, posts or whatever those things are called.....I've become THE MAN in my little locale. Needless to say.......I'm all over the map, but it's taken a while.
Great advice Rich. When I first started, I would look up my name. Not sure why. its like you said "who is looking up John Cannata". Anyway, originally I had the same questions as the ones mentioned above until after a bit of time here, my name started to appear with those generic searches 'xyz mortgages' etc. The new people just have to keep feeding the beast and it will pay off.
Its all about content, think like a consumer and what they will want to read and what they will respond to is something that should be a priority when coming up with blog structure and posts.
I find mostly me if I search for me... I guess I'm just lucky.
Hi Rich, I liked the question and think it is rather common for that to up. I especially enjoyed your crisp and too the point answer. Bravo!
Yes Jason,
I think content is "King" and that is what many Search Engine Optimizers will tell you,
Great post and great food for thought here.
Tom Davis
DE REALTOR (R)
Rich my friend... I just hate when I can't find myfelf or what's worse is some of the places I end up finding myself :)
You changed everything while I was gone, and I didn't knw what to use 60% of that :) I need a crash course. I really love your new look, new picture and the music, very cool! So thank God I feel strong enough to try, mainly focus and set up long enough to bet back on AR. I've really missed it and y'all...I'ver had so much support from my friends on AR, calls, cards, comments, flowers, stuffed animals, encourgement and prayers. It just blew me away. I dam near dided with this one. I spend 20 days in the hospital and ended up having 2 operations. I had only been out about a month before this last episode. I've screwed around and am not #2 in Katy anymore, some guy is ahead by 2,000 pts....but I don't sweat the small stuff, they thought I was going to tie twice. So I'm very blessed and know that God has kept me around for a reason...hey maybe it's to find myself :). Did you miss me????? Hugs L
Liz: Yes, you've been missed HORRIBLY! You and Billie (TLW)need to compare notes!
Hi Rich,
Thanks for posting on this topic. I am still learning all the ropes and you have confirmed what I thought I understood. I'm still trying to figure out how to get my posts noticed here. Any tips on that?
Thanks!
@ Liz - this is the first comment that I have seen from you in so long - gotta go check your blog!
Welcome back to the rain - we all missed you!
Suzanne: Much of that depends on WHO you want to 'notice' your posts. What are your goals/purpose for involvement here on ActiveRain? Who is the intended audience for your posts? What kind of reader do you want to attract? Most of us are writing for potential consumer clients. Others simply want notoriety/popularity among their peers. And others are looking to establish networking/referral relationships. Who your target audience is will greatly determine what and how you write.
Hi Rich,
Wow, thanks for the speedy reply. I guess I'm not the only night owl here! My intended audience is, indeed, potential consumer clients. However, it seems important to acquire points, comments, and features in order to move up in searches, correct?
Thanks again!
Thanks Rich for the info, your insight and tips from the large group of commenters, . My goal locally use to be to become the household name in real estate, however, now thinking from a global perspective I really appreciate your post as my goal has evolved to position myself to attract and work with a greater sphere that includes clients and professional referrals.
Suzanne-
Rich can definitely explain this better than I, however my experience w/ AR has been that google doesn't care who you are writing to, it's looking at your writing and making decisions about where your blog fits based on what you are writing. My AR blog pulls hard in google searches for both my name, and my "City real estate" terms.
In AR terms, however, I've only had 2 featured posts out of the many I've written. Not a complaint, btw- I don't write to my peers on my AR blog, so my focus here is not to be known within the AR community, but to be known by Google for "City real estate". It's simply one more quiver in my online arsenal.
Don't get me wrong, this is not the only way to utilize the power of AR, I'm simply pointing out one way to use AR to establish an online presence.
One more point- I have an unusual last name. It's easily picked up by Google in comments I make. I don't write comments that I would be ashamed if a client read, OTOH, I certainly want as much control as much as possible over where google finds me- I want traffic to go to my blogs, not the comments on someone else's blog. ;-)
When did you take over from Bob from answering help desk tickets? I bet it's lots of fun. I would have given a much more smart-arse response for something so "silly" as that email, and I'm sure there are some much worse.
I liked your link to Blog Tips. I am newer to this site and looking for anyway to increase my visability on the web. Thanks for sharing!
So glad to hear others saying what I've been saying for a long time. It drives me NUTS when agents get all worked up because they enter their name into the search engine on Google and it comes up #1! hahahahah Big deal is what I say. No one needs to know your name. They need to know what you do, how you can help them, and how good at it you are.
~Renae
Excellent advice, Rich. Not sure why someone would be too worried about their name being found.
Rich - Sparky- Hi Rich. Thanks for reminding us of the importance of keywords. I agree with Missy in that I only tell potential clients to google me when you want to compare my internet presence with other agents in my market areas. Rarely will someone search your name unless it's for another reason of course. Hope you are well please say hi to Bob S for us. BTW did you get my trouble ticket? Just curious.... Oh and thanks for the feature localism post the other day. We appreciate it. See ya around. Bob H
You are so right! I just read the post about the Realtor who was so excited that when he Goggled his name he found himself on page 1...now how many clients are going to Google ours names? Try none. My clients tell me they find me "everywhere" on the Internet...that's a good thing!
Hi there again - Just wondering if you have an update on my two outside blogs & how to make changes to the links. Call me again if you have any questions, but I'd like to alleviate the double billing. THANKS!
Thanks!!
Jason & Amber: You're good to go! Double billing has been resolved. Let me know if you need anything else!
Thank you Rich. I learn so many great things here that it is worth being part of this terrific community just for that, let alone the other benefits of being found on google. So much to learn and re-learn but I love the adventure.
Hello Rich,
Thank you for such compelling information. I am very new to Active Rain. Haven't blogged yet, but I am feeling encouraged by you. I know you weren't talking about this subject specifically but how do you go about making your blog so "fancy"? I would like my blog to look as good as my website but don't know how.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Anne: I would be honored to assist you. Let me know what's a good number and time to call you, and I'll walk you through the steps....
rich@activerain.com
Excellent tips as usual Rich. Most buyers are not going to be looking for an agent based on his or her name. Local keywords in the text of the blog is key.
Here are two places to submit articles and this will help increase your status when you search yourself. Every bit helps.
Ariticlesbase.com
Ezinearticles.com
Two great sources to submit your work.