So, you have made the investment in search engine optimization, but has it worked? Your walk-in traffic may have increased, and your inbox may be more full than usual. But, is your SEO the culprit, or your normal marketing strategy?
Not sure? Check out the four signs below:
1.Your organic search traffic isn’t increasing.
You should be performing monthly comparisons between your Google Analytics numbers prior to and after taking part in SEO. You’ll need to pay special attention to your organic search numbers, which are those viewers who land on your site from other search engines like Google or Bing. If these numbers are lower or even the same, then your SEO may not be working.
To fix this, you may want to increase the quality of your current content. If your content is not up to par, then you are likely to rank lower in the search engine result pages. Another tactic could also help with increasing your organic traffic is re-evaluating your keywords. You want to ensure that your keywords are both targeted and specific. This not only decreases your competition, but increases the chances of your customers locating you first.
2. When you Google your property, you’re not #1, #2 or #3.
The simplest way to determine if your SEO strategy is effective is by performing a simple Google search for your property. If you’re not on the first page, then you have work to do.
Again, analyzing your keywords can help with this. Emphasize location to capture area traffic while improving your chances at a higher ranking. Use keywords in your title tags, meta content, alt tags and URL links. Increase your backlinks through a linkbuilding tool that analyzes the competition so that you can determine their existing backlinks and link to the same.
3. You’re traffic isn’t converting.
Perhaps your walk-in and online traffic is increasing, but your leases are still the same. If this is the case, you’ll need to review your Google Analytics information to determine how your existing search traffic is locating you. Your website content and layout could also be to blame. You’ll need to ensure that your site organization provides all the necessary information up front, like pictures, pricing, amenities, contact information, etc. Are your pages visually appealing and easy to navigate? Review your keywords to ensure they connect with your content and that your search traffic is responding to these keywords. The last element you’ll want to check is your call-to-action message(s).Are they clear throughout your site? If you want viewers to apply online, make sure your site supports it.
4. You’re not getting any traffic.
The main principle behind SEO is to increase the targeted traffic to your website. If you’re not seeing the increase in visitors at all, then you’ll need to double-check all of the tactics listed above: keywords, content and backlinks. By making these few alterations, you’ll be well on your way to increased traffic in no time!
Rentbot can help.
If you’re SEO isn’t working, then your website could be the culprit. Rentbot carefully optimizes each property’s website so that it’s highly searchable and will rank well in organic search engine results. By partnering with us, you’ll not only gain an SEO expert, but a beautifully designed website that is optimized for most any device and guaranteed to raise renter attention and retention.
Leave some of the SEO worries to us, and you’ll be glad that you did.
About the Author
Jonsette Calloway joined the Rentbot team in 2015. With a background in public relations, advertising and copywriting, she has helped a multitude of clients achieve their marketing and communications goals within various fields, but she particularly enjoys working with the apartment industry.