Loan Limits Get a Boost-Will Sales Follow Suit?
Show Online Buyers the Way Home
Boost (and Convert) Your Internet-Based Leads
April 2008
Show Online Buyers the Way Home
Search engine optimization (SEO) can make it easier for home buyers to find your Web site by pushing it higher on search engine results pages. Try these tips to enhance your Web site and attract search engine attention:

  Choose a keyword-rich URL.1 Consider adding multiple URLs that incorporate industry and location-specific keywords, while pointing to your main site. For instance, if you own
  Atlantahomes.com, consider adding Atlantahomes.net and newhomesAtlanta.com.

  Update copy and images regularly. Search engines prefer newer content to provide searchers with the most timely results.1

  Link to and from other quality Web sites to increase visibility and help establish you as a trusted resource.1 Register with builder directories and post blog entries that link back to your site.

  Avoid hidden text and content repetition.1 Search engines tend to ignore repeated phrases, and the use of hidden text or links may earn you the “untrustworthy” label, which can mean removal or penalization.

  Choose HTML over Flash. Top search engines prefer sites coded in HTML.1

  Include a sitemap page to help make your site more readable for search engines.1

  Think quality over quantity with keywords.2 Use geographic or descriptive-noun modifiers to make keyphrases more specific, like “downtown Denver home builder” instead of simply “home builder.” Avoid low-quality keywords like “free.”

  Improve your keyword density by making sure each keyword is used frequently throughout a page and that usage is evenly distributed from top to bottom. (Check your site’s keyword density with free analyzer tools from companies such as WebjectivesTM* and SEO Tools.TM*) Choose very specific keyword combinations that buyers might use, such as “high-end home builder.”



Whether you do it yourself or hire the pros, making SEO upgrades to your Web site could pay off with more site visitors, more leads — and ultimately more sales.


1. “SEO Secrets for Homebuilders,” FloorPop.com, http://www.floorpop.com/SEO_Secrets_for_Homebuilders.html*, reprinted from Marketing Best Practices for Homebuilders, by Blair Kuhnen, Vol. 7, Issue 12, March 7, 2007.
2. “Search Engine Keyphrases & the Power of Modifiers,” by Scott Buresh, SEOToday.com, Search Engine Optimization/Marketing News, http://www.seotoday.com/browse.php/category/articles/id/422/index.php*, posted Feb. 16, 2004, accessed Nov. 30, 2007.



* Countrywide is not responsible for the contents of, or products or services offered on, third-party Web sites and provides links to such Web sites solely for your convenience.

Countrywide is not affiliated with or responsible for the products or services offered by National Association of Realtors, Capital Webtec, AliveChat, Blue Tangerine Solutions, Customer Velocity, Blue Moon Works, NewHomeSources.com, Move.com, Be Home Wise, Webjectives and SEO Tools.

Equal Housing Lender. ©2008 Countrywide Bank, FSB, Countrywide Home Loans Division. Member FDIC. Trade/service marks are the property of Countrywide Financial Corporation, Countrywide Bank, FSB, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved.
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