Have you seen a “Google this address” sign rider on a local real estate sign?
One of the first things that may come to mind reading the title “Google this address“ is why you would need or want to do that.
The answer is easy if you are in the market to buy a new home or a first-time home seller.
When you “Google” the address of a property, you get everything under the sun you could want to know about that particular address. You might also learn something negative that you’re thankful you discovered.
From a Realtor’s perspective, who is tuned into the fact that over 90% of all buyers find their home online, this has become a vital part of my real estate marketing arsenal.
What do you mean by that Bill? I suggest that today, Google is used as a search tool for EVERYTHING, with Real Estate being no exception. When marketing a client’s home, I want to provide dominant online exposure for their home. That means a few things.
All of My Listings Have Upgraded Marketing on Key Websites
First, every home I market will be “enhanced” at all the most heavily traveled websites consumers visit. For example, Realtor.com, Trulia.com, and Zillow.com.
Enhanced means I will not rely on the MLS data feed that sends the bare bones property descriptions, a few photos, and no video tour to the standard listing you see that most Real Estate agents have on these sites.
You will find extra photography taken by a professional photographer for the homes I market. I will provide carefully thought-out descriptions that focus on all the best features and attributes of the house, as well as a video tour.
Consumers love video tours and should be a part of any home marketing package. Look at YouTube today compared to a few years ago and see how many homes are being marketed there now.
It is easy for a buyer to understand the home before they even enter the door. As a seller, this is what you want!
From experience being a top-producing Realtor for the past three decades, marketing is what separates the best listing agents. As a seller, you should be looking for someone who goes above and beyond the norm.
It is essential to know there is a significant difference between a listing and selling agent. Working with the appropriate kind of agent is vital.
The Rider Assists With Real Estate Google Searches
While many consumers may find homes through one of these popular real estate search portals, they will also find property by doing a general local real estate search.
Popular search phrases in the Real Estate arena include things like the city, state, and the word “Real Estate” or “homes for sale.”
For example, Ashland, MA, Real Estate or Hopkinton, MA, homes for sale. As a Realtor who understands this is the type of search many home buyers will punch into Google, I want to ensure that my websites and Real Estate blogs come up for those search terms.
The goal, of course, is to put as many eyes as possible onto my client’s homes. If I can get more website visitors, then all the better for myself and my clients.
When you do this kind of competitive Real Estate search for any location across the country, you will generally find the prominent Real Estate portals mentioned above. The reason that happens is simple.
These companies tell their webmasters to ensure they get their sites to the first page of Google because they want the consumer traffic heading their way.
SEO is Essential in Real Estate
Getting to the first page of Google for a competitive search term is not easy for a Realtor. You have to have a firm grasp of search engine optimization (SEO), which, fortunately for me and my clients, I do!
For almost every town in the Metrowest, Massachusetts, area I cover, you will see my website and blogs all over the search results. This is a tremendous boon for business. As a side note, another search query that every Realtor should be interested in is their city, state, and the word Realtor or Realtor and city, state.
These are the types of searches a consumer would type when they have an immediate need for the services of a Real Estate agent.
So you may wonder how this online marketing relates to the original thought of Google the street address. That’s an easy one, folks. When you do a great job with online marketing, you love it when a consumer Googles the street address because they see all the national websites on which you have made significant enhancements.
Direct Consumers to Where You Want Them to Look
They see your websites and blogs, and they know the video tours. They get all the information they could ever want on the home they are interested in.
People often never think about using Google and punching in a street address. Many years ago, I came up with the idea of creating sign riders that go on all of my signs that say, “Google this address.”
When a potential buyer visits one of the properties I am marketing, I put this into their thought process. If they have a smartphone, they can even look at most of these sites while sitting in front of the home.
The creation of a sign rider with Google This address mantra was featured in the National Realtor Magazine as a great marketing idea.
I got kudos and comments from many Realtors nationwide telling me they would start using it themselves. I have already seen a few Realtors in my company, RE/MAX Executive Realty, beginning to use it.
However, it works when you have a well-put-together website that shows off the homes you are marketing.
Benefits of Google This Address Real Estate Marketing
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Enhanced Attractiveness and Information Sharing: Sign riders can make an offer more appealing by adding extra information. They can also highlight unique selling points not included on the main sign. This additional info could encourage a potential buyer to Google the address for more details. - Ease of Updating: Riders are an easy way to update signs with new information without needing a new sign. It is a cost-effective marketing method. A “Google this address” rider could suggest that the most current information about the property is available online.
- Customization and Competitive Edge: Sign riders can be customized for specific needs, including prompting online searches. This customization can give agents a competitive advantage, as it combines traditional and digital marketing methods.
- Technology Integration: Combining digital and traditional marketing strategies, such as a sign rider that prompts Google to provide an address, leverages the benefits of both methods. This can attract more potential buyers by making it easy for them to find detailed information online.
- Reusable: Sign riders are a cost-effective, long-term investment since they can be reused for different listings. A generic “Google this address” rider is versatile and can be moved from one property to another.
- Automated Engagement and Lead Capture: Services like Smart Rider Signs automate engagement with potential buyers by sending them digital listing information. It also captures their contact info when they show interest by texting a number displayed on the rider. This approach saves time and resources while providing instant information to buyers.
- Lead Generation and Property Sites: Sign riders with property websites can generate leads effectively. When potential buyers text or scan a QR code on a sign rider, they’re directed to a mini property site with comprehensive details. This enhances the chance of engagement.
Enhanced Attractiveness and Information Sharing:Powerful Marketing Tool
A “Google this address” real estate sign rider leverages the benefits of direct engagement and digital information access. This makes it a powerful tool for modern real estate marketing.
The sign rider encourages potential buyers to access up-to-date, detailed information about the property online. Enhancing the listing’s visibility and attractiveness is one of the many things a real estate agent should be doing.
FAQs about “Google this Address” Real Estate Sign Rider
1. What is a “Google this address” sign rider?
1. What is a “Google this address” sign rider?A “Google this address” sign rider is an add-on to a standard real estate for-sale sign that encourages potential buyers to search the property’s address on Google for more information.
Potential buyers and agents will see listings on popular real estate websites, articles, or virtual tours.
2. How does a “Google this address” sign rider benefit sellers?
This sign rider benefits sellers by leveraging the vast reach of internet search engines to provide comprehensive information about the property.
It potentially attracts more interested buyers and increases visibility beyond traditional real estate platforms.
3. Can this sign rider improve the selling process?
Yes, it can streamline the selling process by directing potential buyers to a wealth of online information. It allows them to explore detailed property features, photos, and virtual tours before contacting the seller or agent. As a result, it leads to more informed inquiries and visits.
4. What should I consider before adding the sign rider to my property’s sign?
Before adding such a sign rider, ensure the property’s address yields positive and relevant search results. Realtors must include up-to-date listings and potentially a dedicated website or page. It’s also important to consider online privacy and security.
5. How do I optimize my property’s online presence for a “Google this address” sign rider?
Optimize the property’s online presence by ensuring it is listed on major real estate platforms, creating a dedicated website or landing page, and utilizing social media. Some Realtors might even consider publishing press releases or articles to enhance search results with positive and detailed information.
6. Are there any potential drawbacks to using a sign rider?
The primary drawback is the reliance on search engine algorithms, which may display outdated information or unrelated results. It’s crucial to actively manage the property’s online footprint to ensure search results are beneficial.
7. How do buyers benefit from these sign riders?
Buyers benefit by having immediate access to extensive information about the property. Potential home buyers can make more informed decisions. They can streamline their search process by quickly identifying properties that meet their criteria.
8. Is having an internet presence for my property necessary before using a the sign rider?
No, however, it can be valuable, especially when a real estate agent has put in the effort to make their presentation the best it can be.
Having a well-thought-out internet presence ensures that when potential buyers search for the address, they find helpful and engaging information. It enhances the chances of attracting interest and inquiries.
10. What strategies can I use to ensure my property shows up positively when someone Googles the address?
Strategies include maintaining active listings on major real estate platforms, ensuring the property’s address is mentioned in positive news articles or blogs, and using SEO practices for property-dedicated websites.
Encouraging reviews or testimonials from previous buyers is also a wise move for any Realtor.
Conclusion
Whether you are a for sale by owner or real estate agent, using a Google, this address sign rider is an excellent addition to marketing a home. If you know you will be investing in making your Internet presence the best it can be, it’s a great addition to your marketing.
Other Real Estate articles worth a look:
- Massachusetts For Sale By Owner Homes – learn why for sale by owners usually fail without having a Realtor in their corner.
- Hire a Top Producing Metrowest MA Realtor – see the importance of working with the best real estate agent in your local market.
About the Author: Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized leader in his field, provided information on using “Google this address” sign riders. He is an expert in mortgages, financing, moving, home improvement, and general real estate.
Learn more about Bill Gassett and the publications he has been featured in. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns for the last 38+ years.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about real estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.
Combine that with a QR code on your sign to take you to either the actual Google result, your website or a loan officer financing page and you’ve grabbed some of the first movers who love new tech like QR codes.
Maureen I agree QR codes will be of great benefit I just don’t know that many people that are using the technology at this point. I am constantly being asked what the heck that picture means from others who have seen it on signs.
It definitely pays to be a Tech Savvy agent. We need to keep up with the times and embrace what technology has to offer. Especially now when over 90% of buyers start their search on the internet.
Bill,
I like your comments about Google this address, and the enhanced listings in Realtor.com, Trulia, Zillow,etc. Like the title of your new website Maxmium Real Estate Marketing!
Thanks Jimmy! I have been using the Google this address sign rider for the last few years with great success.
When you start coming up for everything in your market, people have a hard time forgetting you. This is a great idea! I think I will need to start doing this for my Portland market.
Exactly Marcus! I have also made it a point to put up my sold sign much quicker as well. People really notice this!
So you’re saying that you’re listings are going to show up for that property ABOVE the big dogs or just right up with them? You have to be confident in your SEO to make sure you show up because if not, a buyer may find the listing somewhere else and get lost not going directly to you… or do you see that as an issue at all?
Dave you obviously want to show up ahead of the big dogs because most people are going to click one of the first couple positions. This works best when you have a really strong online presence. The other thing I would mention is making sure as part of your search engine optimization that you have claimed authorship of your blog or website. Having your picture displaying in the search results increases the click through rate dramatically. People are just naturally drawn to pictures.
I am trying to work that authorship but I think I realized the issue is the head shot. I think Google will only accept me with a head shot, not the one I have now. I have Tammy working on that for me so I hope to get that up and going here soon. Thanks Bill
I hope you get is squared away Dave because it is a big part of your online marketing success!