SEO for Apartments: Can You Do It Yourself?
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a critical aspect of apartment marketing that cannot afford to be overlooked. If you’re a multifamily marketer, you might be wondering whether you can handle SEO yourself or internally. The short answer is yes, you can, but also knowing when to call on the SEO experts. However, it requires a good understanding of how search engines work and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing SEO landscape. That SEO is a marathon, not a sprint.
Key Takeaways
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- Learn about DIY SEO steps for rental housing professionals and how to improve visibility on search engines, website and keyword optimizations, and tracking your progress and metrics.
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Uncover the resources, strategy, scalability, and risk mitigation and other benefits of working with expert SEO agencies.
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DIY SEO vs. SEO Experts: Which yields better results in the long run, both in terms of search engine rankings and overall successful results and ROI.
Understanding SEO
SEO involves optimizing your website to improve its visibility on search engines. The goal is to appear on the first page of search engine results for keywords relevant to your apartment community. This requires a combination of on-page optimization (such as keyword optimization and improving site speed) and off-page optimization (like acquiring high-quality backlinks).
Keyword Search
Keyword research is the first step in your DIY SEO journey. This process involves identifying the keywords your potential customers use when searching for products or services similar to yours. Free tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you get started, but for a more in-depth analysis, you might consider paid tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs.
On-Page Optimization
Once you’ve identified your keywords, the next step is incorporating them into your website. This includes your titles, meta descriptions, and content. However, avoid keyword stuffing as it can lead to penalties from search engines.
Improving your website’s speed, making it mobile-friendly, and ensuring it’s secure (HTTPS) are also essential parts of on-page optimization.
Off-Page Optimization
This mostly involves acquiring backlinks from other reputable websites. These backlinks signal to search engines that your website is trustworthy and authoritative, leading to higher rankings. You can acquire backlinks through guest blogging, social media marketing, and email outreach.
Tracking Your Progress
While it’s possible to handle SEO yourself, it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it process. SEO requires consistent effort and staying up-to-date with the latest best practices. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, DIY SEO can be a cost-effective way to improve your online presence and attract more residents. Learn more about long-term SEO strategies for your apartment communities.
When The DIY Approach to SEO Doesn’t Make Sense
SEO Expertise
SEO agencies typically have teams of specialists who are well-versed in the latest SEO techniques, trends, and best practices in the rental housing sector. They have the expertise to develop and implement effective SEO strategies tailored to the specific needs of the business.
Time-Saving
SEO requires continuous monitoring, analysis, and optimization. By outsourcing SEO to an agency, businesses can save time and focus on other core aspects of their operations, such as product development, customer service, or marketing.
Resources
SEO agencies have access to advanced tools, software, and resources that may not be affordable or accessible to individual businesses or property management companies. These tools help in conducting comprehensive keyword research, competitor analysis, performance tracking, and more. At Digible, we provide comprehensive data tracking and KPIs with our home-grown analytics platform, Fiona Analytics.
Scalability
Adaptability
The field of SEO is constantly evolving due to changes in search engine algorithms, user behavior, and technology. SEO agencies stay updated with these changes and adapt their strategies accordingly to ensure sustained results for their clients.
Risk Mitigation
SEO involves certain risks, such as potential penalties from search engines for employing black-hat tactics or algorithm updates that may negatively impact website rankings. Experienced SEO agencies are adept at navigating these risks and can help property management companies avoid costly mistakes, including monitoring your digital footprint for Fair Housing Compliance.
Overall, while a DIY approach to SEO may seem cost-effective initially, property management companies often find that investing in professional SEO services, like those found with Digible, yields better results in the long run, both in terms of search engine rankings and overall business growth. We provide comprehensive data tracking and KPIs with our home-grown analytics platform, Fiona Analytics.
Need a hand with your SEO strategy? Drop us a line.
