Q: We’re having a hard time ranking well for the keyword “real estate”. Although it’s a new site, we have added lots of content and continue to add each week. Still, our website hardly appears in Google listings. Our website is [site name and link removed]. Are we doing anything wrong?
A: Ranking high for generic and competitive keywords such as “real estate” is not an easy task. You are competing against established websites with high levels of authority. You are competing against 10-15 years old websites that
achieved popularity, are providing valuable content, are frequently
updated, and are referenced by hundreds of thousands of websites.
There isn’t a quick and easy SEO formula to beat that level of authority. Here’re a few tips to help you get more value from SEO:
- Stop chasing generic and highly competitive keywords
- Focus on more specific keywords that still bring traffic but are less competitive: “commercial real estate” vs “real estate”
- Focus on localized keywords such as “Toronto real estate”
- Participate in local business directories to increase your online visibility
- Acquire inbound links naturally to increase your online visibility and build trust
- Continue adding quality content to your website as it provides value to both your readers and to search engines
- Install web analytics and determine your traffic sources and the keywords used to reach your website. Apply what you learn to your ongoing SEO efforts
- Understand SEO guarantees and avoid unethical SEO techniques
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Ask us anything!
Mike Lascut is Principal of Single Entry Point® Marketing, focusing on the search, email and analytics practice and leading the development of the 
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Well said. Chasing competitive keywords when you don’t have means (and time) is a hopeless quest. Marketers should stop dreaming about quick wins in SEO - no such thing any longer.