SEO for Real Estate: How to Get Your Listings to the Top of Google

If your listings aren’t showing up on the first page of Google, you're missing out on a massive pool of motivated buyers. In today’s digital-first housing market, search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most powerful — and cost-effective — ways to get your properties noticed.

But SEO isn't just for bloggers and eCommerce brands. With the right strategy, real estate professionals can dominate local search results, attract high-intent leads, and boost visibility for their listings and services.

Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to optimize your real estate website and listings to climb the Google rankings and stay there.

1. Start With Local Keyword Research

The first step in real estate SEO is understanding what your audience is searching for. Instead of going after generic phrases, focus on local keyword research. Tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest can help you discover what people are typing into search engines when they’re looking for homes in your area. Target long-tail keywords like “3-bedroom homes near [neighborhood]” or “pet-friendly apartments in [city],” which are more specific and often easier to rank for.

2. Optimize Your Listing Pages For SEO

Once you know what your prospects are searching for, the next step is optimizing your listing pages. Each property page on your website should be designed not just to sell the home, but to perform well in search engines. That means including SEO-friendly titles and descriptions, using clear headings, writing detailed property descriptions with relevant keywords, and making sure your images have alt text. Embedding Google Maps on your listings also gives you an edge in local search results.

3. Create Localized, Evergreen Content

To further boost your visibility, you’ll want to build a library of localized blog content. Google favors websites that publish fresh, helpful information — and your clients are always looking for guidance. Topics like “Best School Districts in [City]” or “Top 5 Neighborhoods for First-Time Buyers” can not only drive traffic but also establish your authority in your market. Be sure to link these blog posts to relevant listings to create a seamless user experience and keep visitors on your site longer.

4. Build Quality Backlinks

Another powerful SEO strategy is building backlinks — links from other websites to yours. These act as “votes of confidence” in Google’s eyes and can significantly boost your ranking. To earn quality backlinks, collaborate with local businesses, get featured in community directories, and share your content on social media and industry platforms. Avoid spammy or low-quality links; Google’s algorithms are smart and favor credibility over quantity.

5. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly & Fast

It’s also essential that your website is mobile-friendly and fast. The majority of real estate searches now happen on mobile devices, and Google takes mobile usability into account when ranking sites. A slow or cluttered mobile experience can not only hurt your rankings but also drive potential buyers away. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test your site speed and fix any issues related to image optimization or script load times.

6. Use Google Business Profile (Formerly Google My Business)

Don’t overlook the importance of setting up and maintaining a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). This free tool helps your business appear in local map searches, allows you to showcase your listings, and boosts your visibility in your service area. Be sure to keep your profile updated with hours, contact info, client reviews, and current photos.

7. Track Your SEO Performance

Finally, no SEO strategy is complete without tracking your results. Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor which pages are attracting traffic, what keywords are leading visitors to your site, and where users are dropping off. This data will help you continually refine your strategy and improve your ROI over time.

In conclusion, SEO isn’t a quick win, but it’s a smart, long-term investment in your business. By building a strong SEO foundation with localized content, optimized listings, and consistent site improvements, you can boost your visibility, attract more qualified leads, and ultimately close more deals. Best of all, the results compound over time.

If you’re ready to level up your real estate SEO without juggling a dozen tools, R68 can help. From optimized landing pages to built-in blogging and lead tracking, R68 gives agents everything they need to compete — and win — in Google search results.

👉 Book a Free Demo today, and take your place at the top of the rankings.