A Realtors Guide to

 All rights reserved 2010.Created by Megan Faust | Virtu-Assist

www.virtu-assist.com

Why it Pays to use Google

• Google can help you generate real estate     referrals & leads• Google has more real estate searches than other

search engines combined, & more unique visitors than all real estate specific web sites.

• Google is the most-used search engine for researching & purchasing real estate information & services.

• The Google network reaches over 80% of U.S. Internet Users.

Top Google Tools For Realtors• Google Local Business Center• Google Profile• Google Maps Real Estate Search• Google Earth• Google Talk• Google Docs• YouTube

Google Local Business Center ListingOver one-third of people looking for real estate information on Google are searching for agents or brokers. You want your name and address to be displayed when they search. The Local Business Center gives real estate professionals an easy way to submit business listings. Submit multiple locations with a data file and conveniently manage and control listings. Plus your listing is free!

Get Started:Google Local Business Center

Create Your Free Google ProfileWhen you've created a business based on your name, you want to be easily discoverable. Creating a Google profile makes it easier for prospects and partners to find you because Google profile results appear at the bottom of U.S. name-query search pages. Your profile can include photos, information about your real estate business, and ways for people to contact you. Turn on the 'Send a message' feature, and anyone with a Google Account can send you a message through your profile, without having your email address revealed to them.

Get Started:Google Profiles

Add your listings for Free on Google MapsGoogle offers a free service that lets you make your listings easier for home-buyers and real estate agents to find when they look for properties on Google.  Over 56% of all Internet searches on "real estate" and related terms are conducted on Google and our partner sites, and the majority of those searchers are actively looking for listings or referrals to brokers and agents. You can make sure that people can find your listings by submitting them to Google. By providing your real estate listings to Google, you will broaden your distribution and receive free traffic and leads through natural search results on Google properties.

Get Started:See how you canupload your listings for free

Google Maps for your WebsiteYou can also place interactive maps on your own website using the Google Maps API. Display your listings on detailed maps and satellite imagery and give your users a visual, intuitive way to find the property that is right for them.  Also, use the Google Maps API to show the location of your office and provide directions to your door. The Google Maps API allows you to display your information with minimal effort - find out more about the Google Maps API.

Get Started:Google Maps API

Create Your YouTube ChannelAllow your listings to sell themselves and give home buyers the ability to pre-screen potential homes before they contact you by creating a YouTube channel. List your virtual tours or property videos on your channel.  YouTube actually reaches the specific audiences you are looking to reach: real estate buyers and sellers. Tap into this audience on YouTube and actively engage with potential home buyers and sellers in this media rich environment.

Get Started:YouTube

Google Talk for your Website/BlogAllow your visitors to chat with you instantly from your website or blog. Google Talk app offers a great way to communicate for free.

Text Chat: Instant MessagesStatus UpdatesFile Transfer

Voice ChatFree Long Distance PC-to-PC callsAudio Conferencing: Talk to a groupGmail Integration: Chat with your friends on Gmail.

Get Started:Google Talk

Google Docs for your Business• Upload from and save to your

desktop • Edit anytime, from anywhere • Pick who can access your

documents • Share changes in real time • Files are stored securely online • Create Documents, Spreadsheets,

Presentations and Forms

Just click the toolbar buttons to bold,underline, indent, change font ornumber format, change cell backgroundcolor and so on-feels just like yourdesktop view.

Get Started:Google Docs

Google Earth for your ListingsImagine flying over your properties, highlighting schools, parks and shopping centers alongthe way. Then zoom down to a single home and measure the distance to the nearest highway access. In a helicopter? A private plane? Not necessary-you can now do all this from your own desktop or smart phone with Google Earth. You can view for Google Earth for Free. But to market your properties a professional upgrade is required.

Get Started:Google Earth

• Market propertiesGive buyers dramatic fly-through tours of your properties' neighborhoods, showing everything from retail to transportation.

• Find homes Picky buyers are your best customers now that you can fly through your market area, identify homes from the MLS, and check criteria like schools and shopping.

• Prospect for new customers Which potential sellers are ripe for a move? Which potential buyers are ready to trade up? Prospect from the air!

Need help with implementing these tools for your business? Contact me: Megan Faust : : Virtu-Assist1.251.216.4080Skype: megan-faustmegan@virtu-assist.com Visit us online: www.virtu-assist.comFacebook:http://www.facebook.com/megfaustTwitter:http://www.twitter.com/virtuassist1LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/in/virtuassistActiveRain: http://www.activerain.com/assistant4uBlog: http://realestatetechtalk.blogspot.comSocialAgent: http://www.socialmediamarektingnow.com  

All content provided has been referenced at Google. www.google.com