An Example of How Modular Home SEO Works
Before we get into the details, let’s set the scene so you can see why SEO is so essential for companies in the modular home industry. Picture this: You’re part of a young family looking to buy the home of its dreams near Oshkosh, WI, and you’ve heard about modular home construction in passing, so you decide to look up more information about it on Google.
These are the results for the phrase, “Where to buy a modular home near me,” for that area:
There are immediate, localized search results available on page one of Google, with a map, listings for individual modular homes, and local dealerships.
After these listings is the “People also ask” feature, which lists other questions that people ask Google relating to this query, including whether it’s cheaper to buy modular.
Think about the type of person that would search for this. They’re probably starting their home-buying journey and are looking for potential dealers who can help them find a home just for them!
Google understands that people are unique. Its goal is to offer a resource that best matches who they are, what they need, and their intent.
Find out how your company can bring valuable traffic to your website through evidence-based SEO for modular home dealers and manufacturers.
Why SEO for Modular Buildings?
Short answer: Because it works and has the results to prove it.
People use search engines daily to find answers and solutions to their problems and goals. According to the National Association of Realtors, 95 percent of buyers in 2021 used the internet to search for properties when looking for a new home. That number has only increased since then.
People use the internet as a tool to learn more about their options with manufactured and modular homes, too. This helps you stand out not only from other modular home dealers but also from traditional realtors who may also be vying for your buyer’s attention.
The local phone book is dead; people increasingly use search engines to solve their problems and find local businesses that provide those solutions. SEO helps you stand out from your competition and guides people to you first.
SEO Strategies for Modular Home Companies
SEO for modular homes relies on a range of strategies and tactics to be successful. Whether you’re a dealer or a manufacturer looking for more dealership partners, this is a breakdown of everything you should know about SEO for modular and manufactured homes.
Using Search Empathy to Understand Your Customers
The secret to successful marketing for modular home builders and dealers is to identify the problem your services solve. From there, you can educate your customers on what makes your services different and how they solve their problems.
When we work with modular home dealers and builders, we always tell them to focus on their customers first and foremost. Knowing and caring more about your customers than your competitors is one of the keys to successful digital marketing. Here are some of the best ways to put that idea into action:
- Providing answers to common questions: Providing an FAQ about modular home buying can make a huge difference in building credibility with your customers.
- Offering multiple ways to find information: Some people prefer videos and photo tutorials, while others prefer written content, and others like learning through live chat.
- Creating a content strategy around customer needs: This might involve surveying your past customers or looking at what led them to purchase their home from you in the first place.
- Updating your website regularly: Adding new and relevant information about modular homes to your website allows your customers to learn more and shows them that you care about their needs.
Implementing On-Page, Off-Page, & Technical SEO
Most SEO tactics fall into three separate but equally essential categories: on-page SEO, off-page SEO, and technical SEO.
On-page SEO largely refers to the content of your website pages. Some common examples of improving on-page SEO include adding relevant keywords to the copy on your pages, page titles, headings, meta descriptions, and other signals that tell Google about what’s on your site.
Off-page SEO encompasses the activities you do outside your website to increase your site’s search engine rankings. Some common methods include building backlinks, encouraging reviews on third-party sites, and increasing engagement on social media platforms.
Technical SEO, on the other hand, tends to occur on the back end of your website. Some strategies under this umbrella include using an SEO-friendly structure for your website, improving website security, and making sure your pages are accessible to users and search engines.
Creating Meta Titles and Descriptions
Meta titles refer to the titles that appear on each individual page or post on your website in search. These are generally considered a type of HTML attribute when you’re publishing a page. Optimizing these titles with your target keywords where it makes sense can make a difference both in how search engines view your pages and how people interact with them when they come up as a result.
Meta descriptions or page descriptions are another HTML attribute that provides a summary of a page or post’s content. These can also be optimized for the search engine results page, but Google will often manipulate them for certain search terms.
Optimizing Page Load & Mobile Compatibility
Chances are, your customer may be using their mobile phone or tablet when they find your modular home dealership. Google uses mobile-first indexing, which makes your site more favorable if it’s mobile-friendly.
Even more, it’s essential for your website to have a fast load speed. If you’ve ever had to wait more than a few seconds for a webpage to load and ultimately clicked away because of it, you know why this is important. Google is more likely to promote sites that load quickly as part of its preference for good user experiences.
Designing a Usable Website
Just like the modular homes you sell, designing a website isn’t just about aesthetics. Having the right website structure makes it easy for your potential leads to find what they’re looking for—and to potentially convert. Linking between your website pages can help your user navigate and learn more about your modular homes.
Thoughtful site architecture is the name of the game for web design. Planning your website content in advance and grouping related topics makes it easier for both people and search engines to understand what your site is about.
Conducting Keyword Research
Keyword research is an essential part of SEO. Using a reliable keyword research tool is imperative to identifying quality keywords, identifying user intent, and determining your overall content and SEO strategy.
Keyword research can and should help you get an idea of how big the market is for your modular home dealership. It plays a crucial role in determining if pursuing certain keywords is worth the investment for your business.
Writing Content
Why would we bring up content marketing in a guide about SEO? Because you really can’t have one without the other—SEO and content go together like a good foundation and your customer’s dream home.
Your brand’s content marketing strategy should begin with keyword research, just like your SEO strategy. Here’s how we approach the research process for modular home builders and buyers trying to get a leg up with digital marketing.
Building Links
Link building is the process of building relationships with other legitimate websites, including blogs and directories, so they will provide links back to your own site. The process can take time, but it can make a massive difference in how your website pages rank on search engine results pages (SERPs), where your customers will see you among the top websites.
Utilizing Social Media
There are several reasons social media is a vital part of any SEO strategy. Not only does regular publishing on social channels allow you to drive traffic back to your website, but it’s also an excellent way to add valuable backlinks that search engines will recognize as legitimate.
Targeting Local SEO
Local SEO is essential for modular home dealers, especially if you only operate within a specific service area. By optimizing your site for a local audience, it becomes easier for people to find your business quickly and easily when they need it the most.
Some common methods for improving local SEO include:
- Creating a Google Business Profile account
- Mentioning your service areas on your website, including specified location pages
- Ensuring your business is included in local real estate directories
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does SEO for Modular Homes Take?
SEO generally takes three to six months to start seeing results, but once those results start coming, they keep coming. Our clients who trust the process enjoy consistent, significant growth.