LoopNet/CoStar Alternatives: How to Build a Commercial Real Estate Site and Outrank the Portals

Posted at 10:55h by Tait 2 Comments

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Looking for alternatives to LoopNet or CoStar? With Realtyna’s WPL Pro you can host your own commercial listings and build a real estate site that outranks the portals in your local market.

Follow the steps below to find out how.

Step 1

Buy Domain and Hosting

Buy a domain name and hosting package that meet these minimum system requirements. Or choose a Realtyna hosting plan.

When choosing a domain name, try to think of common search terms your ideal clients would use, and incorporate them.

Step 2

Install WordPress

Unzip the WordPress file, upload the files to your webserver, and then access your URL to run the WordPress installation script.

LUKE’S TIP: 

Step 3

Install WPL Pro Plugin

Log into your WordPress dashboard, and then navigate to ‘Plugins’. Click ‘Add New’, then ‘Upload.’ Then, browse your computer for the Realtyna zip file. The plugin file is made available for download with your purchase of WPL Pro.

Note: If you are new to WordPress or you are uncomfortable with steps 2 and 3, Realtyna engineers can complete them for you for no additional charge.

Step 4

Define Property and Listing Types

Use the WPL Data Structure menu to define the property and listings types you would like to include on your site.

Step 5

Customize Your Listings Page

Use the WPL Flex menu to add, remove, and modify property details to include on your listing pages.

Step 6

Add Listings

Use the Listing Manager to add listings to your site, and publish.

Step 7

Configure Front-End Search

Navigate to Widgets > Property Listing Top > WPL (Search). Then click on ‘View Fields.’ Here, you can customize your front-end search bar.

Step 8

Create SEO Content

At this point your site is up and running and ready to accept leads. You can increase your site’s visibility with some targeted content.  Here are some tips:

Go Local

LoopNet and CoStar may be able to provide commercial property listings in your area but they don’t have the local staff to truly know your community and all it has to offer prospective buyers.

You should leverage your local expertise into SEO content that can set you apart and help you rank higher. You can do this by creating website pages with local information you think your leads are likely to search.

Some examples might be:

• Market reports
• Transportation options
• Major employers
• Development plans
• Financing options

For more on going local, check out Narrow Your Business Focus With Real Estate Niche Marketing.

Create Neighborhood Pages

Neighborhood pages allow you to group properties based on their location and link them to more information on the qualities and amenities in the area.

These on-the-ground details are essential for most buyers and they can only be provided by an engaged, local expert.  

Remember, your leads may soon be living and working in a new neighborhood. Help them understand what makes that neighborhood tick, and you’ll have an edge over the portals.

For more on neighborhood pages, check out How to Create an Impressive Neighborhood Page That Will Generate Real Estate Leads.

Maintain an Original Blog

Many commercial real estate web searches are in the form of questions. For example:

• Can I change my commercial real estate lease?
• What are my options for short-term commercial real estate?
• How do I know if my commercial real estate buyer is serious?

Answer some of these on your blog and you’ll improve your site’s SEO.

For more blog ideas, check out What Should I Write About On My Real Estate Blog?

No one knows your community like you do. So take these ideas and run with them.

Contact us today for more information on WPL Pro or a free demo.

Or check out the following for more resources on improving your real estate web presence.

9 Real Estate SEO Tips to Generate More Leads

IDX SEO Everything You Need To Know

Why isn’t my real estate website ranking?

What Is WPL Pro?

WPL Pro is a Realtyna’s real estate plugin for WordPress. The software allows you to create property listings, save them to your WordPress website, and publish them in a front-end property search to attract leads.

WPL listings are ‘Organic,’ which means they are searchable on Google, Bing, and other search engines. Paired with a smart content strategy, WPL can boost your site’s SEO and improve your page rankings.

WPL also accepts outside data feeds. If you need to connect to RETS, XML, or another data source, you can add them at any time to WPL.

Finally, WPL is offered under a one-time payment—no monthly fees, no surprise rate increases.