Improve your digital footprint and position yourself as the industry expert in your local area with the following checklist of recommendations. Propel your website and overall digital strategy, giving you the tools to attract a new segment of buyers, sellers, investors, and renters through the power of online marketing.

This checklist will continue to grow throughout the year to help you achieve the best results across your digital landscape.

Are your Google Business Profile details up to date?

In most instances, your Google Business Profile is the very first thing that someone will see when they undertake a Google Search, either for your specific business or when they are looking for properties and real estate services in your area.  Your Google Business Profile is the knowledge panel seen on the right-hand side of a Google search (example below):

Formerly known as Google My Business, your Google Business Profile showcases a wide range of information about your agency to potential buyers, sellers, investors, renters, and the general public. Whether they are looking to source your office address, contact details, or opening hours, your Google Business Profile is your one-stop shop for giving people the basic information they need about your business.  

Perhaps most importantly, your Google Business Profile is where people will review your business, and how you respond and attend to both positive and negative reviews is pivotal in creating a business identity and a positive reputation in your city or town.  

To ensure that your Google Business Profile is up to scratch, here is a few things you should take a look at: 

✅ Make sure that your phone number and website are correct, and allow the audience to be taken to either with the click of a button. 

✅ Double check your office address and opening hours, so that people receive the correct information before coming to visit your agency. 

✅ Add and update any images on your profile. Whether it be your logo, or a nice photo of your shopfront, this can go a long way to creating an appealing Google Business Profile. 

✅ If you haven’t already, respond to both positive and negative reviews. If you require any assistance with responding to reviews, contact Chief Communications Officer, Stewart Bunn via email at stewart.bunn@firstnational.com.au. 

If you are unsure if you have access to your Google Business Profile, or require any assistance in updating the details, contact mail@firstnational.co.nz

Remember, the best way to acquire 5-star reviews is to have property managers and sales agents ask happy customers if they’d be prepared to leave a review at the moment the customers express how happy they are. Utopia makes it easy to send the request, but don’t be tempted to email your whole database as this breaches Google’s terms, risks bad reviews, and looks a bit silly to customers who last used your services more than 3 months ago.

Google Review Acquisition Template

Google Review Checklist

Google Review Implementation Notes

In addition to Google review mailouts, you can also send these up for the following mailouts:

The best time to ask for a google review is the day the property was sold, or purchased. This is when the client is the happiest. Don't delay in asking.

Uploading at least one blog article a month to your website is essential for maintaining an active and engaging online presence. Regular blog posts can boost your site's search engine optimisation (SEO), making it easier for potential customers to find you through search engines.

Consistent content updates also demonstrate that your business is active and invested in providing value to its audience. This can build trust and loyalty among your readers, who are more likely to return for fresh insights and updates.

Additionally, monthly blog posts can position you as an industry expert, offering a platform to share your knowledge, insights, and solutions to common problems your audience may face. This enhances your credibility and encourages social sharing and engagement, further expanding your reach and influence.

Blog topics ideas:

Below are some ideas as to how you can establish blog topics and start pushing these out to your audience:

• Look at what is happening in your local area, such as large development projects or community events.

• Write about law changes related to property management or sales to demonstrate your awareness of legislation.

• Provide tips and tricks for readying your house for sale or quick ways to improve its value.

• Look at common questions you get asked by clients. You can even look through your inbox and see what consistently pops up.

• Look at what your competitors are writing about for inspiration.

• Include things happening in the office, such as awards, staff achievements, or work with local community charities.

• View our FNCentral for pre written blogs 

Examples of First National Real Estate offices who have blogs on their website:

https://fnproperty.co.nz/first-national-blog/

https://www.rotoruaproperty.co.nz/NewsRS/10876

https://fnpinnacle.co.nz/blog/

VaultRE support hub have easy to follow instructions whether you wish to automate to text or email.

Social Express, First National Real Estate's all-in-one, social media management tool, is now powered by Properti, a platform that offers social media marketing automation that enables you to dominate your digital patch. 

Whilst you can 'set and forget' Social Express, the system has a range of post types on offer, giving you the opportunity to supplement your weekly, automatically generated content with additional posts to suit what information you want to send to your local area. 

One of the unique elements of Properti is that you are able to set up automatic triggers. Automatic triggers refer to the different types of posts that you can set up to post to your Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business Profile pages automatically, as they are 'triggered' when you update the price of a listing in your CRM. 

A primary reason why you might look to set up an automatic trigger is to advertising a price change on a property. Click on the link to learn exactly how you can set this up within your own schedule, in order to automate posts to alert your audience about a price change on a listing.

In addition to automatic triggers for price updates, you can also set these up for the following post types:

• Land Templates
• Under Offer
• New Listing Stories
• Customer Reviews
• RSS Feed Content

If you would like more information, need assistance with setting up automatic triggers, or are interested in signing up to Social Express, contact our team at socialexpress@firstnational.com.au. 

Is your office connected to Social Express? Social Express is First National Real Estate’s all-in-one social media management platform, that looks after the challenge of creating professional, useful, engaging, and entertaining social media content, consistently.

Social Express publishes multiple posts per week to Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business Profile, including and not limited to memes, quotes, curated content, cash rate updates, national website blogs, rental, and sales listings, and your open for inspections. Whilst Social Express does produce a lot of content, there is incredible opportunity for you to supplement your social media accounts with your own personalised and localised content.

Whether it be introducing a new staff member, a local community event, or highlighting a birthday in the office, you should definitely be looking for opportunities to include content of this nature on your social media profiles.

Below are just some examples of the comparison in audience engagement from a personalised posts to posts all about property.

Not only does adding this type of content to your weekly posting enable creativity in your office, but it gives an incredible opportunity to humanise your agency and solidify you and your team members as part of your broader community to your local audience.

Once you have created your content, you can utilise Social Express as a scheduling tool and create your own custom posts, meaning that you can manage both posts created by the platform itself, and posts created within your office, all within the one place. To learn more about Social Express, click here, or contact socialexpress@firstnational.com.au.

Some of the best pieces of content you can add to your website are detailed suburb profiles for the primary areas in which your agency operates. Not only does this position you as a local area expert, but it helps Google catch your website for the suburb names, and begins to strongly associate your website with searches for real estate in those exact suburbs. Luckily, compiling suburb profiles is easier than ever before. Through the power of ChatGPT, you can have suburb profiles quickly, and with incredible detail and accuracy. Below you can find steps on how you can have a comprehensive profile compiled in minutes:

Step 1: Head to https://openai.com/ and sign up. If you already have an account, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Once logged in, click on ChatGPT.

Step 3: Send ChatGPT a prompt to write a suburb profile on one of your trading suburbs. You can easily copy paste below prompt.

Write a suburb profile with 1,000 words max that is written in third person without pronouns, in New Zealand english for (insert suburb, location, New Zealand) that will improve my website’s SEO. Include information about its population, schools, housing options, local attractions, local amenities, any future development plans, and public transportation availability. Include demographic on current people living there and end with why people should live there.

Step 4: Wait as the magic happens.

Step 5: Read it, make sure you’re happy with it, copy & paste on your website.

Example:

ChatGPT’s response:

Royal Oak Suburb Profile

Royal Oak, located in the Auckland isthmus, is a well-known and established suburb offering a blend of suburban charm and urban convenience. Situated just 8 kilometres south of Auckland’s central business district, Royal Oak has grown in popularity due to its family-friendly environment, excellent transport links, and a variety of local amenities. As a key part of the wider Auckland region, Royal Oak has something to offer for residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Population and Demographics

As of the most recent census, Royal Oak’s population is approximately 6,000 residents. The suburb’s demographics showcase a diverse community, with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees. The area has a higher proportion of people in the 30-49 age group, indicating its appeal to working adults with young families. A significant portion of residents are homeowners, reflecting the suburb's stable property market, though there are also rental opportunities to cater to a broader spectrum of the population.

Cultural diversity is another hallmark of Royal Oak, with people from various ethnic backgrounds calling the area home. The suburb is particularly popular with New Zealand Europeans, Pacific Islanders, and Asians, contributing to a rich multicultural atmosphere. English is the most widely spoken language, but other languages such as Samoan, Mandarin, and Hindi are also commonly spoken, reflecting the suburb’s diversity.

Schools and Education

Royal Oak is home to a range of reputable educational institutions, making it an attractive option for families with school-aged children. One of the key primary schools in the area is Royal Oak Primary School, which has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and community involvement. This decile 4 school offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster holistic development in students.

For secondary education, the nearby Onehunga High School serves the broader Royal Oak community. Onehunga High is known for its strong academic programmes, with specialisations in business, technology, and performing arts. Additionally, there are several early childhood centres and kindergartens within Royal Oak, catering to the needs of younger children.

Housing Options

The housing market in Royal Oak is varied, offering a mixture of classic and contemporary options. Character bungalows and villas, many dating back to the early 20th century, are a common feature of the area, reflecting its long-standing residential history. These homes, often set on large sections, appeal to families looking for space and charm. In addition, the suburb has seen an increase in modern townhouse and apartment developments in recent years, catering to the needs of young professionals and smaller households.

Royal Oak’s proximity to One Tree Hill and other green spaces means that many homes benefit from attractive views and easy access to parks and outdoor recreational areas. The median house price in Royal Oak is reflective of its desirable location, but there are housing options available for a range of budgets, with rental properties also in good supply.

Local Attractions

One of the standout attractions in Royal Oak is the iconic One Tree Hill Domain, a vast green space that offers panoramic views of Auckland city and the surrounding areas. The park is perfect for families and individuals alike, providing extensive walking and cycling tracks, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Cornwall Park, which is adjacent to One Tree Hill, is another popular spot, known for its open fields, sheep grazing, and heritage walks.

Royal Oak itself is also home to the Royal Oak Shopping Mall, a local hub that features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and essential services. The shopping centre is a convenient stop for residents, offering a mixture of large retailers and smaller, independent shops. The proximity to other neighbouring commercial areas such as Onehunga and Epsom also means that residents have easy access to a wider range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Local Amenities

Royal Oak provides residents with an array of essential amenities. The suburb features a range of supermarkets, banks, medical centres, and pharmacies, ensuring that daily needs are easily met. For those who enjoy dining out, Royal Oak offers a selection of cafes, restaurants, and takeaway options that cater to a range of tastes, from Asian cuisine to European favourites.

In terms of recreational facilities, Royal Oak offers easy access to sports grounds, gyms, and swimming pools. The Royal Oak Racquets Club is a popular spot for tennis and squash enthusiasts, while the nearby Mount Smart Stadium hosts major sports events and concerts throughout the year.

Future Development Plans

While Royal Oak retains much of its traditional suburban charm, there are ongoing developments in the wider Auckland region that will influence the area. Auckland Council’s push for urban intensification means that Royal Oak may see further development of medium-density housing, particularly around transport hubs and key commercial areas. This is in line with the Unitary Plan, which encourages more efficient land use in well-connected suburbs like Royal Oak.

Additionally, improvements to transport infrastructure and the potential extension of rapid transit services in the future could further enhance Royal Oak’s appeal, making it even more accessible for commuters and families seeking a convenient lifestyle.

Public Transportation

Royal Oak is well-connected to Auckland’s public transport network, making it an ideal location for commuters. Multiple bus routes run through the suburb, providing frequent services to the Auckland CBD, Onehunga, and surrounding areas. These services make Royal Oak an excellent choice for those who prefer to leave the car at home and take advantage of public transport.

The suburb is also close to key arterial roads, such as the Southwestern Motorway (State Highway 20), offering convenient driving routes to various parts of Auckland. For those traveling further afield, Auckland Airport is only a 15-minute drive from Royal Oak, providing easy access to domestic and international flights.

Why Live in Royal Oak?

Royal Oak presents a perfect balance of convenience, community, and lifestyle. The suburb’s family-friendly environment, coupled with its proximity to top schools, parks, and amenities, makes it a sought-after location for families. Young professionals are drawn to the area for its ease of access to the city and nearby business districts, while retirees appreciate the quiet, suburban charm and access to healthcare facilities and recreational options.

The suburb's rich history, combined with its modern developments, ensures that Royal Oak offers diverse housing options to suit various lifestyles and preferences. From its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to its bustling shopping centres and excellent public transport connections, Royal Oak is a place where residents can enjoy the best of both worlds – a peaceful suburban environment with the convenience of city living just a stone’s throw away.

For those seeking a dynamic and welcoming community with easy access to Auckland's key attractions and amenities, Royal Oak stands out as an ideal choice. Whether looking to raise a family, start a career, or enjoy a relaxed retirement, this suburb offers an appealing lifestyle in one of Auckland’s most established areas.

Once you have created your suburb profile, you can now add this to your website. Below are the steps to create a suburb profiles page on your website, and upload the content delivered to you by ChatGPT, depending on your website provider:

If you do not have an "about your local  region" on your website please contact Scott Bentley scott@firstnational.co.nz

Social Media Advertising Tips and Tricks

Facebook

• Best Times: Weekdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
• Best Days: Wednesday and Thursday
• Worst Day: Sunday

Instagram

• Best Times: Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Best Days: Wednesday and Thursday
• Worst Day: Sunday
•  

Twitter

• Best Times: Weekdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Best Days: Wednesday and Friday
• Worst Day: Saturday

LinkedIn

• Best Times: Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Best Days: Tuesday and Thursday
• Worst Day: Sunday

Tips for a New Zealand Audience

1. Consider Local Events: Align your posts with local events, holidays, and significant dates in New Zealand.

2. Monitor Local Engagement: Use social media analytics to track when your New Zealand audience is most active.

3. Adapt to Time Zone: Adjust your posting schedule to the New Zealand time zone (NZST or NZDT during daylight saving time).

4. Cultural Relevance: Ensure your content is relevant to the local culture and interests of the New Zealand audience. By tailoring your posting schedule to the habits and preferences of your New Zealand audience, you can maximise engagement and reach. 

Social Media Strategy Ideas & Measures