Morgan Carey's Blog: All Categories

I am testing a block quote

This is a test of a block quote, I need to write enough text in here to see whether it looks good or not Read Full Post

Real Estate Webmasters is proud to announce we have completed the paperwork and are awaiting activation of our enterprise level Google mapping API.

We are now able to provide much more timely and complete Google geo-coding, without the limitations of the Google free API. We can also enjoy enterprise level telephone and email support from Google staff, and implementation assistance for any and all existing and new Google mapping technology.

What does this mean for REW customers?

• Faster and more complete geo-coding of very large custom IDX applications
• Reduced programming bills: With access to Google staff, we are able to reduce billable time on implementation, research, and testing / workarounds for complex Google Map mashups — we can go…

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I just read a great blog posted by Knox (A Denver Web Guy) you can read the blog post at this Tom Antion the SEO hypocrite link.

I am always amazed when someone like Tom Antion who claims to be able to help people achieve higher search engine rankings calls SEO's "Full of it" - does he not realize that he is selling that very same service? Lol to funny, Tom I really hope that this post (Made by an SEO that is apparently "full of it" helps show you the error of your ways. You have to realize that if you call out a community that is prominent on the web, you are going to attract a negative response. I have looked at your own site antion.com and you really aren't in a position to be calling any upstanding internet marketing professional full of it.

I… Read Full Post

I have been meaning to post this for a while as it is a question I get asked quite often so here goes:

For those of you interested in purchasing featured directory listings, you will find information in this post about pricing, features, benefits and the submission process.

Lets start with Features:

• The most important feature of a "featured REW listing" is the fact that your listing shows up at the very top of the directory, above any free listings or other content.
• Link to Blog: As with all REW listings, your listing will come with an additional link to your REW blog.
• Link to your listings: If you have added your listings to your REW Blog, a link to those listings will also appear.
• Link to your website: As with all REW…

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I have been in talks with Google corporate lately regarding becoming an enterprise Google maps customer. This would open up some very exciting opportunities for REW IDX customers including:

• Unlimited Geocoding license
• Enterprise Level Support directly from Google
• Opportunities and access to the newest Google API features
• Zero Ads - Currently Google does not have ads on their maps, but they do reserve the right to do so in the future, however as an enterprise account, REW will have the option to not show ads and customize the mapping interface

Now there is one trade off. It costs money, and so it should, Google maps is a great service and they should make some $ for all their hard work.

So how much would it cost? We don't know… Read Full Post

Members constantly ask what makes a good directory listing, or what should write for my directory description?

Ok where to start: I always tell people to write their directory writeup / description try to treat it like you just paid $10,000 for a high end locally targeted magazine. You want to get the most out of this investment, and to do so you need to provide your readers with certain things.

• Knowledge of the area: Identify with your visitors, show them that you are local and know the area. Touch on points like well known local features that your visitors will identify with, discuss the types of homes in the area, architecture etc BE THE LOCAL EXPERT
• History of service (If applicable): Talk about how long you have been servicing the area…

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I thought I would outline our custom IDX process, as well as some limitations with data feeds, in the hopes to clarify some misconceptions and also hopefully address some points of frustration for certain IDX users.

Lets start at the beginning, the IDX feed

When a new customer signs up to have Real Estate Webmasters develop a custom IDX for them, the first thing we must do is gain access to the raw data feed provided by their MLS board. We are happy to educate and assist clients in accessing this raw data feed, but in the end, it is not REW that makes application for the feed, it is the broker.

The usual process:

Broker contacts MLS board, requests a data feed

MLS board sends contract / application forms for the broker, the agent (Where…

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On Monday, January 29th the NEW REW directory will be going live. Because we have gone to a database driven submission and management system users will have to resubmit to the directory in order to be in the new version of the directory. Here is a link to upgrade your account: http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/signup/

Here is a screen shot of what your new REW Directory listing will look like IF you read this entire blog post :)



We have also added a lot more features to the directory so now instead of just a link and description in the directory, users can upload photos or logos, have links to their website, listings, REW Blog and can be contacted directly via the REW directory. What hasn't changed is the fact that you get a great search… Read Full Post