SEO isn't just for tech giants and e-commerce sites—it's a powerful tool that the best mortgage brokers use strategically to attract clients.
We understand that you're busy managing your mortgage brokerage, and the thought of optimizing your website might feel like an additional burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be an SEO expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few simple steps can significantly improve your online visibility and bring more clients to your business.
To help you out, we have built a free SEO checklist - also, for a full action plan, please check our pack of marketing tactics and strategies for mortgage brokers.
Get the SEO checklist made for mortgage brokers
The best mortgage brokers rank first on Google. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
What is SEO for mortgage brokers exactly?
Simply put, SEO is all about making your mortgage broker website more attractive to search engines like Google.
When someone searches for "best mortgage broker in [Your City]" or "affordable home loans," SEO helps your mortgage brokerage show up in the results. The goal is to get your website higher up on the search results page so more potential clients can find and contact you.
Why is SEO Important for Mortgage Brokers?
SEO is incredibly important for mortgage brokers, and here’s why:
- Increased Online Visibility:
The higher your website ranks on search engines, the more people will see it. This means more potential clients discovering your services online, especially when they're looking for mortgage solutions.
- Higher Rankings on Search Engines:
Most people don’t look past the first page of search results. By optimizing your site, you can climb those rankings and beat out the competition. Imagine someone searching for "best mortgage rates near me" and finding your brokerage right at the top!
- Attracting More Local Clients:
SEO isn't just about getting anyone to your site—it's about getting the right people. Local SEO helps ensure that when someone nearby searches for mortgage services, your brokerage pops up. This means more inquiries and more clients securing loans through you.
Key Components of SEO
Now, let’s break down the main parts of SEO specifically for your mortgage brokerage:
On-Page SEO
This involves making sure the content on your website is optimized. It includes things like:
- Keywords:
Using the words and phrases people are searching for in your titles, descriptions, and content. For example, if you specialize in first-time homebuyer loans, make sure you use phrases like "best mortgage broker for first-time buyers" or "affordable home loans" on your site.
- Content Quality:
Providing useful, engaging, and fresh content about your services. Share your loan options, success stories, financial tips, and information about your team.
- Meta Tags:
Using meta titles and descriptions that are relevant and appealing to searchers. For instance, a meta description for your homepage could be "Secure the best mortgage rates with [Your Brokerage Name], the top-rated mortgage broker in [Your City]."
Off-Page SEO
This focuses on actions taken outside your website to impact your rankings:
- Backlinks:
Getting other reputable websites to link to your site, which signals to search engines that your site is trustworthy and relevant. This could be from financial blogs, local news sites, or community resource pages.
- Social Media:
Being active on social media with your brokerage’s page can drive traffic to your site and improve your online presence. Share client testimonials, mortgage tips, and updates on interest rates to engage with your audience.
Technical SEO
This ensures your website meets the technical requirements of search engines:
- Site Speed:
Making sure your website loads quickly. No one likes to wait, especially potential clients looking for mortgage information!
- Mobile-Friendliness:
Ensuring your site looks and works well on mobile devices. Many people search for mortgage brokers on their phones while on the go.
- Secure Website (HTTPS):
Having a secure website that users (and search engines) can trust. This is especially important if you have an online application or contact form.
Some mortgage brokers make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best mortgage brokers in the world. Replicate them now!
Which keywords should you target for your mortgage broker?
Mortgage brokers, like you, must target specific keywords in SEO because it helps your website appear in search results when potential clients look for mortgage services or advice. This increases the chances that people will find and contact you for their mortgage needs.
For example, if you specialize in first-time homebuyer loans, targeting keywords like "best mortgage broker for first-time buyers" or "first-time homebuyer mortgage advice" helps attract clients searching for those terms. This makes it easier for people interested in securing a mortgage to find your services online.
Here are some keyword ideas for you. If you want a more developed strategy with actionable steps, go check out our strategy pack for mortgage brokers.
Keyword | Competitiveness Level | Tips and Initiatives |
---|---|---|
Best mortgage broker in [Your City] | High | Optimize your website with client testimonials, gather positive reviews, list on local directories, and use local SEO strategies. |
First-time homebuyer mortgage advice | Medium | Create blog posts or pages on your website offering tips for first-time buyers, use keywords naturally in content, and engage with local real estate agents. |
Mortgage broker near me | Medium | Use professional imagery of your office, gather positive client reviews, and ensure your Google My Business profile is complete. |
Best mortgage rates in [Your City] | Medium | Feature current mortgage rates prominently on your website, use local SEO tactics, and promote rate specials on social media. |
FHA loans in [Your City] | High | Highlight unique aspects of FHA loans, create SEO-friendly content about the benefits, and engage with the local community online. |
Top-rated mortgage broker near me | High | Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews, optimize your website for mobile, and ensure accurate information on local listings. |
Affordable mortgage broker in [Your City] | Low | Highlight affordable mortgage options and services on your website, use keywords related to value, and promote deals on social media. |
Where to find mortgage advice near me | Medium | Use local SEO strategies, create content around popular mortgage topics, and ensure your website is optimized for mobile users searching nearby. |
Popular mortgage broker in [Your City] | Medium | Use social media to share client success stories, engage with local influencers, and gather client testimonials to build credibility. |
Best mortgage broker for families in [Your City] | Low | Create family-friendly content, highlight services for families on your website, and host family-themed events to generate buzz. |
What really matters when you do SEO for a mortgage broker
Actually, we think that SEO often follows the 80/20 rule, meaning that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. For mortgage brokers, like you, this means it's crucial to focus on the right strategies to maximize impact without feeling overwhelmed.
Action / Initiative | Why It Matters / How It Helps Attract New Clients |
---|---|
Optimize Google My Business profile | Ensures your mortgage brokerage appears in local search results, provides essential information (hours, location, services), and collects reviews to build trust. |
Gather and respond to online reviews | Positive reviews build credibility and trust. Responding to reviews shows you value client feedback, encouraging more people to seek your services. |
Create high-quality content with targeted keywords | Helps your website rank higher in search results for relevant queries, attracting clients looking for specific mortgage services or advice. |
Optimize for local SEO | Ensures your brokerage shows up in local searches (e.g., "mortgage brokers near me"), driving foot traffic and inquiries from nearby potential clients. |
Ensure website is mobile-friendly | Most users search for services on their phones. A mobile-friendly site provides a better user experience, leading to higher engagement and conversions. |
Use high-quality images of your office and team | Attractive photos build a personal connection with potential clients, showcasing your professional environment and team, which can significantly influence their decision to contact you. |
Include detailed service descriptions with keywords | Allows search engines to index your services, helping you appear in searches for specific mortgage solutions, and makes it easy for clients to understand what you offer. |
List your brokerage on local directories | Increases your online presence and backlinks, improving your search engine ranking and making it easier for clients to find you. |
Engage with local real estate agents and influencers | Generates referrals and word-of-mouth, reaching a wider audience and attracting clients who trust these local voices. |
Promote special rates and offers | Creates a sense of urgency and excitement, encouraging potential clients to contact you for unique mortgage solutions. |
Utilize social media to share updates and engage with clients | Builds a community around your brokerage, keeps clients informed about new offerings, and drives traffic to your website. |
Ensure accurate and consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information across all platforms | Prevents confusion, helps search engines trust your business information, and improves your local SEO ranking. |
Offer online consultations and application forms | Makes it convenient for clients to start the mortgage process, leading to increased inquiries and applications. |
Create blog posts about mortgage tips and industry insights | Attracts visitors to your site through informative and engaging content, improving SEO and showcasing your expertise in the mortgage industry. |
Copy the tactics of the best mortgage brokers in the world!
There are mortgage brokers that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
What is always useless when you do SEO for a mortgage broker
We have studied a lot of mortgage brokers when we built our strategy pack and we saw a lot of SEO-related initiatives that don't help attract new clients. We explain here why they might be a waste of time or even counterproductive.
Action / Initiative | Why It Doesn't Matter / How It Doesn't Help Bring New Clients |
---|---|
Using meta keyword tags | Search engines no longer use meta keyword tags to rank pages, so focusing on them doesn't improve SEO for your mortgage brokerage. |
Keyword stuffing in service descriptions | Overusing keywords in service descriptions makes them hard to read and can be penalized by search engines, turning away potential clients. |
Paying for backlinks from unrelated websites | Backlinks from non-finance related or low-quality websites don't improve your SEO and can even hurt your ranking if considered spammy by search engines. |
Using exact match domains like bestmortgagebroker.com | Having an exact match domain has minimal impact on SEO and can appear spammy, especially if it doesn't reflect your brand well. |
Creating multiple pages for the same service offerings | Duplicate content confuses search engines and can dilute your SEO efforts. Focus on one high-quality page for each unique service or topic. |
Using Flash for mortgage calculators or application forms | Flash is outdated, not supported by many devices, and negatively impacts SEO. Modern alternatives like HTML5 should be used instead. |
Focusing only on desktop optimization | Many clients search for mortgage brokers on mobile devices. Ignoring mobile optimization leads to poor user experience and lower search rankings. |
Using automated link-building tools | These tools often create low-quality or spammy links that can be penalized by search engines, hurting your mortgage brokerage's SEO efforts. |
Ignoring structured data for services | Structured data helps search engines understand your services better. Ignoring it means missing out on potential SEO benefits like rich snippets. |
Not updating your service offerings regularly | Outdated service information can frustrate clients and harm your SEO. Regular updates keep content relevant and maintain search rankings. |
Using irrelevant stock photos on your site | Low-quality or irrelevant images can negatively impact user experience and SEO. Use high-quality photos of your actual team and office. |
Over-optimizing anchor text in links | Using exact match keywords for every link appears unnatural and can be penalized by search engines. Use varied, natural anchor text instead. |
Ignoring page load speed for your website | Slow-loading pages frustrate users and can lead to higher bounce rates, negatively impacting your mortgage brokerage's SEO. Ensure your site loads quickly. |
Using too many ads above the fold on your homepage | Too many ads at the top of the page can be off-putting for users and may be penalized by search engines, impacting your SEO negatively. |
Should you pay someone for the SEO of your mortgage broker?
Well, we will be transparent. Here’s the thing: SEO can get pretty complex, and having some support can really make a difference. Imagine trying to juggle managing your mortgage brokerage, handling client consultations, processing loan applications, and then on top of that, diving into the world of search engine optimization. It’s a lot, right?
Having someone handle your SEO means you can focus on what you do best—helping clients secure their dream homes. SEO experts know the ins and outs of getting your website to rank higher on search engines. They stay updated on the latest trends and algorithms, which means your site will be optimized correctly and consistently. This can lead to more people finding your mortgage brokerage online, and ultimately, more clients seeking your services.
- But here’s the kicker: there are a lot of low-hanging fruits in SEO that you can tackle on your own, even if you don’t know much about it.
You will find a lot of low-hanging fruits that cost nothing, are quick to implement, and will make your mortgage brokerage’s website much more visible in strategy pack for mortgage brokers.
Simple actions like optimizing your Google My Business profile, ensuring your website is mobile-friendly, and using relevant keywords can significantly improve your online presence. These tasks don't require deep technical knowledge but can make a big impact.
So, should you increase the marketing budget of your mortgage brokerage to pay someone to manage your SEO? If you can do it, it’s a worthwhile investment. But don't underestimate what you can achieve on your own. Start with the basics, see the results, and then decide if you need more specialized help.
Make your mortgage broker more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best mortgage brokers in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Useful tools mortgage brokers can use for their SEO
Here are some essential tools that our team has collected and listed, to help you enhance your mortgage brokerage's online presence and SEO.
Tool | How It's Useful |
---|---|
Google My Business | Ensures your mortgage brokerage appears in local search results and Google Maps, provides essential information (hours, location, services), and collects client reviews. |
SEMrush | Helps identify the best keywords for your mortgage services, analyze competitors, and track your search rankings. Provides insights to improve your content and visibility. |
Yext | Manages your brokerage's listings across multiple directories, ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information to boost local SEO. |
Google Search Console | Monitors your brokerage website's performance, identifies issues, and provides data on search traffic and keywords to optimize your SEO strategy. |
Yelp | Collects client reviews and ratings, which improve your brokerage's online reputation and visibility in local search results. |
BrightLocal | Offers tools for local SEO audits, citation building, and review management, helping your brokerage improve its local search presence. |
Moz | Provides keyword research, link building, and site audit tools to enhance your brokerage's SEO efforts and improve search engine rankings. |
Ahrefs | Analyzes your brokerage's backlink profile, identifies top-performing content, and tracks keyword rankings to boost your SEO strategy. |
Screaming Frog SEO Spider | Crawls your brokerage's website to identify technical SEO issues, such as broken links and duplicate content, helping improve site health and rankings. |
AnswerThePublic | Generates content ideas by showing what people are searching for related to mortgage services, helping you create relevant and engaging blog posts and pages. |
Canva | Helps create visually appealing social media posts and graphics for your website, which can improve user engagement and indirectly boost SEO. |
Hotjar | Provides insights into user behavior on your brokerage's website through heatmaps and session recordings, helping you optimize user experience and reduce bounce rates. |
Copy the SEO tactics of the best mortgage brokers
We understand why many business owners might shy away from SEO and marketing.
Managing a mortgage brokerage is already a full-time job, and the concept of SEO can seem vague and foreign. The terminology can be confusing, and it often feels like marketing is a luxury only big corporations can afford.
Plus, there's the constant worry about costs and whether any marketing efforts will actually pay off. We get that you prefer to focus on immediate, tangible improvements to your brokerage rather than dive into something that seems complicated and uncertain. No need to deteriorate your brokerage’s budget here.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically for mortgage brokers like you.
Our pack is designed to address all these concerns head-on. It includes easy-to-follow guides that break down SEO and marketing into simple steps, so you don't need to be a tech expert to understand. We offer cost-effective strategies that fit within tight budgets, and our step-by-step plans ensure that you can implement a good marketing strategy for your brokerage without feeling overwhelmed.
Plus, we've included real-life examples and tips that have worked for other small brokerages, so you can see the tangible benefits before you even start.
Our goal is to make marketing accessible and practical, helping your mortgage brokerage thrive without adding extra stress to your already busy life.
Your mortgage broker could make more money!
Most mortgage brokers don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.