Google represents more than 50% of all web searches in the United States.  For real estate agents that means, you need to get your site searchable on Google.  So, how do you go about doing that?

Google, unlike most search engines puts the most value on the number and the quality of other sites that link to you (backlinks).  So, the key to getting noticed by Google is building your relevant inbound linkage data. 

Relevant inbound links means links from other websites that are related in some way to the content of your site.  So if you have a site about real estate you dont want links from sites about kitchen utensils- thats why link farms should be avoided.

The best way to get your site indexed is through having a search engine follow a link from another site back to you.

Search engines are operated by scripts and code. Conversely, directories are human compiled lists of sites organized by categories. Since directories are entirely human edited they take a ton of time and effort to maintain. Directories rarely provide much direct traffic, however, the value of a directory listing is in how search engines will evaluate the links. Occasionally you will find a directory that does provide good traffic but that is the exception more than it is the rule.

When submitting to directories spend the extra time to ensure you are in the correct category and are following the directory guidelines.   Also be sure to vary the text you submit to directories so it doesnt look like a robot is doing a bulk submission to multiple directories.  That is one sure fire way to not get a listing in a directory!

Read also: Read also: From the horse's mouth: what Google says about content relevancy to search term

Read also: RSS Hugger, A Blog Directory that Actually Understands SEO

Read also: High PR sites, EDUs, Directories, still a link builders best friend according to leading SEOs at SMX

Reciprocal Link Required Directories

Some directories require reciprocal links to be listed in them. I do not recommend swapping links with most of these types of directories. Link popularity is a currency so you want to be careful with linking to a directory that could devalue your site in the eyes of a search engine.

The Open Directory Project (DMOZ) is free, but sometimes it can take a while to get listed. DMOZ editors work free of charge and are under no obligation to list your website. Ensure you take the time to submit your site to the right category and follow their directory guidelines. Regional sites should be submitted to their respective regional category. The Open Directory Project is syndicated by many other sites and inclusion into it often provides your site with dozens of inbound links.

(there is a $46 fee associated with this one but they list you on over 200 free directories by hand with varying descriptive text so your links build naturally.  I use this service myself and recommend it) You can use their list of directories and submit your site to them yourself, but honestly- who has the time?

http://www.best-web-directories.com/directory-submission-tips.htm 

Free (noncomercial resources only) Zeal is the free noncommercial backdoor directory which helps to power the LookSmart suite of sites.

The WWW Virtual Library was founded by Tim Berners-Lee as a link directory by a loose confederation of topical experts. High quality directories can submit to be part of the WWW Virtual Library.

Free submission. Each submitted site is reviewed by 2 or more librarians to weed out garbage. Submissions must have significant non commercial content to be indexed.

(Free Inclusion) A variety of top quality resources ran by differnet organizations. Similar to the WWW Virtual Library, but more focused.