Introduction
Carrot, a platform offering website solutions for real estate and cannabis industries, has become a popular choice among small businesses due to its customizable templates and integrated tools. The platform provides features such as auto-generated location pages, built-in SEO tools, and integration with social media and analytics. While the platform offers a streamlined approach to launching a website, businesses using Carrot must still apply on-page and local SEO best practices to maximize visibility and lead generation.
The source materials highlight several SEO-related features and user experiences with Carrot websites. These include the importance of personalization for differentiation, the use of local SEO for real estate listings, and the necessity of ongoing optimization to maintain rankings, especially after Google algorithm updates. Additionally, the materials suggest that while Carrot provides built-in SEO tools, businesses may need to invest in additional services, such as on-page SEO and competitor analysis, to enhance their online presence.
This article will explore the on-page, local, and technical SEO strategies relevant to Carrot websites, drawing from the insights provided in the source data.
On-Page SEO for Carrot Websites
Carrot provides a range of on-page SEO tools to help businesses optimize their content. These include built-in SEO indicators, keyword suggestions, and the ability to embed Google and Facebook reviews. However, the effectiveness of these tools largely depends on how users apply them.
One key insight from the source materials is that many users do not personalize their Carrot websites, which can lead to generic content and poor differentiation. According to a user from the BiggerPockets forum, 60% of Carrot users do not personalize their sites. This suggests that businesses that invest time in customizing their content and design can stand out in their market. Customization includes not only the visual elements but also the content itself, such as using unique value propositions, tailored messaging, and localized keywords.
The source data also mentions that Carrot offers a keyword explorer tool, which can be used to identify relevant keywords for content creation. However, it is important to note that this tool is a built-in feature and no further details on its functionality are provided. Users are encouraged to optimize page content using the SEO indicators available within the platform, which can help ensure that key elements such as meta titles, descriptions, and headers are optimized for search engines.
Additionally, the platform allows for the embedding of Google Reviews and Google My Business listings, which can enhance local visibility and credibility. This is particularly important for local SEO, but the practice also contributes to on-page SEO by incorporating user-generated content that can improve engagement and time spent on the site.
Local SEO Best Practices for Carrot Websites
Local SEO is a critical component for real estate and cannabis businesses using Carrot. The source materials highlight the importance of location-specific pages, Google My Business integration, and local keyword optimization.
Carrot's Auto-Location Pages feature is designed to help businesses create multiple location-specific pages quickly. This is especially useful for real estate investors and wholesalers who operate in multiple areas. By creating location-specific pages, businesses can target local search queries and improve their chances of appearing in the local pack on Google.
However, it is important to note that the success of these pages depends on how well they are optimized. For example, the content on each location page should include relevant local keywords, such as city names, neighborhood names, and local landmarks. Additionally, each page should have unique content to avoid duplication and ensure that each location is treated as a separate entity by search engines.
Google My Business integration is another key aspect of local SEO for Carrot websites. The source data indicates that businesses using Carrot can embed their Google My Business listings directly into their websites. This not only improves local visibility but also helps with citations and NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency, which are important factors in local search rankings.
According to the BiggerPackets forum discussion, some users have expressed concerns about the saturation of Carrot websites in their markets. This suggests that businesses must go beyond the basic features offered by the platform and focus on personalization and local optimization to stand out. For example, businesses could include local success stories, testimonials from local clients, and hyperlocal content that speaks directly to the needs and interests of the local audience.
Technical SEO Considerations for Carrot Websites
While Carrot provides an all-in-one platform for website creation, businesses must still consider technical SEO factors to ensure their sites perform well in search engine rankings. Technical SEO refers to the optimization of a website’s infrastructure to make it more accessible and crawlable by search engines.
One key technical consideration is site speed. Although the source materials do not provide specific data on the performance of Carrot websites, it is generally understood that faster-loading websites tend to rank better and offer a better user experience. Businesses should ensure that their Carrot websites are optimized for speed by minimizing the use of large images, leveraging caching, and reducing unnecessary scripts.
Another technical factor is mobile optimization. The source materials mention that Carrot websites are mobile-optimized, which is important given that a significant portion of search traffic comes from mobile devices. However, businesses should still test their websites on various devices to ensure that the layout and functionality are consistent across all platforms.
XML sitemap submission is another technical aspect that should not be overlooked. While the source materials do not explicitly state whether Carrot provides an automated way to generate and submit sitemaps, it is recommended that businesses submit their sitemaps to Google Search Console to help search engines index their content more efficiently.
Finally, the source data mentions that some Carrot websites faced challenges with being de-indexed following a Google algorithm update. This highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with algorithm changes and adjusting technical SEO strategies accordingly. Businesses using Carrot should monitor their site’s performance using tools like Google Search Console and make necessary adjustments to maintain visibility.
Off-Page SEO and Link Building for Carrot Websites
Off-page SEO refers to activities that are performed outside of a website to improve its search engine rankings. This includes backlink building, social media marketing, and online reputation management. The source materials provide some insights into how Carrot websites can benefit from off-page SEO strategies.
One notable example is the case of Lisa Martinez, a real estate wholesaler who used Carrot to build a website and generated 80 SEO leads per month. Her strategy included creating a credible website, producing high-quality content, and leveraging backlinks. She used a link-building company called Rhino Rank to insert backlinks into guest posts and other relevant content. This demonstrates that even with a platform like Carrot, businesses must still invest in off-page SEO to drive traffic and improve rankings.
Another off-page strategy mentioned in the source materials is the use of Google Reviews and social proof. The platform allows for the embedding of Google Reviews, which can enhance credibility and encourage more users to engage with the site. Additionally, businesses can use social media to share their content and drive traffic to their Carrot websites.
The source data also mentions the growing importance of AI-based search tools like ChatGPT. While the data indicates that Carrot’s website saw a 94.4% increase in leads from ChatGPT over the past six months, it also raises the question of how businesses should adapt to this trend. The source suggests that businesses should focus on making their content AI-friendly, such as by structuring it in a way that is easy for AI models to understand and rank.
The Role of Professional SEO Services for Carrot Websites
While Carrot provides a range of built-in SEO tools, some users may find it necessary to hire professional SEO services to enhance their online presence. The source materials mention several service providers on Fiverr who offer on-page SEO optimization, custom design, and competitor analysis for Carrot websites.
For example, one Fiverr user offers a service that includes custom-designed Investor Carrot pages, competitor analysis, and on-page SEO optimization. This suggests that businesses looking to differentiate themselves from the competition may benefit from hiring an expert who can help optimize their Carrot website for both search engines and user experience.
Another service provider offers to set up a full Investor Carrot website, including SEO optimization and mobile view optimization. This is particularly useful for businesses that may not have the technical expertise to build and optimize their own websites.
However, it is important to note that while these services can be valuable, they should be used in conjunction with the built-in tools provided by Carrot. Businesses should not rely solely on third-party services but should also take an active role in managing and optimizing their websites.
Conclusion
Carrot offers a range of SEO-friendly features that can help real estate and cannabis businesses establish a strong online presence. These include on-page SEO tools, local SEO integration, and auto-generated location pages. However, the effectiveness of these features depends on how well they are utilized by the user.
The source materials indicate that many businesses using Carrot do not fully personalize their websites, which can lead to generic content and poor differentiation. To stand out, businesses must invest time in customizing their content, optimizing for local search, and leveraging off-page SEO strategies such as backlink building and social media marketing.
Additionally, technical SEO considerations such as site speed, mobile optimization, and sitemap submission should not be overlooked. Businesses should also be prepared to adapt to changes in search algorithms and emerging trends such as AI-based search.
For businesses that may lack the expertise to manage their own SEO efforts, hiring professional SEO services can be a valuable investment. However, these services should be used in conjunction with the built-in tools and features provided by Carrot to achieve the best results.
Ultimately, the success of a Carrot website depends on a combination of platform features, user effort, and strategic optimization. By following best practices in on-page, local, technical, and off-page SEO, businesses can maximize their visibility and generate more leads through their Carrot websites.