Going Beyond the MLS

If you’re here, you’re probably thinking about doing real estate your way. Maybe you’re tired of the fees, or maybe you just don’t want to depend on the NAR or MLS to keep your listings visible. Either way, you’re not alone. More agents than ever are breaking away from the “traditional” setup and trying out independent digital strategies that put their brand front and center.

So, let’s talk about what this journey looks like. Going independent in real estate marketing is about setting up a digital presence that’s uniquely yours. The best part? You don’t have to figure it out solo—this is exactly where Digital Rebel Marketing can jump in to help make it happen.

In this series, I’ll walk you through each part of the process, starting with the absolute foundation of independent marketing: a killer online presence.

Think of your website as your digital storefront. If you’re stepping away from the MLS, your site isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s going to be your main stage. This is where people find you, learn about your services, and decide you’re the one they want to work with. And, yeah, it sounds like a lot to set up, but with the right approach (and a little help from us), you’ll be amazed at how much this can transform your business.

Creating a Professional, SEO-Optimized Website

Your website is the hub of your business online. So how do we make it work harder for you?

• Website Essentials: Every great site needs the basics—Homepage, About Page, Property Listings, and a way for people to Contact You. If you’re trying to win over buyers and sellers without the MLS, make sure your website gives people a sense of who you are, what you offer, and how they can get in touch.

• SEO Fundamentals for Realtors: Don’t let “SEO” scare you. It’s simply the art of getting found online. This means we make sure your website is speaking the same language as search engines. Adding search terms like “homes for sale in [City]” or “real estate agent in [City]” throughout your site will help bring in local leads—this is how people will find you, not the MLS.

  Need help figuring out SEO? Digital Rebel’s here for that. We’ll guide you on exactly where to add these keywords to make sure your site is optimized from the start.

• User Experience: Here’s the thing—if people can’t easily browse your site, they’re going to leave. You want a mobile-friendly, easy-to-navigate site that loads quickly and gets people where they want to go (whether it’s a listing, your contact form, or just learning about you). We can handle all of this and make sure you’re set up with a smooth, user-friendly site that keeps people around.

A polished website is step one, but it’s the content on your site that keeps people coming back and gets you noticed.

• Blogging and Market Updates: A blog can help you stand out big-time. You get to showcase your knowledge, keep clients updated, and boost your SEO all at once. Write about local market trends, tips for first-time buyers in your area, or advice for sellers looking to make top dollar. This isn’t just fluff—it’s exactly what people want to know, and it establishes you as the expert in your area. We can even help brainstorm topics that hit home with your audience.

• Neighborhood Guides and Community Content: Want to really connect with local buyers? Write up guides on neighborhoods, community events, or even reviews of nearby coffee shops and parks. You’re not just selling houses; you’re selling a lifestyle, and showing off your local knowledge is key. And hey, if writing these sounds like too much? That’s where Digital Rebel can step in to help you create unique content that fits your brand.

• Video Tours and Visual Content: In today’s market, video content is a game-changer. Buyers love virtual tours and a quick walk-through that give them a feel for the place without leaving their couch. High-quality visuals make your listings stand out from the crowd—and they make you look professional as heck. We can help you get set up with video ideas or even connect you to production resources if you’re ready to take your content to the next level.

Setting up your online presence is the first big step toward independence. With a well-designed website, smart SEO, and content that speaks directly to your audience, you’re already ahead of the game. And remember, you don’t have to do this alone. At Digital Rebel Marketing, we’re all about helping real estate agents like you build a brand that stands out, independent of the traditional routes.

Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where we’ll dive into how to use social media to expand your reach, connect with clients, and build a loyal following around your brand.