I have downloaded several themes for my WP RE site (anything that caught my eye and was free), but I wanted to finalize which direction I want to go, before I get to deep into customizing it. (I am currently using the Cutline theme)
Here is my question:
If I purchase a sharp professional-type theme that looks like a million $, will I lose out on any SEO vs. using a more basic, easy to "crawl" design? I really like the WP Pro Real Estate theme by Theme Forest dot net, but I realize that it is really a web site built on WP, vs. a true blog. That said, would a site like that really miss out on a lot of optimization "points", or would content and keywords trump all other factors (apparently the header text on that WP Pro theme is not real "text" but is generated in some other way, so that it can look really slick, but still be viewable on any PC, no matter what fonts they have installed).

There are thousands and thousands of WP themes out there.

You should be able to find one that is aesthetically pleasing AND has a decent SEO build to it. You shouldn't have to make a choice IMO.

I still don't get this wordpress thing. Is it just used to build SEO to your website? Is it attached to your website? How are the both of you using it?

wordpress is blog software, free for anyone to use. It's not to "build SEO" for your site - but the template should be seo friendly.

you "build SEO" with content and links.

Ok, I tried to download it and I get nothing. Seems to not be real user friendly. Or the more obvious option, I'm an internet idiot. LOL

Ok, I tried to download it and I get nothing. Seems to not be real user friendly. Or the more obvious option, I'm an internet idiot. LOL

WK -
Wordpress IS your web site. Your site would be built on their blog software. You hear so much about it b/c it is very search engine friendly, very flexible and fairly easy to work with. There are many sites that you might come across, and not even realize that they are built on Wordpress, since you can customize it to your liking.
Get on YouTube, and search for videos on Wordpress--that should help. I would also recommend getting a free wordpress site (just in the beginning) at Wordpress.com, and you can get your feet wet there.
If you already have a site through your broker, I might stick with that for now, and wade slowly into the other things. If you really want to get a full blown Wordpress blog up and running, you might want to pay someone to do it (maybe a college student or something).

Malok - Thanks for the reply. My design sensibilities tend to get the best of me sometimes, and cause me to forget the bigger picture - its about the content. Some of the top RE agent/bloggers sites don't seem to be the flashiest...

If you need a great Wordpress optimized theme try StudioPress or DIYThemes.com

These are done by the Best coders in the world.

If you want to integrate IDX Listings into Wordpress click on www.TheLocalExpert.com

Take a look at the Font Size and Structure. All you need is a basic structure. Big fonts, Georgia style will look the best and increase the time visitors spend on your website.

I'm at www.SamIngersoll.com if you need some specific advice.

In general, you should stay away from templates that generate links dynamically. When you first launch a site, crawlers are your most frequent repeat visitor. Give the crawlers what they want to see, then find ways to make that more attractive as you get more human visitors.

Wordpress is a great place to gain in bound links to your main site. If you do setup a wordpress blog, and you have another site, the blog is one of the best ways to drive traffic to your static website.

If you want to just go with a wordpress site as your main site, I would recommend using some of the better themes out there. There only like $100, and they are really good looking. Just google: "real estate wordpress themes" and you will have plenty to choose from.

My vote goes for the free Mimbo template - a clean professional design.