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Best Practices for Using Keywords in IntelliSearch Saved Searches

Overview

Choosing the right keywords when creating a Saved Search with IntelliSearch in Sierra is essential to ensuring accurate and relevant search results. This guide outlines best practices for selecting, testing, and refining keywords to optimize your Saved Searches and enhance the visibility of targeted listings on your website.

 

Step 1: Research Common Keywords in Your MLS

  1. Look up available property types & sub-types first.

    Use the MLS Regions & Property Types/Subtypes lookup tool to confirm exactly how each MLS feed maps property data. This makes it easier to choose keywords that actually exist in your feed and to explain results to clients.

  2. Search your MLS for listings that match your criteria.

  3. Review property descriptions, feature sections, and agent remarks for commonly used terms.

  4. Identify patterns in listing descriptions—certain keywords, like “lakefront” or “dock,” may be more effective than broad terms like “lake.”

  5. Note synonyms and variations. For example, “ocean view” may be used interchangeably with “coastal view” in some regions.

 

Step 2: Select and Implement Effective Keywords

Once you have gathered relevant keywords, use them strategically in your Saved Search setup.

  1. Navigate to the Leads tab in your Sierra Interactive Admin Dashboard.

  2. Click on Saved Searches and select Create New Saved Search.

  3. Enter search criteria such as location, price range, and property type.

  4. Use IntelliSearch Keywords effectively:

    • Be specific rather than general: Instead of broad terms like "pool" (which might return community pools), use specific terms like "private pool" or "inground pool"

    • Use compound phrases for specific features: "open concept," "primary on main," "gourmet kitchen"

    • Prioritize your most important 2-3 criteria first as exact matches will appear on the first pages of results

    • For distinct property styles, use complete descriptive terms: "Craftsman Style," "Mid-Century Modern"

  5. Save your search with a recognizable name for easy reference.

Step 3: Understanding Waterfront Property Searches

Searching for waterfront properties requires special consideration:

  1. For general waterfront properties:

    • Use specific descriptors like "waterfront," "direct water access," "lakefront," or "oceanfront" rather than just "lake" or "water"

    • Add property-specific features like "boat dock," "shoreline," or "water view" as separate keywords

    • Combine multiple water-related terms to improve relevance (e.g., "waterfront" + "dock" + "shoreline")

  2. For properties on a specific body of water:

    • Use the water body name separately from access terms: "Lake Dardanelle" + "waterfront" + "dock"

    • Avoid relying on compound phrases like "Lake Dardanelle Access" which may miss relevant listings

    • Be prepared to manually review results to distinguish between properties ON the water versus NEAR the water

    • Consider excluding terms commonly used for nearby (but not waterfront) properties by using terms like "waterfront" rather than just the water body name

Step 4: Test and Refine Your Keyword Selection

After creating the Saved Search, review the results and fine-tune the keywords as needed.

  1. Preview the listings on your website to confirm they align with your criteria.

  2. If listings are too broad or irrelevant:

    • Narrow your keywords by focusing on specific amenities or attributes.

    • Add qualifying terms to generic features: change "view" to "mountain view" or "garage" to "3-car garage"

    • Remove vague terms and replace them with precise alternatives.

  3. If too few listings appear:

    • Expand your keywords by including synonyms or alternative terms.

    • Consider local terminology—different regions may use different descriptors for similar features.

  4. Understand how results are ordered, using Best Match sorting:

    • Exact matches will show first

    • Partial and fuzzy matches will then show 

  5. Experiment with different keyword combinations to improve accuracy.

Step 5: Applying an Effective Keyword Strategy

Consider these strategies for different search scenarios:

  1. For highly specific searches (like multi-generational homes):

    • Use multiple relevant terms as separate keywords: "multi-generational" + "in-law suite" + "separate entrance"

    • This casts a wider net since listings may use different terminology for the same feature

  2. For lifestyle searches:

    • Combine location terms with lifestyle features: "downtown" + "walkable" + "restaurants"

    • Use natural language terms that appear in listing descriptions rather than relying on MLS field values: For example, search for "swimming pool" (as it would appear in a description) rather than just "Pool" (which might match the MLS field "Pool: No" or "Community Pool: Yes")

    • Focus on how agents write about properties: Look for descriptive phrases like "perfect for entertaining" or "resort-style living" that wouldn't appear in structured property categories

  3. For feature vs. amenity distinction:

    • Property-specific features should use terms like:

      • "Private pool" vs. "Community pool"

      • "Attached garage" vs. "Garage parking"

      • "In-unit laundry" vs. "Laundry facility"

    • For location-based searches, use specific terms:

      • "Waterfront" vs. "Water access"

      • "Beachfront" vs. "Near beach"

      • "Mountain property" vs. "Mountain view"

Step 6: Apply the Optimized Saved Search to a Content Page

Once satisfied with your keyword selection, integrate the Saved Search into your website's content pages.

  1. Navigate to Content > Content Pages in your Client Admin Area.

  2. Locate the target page and click Edit.

  3. In the Page Components section, remove outdated Saved Search components.

  4. Click + Add New Page Component and select Listings from Saved Search.

  5. Choose your optimized Saved Search and click Submit.

  6. Rearrange the page components as needed to ensure an ideal layout.

Final Steps: Review and Publish

  1. Preview the Page – Verify that listings match expectations.

  2. Refine as Needed – If results are not ideal, revisit the Saved Search and adjust keywords accordingly.

  3. Track Performance – Monitor which listings are appearing and adjust keywords based on user engagement data.

  4. Publish the Updates – Once satisfied, click Save and View to make the changes and view the updates live.

 Best Practices

  • Always preview your Saved Search before publishing.

  • Avoid vague, generic keywords.

  • Use terminology that mirrors how agents write property descriptions.

  • Update keywords based on seasonal trends or market shifts.

  • Track performance and engagement using Google Analytics or CRM insights.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Too many unrelated listings appear.
Solution: Refine keywords for specificity, and remove generic terms.

Problem: Not enough listings match.
Solution: Add synonyms, regional phrasing, or slightly broaden criteria.

Problem: Listings show "near" instead of "on" the water.
Solution: Combine “waterfront” with more specific keywords like “dock” or “shoreline.”

FAQs

Q: Where can I check which property types and sub-types my MLS feed supports?

A: Use our MLS Regions & Property Types/Subtypes lookup tool. It shows every property type and sub-type available in each MLS region, so you can confirm how listings are mapped before building your Saved Search.

Q: How many keywords should I use in IntelliSearch?
A: Start with 2–3 strong, specific keywords. Too many can dilute relevance.

Q: Do IntelliSearch keywords replace MLS filters?
A: No, they enhance them. Use both for best results.

Q: Can I use keywords in agent subdomains?
A: Yes, IntelliSearch functions sitewide, including agent subdomains if configured.

By following these best practices, you ensure your Content Pages display the most relevant listings, improving user experience and engagement while making the most of IntelliSearch's powerful keyword capabilities.