Are you tired of being the best kept secret in your town’s real estate market? If you’re in the business of real estate, then you need to be on Google. Period. End of story. Google is the most popular search engine in the world handling over 3.5 billion searches per day. That’s a lot of potential customers that you could be missing out on if your business isn’t properly represented on Google. You may have previously received an email from Google asking you to claim or create your Google business profile. If you’re a realtor, you may be wondering why you should bother and how this profile can help your business. In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about setting up your own Google Business Profile as a realtor.
What is a Google Business Profile for Realtors?
A Business Profile on Google is a free listing that appears when people search for your business on Google Maps or Search. When clients search for real estate agents in their area, your Google business profile will appear with your business name, location, phone number, hours, website, photos, and customer reviews. Your Google business profile is a great way to showcase your work, connect with new clients, and build trust with potential customers. Plus, claiming or creating your profile is free and only takes a few minutes!
Why is Google Business Profile Important for Real Estate Professionals?
Having a Google Business Profile is like having a wingman. Why you ask? Let me break it down for you:
• Improved Visibility: With Google Business Profile, you can improve your visibility online and be the talk of the town. Your profile will appear in Google search results and Google Maps, making you the hottest property in town.
• Better Local SEO: By optimizing your profile with relevant keywords and information, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by potential clients. It’s like having a secret code that gets you into all the cool parties.
• Enhanced Credibility: When potential clients see that you have a verified business profile with positive reviews, they’re more likely to trust you and choose you over your competition. It’s like having a reputation as the life of the party, but for real estate.
Creating Your Business Profile
Creating a Google Business Profile is easy and free. If you don’t already have a Google account (for example, if you don’t use Gmail), you’ll need to create one before you can create your Business Profile. Here are the steps to get started:
Step 1: Go to google.com/business and sign in or create a new account using your personal Google account information.
Step 2: Enter your business name, address, and phone number. If you have multiple locations, you can add them all here.
Step 3: Choose one category that best describes your business. There are dozens of options to choose from, so take your time picking the right one.
Step 4: Add some photos! People love seeing photos of businesses before they visit or purchase from them. You can add photos of both the exterior and interior of your office as well as headshots of you and your team.
Step 5: Write a short description of your business. This is your chance to tell potential customers what makes you unique! Keep it under 200 words and use keywords that describe what you do best.
Step 6: Choose which products or services you want to feature on your profile. This is optional but can be a great way to highlight what you have to offer potential customers.
Step 7: Add opening hours, website URL, and contact information. Make sure this information is accurate and up-to-date!
You’ve now claimed or created your Google Business Profile— congrats! These seven steps are just the beginning; there are many other ways you can optimize and enhance your profile over time such as by adding videos, posts, or special offers. Use this guide as a starting point then get creative in order to make the most of this valuable tool!
How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile as a Realtor
A well-optimized Google Business Profile will help you rank higher in search results, which will make it more likely for potential clients to find and contact you. Here are a few tips on how to optimize your Google Business Profile as a realtor.
Ensure Your Business is Properly Categorized
First, make sure your business is properly categorized. You can do this by visiting the “Info” tab on your Google Business page and selecting the most relevant category from the list. If your business doesn’t fit into any of the existing categories, you can create a new one.
Use Keyword-Rich Titles & Descriptions
Next, add some keywords to your profile. Use titles and descriptions that are rich in keywords. This will help you rank higher in search results when potential clients are looking for a realtor in your area. For example, if you’re a realtor in Los Angeles, you might use keywords such as “Los Angeles real estate,” “homes for sale in Los Angeles,” or “Los Angeles realtors.”
Include Photos & Videos – People Love Visuals
Make sure to add plenty of photos and videos to your business profile. People are visual creatures, so the more photos and videos you have, the more likely people are to visit your profile. Be sure to include photos of both the interior and exterior of homes you’ve sold, as well as videos of open houses and client testimonials.
Reviews, Reviews, Reviews!
Checking reviews before making a purchase has become second nature for many consumers. In fact, studies show that over 90% of consumers consult reviews before making a purchase, and that google reviews are one of the most trusted type of review. This is because google reviews are harder to fake than other types of reviews, and they’re also more likely to be based on actual customer experiences. As a result, Google reviews can be a powerful tool for businesses, providing potential customers with an honest look at what it’s like to work with them. For real estate, Google reviews can be a key factor in driving sales and growth.
Keep Your Profile Up-to-Date
Finally, keep your profile up-to-date. This means regularly adding fresh content, such as blog posts or new listings. Google favors profiles that are active and relevant, so it’s important to keep yours up-to-date if you want to be found online.
By following the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to ranking higher in search results and generating more leads for your business.
A Google Business Profile is a valuable tool for any realtor looking to attract new clients and build trust with potential customers. Creating or claiming your profile is free and only takes a few minutes! Follow the seven steps outlined in this blog post to get started then get creative in order to make the most of this valuable tool!
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