If you want to be discoverable on Google as a real estate agent, setting up a Google Business Profile (GBP) should be one of your highest priorities. This profile will appear when home buyers and sellers in your area search for “realtor near me.” It’s fairly easy to set up and can instantly boost your visibility in the search engine.
Learn how to create a Google Business Profile and why you need one as a real estate agent.
What Is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is a listing within the search engine results page that shows your business information. You can view examples by opening up Google on your smartphone or laptop and searching “realtor near me.” You will see a few options under the “Businesses” heading, indicating their ratings, years in service, addresses, and other essential details.
If you want your name or real estate company to appear in this section, you must create a GBP listing first. Then, you need to optimize the listing so that the search engine knows to rank your profile in the first few search results.
How To Create a Google Business Profile As a Real Estate Agent
Creating a Google Business Profile is a quick and easy process.
- Begin by heading to www.google.com/business and logging into your Google account. If you have an account specifically for your real estate services, use this one. If not, you may want to consider creating one for consistency’s sake. In the future, you can create PPC ads and other Google-based marketing campaigns under this account.
- Search for your name or brand. If you want to create a listing as a solo real estate agent, search for the brand name you use. If you are creating a GBP for a company or agency, search for that name instead.
- Create or claim your listing. If there is already a listing for that brand name, you can click “Claim my business” next to it. Otherwise, you can follow the instructions for creating a new listing.
- Provide your address and service area. To flesh out the GBP listing, you’ll need to provide some information about your real estate services. Begin by inputting your address and/or the regions you serve.
- Choose the relevant category. You will need to select the category your brand falls under. This will likely be “Real Estate Agent.” You can add secondary business categories to further clarify your services, such as “Rentals” or “Property Management.”
- Add your contact information: Provide other contact details, including your phone number and website.
- Verify your brand: Finally, you must complete a simple business verification process. The main way to do this is by requesting that a postcard be mailed to your address. The postcard will contain a code that you can enter into your profile. If you don’t have a business address, you may be able to verify through email or phone instead.
These are the basic steps for creating a Google Business Profile. If you have a bit more time, you can take a few additional measures to optimize your listing and improve its local search visibility.
Tips for Optimizing Your Real Estate GBP
How does Google determine which order to display GBPs for search terms like “real estate agent near me”? The search engine uses a specific algorithm to determine when to display search results. Matching your GBP to as many of these algorithm points as possible can help boost its visibility in the search engine.
Here are a few tips to help your profile comply with the search engine’s algorithm:
- Ensure NAP consistency: Your name, address, and phone number (NAP) data should be consistent across your GBP and all other online listings. Ensure that you include the exact same information on your website, GBP, Facebook page, and all other instances online.
- Create a detailed description: You have the option to include a description in your GBP. Take advantage of this opportunity by writing a specific, detailed blurb about your real estate services. Include information about your expertise, experience, and specialties. To further increase visibility, incorporate a few relevant keywords into the description, such as “selling homes in (your city)” or “real estate agent in (your town).”
- Flesh out your profile with photos and videos: Add a few photos of yourself and the properties you have sold to make your profile more engaging. You can also film one or two short videos of you walking through a home or talking about your services. These show the search engine that your brand is relevant and modern.
- Monitor and respond to customer reviews: When clients leave reviews of your real estate services on Google, whether positive or negative, respond to them promptly. Thank clients for their positive comments and seek to resolve negative ones by asking for clarification or offering some sort of restitution.
Let Me Help You Optimize Your Online Presence
Creating a Google Business Profile is just one of the many ways you can leverage this search engine to increase local visibility as a real estate agent. I’m Grant Bartel, a professional real estate marketer with almost a decade of experience helping busineses like you generate qualified leads. Reach out through my contact form to learn how I can help you.
GBP for Real Estate FAQs
Is Google Business Profile the Same as Google My Business?
Yes, Google Business Profile is the same as Google My Business. The search engine changed the name of its listings in 2022, but you’ll commonly see the previous name still used among marketers.
Who Qualifies for a Google Business Profile?
Virtually any brand with customers or clients can qualify for a GBP as long as it makes in-person contact with clients during the stated hours of operation. Learn more about the platform’s business eligibility and ownership guidelines.
How Can I Get Google-Verified as a Real Estate Agent?
You can get Google verified as a real estate agent by filling out your GBP listing and completing the verification process. This usually involves requesting a postcard with a code you can input when creating your Google Business Profile.