STEP 1.
Real Estate Agent
Google Business Profile Set Up and Optimization.
The 1st thing to do to Standout from the Crowd.
Our Ultimate Set Up Guide gives you a headstart.
Google Business Profiles for Real Estate Agents:
Step 1 in Your Local SEO Strategy
The Essential Guide to Optimizing Your Google Business Profile in 2024
In the digital age, local visibility is everything. For real estate agents, ensuring you're visible where buyers and sellers are looking—Google—is essential. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is not just a digital listing; it's your powerhouse for local SEO, online reputation, and lead generation.
With over 90% of search traffic happening on Google, real estate agents can't afford to overlook this valuable tool. Let's explore the latest strategies to optimize your Google Business Profile in 2024 and how this is the first crucial step in our 9-Step Agent Marketing System.
The Problem
Real Estate Agents that do not have a properly set up or optimized Google Business Profile have CHALLENGES getting Found in their Local Farm Areas.
The Solution
Have B.A.M. do your GBP Set Up and Optimization.
Or if you are a D.I.Y. Agent... Use our Guides and Resources to get it done! TODAY.
Why Google Business Profile is Crucial for Real Estate Agents
Homebuyers and sellers are increasingly relying on Google Search and Google Maps to find real estate services in their local area. When a prospective client searches for “Real estate agents near me,” Google Business Profiles dominate the results—especially in the highly-coveted Local Pack (those top three results on Google Maps). Having a well-optimized Google Business Profile is your direct path to local visibility, trust-building, and driving qualified leads.
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Better Agent Marketing's
9 Step Agent Marketing System
Step-by-Step: Optimizing Your Google Business Profile
1. Claim and Verify Your Profile
To get started, you’ll need to claim your business on Google Business Profile. Follow the verification process, which can now be done by phone, email, or postcard. Once verified, you’ll have full control over your profile.
Pro Tip: For real estate agents managing multiple locations, each should have its own verified Google Business Profile, optimized for that specific locale.
2. Use Complete and Accurate Information
Ensure that every field of your profile is filled out with accurate and up-to-date information, especially:
- Business Name: Use the exact name that appears on your branding, website, and other listings. Keep it consistent.
- Category: Select the appropriate primary category (e.g., Real Estate Agent) and add secondary categories if applicable (e.g., Real Estate Consultant, Property Management).
- Address & Service Area: Make sure your address is current, and define your service areas to reflect the neighborhoods or cities you cover.
2024 Update: Google has rolled out enhanced service area settings, making it easier to fine-tune the geographic areas where you want to rank. Be specific and strategic when choosing your target neighborhoods.
3. Leverage Photos and Videos
High-quality photos are non-negotiable. Research shows that listings with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites. Include:
- A professional profile photo (typically your logo or headshot).
- Interior and exterior office images, if applicable.
- Neighborhood shots showcasing the areas you serve.
- Team photos, if you work with other agents.
2024 Update: Google Business Profile now supports short-form videos, similar to social platforms. Upload 30-second clips showcasing property tours, agent-client interactions, or recent successful transactions. This not only improves engagement but also increases time spent on your profile, which positively impacts ranking.
4. Engage with Google Posts
Google Posts function like social media updates. Real estate agents can use them to:
- Announce open houses or recent listings.
- Share market updates or client testimonials.
- Offer promotions or incentives for new buyers/sellers.
Posts are temporary (they disappear after 7 days), so consistent posting ensures you remain relevant in Google's eyes.
SEO Boost: Include keywords related to your niche (e.g., "luxury real estate in [city]") in your posts to boost your profile's discoverability.
5. Collect and Respond to Reviews
Reviews are critical for local SEO rankings and customer trust. Aim for consistent, positive reviews from satisfied clients. Politely request reviews after a successful transaction and guide clients on how to leave them on your Google profile.
2024 Update: Google’s algorithm now prioritizes review quality over quantity. Encourage clients to leave detailed, authentic feedback rather than just a star rating.
Pro Tip: Respond to every review—good or bad. Your responses show engagement and customer care, which enhances your business's reputation and helps future clients feel more confident in reaching out.
6. Optimize for Keywords
Your Google Business Profile needs to include the right keywords for SEO success. For real estate agents, this means incorporating specific location-based terms (e.g., “Tampa Real Estate Agent,” “Wesley Chapel Homes for Sale”).
SEO Tip: Ensure that your description includes relevant keywords without sounding spammy. Google rewards natural language. Example: "As a leading real estate agent in Tampa, I specialize in luxury homes, first-time buyers, and relocation services across the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa areas."
7. Track Performance
Use the Google Insights tool within your profile to monitor how people are finding and interacting with your profile. This tool tracks:
- How customers search for your business.
- Where they find you (Maps vs. Search).
- How they interact with your profile (calls, website clicks, direction requests).
2024 Update: Google has added enhanced insights for call tracking, so you can see exactly how many calls originated from your profile and which queries drove those interactions.
8. Add Products and Services
Take advantage of Google’s feature to list specific services you offer. You can include:
- Free consultations.
- Home valuations.
- First-time homebuyer guidance.
This feature allows prospective clients to see your offerings directly in the search results, encouraging more direct engagement.
9. Maintain NAP Consistency
Your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) should be consistent across all online listings, not just your Google Business Profile. This consistency improves your local SEO and builds trust with Google.
Conclusion:
The Power of Your Google Business Profile in 2024
Optimizing your Google Business Profile is no longer optional for real estate agents—it’s essential. With the rise of mobile searches and location-based queries, agents who invest time in properly managing their profiles will reap the benefits of increased visibility, higher lead generation, and stronger client relationships.
This is the first step in our 9-Step Agent Marketing System designed to grow your real estate business. In future posts, we’ll cover advanced local SEO tactics, hyperlocal landing pages, and social media strategies to help you dominate your local market.
Stay tuned for Step 2:
Hyperlocal Landing Pages!
Links to Related Resources:
- Original article on DavidJamison.com: Google Business Profiles for Real Estate Agents.