Boost your local SEO with Google My Business
More than 90% of people turn to Google when looking for local goods & services. Being visible in local searches is vital for any real estate agent, but what impact does a Google My Business listing have on local SEO rankings? We explain what a Google My Business for real estate is, how to get one and why we think claiming yours is a no brainer.
What is a Google My Business Listing?
Google My Business (GMB) is a free local marketing tool that allows business owners and marketers to manage how their business is displayed on Google Search and Google Maps. It also displays vital business details like your name, address, contact information, website link, hours of operation and reviews.
To get your GMB listing, you need to verify your business data by creating your Google My Business profile or claiming an existing auto-generated profile. This is a critical step in any local SEO strategy as it makes it easier for customers to find information about your business and allows them to review it too. Therefore, it’s important that the information provided is accurate and complete.
How does a Google My Business listing impact local SEO?
When someone searches for products or services, the local search listings dominate the results. So the next time a user is searching for local real estate information in your area, your Google My Business page will be displayed among the listings.
The information from your page will be shown in the three different places:
- Google’s sidebar
- Local results
- Google maps
This enables potential customers to see your location, contact information and other details from your GMB page.
What are the advantages of a Google My Business listing?
1. Increase your visibility on the web
One of the biggest benefits of using a Google My Business listing for marketing is that it improves your business’s visibility on the web. When you search for a product or service on Google, the first three listings are usually Google Adwords advertisements, followed by a map with the Local 3-pack, then the organic results appear.
The Local 3-pack consists of the top 3 local businesses based on the searcher’s location. The best part is customers end up at your shop’s front without even visiting your business website.
Many businesses have been trying different SEO tricks to get into this special Local 3-pack category. But what most don’t know is that by creating a Google My Business listing, you can significantly increase your chances of making it onto the list. Having your business appear in the Local 3-pack can help you tap into potential revenue as Google not only shows customers your business on Google Maps, but it also places it before organic search results.
2. Share information with potential customers quickly
GMB allows you to share information about your business, including your address, contact information, and working hours. It also allows you to share news, photos, updates, announcements, offers, and more. These posts show up on Google Search and Maps, enabling you to keep in touch with potential customers and keep them updated.
However, before posting anything, it’s always important to consider what you want to achieve. Do you intend to raise awareness about a new product or service? Or do you want to drive customers to visit your location? This will enable you to customise your post with the goal. Also, ensure that your posts have a Call-to-Action that compels potential customers to take action, such as Call, Visit or Learn more.
3. Stand out from the competition with reviews
Reviews are an influential factor when customers are making a purchasing decision. Most customers read online reviews to evaluate the quality of a local agent and will be swayed by reviews.
Reviews also build trust and confidence among customers. According to research, 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendations. Reviews are also a ranking factor used by Google to determine where to place your business on search results.
4. Increase traffic and leads
According to Google, businesses are 70% more likely to attract local visits from browsing users by having a Google My Business listing, resulting in more traffic and leads. The multiple verification steps that every business completes before appearing in local searches create trust among customers.
Remember, having appeared in local searches, your website needs to capitalise on the opportunity by loading quickly and being easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for. You don’t want them to leave your site before making contact with you.
Setting up and optimising a Google My Business listing really is a no brainer for Real Estate agents. It’s free, it improves your local SEO and helps you get in front of more potential customers that are actively searching for your services in your area.
