Expand your reach with google business profiles

A Google Business Profile is an essential tool for local real estate agents and agencies. It enhances your online presence, making it easier for clients to find you when they search for real estate services in your area. When set up and optimised, your profile can place your business at the top of local search results, attracting more leads and boosting your visibility—all for free.

Step-by-step guide to setting up your google business profile

Step 1: Start the setup process

Begin by visiting google.com/business and clicking on “manage now.” This will guide you to create a business profile that helps clients find you more easily.

Step 2: Enter your name accurately

Use the exact name as it appears on your website, social media, and any other marketing materials. This consistency helps reinforce your brand and makes it easy for clients to recognise.

Step 3: Provide your primary business address

Enter your physical address accurately. This location will appear on search results, so ensure it matches what appears on your website and other platforms.

Step 4: Specify service areas beyond your primary address

Since real estate agents often serve multiple suburbs or regions, mark that you serve areas beyond your office address. This can improve your profile’s reach across a broader range of searches.

Note: For agencies with multiple agents, consider whether each agent will create their own profile. This can cause agents and the agency itself to compete in local rankings.

Step 5: Add each suburb or region you cover

There’s no limit to the number of suburbs or postcodes you can include, so list each area where your agency provides services. This approach strengthens your presence for local search queries across those areas.

Step 6: Select the correct business category

If you’re setting up a profile for a real estate office, choose “real estate agency” as your category; for individual agents, select “real estate agent.” This selection helps ensure your business appears in the right search results.

Step 7: Enter contact information

Use a single local phone number that matches what’s on your website. Provide your main website URL. Consistent contact information supports Google’s ranking signals, helping your profile appear trustworthy and reliable.

Step 8: Verify your profile

To finalise the setup, Google will require you to verify your business. Verification can be done by phone, email, or through a mailed code, depending on your location. Verifying ensures your profile will appear in local searches.

Step 9: Remove any duplicate listings

If you’ve set up duplicate profiles by accident or if previous accounts were left unfinished, delete them. Google generally penalises duplicates, which can affect the ranking of your profile.

Step 10: Add quality photos and videos

From your profile dashboard, add a variety of professional images, including your logo, cover photo, and both interior and exterior shots of your office. Videos can also enhance engagement. Use a high-resolution logo image—at least 250 x 250 pixels—for the best visual appeal.

Step 11: Optimise your business description

In 250-400 words, describe your agency in detail. Focus on your services, the areas you cover, and what makes your agency unique. Avoid directly copying from your website to ensure the content is fresh and relevant.

Step 12: Keep your profile active and engaging

Regularly update your profile with posts, such as blog links or local market updates, to maintain activity and attract visitors. Responding to comments and interacting with other local businesses can boost engagement and support your profile’s ranking.

The lasting impact of a well-managed google business profile

Creating and optimising your Google Business Profile can have a powerful impact on your agency’s visibility in local searches. With occasional updates and interactions, you can build your profile’s authority, drawing more potential clients to your agency. The low cost and high reward of this approach make it an essential part of any real estate agency’s marketing toolkit.