Over 92% of global search engine market share belongs to Google, the most-visited website on the web.
Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business) can help you attract more customers through Google search and Maps.
Google Business Profile: What is it?
The Google Business Profile lets you list your business’ locations, services, and products, as well as provide photos.
It’s a great way to get more visibility across Google services. Google Search and Maps, and Google Shopping may display vital information from your Google Business Profile.
Businesses who have contact with customers can create a Google Business Profile. There are businesses with physical locations (like real estate agencies, restaurants and stores) and businesses that provide services by meeting clients elsewhere (like real estate agents, consultants and plumbers).
Google Ads and Google Analytics are the best tools to use if you are an online-only business.
Why it’s essential to have a Google Business account
Google (and Google Maps) can help you get discovered
Regardless if you are aiming to boost foot or web traffic, Google will be your ultimate search resource. People searching for products and services like yours in their local area will be able to find you with a Google Business Profile.
Visitors to Google My Business can find out where and how to get to your business through your listing. Local SEO is also improved by having a Google Business Profile. Local businesses are more likely to appear when people use Google Maps to search for nearby businesses.
Manage the information about your business online
Google My Business gives you the ability to manage your contact information, business hours, and other essentials.
During emergencies like COVID-19, you can post updates to let people know you’ve expanded services, temporarily closed, or fully reopened. Due to Google’s strong local SEO, your Google Business Profile will rank higher than websites with out-of-date information.
Reviews can help you build trust
Trust and credibility are built through reviews, which are essential aspects of social proof.
Customer reviews on Google can be as detailed or as brief as you like, combining your business’s star rating and space for detailed reviews. By doing all of this, future customers are able to make a more informed decision about which businesses to visit and which products to purchase.
When you think about Google My Business reviews coming in on such a public platform, it can seem frightening, especially when you can’t pick and choose which ones you want to share. And yes, you can respond to all reviews.
The good news is that a mixture of positive and negative reviews is more trustworthy than a long list of glowing testimonials.
Setting up your Google Business Profile
Step 1: Log in to the Google Business Profile Manager
You are automatically logged into Google Business Profile Manager if you already have a Google account. Otherwise, you can sign in with your Google account login details or create a new Google account.
Step 2: Register your business
You will need to enter your business name. If it doesn’t appear, click Add your business to Google. Choose the category that best describes your business, then click Next to proceed.
Step 3: Specify your location
Choose Yes if your business has a physical location customers can visit. Next, enter your business address. There may also be a request for you to place a marker on a map to indicate the location. List your service areas if you don’t have a physical location but offer in-person services or deliveries. Click Next to continue.
If you don’t provide a physical address, Google will ask you for your region. From the drop-down menu, select the option you want and click Next.
Step 4: Enter your contact information
Make sure your business phone number and website address are entered so customers can reach you. You don’t have to enter a phone number if you don’t want to be reached by phone.
Click Next after filling out your information.
Step 5: Get your business verified
Make sure you enter your physical address and not a post office box. You do not have to share this information with the general public. You will only need it to verify your business.
Enter your address and click Next. Verification options will be presented to you. For physical businesses, a postcard must be mailed to verify their location. E-mail addresses are used for verifying businesses in service areas.
Click Verify or Verify business after receiving your five-digit code (or go to https://business.google.com/) and enter your five-digit code.
Once you’re verified, you’ll receive a confirmation screen. You will see a screen with a Next button.
Step 6: Personalize your profile
Describe your business, enter your messaging preferences, and upload photos.
Once you’re ready, click Continue. Upon entering Business Profile Manager, you’ll see a dashboard.
Google ads can be created here, as well as managing your business profile, viewing insights, managing reviews, and sending messages.
Now, you can get started in boosting your online footprint and give your real estate business the edge over your competition.