Make Your Google Business Profile Work Harder for You

Once you’ve set up your Google Business Profile, the real power lies in how you use it to grow your audience and enhance your real estate business. A well-maintained profile can attract more potential clients, boost your online visibility, and establish you as a trusted expert in your market.

Here we’ll explore advanced strategies to capitalize on your Google Business Profile, transforming it from a basic listing into a dynamic marketing tool that drives engagement and business growth.

Why growing your Google Business Profile audience matters

A well-maintained Google Business Profile, complete with positive client reviews and detailed business information, positions you as a reliable and trustworthy real estate agent. Potential clients are more likely to choose an agent who clearly demonstrates expertise and a track record of satisfied clients.

According to a recent report by reputation management company Birdeye, your Google Business Profile is more important than ever:

• 84% of Google searches are discovery searches, meaning users are searching for a category, product, or service rather than a specific business.
• 64% of consumers have used Google Business Profiles to find contact details for a business.
• Businesses with complete Google Business Profiles see 70% more visits and 50% more leads.
• Profiles with more than 100 reviews attract 360% more website visits.
• Businesses updating their profiles regularly gain 400% more views than those that don’t.
• Businesses with Google Business Profiles see an average of 1,260% more direct phone calls from customers.

By consistently engaging with your audience through posts and updates, you reinforce your reputation, attract more potential clients, and solidify your standing as a credible professional in the real estate market. Need help building your profile? Check out our complete, easy-to-follow guide.

Getting your Google Screened badge

To grow your Google Business Profile as a real estate agent, earning the Google Screened badge can be a game-changer. This certification not only boosts your visibility through Local Services Ads (LSA) but also builds trust by verifying your credentials and reviews, helping you stand out in a competitive market.

What is a Google Screened badge?

Google Screened is a certification program designed to help licensed professionals such as lawyers, childcare providers, and real estate agents build trust with potential clients through a vetting process.  Here’s how it works:

1. License verification: Real estate agents must provide proof of an active real estate license, which Google verifies to ensure compliance with industry standards.
2. Background check: Google requires a background check, including criminal history.
3. Reviews and insurance: Agents need at least one review on their Google Business Profile, and in some cases, proof of business liability insurance.

How it works with your Google Business Profile

While Google Screened focuses on LSAs, it is closely linked with the Google Business Profile. A complete and verified Google Business Profile is a prerequisite for eligibility in the Google Screened program. The profile contributes to online visibility and is essential for managing client reviews, which are part of the screening criteria.

Why it’s worth it

1. Increased visibility: While the badge does not affect your position in Google rankings, Google-screened agents do tend to be featured more prominently in LSAs, which appear at the top of search results. This prime positioning leads to more exposure and potential leads, which can later impact your SEO. That’s because, as more users click on your ads, compelled by the trust they feel in your extra screening, your ranking will organically improve.
2. Enhanced credibility: The Google Screened badge signals that the agent has been vetted through background checks, license verification, and reviews. This increases trust among potential clients. The badge differentiates agents from competitors who haven’t gone through the screening process, which can improve conversion rates.

Tips to grow your Google Business Profile audience

Here are some key actionable steps to help you expand your profile’s reach and maximize its impact.

Optimize your profile with targeted keywords

To grow your Google Business Profile audience, it’s essential to optimize your profile with targeted keywords that reflect your services and location. For example, if you specialize in luxury homes in Miami, ensure that your profile includes terms like “Miami luxury real estate” and “top real estate agent in Miami.” This helps Google match your profile with relevant client searches, driving more traffic to your business.

Encourage and respond to reviews

Client reviews play a crucial role in attracting new prospects and growing your Google Business Profile audience. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your profile, highlighting their experiences working with you. Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you value client feedback and are committed to excellent service. This interaction not only builds trust but also enhances your profile’s visibility, as Google tends to favor profiles with active engagement.

Regularly post updates and content

To keep your audience engaged, regularly post content and updates on your Google Business Profile. Share new listings, open houses, market trends, and success stories to provide value to your audience. Consistent posting keeps your profile active and helps you stay top-of-mind with potential clients. It also signals to Google that your business is active, which can positively impact your search ranking.

Utilize high-quality visuals

High-quality photos are essential for capturing the attention of your audience and making a lasting impression. Ensure your profile features professional photos of yourself, your office, and the properties you represent. Visual content not only enhances the appeal of your profile but also helps potential clients get a better sense of the services you offer. Regularly updating your photos with new content can also keep your profile fresh and engaging.

Monitor and adjust your strategy

If you want to grow your Google Business Profile audience, you’ll need to engage in an ongoing process of monitoring and adjustment. Use Google’s analytics tools to track how clients are interacting with your profile and identify areas for improvement. Whether it’s refining your keywords, updating your visuals, or experimenting with different types of posts, being proactive will help you continue to expand your audience and attract more clients.

The effect of reputation monitoring on your Google Business Profile

A well-maintained Google Business Profile and Google Screened badge enhance credibility, helping agents stand out in local searches and build confidence with prospective clients. But even with an optimized profile, it’s still critical for real estate agents to engage in reputation monitoring. By actively managing their online reputation, agents can ensure they’re maximizing the collective impact of their online presence.

Luxury Presence offers comprehensive reputation monitoring services for real estate professionals, specifically designed to manage and enhance your Google Business Profile. We track key metrics such as customer reviews, total interactions, and average ratings, providing insights into overall client satisfaction and online engagement.

Additionally, we assist in responding to reviews, ensuring agents can manage both positive and negative feedback professionally, which helps build credibility and trust. This active monitoring helps you maintain a positive reputation and stay competitive in local search results.

Your Google Business Profile + Luxury Presence

Growing and monitoring your Google Business Profile audience is a strategic way to enhance your online presence, build credibility, and attract more clients. Don’t have the bandwidth to do it yourself? We’re here to help.