Realtors are always looking for a leg up on the competition, which means staying on top of the newest innovations and trends in marketing. But there’s one mainstay that’s been around almost as long as the world wide web itself that shouldn’t be ignored – Google.
Back in the day, advertising on Google meant paying for clicks or hiring a company for Search Engine Optimization, but it’s much easier for Realtors now, as Google offers a great free tool called Google My Business.
It’s simple to set up, easy to use, and will effectively help you rise in Google’s rankings and drive search engine traffic of home buyers and sellers right to you.
Welcome to Google My Business.
In part one of this blog series, I outlined the nuts and bolts of Google My Business (GMB), including how to set up your own page. Today, I wanted to highlight some of the great benefits real estate agents will enjoy once they started using GMB regularly.
8 Significant benefits of Google My Business for Realtors:
1. Your Google listing will attract a new audience via Google Search.
Your listing appears right when people are searching for your business or businesses like yours on Google Search. Google My Business makes it easy to create and update your listing—so you can stand out, bringing in new buyers and sellers.
2. Your business will pop right up in Google Maps.
So many home buyers are starting their home search online these days, including on smartphones and mobile devices. Google is usually the first resource for buyers on the go, including Google Maps, and your new Google My Business page will pop right up locally.
3. Easily manage your business information.
Manage the information that Google users see when they search for your business or the products and services that you offer. Businesses that verify their information with Google My Business are twice as likely to be considered reputable by consumers. When people find your business on Google Maps and Search, make sure that they have access to information like your hours, website, and street address.
4. Gain reviews – and answer them directly.
Read and respond to reviews from your customers, and post photos that show off what you do. Businesses that add photos to their listings receive 42% more requests for driving directions on Google Maps and 35% more clicks through to their websites than businesses that don’t.
5. Write and share Google Posts
A great feature rolled out recently by Google is what they are calling Google Posts. This new feature allows you to create content directly on the platform. These posts will show up directly in your SERP sidebar on your desktop, or on top of SERPs when they appear on mobile devices.
Similar to a blog post, announcement, or advertisement, you have control over the content of the post up to 300 words, the ability to add an image and, most importantly, the option to add a compelling call to action.
6. Access user insights and search analytics
See insights on how customers searched for your business and where those customers are coming from. You can also see information like how many people called your business directly from the phone number displayed on local search results in Search and Maps. With Google My Business
, the answers are right in front of you.
7. Get a free Google website!
It’s easy to create a website with Google My Business – for free – in just minutes. In fact, your website auto-generates with info from your Google listing, plus you can customize it with text, photos, and design themes.
8. Q&A Feature
The question and answer feature allows visitors to ask questions about your company before they even visit the website. They can easily click on the Q&A section from their phone or desktop and submit any question or concern they might have prior to visiting your business, or even before going to your website.
Another unique feature of the Q&A is that it allows visitors to mark up answers to helpful questions that could help your business improve listings. You may also add your own response from within the company.
9. Direct Messaging
A cool feature on the Google My Business platform recently introduced is the ability to directly message customers. You can set up a direct number that visitors can use to send a direct message. Once set up, mobile customers will see the message button directly on their device. You can also set up an auto-respond message once you have verified the number you want to use. It’s a great feature that gives direct access to your business via messaging.
Of course, making first contact with buyers or sellers looking for information is the fastest way to turn a lead into a client – and commission!
10. Offer specials, promotions, special discounts, etc.
Do you have an amazing new listing that you want to show off? An open house this Saturday? Is your real estate brokerage hosting a community event or participating in a day of charity? Tell the world – and your local audience – with by posting and promoting them on Google My Business!