Step 18 – Google My Business
Setting up Google My Business (GMB) is an essential step for real estate agents for several reasons:
- Enhanced Visibility: GMB listings appear prominently in Google search results and Google Maps, increasing your visibility to potential clients searching for real estate services in your area.
- Local SEO Boost: Having a GMB listing optimized with relevant keywords, photos, and accurate business information can improve your local search engine optimization (SEO) rankings, making it easier for clients to find you.
- Credibility and Trust: A well-maintained GMB profile instills trust and credibility in potential clients, as it provides essential information such as business hours, contact details, and customer reviews.
- Increased Website Traffic: A GMB listing with a link to your website can drive traffic directly to your site, allowing potential clients to learn more about your services and listings.
- Customer Engagement: GMB offers features like Google Reviews and Q&A, enabling real estate agents to engage with clients, address inquiries, and showcase positive feedback from satisfied customers.
- Insights and Analytics: GMB provides valuable insights into how customers find your business, interact with your listing, and engage with your content, allowing you to refine your marketing strategies and improve your online presence.
Important Update: Using Silvercreek Office Addresses for Personal Business Listings
Agents, please be aware of recent changes with Google Business Profiles that affect how office addresses can be used for your real estate business listings.
Google now strictly limits the number of business profiles that can be associated with a single address. Because many Silvercreek agents have used our brokerage office addresses for their individual business listings, Google has begun flagging and removing duplicate profiles. This has resulted in a loss of visibility for some agents — and, in several cases, Google has reassigned Silvercreek’s business listing to an individual agent, removing our admin access entirely.
To protect the integrity of Silvercreek’s listings and ensure your business remains searchable online, we recommend the following:
1. Use a Virtual Office Setup
When prompted for a business address, choose the option to list your business as a “service-area business” without displaying a physical address. This complies with Google’s policies and still allows your profile to show in local search results.
2. Rent a Virtual Business Address
Services like Regus, iPostal1, or UPS Store offer virtual business addresses you can use for Google verification and listing. This provides a professional appearance without tying your listing to Silvercreek’s physical address.
3. Use Your Home Address — But Hide It
You can register using your home address and opt to hide the address from public view. This allows you to verify your business and appear in search without publishing your residence.
4. Claim & Manage Your Listing Carefully
If you already have a listing using a Silvercreek address, consider updating it now to prevent suspension or reassignment. And please do not create or edit a business listing that uses our brokerage address without prior approval from the Silvercreek marketing team.
We know visibility is key to your business success, and we’re here to help you make the right moves online. If you need support in updating your Google Business Profile or have questions about virtual options, contact the Silvercreek marketing department anytime.
Let’s work together to protect our brand and your presence in the marketplace!
ACTION ITEM:
Link to Google: How to add or claim your Business Profile on Google
RESOURCES:
YouTube Video Realtor Google Business Profile Setup/Optimization for Higher Ranking
Icenhower Google Review Request
For the complete training module go to the Silvercreek Success Icenhower Training Suite and complete the Google Local Services Ads for REALTORS® and Additional Online Lead Sources Module
