The real estate industry has been rapidly changing over the years. Today, more and more buyers are using the internet to find and purchase properties. Since the potential of online real estate services is considerably expanding and now fitted as one of the home for sale trends, this means that, as an agent, you also need to focus more on search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing to boost your visibility online.
Now, one strategy that you can apply to get your business noticed and easily found by your target market is using Google Maps for real estate listings. It is a cost-effective tool that you can use to connect with your potential clients in a more interactive way.
How Google Maps Work
Google Maps makes your business visible on an interactive map, allowing people to find your location. As such, it helps your Google real estate listing to rank higher and get found easier by prospective buyers.
With this app, people who are interested in your business will be able to preview your location, the area where your properties are situated, and even the properties themselves.
As most buyers know, purchasing a property can be a complex process. However, Google Maps has made it easier for them. Generally speaking, it can be used as a comprehensive and quick reference when buying a residential or commercial property.
Why Use Google Maps for Your Listings
Using Google Maps for real estate listings is a powerful strategy that can change the way people buy and sell properties. Here is how it can help your business.
More Visibility on Local Search
When your business exists on Google Maps, you will also be one of the top results generated by search engines when users look for properties and agents in your location.
By using the app’s programming interface, you can also integrate your Google Map details into your website’s home page, which can increase traffic to your site and, thus, its rankings on the search engine results pages (SERPs).
Better User Experience
User experience is everything when it comes to increasing your site’s reputation and rankings. After all, a user would not go back to a site that had not provided the information and level of satisfaction that they were looking for.
With Google Maps, all you have to do is share complete information about your listings that your audience can explore in one place. They do not have to hop from one site to another to find the information that they need to come up with a decision.
Ability to Personalize Your Listings
Google Maps has an extensive icon library that you can use to help buyers better understand the properties that you are selling. For example, you can highlight the best features or the benefits that the would-be homeowners can enjoy when they buy such properties.
Apart from the property features, you can also add other important details, such as price ranges and specific addresses.
In-Depth Look with Street View
With the Google Maps Street View feature, your potential buyers can have a good look at the properties you are selling before they check them out in person. This makes negotiations a lot easier and quicker when you meet them.
Easier House Showing
Once you have organized a list of properties for showing, you can repurpose your Google Maps profile with schedules for houses that you want to show on particular dates. With this information, potential buyers can also adjust their schedules to view such properties up close during the official showings. Afterward, they can also refer back to your profile to ask questions about certain properties they viewed.
For those who cannot visit your properties personally due to certain reasons, especially during pandemics, Google Maps also makes it possible for them to know what a property looks like from the inside through virtual tours.
How to Use Google Maps for Your Real Estate Business
Now that you know the benefits of using Google Maps, it is time to know how to use it to its best potential. Here are the steps that you should take.
- Claim your business profile on Google.
After you claim and verify your business profile on Google, you will automatically appear on Google Maps. Once listed, you can then add important details about you, such as contact information, photos, and business hours, which your clients can use to reach you.
- Set up a GMB account.
A presence on Google Maps would not give you the ultimate results you are looking for without a Google My Business (GMB) account. That is why a Google business page for realtors exists.
With the help of SEO experts, you will be able to set up and optimize a GMB account for your business.
- Use Street View.
As previously implied, Street View is an important feature in Google Maps. So, make sure you utilize it.
To make it work, you should add pictures of the property from the outside in a way that shows how it is situated in the encompassing neighborhood.
When choosing a location, it is important that you focus on properties or places that fit your needs and budget. LA real estate can be a great option for you. Here are a few new houses on the market in Lake Charles that might get your attention.
- Enable the messaging feature.
Google Maps offers messaging capabilities that you can use to communicate with your clients directly from the app. In a similar way, prospective buyers can also use this feature to send you messages, which will appear on your account’s “Business Messages” section.
- Take advantage of performance insights.
You can track how well your business is performing through the performance insights of Google Maps. The datasets collected by the app include:
- The number of searches that triggered your profile.
- Search terms that people used to find your business.
- The number of times each search term has triggered your profile.
- The number of customers finding your business through Maps.
Aside from these, this feature also tells you how your business profile is being found by your customers, whether through desktop or mobile.
- Publish to the community feed.
Under the “Explore” tab, you will find the community feed section where you can add photos and posts about your properties. This is also where your followers can contribute reviews about your company.
- Become a local guide.
Apart from posting real estate listings, Google Maps also allows you to become a local guide. This is a good way to build authority, show commitment to your clients, and increase your overall rankings on the SERPs.
- Provide accessible routes.
People can look up directions on Google Maps, but they are not always provided with the most accessible routes. To provide a high level of satisfaction to your clients, especially those with accessibility needs, make sure you provide them with the most accessible routes to your properties.
- Utilize questions and answers.
This is a good way to cater to the concerns your clients may have in the quickest time possible.
Aside from these, there are more ways to use Google Maps to the advantage of your real estate business. So, do your research and seek the help of professionals to make the most out of this app.
Importance of Having a Google My Business Profile
Apart from having a presence on Google Maps, you should also create a GMB account to drive more client engagement. In fact, while your business would show up on Maps, it would not present your business information if you do not register with GMB.
So, if you want to reap the most benefits of Google My Business for real estate agents 2021 has seen so far, you should have claimed a listing on this app.
These two tools work side by side to help build a strong online presence for your business. While Google Maps show your location to prospective buyers, a GMB profile will provide them the information they need to do business with you.
Final Thoughts
Using Google Maps for real estate listings can easily be perceived as a wise strategy in increasing your online visibility and generating more leads for your business. It offers a great deal of value in making your brand stand out in a highly competitive industry.
The features it offers make it easier for buyers to find and view your properties while helping you make your processes more organized. So, if you do not have a Google Maps profile yet, it might be the best time to create one and optimize your website for it.
For more valuable information that you can use to grow your business, feel free to check out the rest of our articles!
