Troubleshooting Google Business Profile Issues for Realtors | This Week in Marketing

TL;DR

Learn to resolve common Google Business Profile issues for realtors.

Transcript

your Google business profile is fundamentally one of the most important marketing Assets in your entire business Gateway for getting found by prospective customers online who are looking for a business just like yours a realtor just like you in your local Marketplace however your Google business profile for as great as it is comes with a lot of tec... Read More

Key Insights

• Google Business Profiles are crucial for realtors to boost online visibility and attract local clients.
• Common issues include unpublished reviews, lack of physical addresses, unexpected suspensions, and rejected posts.
• Unpublished reviews may result from Google's automated filters mistaking them for spam.
• Realtors can use their brokerage's address for their Google Business Profile, but must be cautious of naming conventions.
• Service area-based businesses have disadvantages compared to storefront businesses in terms of Google ranking.
• Profiles may lose verification due to changes in main data points like name or address, requiring re-verification.
• Suspensions often occur due to suspected manipulation of ranking results, requiring reinstatement requests.
• Avoid including phone numbers in Google posts to prevent community standard violations.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why might a legitimate customer review not be published on a Google Business Profile?

A legitimate customer review might not be published because Google's automated review filter could mistakenly identify it as spam. This could happen if the review is submitted from an unusual location or if the language used in the review doesn't align with the business profile's information. The filter is designed to combat fake reviews but can sometimes be overly sensitive.

Q: Can realtors use their brokerage's address for their Google Business Profile?

Yes, realtors can use their brokerage's address for their Google Business Profile. Google recognizes that multiple practitioners can operate from a single location, such as real estate firms. However, agents should be cautious about naming conventions to avoid conflicts with brokerage profiles and ensure compliance with real estate commission advertising rules.

Q: What are the disadvantages of having a service area-based business on Google?

Service area-based businesses are at a disadvantage compared to storefront businesses because they lack a physical address, which is a key factor in Google's proximity-based ranking. This means they are less likely to appear in local search results, making it harder to gain visibility compared to competitors with a physical location.

Q: How can a Google Business Profile lose its verification status?

A Google Business Profile can lose its verification status if there are changes to main data points such as the business name, address, phone number, or website domain. These changes prompt Google to re-verify the profile to ensure its authenticity. To regain verification, a business must submit a request for re-verification and possibly provide additional information.

Q: What should a business do if their Google Business Profile gets suspended?

If a Google Business Profile gets suspended, the business should first revert any recent changes to main data points that might have triggered the suspension. Afterward, they must fill out a reinstatement form provided by Google. If the issue persists, contacting Google Business Profile support with detailed information is recommended to resolve the suspension.

Q: Why might Google reject a post on a Google Business Profile?

Google might reject a post on a Google Business Profile if it violates community standards, such as including a phone number in the post's caption. Google interprets this as sharing private information, which triggers a violation. Avoiding the inclusion of phone numbers in posts can prevent such rejections and ensure compliance with Google's guidelines.

Q: What is the importance of prominence in Google Business Profile ranking?

Prominence is crucial for Google Business Profile ranking as it reflects how well-known a business is both online and offline. Google assesses prominence based on the business's reputation, presence in local directories, and online content. A high prominence score can enhance a profile's visibility in search results, making it more likely to attract potential clients.

Q: How can realtors improve their Google Business Profile's location authority?

Realtors can improve their Google Business Profile's location authority by creating high-quality content, optimizing their website for SEO, and building a strong online presence. Engaging in local community events and obtaining backlinks from reputable sources can also enhance authority. Consistent efforts in these areas can help a profile stand out and rank higher in search results.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video addresses common technical challenges with Google Business Profiles for realtors, such as unpublished reviews and account suspensions. Jason Pantana provides solutions to these issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong online presence.

• Realtors face challenges when using Google Business Profiles, including address verification and post rejections. Jason Pantana suggests ways to overcome these hurdles, ensuring profiles remain visible and effective in attracting clients.

• Jason Pantana discusses the importance of Google Business Profiles for realtors and offers strategies to resolve common issues like lost verification and spam-filtered reviews, highlighting the need for persistence and technical understanding.