In today’s digital-first real estate landscape, a strong online presence is no longer optional—it’s essential. Buyers and sellers begin their property search online, and often the first interaction they’ll have with your brand isn’t your website, but your Google Business Profile (GBP). For realtors, this free but powerful tool from Google is the key to building trust, capturing leads, and increasing visibility in local search.
But in 2025, competition is fierce, and simply claiming your profile isn’t enough. Realtors need to know how to set up Google Business Profile for realtors strategically and optimize it to stand out in crowded markets. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from setup basics to advanced optimization techniques designed for today’s real estate professionals.
Think about how most clients search for homes or agents: “real estate agent near me” or “top realtor in [city].” Google then displays a map pack with three highlighted businesses. Getting your profile into that top three can dramatically increase your exposure and lead flow.
Here’s why GBP is a must-have for realtors in 2025:
Local visibility: Appear on Google Maps and local search results when buyers or sellers search in your area.
Credibility: Reviews and detailed profiles establish trust with prospects before they even call you.
Lead generation: Calls, messages, and website visits come directly through your profile.
Competitive edge: An optimized profile helps you stand out from less active agents.
In short, your Google Business Profile acts as your digital storefront—and for real estate, first impressions matter.
If you haven’t created a profile yet, here’s how to do it the right way:
Sign in with your Google account. Go to Google Business Profile and sign in.
Enter your business name. Use your name plus your professional designation, e.g., “Jane Smith – Realtor.”
Choose the right business category. Select “Real Estate Agent” or “Real Estate Agency” depending on whether you’re an individual or team.
Add your service area. If you serve multiple neighborhoods or cities, list them clearly. This is crucial since most clients search locally.
Input contact details. Phone number, website, and email should be accurate and consistent with other listings.
Verify your business. Google will typically mail a postcard with a code, but in 2025, more instant verification methods (like video) are becoming common.
Setting it up is straightforward, but the real magic lies in optimization.
Once your profile is active, it’s time to make it work for you.
A half-filled profile won’t perform as well. Ensure that your:
Business description highlights your specialties (luxury homes, first-time buyers, investment properties).
Office hours are accurate, even if you work by appointment.
Services list includes offerings like “buyer representation,” “home staging advice,” or “virtual tours.”
This is where you connect with prospects. Focus on what makes you different. Example:
“As a trusted realtor in Toronto, I help families find their dream homes while maximizing sellers’ returns. From virtual tours to neighborhood insights, I make real estate simple and stress-free.”
Clients want to see who they’re working with. Post:
Professional headshots and team photos.
Images of recent listings.
Short video introductions or neighborhood tours.
Reviews are gold for realtors. Encourage satisfied clients to leave detailed feedback. Respond to every review—positive or negative—to show professionalism.
Google allows you to share updates similar to social media posts. Use this feature to highlight:
Open houses.
Market updates.
New listings.
Consistent posting shows Google that your profile is active, boosting visibility.
With the basics covered, let’s go deeper into strategies for 2025.
When filling in your description, services, and posts, sprinkle in relevant keywords like “real estate agent in [city],” “homes for sale near [area],” and of course, how to set up Google Business Profile for realtors if you’re offering coaching or guidance to other agents.
Remember: the goal is to sound natural, not stuffed. A conversational tone resonates more with clients.
More clients prefer texting over calling. Enable messaging through your profile so prospects can reach you instantly. Be sure to respond quickly—Google tracks responsiveness.
GBP offers powerful insights, including:
How people found your profile.
What keywords they searched for.
Actions they took (calls, website clicks, directions).
Review these monthly to see what’s working and where you can improve.
If you cover multiple neighborhoods, highlight them in your service area list. Don’t just list “Toronto”—include areas like “North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke.” This improves chances of showing up in hyper-local searches.
Link your GBP to:
Your website.
Zillow or Realtor.ca profiles.
Social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook.
This creates a seamless ecosystem that boosts trust and authority.
Even experienced agents make errors that limit their profile’s effectiveness. Avoid these pitfalls:
Using inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone). Always ensure it matches across all directories.
Ignoring reviews. Not responding to feedback can turn potential clients away.
Failing to update hours or service areas. Outdated information signals unreliability.
Overstuffing keywords. This feels unnatural and may hurt trust.
As Google continues refining local search, profiles will become even more central to real estate marketing. Features like AI-powered insights, augmented reality previews of neighborhoods, and voice search optimization are emerging trends. Realtors who embrace these updates early will stay ahead of the curve.
In 2025, think of your Google Business Profile not just as a listing but as an extension of your brand—a place where prospects experience your professionalism before even speaking with you.
Your Google Business Profile is one of the most cost-effective marketing tools at your disposal. Setting it up correctly and keeping it optimized can mean the difference between being buried in search results or standing out as a top realtor in your market.
To recap:
Learn how to set up Google Business Profile for realtors properly.
Optimize with detailed information, visuals, and reviews.
Leverage advanced tools like messaging, posts, and analytics.
Keep it updated and aligned with your overall marketing strategy.
In the fast-paced real estate industry, small digital advantages can lead to big wins. Make 2025 the year you fully harness the power of Google Business Profile to attract more clients, close more deals, and establish yourself as a trusted authority in your market.