In today’s digital landscape, a well-optimized Google Business Profile (GBP) can make a significant difference for home builders. Whether you’re managing multiple communities or focusing on custom home builds, we understand that you’re likely already familiar with the basics. What often gets overlooked is how to maximize the potential of your GBP amidst your busy schedule. In this blog, we’ll highlight key strategies to enhance your GBP and explain why these practices are important for elevating your visibility, reputation, and customer engagement.
Why Google Business Profile Matters for Home Builders
Did you know that 60% of customers use GBP to find a business’s contact information, and 56% of searches on GBP lead to a phone call? Furthermore, 50% of users who search for a business visit the store within 24 hours. These statistics highlight the importance of having a well-maintained GBP—it’s a powerful tool for driving leads and improving local SEO.
Understanding Google Business Profile v. Google My BusinessIf you’re still referring to Google My Business (GMB), you’re not alone—many home builders are familiar with this term. However, Google My Business has been rebranded as Google Business Profile (GBP). While the name has changed, the core functionality remains the same. Google Business Profile is a free tool that allows you to manage your business’s online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. It provides the same essential features you’re accustomed to, such as updating contact information, adding photos, and responding to reviews. |
The DO&Be Agency Google Business Profile Checklist for Home Builders
Drawing from our experience working with builders, we’ve crafted this Google Business Profile (GBP) Optimization Checklist to help you maximize your online presence. Our approach ensures that your GBP reflects your strengths and enhances your visibility and engagement with potential homeowners. Use this checklist to optimize your profile and leverage our industry insights for a more compelling online strategy.
Provide Complete and Accurate Information: Ensure your profile includes all essential details such as business name, address, phone number, and website. Accuracy is key to avoiding confusion and ensuring potential customers can reach you.
Upload High-Quality Photos & Videos: Upload engaging visuals of your completed projects, model homes, and office spaces. High-quality images and videos attract attention and provide a better sense of your work.
Attain Customer Reviews & Engagement: Encourage satisfied homeowners to leave reviews and respond to them—both positive and negative. Engaging with reviews shows you value customer feedback and helps build trust.
Utilize the Q&A Feature: Monitor and respond to questions posted on your GBP. This feature allows potential homeowners to get answers directly from you and can influence their decision-making process.
Make Regular Updates & Posts: Keep your GBP updated with new posts about promotions, project completions, or community events—regular activity signals to Google that your profile is active, which can enhance your visibility.
Include a Detailed Business Description: Provide a clear and compelling description of your services, highlighting what differentiates you from competitors.
Optimize for Local SEO: Incorporate relevant keywords in your business description and posts to improve local search visibility.
Add Products and Services: For home builders, products could include floor plans and homes for sale. Make sure these are up-to-date and attractive.
Analyze Competition: Regularly review competitors' GBP profiles to see what they are doing well and identify areas for improvement in your profile.
Clean Up Duplicates: Address duplicate profiles by merging accounts to prevent confusion.
Common Questions Home Builders Have About Google Business Profile
Q:. How Should I Handle Negative Reviews?
Responding to all reviews is essential for maintaining your business’s reputation and showing your commitment to customer satisfaction. Addressing a negative review demonstrates that you value feedback and allows you to turn a negative experience into a positive one. Start by responding promptly to show attentiveness. Maintain a professional tone, acknowledge the issue, and take responsibility where appropriate. Offering a solution or compensation can further showcase your dedication to resolving problems and improving your services. By managing negative reviews effectively, you can mitigate potential damage and enhance your credibility with future customers.
Q. How Do I Craft a Business Description That Enhances My Brand and SEO?
When creating your Google Business Profile description, balance brand messaging with SEO optimization. Clearly articulate what your business does, highlighting unique selling points that set you apart from competitors. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally, focusing on terms potential customers might use when searching for your services. This approach helps with search engine rankings and ensures your description resonates with your target audience. Avoid keyword stuffing; aim for a concise and engaging narrative reflecting your brand’s voice and values. A well-crafted description improves your profile’s visibility and appeal, making it easier for customers to find and connect with your business.
Q: What Are Verification Videos, and How Should I Use Them?
Verification videos confirm the legitimacy of your business location. When creating a verification video for your Google Business Profile, keep it short and focused. Start by showing the location, street signs, and any access points that clients wouldn’t normally see. Avoid including personal details, and ensure the video is clear and professional. This process helps Google verify that your business is accurately represented and operational.
Q: How Do I Add Coming Soon Communities to My GBP?
We strongly advise against creating Google Business Profile pages for new home communities that do not have any completed new construction homes. While you can sometimes get it approved if you have enough signage, we have seen this cause issues down the road. If you get a page approved too early in the process Google can choose to shut down all profiles that are connected to your email address.
Q: How does a home builder add products to their Google Business Profile?
To add products to your Google Business Profile, start by logging into your profile and selecting the business location where you want to add products. Navigate to the “Products” section in the dashboard and click “Add Product.” Enter detailed information about each product, such as an inventory home available for sale or a specific floor plan you offer. Include essential details like the name, description, and price. Upload high-quality images to attract potential home owners, showing completed inventory homes or floor plans. Categorize your products to help users easily find what they’re interested in, using categories like “Available Homes,” “Floor Plans,” or “Custom Options.” After reviewing and making any necessary adjustments, publish your listings. Regularly update your product information to keep your profile accurate and engaging.
Q: How should home builders tailor their Google Business Profiles for different types of operations?
For community home builders managing multiple new home communities, it's beneficial to create a separate Google Business Profile (GBP) for each location. This approach ensures that potential buyers find the most relevant information for the specific community they are interested in. Each GBP should include community-specific details such as the location, hours of operation, and unique selling points of that community.
On the other hand, for on-your-lot or custom home builders who operate from a single location or focus on custom builds, one GBP page is typically sufficient. Ensure that this single profile comprehensively covers your services, expertise, and any other pertinent information. Tailoring your GBP in this way helps potential home owners easily find the information they need and enhances your profile’s effectiveness.
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Why Maintaining an Optimized Google Business Profile is Crucial
Keeping your Google Business Profile (GBP) optimized is essential for several reasons. A well-maintained GBP enhances your online visibility, leading to higher search rankings and more inquiries from potential home owners. Active engagement and positive reviews improve your business's reputation and credibility, while consistent updates can boost your overall SEO efforts. An optimized profile provides a competitive advantage by keeping you ahead of less active competitors. Additionally, a complete and accurate profile ensures your business is easily discoverable on Google Maps and search results.
We understand that managing and optimizing a Google Business Profile requires time and effort, which can be overwhelming for many home builders. At DO&Be Agency, we specialize in helping businesses like yours navigate this complex landscape. From setting up and optimizing your profile to creating engaging content and managing reviews, we offer comprehensive support to ensure your GBP works to its full potential. Let us handle the details so you can focus on building exceptional homes and growing your business. Contact us to learn more!
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