Why Google Business Profile (GBP) Still Dominates Local SEO
Google Business Profile appears in:
- Google Maps
- The Local Pack (top 3 map listings in search results)
- Knowledge panels
According to BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey, 87% of consumers used Google to evaluate local businesses in 2024. If your GBP isn’t optimized, you’re losing local visibility and trust.
Step-by-Step Guide to Optimizing Your Google Business Profile
1. Claim and Verify Your Listing
Visit google.com/business and make sure your listing is claimed and verified. Use a consistent business name, address, and phone number (NAP) across all directories.
✅ Pro Tip: Match your NAP data exactly with what’s on your website’s contact page.
2. Choose the Right Categories
Use “Property Management Company” as your primary category. Then, add relevant secondary categories like:
- Real Estate Rental Agency
- Vacation Home Rental Agency
- Real Estate Consultant
3. Write a Keyword-Rich Business Description
Focus on location + services:
“We provide full-service property management in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. Our licensed team handles leasing, tenant screening, maintenance, and rent collection for single-family and multifamily properties.”
Include variations of local search terms like “Tampa property management” or “rental manager in St. Pete.”
4. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos
Listings with photos get 35% more clicks and 42% more direction requests, according to Google. Upload:
- Team photos
- Property images
- Office shots
- Before-and-after photos
- Short intro videos
5. Collect and Respond to Reviews
Reviews = Trust. Ask owners and tenants for Google reviews. Respond to every review—positive or negative—with professionalism.
6. Use Google Posts Weekly
GBP lets you publish updates like promotions, blog links, or service highlights. This activity signals freshness to Google. Use:
- Weekly tips (“How to avoid tenant turnover”)
- Local guides (“Top 3 neighborhoods for rentals in Phoenix”)
- Seasonal reminders (“Get your HVAC checked before summer”)
7. Enable Messaging
Enable chat through the Google Business dashboard. Respond fast. Google tracks responsiveness and may prioritize active businesses.
8. Add Services and Service Areas
Fill out the “Services” section with detailed offerings like:
- Lease-only services
- Full-service management
- Eviction assistance
Include each city/neighborhood you serve under “Service Area”.
9. Track Performance in GBP Insights
Check:
- How customers find your listing (search terms)
- Where they view it (Maps vs Search)
- What actions they take (calls, clicks, directions)
Use this data to refine local keywords on your landing pages.
E-E-A-T + GBP: Why It Matters for Ranking
Google is connecting GBP activity with E-E-A-T signals:
- Reviews → Trustworthiness
- Photos → Real-world Experience
- Posts → Authority in your space
- Profile accuracy → Expertise and Transparency
Don’t treat your GBP as a set-it-and-forget-it listing. It’s a living extension of your brand.
Final Word: Local SEO Starts with Google Business Profile
If you want to show up when landlords search for “property managers near me,” your Google Business Profile has to be dialed in.
MoreDoors Marketing helps property managers:
- Optimize GBP listings
- Collect more 5-star reviews
- Improve local rankings
Let us turn your Google listing into a lead machine.
Schedule your free SEO audit today.