Optimize Your Apartment’s Google Business Profile for Top Ranking on Maps
August 7, 2019 12:47 pm 1 CommentHow do I use my Google Business Profile for Apartment Marketing?
As a property manager or owner, you want to make sure that anyone looking for your rental property can quickly find your property information and get in touch with you. Through your Google Business Profile, potential tenants who are interested in your property can learn more about your community, read reviews, view images, and even contact you via your profile. It’s an excellent (and maybe the most important) resource for apartment marketing.
Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a free service provided by Google. It lets local businesses manage their online presence across organic searches and maps by creating a detailed profile of who they are, what they offer, and their contact info and hours. You can update your Google Business Profile right in Search and optimize it to rank well in both Google Search and Maps.
For apartments, this is huge. It gives you two different places to rank with just one profile. Since it’s through Google, you’re on the largest search engine on the internet and can reach any number of prospects.
We’ll walk through this together, step by step. Setting up a Google Business Profile doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide is here to help apartment owners and managers like you get the property seen more online, draw in folks looking for a place to live, and fill those empty apartments quickly.
Google Business Profile For Apartment Communities
Google Business Profile is a great tool for apartment marketing. There are so many ways to advertise your products and services, but a Google Business Profile is crucial for standing out to prospects searching for rental apartments in the local area.
46% of all Google searches are looking for local information. This underscores the importance of a well-optimized Google Business Profile for apartment complexes. Apartments are first and foremost a LOCAL business. Prospects are looking in a particular area for a reason. A well-maintained Google Business Profile for apartments becomes a critical tool in connecting with potential renters and standing out in local searches.
The way the profile is set up now adds a dedicated area for property owners to highlight their most current offerings, making it even simpler for potential renters to make a quick choice. The goal is to make it easier for potential tenants to make decisions about renting apartments and simpler for property managers to attract new customers. Regularly updating your Google Business Profile means your apartment listings stay relevant and visible to potential renters.
It may be a hassle and expensive to advertise rental properties for rent, even when you can advertise apartments for rent through various online platforms. Local SEO is a type of search engine optimization that increases your company’s visibility in Google’s local search results. Focusing on local SEO for apartments drives more targeted traffic to your listings, attracting renters who are actively searching in your community. And updating your business profile in Google is part of making that work.
The question is, are you taking advantage of all the things you can do to promote your apartment community on Google?
Claiming and Verifying Your Apartment’s Google Business Profile
Anyone may inform Google of the location of a business and create a Business Profile. Your apartment community is a company. Because of this, you can make a profile for it and start optimizing it for better performance. Optimizing your apartment’s presence on Google Maps makes it easier for potential tenants to find and consider your property.
If Market Apartments is your marketing provider, then you’re in luck! We’ve claimed it for you, and made sure your business hours, address and phone number are correct. If you have the time, your onsite team members should also claim your business to be added as a manager. As you read further, you’ll see that there are so many ways to get your apartment community noticed on Google.
Starting with the claim process, the first step is to search for your apartment complex on Google to see if it already exists. If it does, you’ll see an option to “Claim this business.” If it doesn’t, head over to the Google Business Profile website and select “Add your business.” Google will guide you through entering your apartment’s details, such as name, address, and category. Remember, accuracy here is vital – it ensures potential tenants can find you easily. Visit https://business.google.com/create to learn more.
After you’ve claimed your Google Business Profile, verifying your business is the critical next step to unlock the full suite of Google’s features for managing your online presence.
Postcard, phone, and video verifications are usually the main options for verifying your Google Business Profile. Video verification is Google’s preferred method for many businesses, including apartment complexes. It’s designed to be quick and straightforward, ensuring that you’re the rightful manager of the profile with minimal delay. Here’s how it works: Google will offer you the option for video verification directly in the GBP interface if your business is eligible.
You’ll need to prepare for a short video call, where you’ll show specific details of your apartment complex, such as signage with the business name and address or evidence of your operation at the location. This might include showing the exterior of your building or leasing office where your business name is visible. Ensure your street number is prominently displayed in your Google Business Profile to make it easier for potential tenants to locate your property.
Optimizing Google Business Profile
Creating a Google Business profile is one of the most advantageous strategies to rent your units online. It uses the best aspects of SEO (search engine optimization) without expecting you to be an SEO professional.
Choose your company’s most precise and influential category as the principal category for your business profile. For apartment communities, there are two primary categories to consider: “Apartment Building” and “Apartment Complex.”
If you’re having trouble choosing a category, look at what your competitor has selected. Go to Google Maps and type in the name of your rival. The primary category is shown under the business name and immediately under the review stars. For apartments, we recommend selecting two categories; apartment buildings and apartment complexes.
Write a description that accurately represents your apartment community and management team is key. Highlight the unique aspects of your living spaces and the commitment of your team to providing an exceptional living experience for all residents.
Provide the most relevant information they need such as your property website address, phone number, opening hours, and business description.
Adding a start date to your profile adds a layer of transparency and trust, showing potential renters the longevity and stability of your community. This information helps establish credibility and gives insight into your experience and evolution in the housing market.
Incorporating your apartment’s website into your Google Business Profile is a strategic move that can significantly increase traffic and conversion rates. It offers prospective tenants a direct link to explore more about your community, view photos, and start the application process, thereby streamlining their journey from searcher to resident.
Adding links to your social media profiles, such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, into your Google Business Profile enhances your online presence, providing social proof and a holistic view of your community.
Renters can learn more about you and choose whether you are the ideal apartment building for them by reading your company description and reviews from past tenants. Remember that this is your opportunity to show your community, so be truthful in what you say.
Optimizing apartment listings for local search by incorporating key amenities, precise location details, and unique features of your property in the listing’s content not only boosts its search engine visibility but also attracts a more targeted audience, ensuring your apartments stand out to those searching in your local area.
To maximize your Google Maps optimization, ensure your apartment’s Google Maps listing includes detailed, up-to-date information on amenities and available units, coupled with virtual tours to significantly enhance prospective tenants’ online experience.
You can describe the services and goods you offer, as well as the goals and history of your company, in the description area.
Custom Categories and Attributes
Tailoring your Google Business Profile with custom categories and attributes can make a world of difference for your apartment community, especially when you’re aiming to stand out to potential renters. Let’s dive into how these features can work for you, starting with custom categories. If you’re managing a retirement home, choosing a category like “Retirement Apartments” or “Senior Citizen Center” can instantly connect you with your target audience. This specificity helps potential residents find exactly what they’re looking for, streamlining their search process and bringing them one step closer to calling their place home.
Now, think about the services your community offers. Amenities like gyms and sports courts aren’t just perks; they’re significant lifestyle factors for prospective tenants. Listing these services under your Google Business Profile makes your property more appealing because it highlights the lifestyle potential renters could enjoy. It’s not just about the physical space; it’s about the quality of life your community offers. This approach helps your listing resonate more deeply with those looking for a new home that matches their active lifestyle or specific needs.
Editing your products, or in this case, your rental units, to include prices and floor plans is the final piece of the puzzle. Providing this level of detail upfront does wonders for transparency and helps set expectations. It’s like giving potential renters a guided tour before they even step foot on the property. This level of openness not only builds trust but also significantly streamlines the decision-making process for your prospective tenants. They can easily compare options, understand what you offer, and envision their life in your community.
Add Apartment Photos
Before prospects end up on your website, they may be looking through your Google listing first. Add photos to your Google profile page to boost your leads. We’ll bet your apartment website traffic will increase too. You don’t have to add all of your gallery page photos to your profile, but having 15 to 20 photos would be helpful for prospects to get an idea of what your community looks like.
Are you in need of updated gallery photos? Market Apartments has affordable apartment photography packages to choose from.
Turn On Notifications
Turning on notifications from your Google Business Profile could be a game-changer for managing your apartment community’s interactions. Imagine receiving real-time updates directly on your phone or inbox. Whether it’s a potential renter inquiring about unit availability, asking detailed questions, or wanting to schedule a viewing, these instant alerts enable you to respond swiftly and effectively. This responsiveness not only enhances your service quality but also significantly improves your chances of converting inquiries into actual apartment viewings and, eventually, leases.
Here’s how to make this feature work for you: Dive into your profile settings and enable notifications for messages, emails, and appointment requests. This ensures you never miss out on engaging with prospects at the moment they show interest. Think of it as having a direct line to those looking for a new home, offering them a personalized experience from their very first interaction with your community.
Respond to Your Reviews
Under the reviews section, you can respond to those who have left a comment. Remember, whether it’s good or bad, you should always respond.
87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, this highlights the need for active management of your Google Business Profile reviews.
Thank the person for their feedback, and if there was a problem they encountered while living at your apartment community, apologize first. Then, if possible offer a solution or provide an email or telephone number for them to call to discuss further.
Influence on Rankings
Here’s the inside scoop: positive reviews and high ratings are like gold dust for your Google Business Profile, significantly boosting your visibility in map searches. Imagine each positive review as a beacon, shining brightly, guiding potential renters straight to your doorstep. It’s not just about the quantity, though; the quality of these reviews speaks volumes to prospective tenants, painting a vivid picture of the living experience in your community.
Create posts about your property
Boosting Google visibility for apartments involves engaging with your community through posts and updates, and keeping your profile active and informative.
On the left-hand side of your dashboard page, you’ll see a column full of things you can do to promote your apartment community. Posts are useful to promote your products, so in apartment marketing, you should post about your apartment specials. Prospects have many options to choose from, so make sure your apartment community’s special is something they’ll see right from the Google search!
You can also add events to this section as well, so you can even post about an upcoming resident event. Market Apartments highly recommends posting your apartment special whenever possible, but if you don’t have one going on, highlight one of your amenities! With Google being the most widely used search engine, you’ll want your apartment community to be seen often by prospects in your area. So don’t miss out on opportunities to post about your apartment community on Google.
You can use this option to get yourself visible in maps and google local pack listings. Regularly refreshing your business page with the latest rental specials and community news can keep your listing engaging and informative for potential renters.
Performance of your Google Business Profile
Diving into the performance of your Google Business Profile unveils a treasure trove of insights that can dramatically improve your apartment marketing strategy. Imagine having a dashboard that not only shows the volume of traffic your listing is attracting but also gives you a detailed breakdown of phone calls, messages, and even the number of potential renters who decided to click through to your website.
Imagine having a dashboard that not only shows the volume of traffic your listing is attracting but also gives you a detailed breakdown of phone calls, messages, and even the number of potential renters who decided to click through to your website.
This data isn’t just numbers; it’s a direct reflection of what’s resonating with your audience and what’s not. It highlights an incredible opportunity to refine your online presence, ensuring that every aspect of your Google Business Profile is tailored to meet the needs of those searching for their next home.
Now, let’s peel back another layer. By analyzing how searchers found your property, including the keywords they used and whether they were on mobile devices or desktops, you gain invaluable insights into their behavior and preferences. This isn’t just about adjusting your keywords or making your site more mobile-friendly, though those are important steps. It’s about understanding the journey of your potential renters, from the moment they start their search to the moment they decide to reach out to you.
88% of local searches on a mobile device lead to a call or visit to the business within 24 hours. By strategically optimizing your Google Business Profile based on this data, you not only increase your visibility but also connect more effectively with those looking for exactly what your community has to offer.
Implementing SEO strategies on your apartment’s website, such as optimizing for local search, can significantly boost your apartment visibility online, drawing more prospective tenants to explore what you offer
Confirm that your Q & A Notifications are On
Some prospects will ask questions about your apartment community right on your listing. Just like reviews, these questions should be answered. Use your Google Business Profile to the fullest. Your reputation matters!
NAP Consistency
Keeping your apartment community’s Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) consistent across all online platforms is a cornerstone strategy for boosting your visibility in local search results. Imagine the internet as a vast, interconnected web where every consistent piece of information about your property strengthens the signals sent to search engines, telling them, “This is a reliable and authoritative source.” Now, why does this matter?
In the world of apartment marketing, where the competition is just a click away, ensuring your NAP details are uniform across directories, social media, and your Google Business Profile can significantly influence your ranking in search results. This consistency helps potential renters find you more easily, providing a straightforward path to your doorsteps, both virtually and in reality.
Is a Google Business Account Worth It?
If you want access to tools like personalized email addresses, extra storage for Google Drive, and sophisticated website analytics, a Google business account may be worthwhile. A Google business account can also be helpful for companies who wish to generate Google Ads or utilize GBP to manage their internet presence. However, your needs and budget will determine whether it is worthwhile for your particular organization.
Benefits of Google Business Profile For Apartments
Every local business should use a Google Business Profile for marketing. When people are looking for a new apartment complex, it can be a tremendous assistance in increasing the online visibility of your building.
- Displaying your building prominently in Google search results.
- Giving users immediate information with your address, phone number, directions, and website link.
- Showcase your company on Google Maps using Street View.
- You can make the information you provide as appealing as you can. This entails including visual and video content.
What are Google Business Profile’s Ranking Factors?
In the comprehensive study conducted by White Spark, a total of 149 potential ranking factors were identified, showcasing the depth and complexity of SEO strategies required for enhancing online visibility. This extensive research sheds light on the most influential factors for both Google Business Profile visibility and local organic ranking, offering businesses a focused and data-driven approach to optimizing their digital presence.
Google Business Profile Visibility Factors
For Google Business Profile (GBP) visibility, the analysis underscores the critical role of selecting the right primary GBP category, which stands out as the top factor with a score of 193. Keywords in the GBP business title and the proximity of the business address to the searcher follow closely, emphasizing the importance of strategic keyword inclusion and the advantage of geographical proximity. Factors like the physical address’s alignment with the search city, vigilant spam listing removal, and having a high number of quality Google reviews highlight the multifaceted approach needed for optimizing GBP listings.
Local Organic Ranking Factors
The same study highlights the creation of a dedicated page for each service as the most crucial factor. This is indicative of the value placed on specific, high-quality content tailored to each service offered, underlining the importance of having a website that is properly optimized for both search engines and user experience. Improving your apartment ranking on Google starts with a comprehensive SEO strategy that includes keyword optimization and quality content.
The importance of internal website linking, authoritative inbound links, and the strategic use of geographic and topical keywords throughout site content were also highlighted, reflecting the nuanced considerations necessary for enhancing local SEO performance.
The emphasis on mobile-friendly websites, a diverse backlink profile, and a clear niche focus are among the other top factors derived from the potential ranking factors analyzed. These elements collectively underscore the critical need for website optimization, guiding businesses on where to concentrate their efforts to achieve the greatest impact on local search rankings.
Improving your apartment’s map rankings involves optimizing your Google Business Profile with accurate location details and encouraging satisfied tenants to leave positive reviews
Common Challenges and Solutions for Optimizing Google Business Profile
Correcting Map Pin Location for Accurate Directions
Challenge: The pin for your apartment community on Google Maps doesn’t lead prospects to the correct entrance gate. This can confuse potential tenants and negatively impact their first impression of your property.
Solution: To correct the pin location, log into your Google Business Profile and navigate to the “Info” section. Here, you’ll find an option to “Edit” the location of your pin on the map. Drag the pin to the correct entrance gate of your apartment community. If the platform doesn’t allow precise adjustments, use the “Report a problem” feature on Google Maps to provide detailed feedback on the correct location. Google typically reviews these requests within a few days, and you’ll receive a notification once the change is made.
Managing Unwanted Photos on Your Google Business Profile
Challenge: Sometimes, tenants or visitors upload photos to your Google Business Profile that you’d prefer not to display. Unfortunately, property managers cannot directly remove photos uploaded by others.
Solution: To address unwanted photos, navigate to your Google Business Profile and find the photo in question. Click on the photo and select the option to report it to Google. You’ll need to provide a reason for the report, such as the photo being irrelevant or inappropriate for your business profile. Google reviews these reports and, if they agree with your assessment, will remove the photo.
Enhancing Local Citations for Improved Visibility
Challenge: Many apartment communities overlook the importance of local citations beyond their Google Business Profile. Inconsistent citations across directories can dilute your SEO efforts, making it harder for potential tenants to find accurate information about your property.
Solution: Conduct a thorough audit of all listings of your apartment community across online directories and platforms. Ensure that your property’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across the board. Utilize tools designed for local SEO to manage and update your citations efficiently, enhancing your overall online presence and search rankings.
Implementing Structured Data Markup
Challenge: Google’s ability to understand the content of your apartment community’s website can be limited without structured data markup. This affects how well your site content is represented in search results, impacting your Google Business Profile’s effectiveness.
Solution: Use structured data markup on your website to provide Google with explicit information about your apartment community, such as amenities, reviews, and events. This can enhance your visibility in search results and ensure that your Google Business Profile displays rich, detailed information, making it more attractive to potential renters.
To Conclude…
75% of searchers never go past the first page of search results, making top rankings vital for visibility. If you’re properly managing your Google Business Profile, your apartment community is likely to be seen at the top of Google search results, which is how you’ll connect with even more potential renters. Google is the best way to get your business name out there, but it’s important to keep up with it. How often you update your Google listing is important.
Don’t have time?
Effective apartment Google Business Profile management is key to improving your property’s online visibility and attracting more potential renters. Market Apartments is ready to help! Let us manage your property’s Google Business Profile. We’ll even manage your Google, Yelp, and Bing listings for an affordable price. We have the tools and creativity to bring your local listings to life! Get your Google listing (as well as Bing and Yelp) noticed! For more information, visit our website or email sales@marketapts.com.
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Categorised in: Apartment Marketing, For Property Managers
This post was written by Chandra Lloyd
Chandra Lloyd is a writer for Market Apts with a focus on SEO copywriting and digital marketing for multifamily housing.
1 Comment
Great article. This is help me tons on my apartment website & proper way to manage my GMB. Thanks Market Apartment!