Did you know? Google now has a profile tool that lets you as a user create a basic portal page that can link to your information, websites, and media (such as photos.) This profile is not only shared across Google’s many services (if you use them) but more importantly it is a new factor in search engine results.
As Google explains “What do people see when they find you online? You can control how you appear in Google by creating a personal profile.” Google shows up to four profiles on the first page of its search results (with a link to more if available), giving priority based on proximity to the user (or the location they’re specifically searching), or how relevant information in their profile is to the search itself.
When a user types “Jerry Smith in Vancouver” into Google, Jerry’s Google profile may show up as one of the first results if he’s made sure to include his home city as part of the information. A search on just “Jerry Smith” might also come up first to a user searching from elsewhere in Canada, whereas a searcher in California might be shown other US-based Jerry Smiths first.
You’ll need a Google account to create a profile (if you don’t have one already.) Then in their profiles tool you may customize information about yourself (click edit profile). Be sure to check off the “Display my full name so I can be found in search” option. It is also important to fill out as much information as you can, including the city where you currently live/work, and a short biography. Make sure to also link to your real estate website, blog, and other online profiles (such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Flickr) using the “Links” area at the bottom. You may also check off an option so that people may easily contact you anonymously through the profile, but without actually having your contact information disclosed. Once your profile has been created be sure to link to it from your other online destinations to help boost its ranking.
As a real estate agent (or anybody else trying to market your name online) you should always be looking for new ways to boost your online presence: making sure that the right you shows up in Google is a great step in that direction. You may read more about how a Google profile looks and works here.
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