If you're a REALTOR®️, then you know that the competition for leads has never been more fierce with inventory at record lows. If you haven't been on your knees practically begging people to sell their houses, then you haven't been trying hard enough! That's why it's important to make sure you stand out from the other realtors in your area and lucky for you, there's a new player in town when it comes to lead generation. This post will cover the many reasons why you need to try out Google's Local Service Ads for realtors.
#1 - It's new and not widely used (yet!)
If nothing else, the fact that Google's Local Service Ads is a newer way to generate leads is a reason to jump in. Get all the leads you can before other realtors start to utilize the service too!
#2 - Bump yourself to the top of Google searches
Companies literally pay thousands of dollars to get to the top of Google searches, but you can do it for much less with local services for realtors. When someone searches for your city and "real estate agent" Google's Local Service Ads give you a chance to have your smiling face and information right at the top of the search.
#3 - Get ahead of PPC and organic search results
When I say that you get to be at the top of the search, I mean the top. Results for local services for realtors appear before even the pay per click ads and the organic search results. Google will literally provide a list of realtors, front and center, to people searching and you want to be on that list.
#4 - Allows you to move away from advertising on other sites
You may feel roped into spending money on advertising with other sites that are bringing you less than ideal leads. Google Local Service Ads give you another option to see if you can get a better ROI.
#5 - The "Google Screened" label builds trust
You know you're trustworthy, but having that little "google screened" label associated with your services assures potential clients and helps build a little trust before you even talk to them. It literally tells people that Google has run a background and license check on you so you’re safe to work with.
#6 - Provides higher quality leads
It's not uncommon to find that your other lead generation tactics bring low-quality leads. Either people who aren't serious or who have contacted a dozen realtors trying to get into a house they're interested in looking at. Google's Local Service Ads will bring higher quality leads because these people are specifically looking for realtors.
#7 - Leads are more likely to be listing leads
Because the people finding you are actually looking for real estate agents, not houses, the leads you get will more likely be listing leads rather than buyer leads! This is a gold mine, especially at a time when listing leads are almost impossible to get.
#8 - Operates on a cost-per-contact model (not per click!)
Cost per click ads and lead generation can be frustrating because most clicks don't produce results. Instead of cost per click, Google's Local Service Ads operate on a cost per contact model. This means you only pay when someone actually contacts you through the ad.
#9 - Showcases your ratings right on the Google search page
It's not surprising that people are going to start shopping for everything the way they do on Amazon: by what has the highest reviews. If you're a stellar agent with lots of reviews, you can show that off in your listing right on the Google search page. Plus, Google will automatically prompt anyone who works with you through their ads to leave a review so you don't have to do the extra work!
#10 - Estimate your costs
Want to have an idea of what this is going to cost you before you jump in? Of course you do! Luckily, there is a handy estimator tool that asks for your zip code, leads per month, and industry and gives you an idea of what it will cost. For example for 5 leads per month, a realtor in Portland, OR should pay around $190 - $285. In Manhattan, this will cost you $110 - $165, and in Tulsa? $90 - $135.
The Take Away
If you want to get ahead of the game and stand out from your competition, it's time to get into local services for realtors. Whether you're a new agent or an established one, how you show up in Google searches is key. We google everything, so jumping in on this while it's new may give you the head start you need.
Want more info about Local Service Ads? Reach out and Let’s Chat!