Setting Up a Google Business Profile for Your Brokerage (No Office Address Required)

If your brokerage doesn't have a public office address, you can still create a Google Business Profile. Google offers a Service Area Business (SAB) option that lets you list the cities and neighborhoods you serve instead of a physical address.

This article walks you through the setup process.

Setup Steps

1. Start your profile

   Go to google.com/business and sign in, or create a profile if you do not have one.

2. Enter your business name

   Use your brokerage's name exactly as it appears on your website, signage, and other materials. Do not add taglines, locations, or extra descriptors to the name field.

3. Choose "Service business"

   When Google asks how customers interact with your business, select the service option. This tells Google to show your service area instead of an address.

4. Choose your business category

   Select "Real estate agency" from the dropdown. Stick to one category that best represents the brokerage as a whole.

5. Set your service area

   List the cities, ZIP codes, or neighborhoods your brokerage serves. A few guidelines:

   1. You can list up to 20 service areas.
   2. Keep the total coverage within about a 2-hour drive of where the brokerage is based.
   3. Be specific. List the actual markets you work in rather than broad regions.

6. Add a phone number (optional)

   Skip this if you don't want a public number on the listing.

7. Verify your business

   Google will ask you to verify before your profile goes live. For service area businesses, video verification is common. You'll record one continuous, unedited video that covers:

   1. Tools of the trade: Branded yard signs, lockboxes, and the vehicle used to drive clients around, or a vehicle wrap.
   2. Proof of operation: A laptop or phone showing your admin dashboard, MLS access, or CRM.
   3. Official documentation: Physical copies of your real estate license, business cards, and any broker affiliation agreement.

Questions?

If you run into any issues during setup, please contact our team at support@realstack.com, and we’ll guide you through the process.