Simple Google Fixes That Can Boost Leads
Digital expert Alex Montalenti says agents who update their Google Business Profile with reviews, photos and consistent info can boost visibility and free leads.
NEW YORK -- When it comes to online visibility, too many agents overlook one of the most powerful tools in their marketing arsenal: their Google Business Profile.
Digital marketing expert Alex Montalenti, CEO of Real Grader, says many agents lose credibility and leads because of simple, avoidable mistakes.
The first is not optimizing their Google Business Profile with an updated professional headshot, reviews and an appointment link.
"Your face is your brand," he said, noting that while most small businesses average nearly 40 Google reviews, agents typically have fewer than 10.
The second mistake is neglecting to ask for reviews at all. Reviews boost ranking and visibility, and Google even encourages agents to request them through shareable links.
The third pitfall is ending up in "Google jail," when a profile gets suspended after address or brokerage changes trigger automated flags.
“Google’s bots see it as suspicious activity and shut it down. You can lose hundreds of reviews overnight,” he told Inman.
Montalenti advises keeping contact information consistent across platforms, verifying updates, and treating Google as a digital storefront. Agents who do so often see an immediate rise in local search visibility and a boost in free, organic leads.
Source: Inman (10/20/25) Palmquist, Troy
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