5 Ways Real Estate Agents Are Ranking in the Top 3 on Google (And How You Can Too)

These days, most homebuyers and sellers start their search online. If someone types “real estate agent near me” and your name doesn’t show up, you might as well be invisible. So how do the top-performing agents consistently land in that top three?

It comes down to how they show up online, and the starting point is your Google Business Profile. Think of it as your digital storefront. It’s where people see your name, photos, reviews, hours, contact info, and most importantly, your location on Google Maps. For agents, a verified and well-optimized profile isn’t optional. It’s your ticket to being found. Agents who rank high treat it as a core marketing tool, not something they check off once and forget.

Reviews make a huge difference. Google uses them as a trust signal, and clients rely on them to decide who they want to work with. The agents who consistently rank well don’t just ask for reviews; they have a system for gathering them after closings or client interactions, often making it simple with a link or QR code. And they respond to every single review. That shows both Google and potential clients that they’re active, engaged, and approachable. A steady stream of genuine reviews will always outperform a sudden burst.

Keeping your profile active matters too. The top agents treat their profile like a mini social media page, regularly posting new listings, open house announcements, market updates, client success stories, and neighborhood guides. Fresh content signals to Google that your business is alive and serving your local area, which helps push your profile higher in search results.

Photos are more than visuals. Geotagged images from real properties, open houses, and neighborhoods you serve give Google a clear picture of where you’re active. It might sound technical, and it is, but it’s a game-changer. Every image tells Google that you’re really working in that area, exactly what you want when someone searches for a local agent.

Of course, managing all of this on top of your daily client work can be overwhelming. That’s where a partner like Ashford South comes in. We help agents set up and fully optimize their Google Business Profile, build repeatable review systems, post weekly local content, upload properly formatted geotagged photos, and track analytics so you know it’s working. Essentially, we handle the digital side so you can focus on closing deals, while your profile climbs toward that top three spot.

The truth is, ranking in the top three on Google isn’t luck. It’s strategy. The agents dominating your local market have invested in their digital presence, and it all starts with a strong, fully optimized Google Business Profile. If you’re tired of being buried on page ten, or worse, not showing up at all, it’s time to get intentional.

Let Ashford South take the digital work off your plate so your name appears exactly where your next client is already searching. Visibility creates opportunity, and in real estate, opportunity is everything.