More automation and consolidation with Google
Summary of Episode 99: Google’s AI Agent Released to Lower Tiers + Local Services Ads Changes + Website Audit Part 7
I just got back from vacation and found some massive updates in my Gemini app that every agent needs to see.
Here’s what I discussed in Episode 99. Click to skip to section:
- Local Services Ads (LSA) Merge with Google Ads: Why this ends “dashboard fatigue.”
- NotebookLM Becomes Gemini Notebook: New look and easier access.
- The Speed of Gemini: Flashlight and Flash Models: Choosing the right brain for the job.
- Google Gemini Spark: AI Agents for Everyone: Automating your weekly reports.
- Custom Skills and the Model Context Protocol (MCP): Giving your AI “hands.”
- New Google Contacts Connector: Syncing your network with AI.
- Claude’s Secret Weapon: The Google Maps API: Why Claude might be better for local search.
- The Power of Unique Perspectives in AI Content: Avoiding “regurgitated” blogs.
- Website Audit: The “About Us” Page Overhaul: Treating your page like a resume.
- Why You Need a Dedicated Reviews Page: Helping search engines find your social proof.
Local Services Ads (LSA) Merge with Google Ads
Google is finally moving Local Services Ads (LSA) into the main Google Ads platform. This is great news because it eliminates “dashboard fatigue.” Instead of jumping between different sites to find your leads, everything will live in one place. There is a huge “money-making” tip you need to know: Google is working on a home search tool that competes with Zillow. If you want to get leads from those searches, you must have the “buyer agent” toggle turned on in your LSA settings. If you don’t, you will be locked out of those future leads.
NotebookLM Becomes Gemini Notebook
The research tool we’ve been using, NotebookLM, is now called “Gemini Notebook.” You’ll notice the icon has changed to a small blue symbol. A helpful tip for agents is that you don’t even have to go to a separate website anymore; Gemini Notebook has been accessible right inside the regular Gemini app for a few months now. It’s a great way to keep all your property notes and local market data organized in one spot.
The Speed of Gemini: Flashlight and Flash Models
Google has released two new versions of Gemini: 3.5 Flashlight and 3.6 Flash. Think of “Flash” as the fast model and “Flashlight” as the even faster, lighter model. These use fewer “tokens”, which are just the units of data the AI uses to think, making them cheaper and quicker. Use these models for simple stuff like pulling text out of a photo. However, stick to Gemini Pro for complex writing or deep data analysis. Sometimes the Flash models hit a stumbling block on technical tasks, so you’ll want the “smarter” Pro model for things like coding/website stuff, complex math, and walking you through doing something technical.
Google Gemini Spark: AI Agents for Everyone
A huge update is that Google Gemini Spark is now available on the $20 monthly plan. This used to cost $100! Spark is an “AI Agent,” which is a tool that can run tasks in the background on a schedule. For example, you can tell it to create a weekly listing report every Monday. But here is a professional warning: my first attempt at a listing report was “hideous” and “garbage.” Spark is powerful, but you have to give it very specific instructions on layout and design to make it look professional.
Custom Skills and the Model Context Protocol (MCP)
Spark uses “Skills” to learn how you work. One of the best features is the “Voice Card.” This skill scans your Google Workspace apps like Gmail and Drive to learn your specific writing style, including your favorite words and punctuation. It also uses MCP, which is computer talk for giving Gemini “hands” to work in other apps. I used MCP to connect my Calendly to Gemini so the AI could manage my appointments. Just keep in mind that Gemini still can’t “write to” or edit existing Google Sheets easily yet, though that update should be coming soon.
New Google Contacts Connector
Under the “Personal Intelligence” settings in Gemini, you can now find a new “Contacts” connector. The icon looks like the standard Google Contacts symbol. This allows the AI to see your network so it can help you manage your relationships. It is still in the very early beta stages, so it might not be able to perform every task perfectly yet. Still, it’s worth turning on so the AI can start learning who your key clients and partners are.
Claude’s Secret Weapon: The Google Maps API
While most people talk about ChatGPT, the AI model called Claude has a secret advantage for realtors. Claude uses the Google Maps API, which gives it a direct feed of Google Business Profiles. This is a big deal because Claude can see review counts and location data that ChatGPT often can’t see because it’s blocked. If someone is using AI to find the best local realtor, Claude is likely to give more accurate results because it has that direct link to Google’s local data.
The Power of Unique Perspectives in AI Content
If you use AI to write your blog posts, be careful not to just post a “regurgitation of information that is already out there.” Google wants to see a unique human perspective. To win, you must add your own personal opinions and local stories. I like to use the “Vinnie’s Pizza” example: don’t just say the pizza is good. Mention the specific “chip in the table” in the corner where your kids play games while waiting for food. That tiny detail is a local expert signal that AI cannot fake, and it proves to search engines that you actually live and work in your community.
Website Audit: The “About Us” Page Overhaul
When I audited the “Live Florida Realty” website, I noticed their “About” page was a bit too general. Your “About” page should act like an extensive resume. It shouldn’t just have a mission statement; it needs your background, hobbies (like my firefighting), and professional awards. Make sure to list every certification you have, like SRES or CCIM. Also, if you are recruiting, keep your “Join Our Team” page separate. You don’t want to confuse a potential home buyer with information meant for a new agent.
Get My About Page Sections Cheatsheet Here.
Why You Need a Dedicated Reviews Page
Many agents use pretty widgets to show their reviews, but those aren’t enough. AI “crawlers” need actual text on the page to read and rank your site. You need a standalone “Reviews” page with a “long scroll” of social proof. This means copying the actual text of the reviews onto the page. Organize them by platform (Google, Facebook, etc.) and include clear buttons that link back to your profiles. This tells both humans and AI that you are a trusted professional with a long history of happy clients.
Conclusion: Small Steps to a Better Digital Presence
You don’t have to fix your whole digital life today. Building a great website and using AI is a marathon, not a sprint. Take it one step at a time, whether that’s adding a video to your header or updating one paragraph on your “About” page. As I always say, “You don’t have to do it all at once. You can just do little bits at a time.” If you want some help figuring out your next move, reach out for a free discovery call. Let’s make your technology work for you!
