Episode Summary: 7 Google Hacks That’ll Make ChatGPT Jealous in 2026

Podcast: Your Daily Real Estate Podcast with Tristan Ahumada
Host: Tristan Ahumada
Date: October 20, 2025
Episode: 690
Duration: ~7 minutes

Overview:

In this episode, Tristan Ahumada dives into “the Google 7”—seven actionable Google tools and strategies every real estate professional should be using to stay ahead of the competition as 2026 approaches. Tristan explains how these Google hacks can give you a competitive edge, help attract more local leads, optimize your online presence, and automate aspects of your business, all while competing with AI like ChatGPT.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Google Business Profile

[01:13]

• Essential for local search visibility.
• Tristan shares his own frustrations with losing business profiles but insists on their importance:
  • "I don't want you to stop trying. I don't want you to give up." [01:42]
• Not just for static info:
  • Update daily like a social feed; add photos, videos, answer questions.
  • "Treat it like social media, because it kind of is." [02:11]
• Consistent optimization draws free local leads.

2. YouTube

[02:23]

• Second most-visited site, and owned by Google.
• Video content ranks high on both Google and YouTube.
• Start simple:
  • Decide on frequency (weekly, monthly).
  • Focus topics: community, homes, market updates, or something unique.
• Inspirational anecdote:
  • “My friend Brett Baker went from zero to over a million subscribers in eight months... It was all on aviation.” [03:20]
• Consistency and focus are keys to YouTube growth.

3. Google Gemini & AI Integration

[03:40]

• Google's AI Gemini is increasingly integrated into search.
• “The more consistent, helpful content you create...the more likely your business info appears on AI-generated summaries.” [03:52]
• Pro tip:
  • Add FAQs (“frequently asked questions”) to every piece of content (blogs, videos).
  • AI, like Gemini, pulls answers directly from these for “snippets” (summary cards at top of results).

4. Snippets / “Position Zero”

[04:22]

• Tristan’s favorite tactic:
  • “This is what I call position zero...above all of the answers that Google gives you, even above the pay per clicks.” [04:33]
• How to claim the snippet box:
  • Write short, clear answers using headers/bullets.
  • Example: Answer “What are closing costs in Thousand Oaks?” concisely, using bullet points and specificity.

5. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

[05:26]

• SEO isn’t dead, just evolving.
• Use long-tail keywords (“homes for sale in Thousand Oaks near the mall”).
• Post consistent weekly blogs (neighborhood guides, market updates).
  • “Google rewards consistency...they are also rewarding your answers to the frequently asked questions.” [05:48]
• Leverage Gemini:
  • Feed your blog into Gemini to generate FAQs, edit for your tone, and insert back into the blog for maximum snippet potential.
  • Repurpose blog content as video or newsletter for broader reach.

6. Pay Per Click (PPC) – Google Ads

[06:23]

• Use PPC to get in front of those actively searching real estate terms.
• Recognize the major online competitors: Zillow, Redfin, realtor.com, etc.
• Advice:
  • “If you’re going to run this, make sure you’re running this through a company that can also put those leads into your CRM so you have an automated drip” [06:48]
• Don’t waste your money if you lack a conversion system. Work with pros or use built-in options in your CRM.

7. Google Reviews & Reputation Management

[07:10]

• Tied back to Google Business Profile.
• Reviews drive credibility and rankings.
  • “Consistently replying to reviews that you get, both positive and negative, builds credibility and Google loves it for rankings.” [07:18]
• Make asking for reviews a habit:
  • “Every single person, this is your job. This is how you grow.” [07:34]
• Tristan is candid about his own past setbacks here but stresses why it’s non-negotiable.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On business resilience:
  "I don't want you to stop trying. I don't want you to give up." [01:42]

• On Google Business as a daily feed:
  "Treat it like social media, because it kind of is." [02:11]

• On getting into snippets:
  "This is what I call position zero... it's even above the pay per clicks, right? Even above sponsored ads." [04:33]

• Raw advice on reviews:
  "Every single person, this is your job. This is how you grow." [07:34]

• Advice on using PPC with automation:
  "If you don't have a system to convert them, you're going to lose all your money." [06:57]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:13 – #1 Google Business Profile: Why and how to optimize it
• 02:23 – #2 YouTube: Easy strategies for content creation and growth
• 03:40 – #3 Google Gemini: Integrating AI & the power of FAQs
• 04:22 – #4 Snippets: How to win “position zero” in Google Search
• 05:26 – #5 SEO: Updated tips for blogging and keyword targeting
• 06:23 – #6 PPC: When, why, and how to use Google Ads for real estate
• 07:10 – #7 Reviews: Building your Google reputation the right way

Final Thoughts

Tristan’s list of “Google 7” strategies is actionable and rooted in personal experience, blending practical tips with real-world stories and a bit of tough love. This episode is a concise, motivating toolkit for any real estate professional seeking to maximize their Google presence going into 2026—while beating the bots and staying relevant in a fast-changing digital world.

To get the episode notes, Tristan encourages listeners to message him directly on Instagram.