04/29

Online reviews are the most influential factor for any business these days. Whether you are selling a product or service, your online reviews can make or break you. This is especially true in real estate as you are asking potential buyers to trust you with one of the biggest purchases of their lives. You’ve undoubtedly heard this before, but we thought now would be a great time for another reminder.

The only way to get positive feedback online is to give exceptional service to all of your clients. It should not need to be said that being polite and always looking out for your client’s best interest should be a top priority, even when the transaction doesn’t go according to plan.  

The more positive reviews that you have, the more trustworthy you will seem to potential buyers and sellers. In fact, Zip Realty conducted a survey with 2,500 online homebuyers and found that 62% of online homebuyers would contact an agent based on excellent, real reviews alone. That’s more than 6 out of 10 of today’s consumers. Think of your good testimonials as effective, free advertising.

Most people won’t leave a review unless they’re asked and while asking for a positive review seems like a simple task, it isn’t always that easy. You don’t want to push them, just check in on them a few weeks after the closing if they still haven’t submitted a review. Make the email, text, or call about checking in on how they are doing, then close with a friendly reminder that it would mean a lot if they could leave that review now. 

The bottom line is, you should have a plan for how you’re going to garner reviews, and you should practice it until it’s perfected. Think about how many times you’re asked to leave feedback every day. It’s just part of being a modern consumer. Don’t be pushy, but remember, even your best customers may need a gentle nudge.

It is never too early to ask for reviews either. Even if a potential customer reaches out for advice and nothing further. Let them know you enjoyed meeting them and ask them to leave some kind words for you online. Regardless of what services you provide, your customers should be receptive to leaving a review, and this will benefit you exponentially. If you’re already doing all of this, great! We wanted to provide you with this bonus tip from that Zip Realty survey, combining this advice with our earlier blog on the importance of video.

• Ask customers who left you a positive review to give you a video testimonial, too. If they took the time to write a glowing review, they will probably want to give you a video review that you can use in your marketing on social media and more.

Now, if we’re not being too forward, we’d love for you to leave us some kind words on Google or Facebook. (See what we did there?) Thank you for allowing us to be your local title and escrow provider, and we can’t wait to see you again!