Jacqueline Kyo Thomas
In real estate, your reputation can make or break your career. Fortunately, you have the power to shape your reputation through the strategic use of client reviews. By actively asking for feedback, responding thoughtfully to client concerns, and showcasing positive testimonials, you can build a strong professional brand that resonates with current and potential clients. Reviews don’t only reflect your past performance but they also shape your future. That’s because your potential clients will find you through client reviews.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your existing real estate business, understanding how to curate reviews is essential. The following post will guide you through the best practices for handling reviews, from how to request a review to how to effectively showcase them for maximum impact.
Let’s get started.
Why are Real Estate Reviews Important?
In the service industry, reviews are more than just opinions—they are honest assessments of a person’s experience.
Real estate reviews often include detailed comments about specific experiences as well as ratings, such as stars or numbers. This mix helps a potential client assess an agent at a glance. Reviews show an agent's strong points, what they can do better, and how happy their clients are. Reviews help future clients know what they may be able to expect from you if they work with you.
- Reviews Establish Trust - Reviews are the cornerstone of building trust in the real estate business. Positive reviews can significantly enhance your reputation and showcase your skills and professionalism.
- Reviews Influence Client Decisions - Reviews often play a pivotal role in a potential client's decision-making process. A wealth of positive reviews can sway clients to choose you over competitors. Many clients prefer to research and read through reviews before even making the first contact.
- Reviews Enhance Online Visibility - Reviews do more than simply build trust. Reviews also make it easier to find you online. Search engines like Google factor in the number and quality of reviews when ranking business profiles. Regularly receiving new and positive reviews signals to these search engines that you are a relevant and active player in your industry. This often leads to higher search rankings.
- Leveraging Social Proof - The concept of social proof is a powerful one. Positive reviews act as a form of social endorsement and influence others to trust and choose your services. Each positive review amplifies your reach and reputation beyond your immediate network.
Real estate reviews are found on various platforms, including:
- Google Business Profile - Visibility here is key as Google is often the first point of contact for someone searching for real estate services. A strong presence with positive reviews here can significantly boost your credibility.
- Zillow - Zillow is the most-visited real estate website in the US. Because Zillow is real estate-specific, reviews found on this site tend to be more relevant and targeted to the housing market.
- Yelp - While broader than Zillow, Yelp reviews are trusted by many and can reach a wide audience. A positive presence here can attract clients beyond your immediate network.
- Facebook - With its vast user base, reviews on Facebook can significantly enhance your social media presence and serve as endorsements that are visible to a broader audience (such as those who are socially connected to the reviewer).
To thrive in today’s real estate market, understanding and leveraging the power of reviews is essential. As a new real estate agent, actively seeking, managing, and responding to client reviews should be a core part of your marketing and customer service strategy.
When is the Right Time to Ask for Reviews?
Knowing when to ask your clients for reviews is as crucial as the quality of service you provide. Here’s when you should ask for reviews:
Upon Closing a Deal
This is a no-brainer. When you've successfully closed a sale or purchase, your client's satisfaction level is usually at its peak. It’ll never be higher than it is at that moment. And so that is the perfect moment to ask for a review. Your hard work has just paid off, and your client is likely feeling grateful and happy.
How to Ask: “I’m thrilled we found your dream home! If you’re happy with my services, I’d greatly appreciate it if you could share your experience in a review. It helps me grow and assists others in their home-buying journey.”
A Few Weeks After the Deal
Sometimes, immediately after the transaction might not be the ideal time for a client to write a review. They might be busy moving in or handling other matters. A follow-up after a few weeks shows you care about the client beyond the sale and provides another opportunity to ask for a review.
How to Ask: “I hope you're settling in well. If you have a moment, I’d love to hear your feedback on my services. Your review would mean a lot to me and help others make informed decisions.”
Capitalizing on Compliments
If your client expresses satisfaction verbally or via email, seize the moment! Politely suggest that they share these kind words in a review.
How to Ask: “Thank you for the kind words! It would be fantastic if you could share your positive experience in an online review. This helps others understand the level of service I strive to provide.”
Anniversary of the Purchase/Sale
Reaching out on the anniversary of their home purchase or sale is a thoughtful touch and a great occasion to ask for a review.
How to Ask: “Happy one-year anniversary in your home! I’d love to hear how everything's going. Also, if you haven’t yet, could you please share your experience working with me in a review? Your feedback is invaluable.”
Remember, your approach should always be friendly and non-intrusive. Acknowledge that their time is precious, and express genuine appreciation for their feedback, whether they choose to leave a review or not. This respectful approach not only enhances your professional relationship but also increases the likelihood of receiving a positive review.
Tips on Crafting the Perfect Review Request
Now that you know when to ask for reviews, let's focus on how to craft your request in a way that's effective and considerate.
Personalize Your Request
Avoid generic messages. Personalize each request by mentioning specific details of your interaction. This shows your client that you value their individual experience.
Example: “I remember how excited we were when we found that stunning kitchen you loved. I’d be so grateful if you could share your experience working with me on -platform name-.”
Be Clear and Concise
Keep your request short and sweet. Clearly state what you're asking for, why it's important, and how they can leave a review.
Example: “Your feedback is incredibly important to me and will help others in their real estate journey. Could you take a few minutes to leave a review on -platform name-? It would help me out.”
Make it Easy
Don’t assume everyone is tech-savvy. Guide them through the process by providing a direct link to where they can leave a review and brief instructions if needed.
Example: “Leaving a review is quick and easy! Just click on this link -insert link-, rate your experience, and share a few words about our journey.”
Show Appreciation
Always thank your clients for considering your request. Let them know how valuable their input is to your business and future clients.
Example: “Thank you for considering my request. Your review not only helps me grow my business but also assists others in making informed decisions about their real estate needs.”
How to Request Reviews
Thanks to leaps in technology, there are plenty of tools and strategies you can use to request reviews efficiently. Let’s explore the most effective ways to use technology to your advantage:
Email Campaigns
Use email marketing tools, like ConvertKit or MailChimp, to send review requests. With these tools, you can automate the process but ensure that each email feels individualized.
Create a template that you can customize for each client. For example, you can customize the template to include their first and last name. Then, schedule the email to be sent automatically.
Text Messaging
Just like emails, you can send text messages automatically. A text message can be an effective way to ask for a review especially if you’ve communicated this way before.
Example Text: “It was a pleasure helping you find your home! If you're happy with my service, could you take a moment to leave a review here -link-? Your feedback means the world to me.”
Real Estate CRM Tools
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools can streamline the request process. CRMs often have features to help you request and manage reviews. Use your CRM to automatically send out review requests after closing a deal. Track who has left a review and who might need a gentle reminder.
Social Media
Use your social media platforms to encourage reviews. A post or story asking for feedback can be an informal yet effective way to reach clients.
Example Text: “Had a fantastic experience helping amazing clients this month! If I've worked with you recently, I’d love to hear your thoughts on -platform name-. Your reviews help me continue to provide top-notch service.”
Remember, the key is to use technology to make the process easier for both you and your clients, without losing the personal touch that’s so crucial in real estate. By leveraging these tools, you can efficiently gather reviews that will bolster your reputation and visibility in the market.
How to Showcase Client Testimonials Effectively
As you continue working in this industry, you’ll amass testimonials over time. But not all of those testimonials need to be displayed. Ideally, you must carefully select the ones that resonate with your target audience. Look for testimonials that tell a story or that highlight specific aspects of your service that set you apart such as your attention to detail, negotiation skills, or dedication to finding the perfect home. These stories help potential clients visualize what it’s like to work with you.
Here’s where to showcase your client testimonials:
- Your Website - Feature testimonials prominently on your website, perhaps with a dedicated section or as part of your homepage. Include photos or videos for added impact.
- Social Media - Share testimonials on your social media channels. A well-crafted post with a client's story can engage your followers and reach a broader audience.
- Marketing Materials - Incorporate testimonials into flyers, email newsletters, and other marketing materials. This can provide social proof to prospective clients at various touchpoints.
Final Thoughts
Managing client reviews might feel overwhelming at first, especially if you're new to real estate. But, with the right strategy, these reviews can become a key part of your success. Learning how to ask for reviews and then posting them in visible spaces is crucial. Every review is a chance to gain trust, get better at what you do, and grow your business. If you handle reviews with energy and professionalism, you'll guarantee lasting success and happy clients.