Your online presence and social media reputation play a vital role in your real estate business — perhaps more than you may recognize. Nearly every homebuyer begins their search online and will look at reviews to see what people say about you. Endorsements carry weight among customers, with nearly 90% of consumers saying they trust online reviews as much as word-of-mouth recommendations. 

That said, glowing online reviews not only can help to enhance and build your online profile — they are likely one of the key factors in a potential buyer or seller’s decision to contact you or use your services. In fact, the National Association of Realtors’ Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers indicates that sellers value the reputation of an agent more than any other factor when selecting an agent to sell their home.

So, whether you’re trying to optimize reviews on your Facebook business page or Zillow profile, here are three must-remember tips for success:

#1. Ask intentionally and make it easy

Invite feedback at peak satisfaction moments: after a successful closing, milestone celebration, or positive feedback during the process. Include review links in email signatures, follow-up messages and text outreach.

#2. Make engagement a priority

You’re probably running a drip email campaign to keep your contacts up to date on market conditions, new listings and events. Consider adding new testimonials to the footer of your email. This not only helps your testimonials and reviews be seen by a wider audience, but is also a nice way of showing your clients you appreciate that they took the time to review you.

#3. Show your thanks

Always send a quick note or thank-you card to clients who review your services. Studies show customers overwhelmingly prefer businesses that respond to reviews — both positive and negative. 

You should keep responses professional and keyword-rich, which helps both reputation and search visibility.

#4. Diversity where reviews appear

A mix of Google, social and real estate directory reviews provides a broader trust footprint for prospects to explore.

How to respond to negative reviews

While 17% of consumers say they would write a review after a positive experience with a brand, many reported that they would be more likely to write a review after a bad experience. If you don’t regularly monitor and respond to your online reviews, you risk sending a potential client straight to one of your competitors. But it’s not just the review itself that’s important. How you respond to that review is often just as important, if not moreso, than the review you received.  

When you respond to an online review, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Don’t let your ego or pride get in the way
• Always keep your response professional — don’t be defensive or let your feelings get the best of you.  
• Be empathetic and try to imagine things from your client’s point of view. Try thinking of the client as a friend or relative — respond to the review as if you were talking to someone you care about.  
• Do your best to try to resolve any issues and help the client — offer them an easy way to contact you directly to get the problem taken care of.  

Build your online reputation

The importance of online reviews and your social reputation grows with every click from a client. To learn more about finessing your online presence, check out AgentEDU® today. 

Get unlimited access to every other 10-minute video course on AgentEDU when you subscribe for only $19.99 per month.

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