In a high-tech world of at-your-fingertips information, consumers have become increasingly dependent on internet reviews for choosing service providers.
From Zillow to Google to Yelp, finding out about businesses through the experiences of others has never been easier or more popular. Real estate agents must be aware of the impact good reviews can have on their business, and they must be ready to do the things necessary to earn those reviews.
Here are a few tips to get as many positive reviews as possible:
1. Do a job worthy of the review
It might seem like it goes without saying, but the easiest way to garner lots of positive reviews online is to do an outstanding job for your clients.
Doing the extra things that make a regular transaction an extraordinary transaction can stick with clients and make them want to share the experience online in the form of a review.
If the client doesn’t have anything that stands out to them to write about, the review won’t mean as much, and it won’t be as impactful for your career.
2. Make it easy
Making the review submission process easy for your clients makes them more likely to write and submit a great review. Including links to your online profiles in places like your email signature can make it extremely easy to for your clients to find you and leave a review.
You might need to take the time to explain or even show your clients how to submit a review online, but that time spent will be well worth it in the long run to add another happy member to your online fan club.
3. Ask
Don’t be afraid to come right out and ask. If your transaction went well and you have a good rapport with your client, it shouldn’t be too difficult to ask them to leave you a review.
Despite the prevalence of online reviews, some people still don’t understand the impact they could have on your business.
Many clients will be so appreciative of all you’ve done for them. Letting them know how they can easily “pay you back” in a small way will be encouraging.
4. Set the expectation early
If you ask for a positive review early on in the transaction, your client will be more likely to recognize noteworthy actions along the way.
Keeping the idea of a positive review at the end of the transaction in the front of your clients’ minds will increase the likelihood of them following through. It will also keep you on your game because you know a good review is riding on your performance.
Try these four simple tips, and watch the positive buzz about your business flourish.
David Stroh is a Realtor with Re/Max Plus in Frederick, Maryland. Follow him on Facebook or Instagram.
