Ever wondered how much weight a testimonial carries in today’s digital age? Recent surveys reveal that over 80% of people trust an online review or testimonial as much as a personal referral. This means that securing more testimonials can significantly impact your business. But how do you go about getting them? Let me share seven effective ways to gather online recommendations and reviews.
Setting Up Google My Business
First things first, if you haven’t already set up your Google My Business page, it’s time to do so. This platform is often the first place potential clients will look when searching for your name online. Having a well-maintained Google My Business page allows you to showcase reviews and recommendations from past clients, friends, and family. These reviews don’t need to be from verified sales, making it easier to accumulate positive feedback quickly.
Imagine someone types your name into Google, and the first thing they see is a slew of glowing reviews on your business page. This builds immediate trust and credibility. If you’re unsure how to set this up, there are plenty of resources available online to guide you through the process.
Leveraging Existing Reviews
Do you already have some reviews on platforms like realtor.com or Zillow? Great! Now it’s time to multiply their impact. You can take a screenshot of these reviews and post them as images on your Google My Business page. Another approach is to reach out to the reviewers and ask them to copy their review onto another platform.
Send them a friendly email expressing your gratitude for their initial review and provide a direct link to where you’d like them to repost their feedback. Make it easy for them by including their original review text in the email. This method not only expands your online presence but also strengthens your credibility across multiple platforms.
Using Your Email Signature
Your email signature is prime real estate for soliciting reviews. Add a link in your signature that directs recipients to leave a review on your preferred platform. A simple line like, “The highest compliment you can give me is a review” along with the link can work wonders.
This link will be seen by everyone you correspond with via email, creating numerous opportunities for gathering testimonials. Over time, as clients see this repeated in every email, they are more likely to click on it during a moment of gratitude.
Reaching Out to Past Clients
Your past clients are a goldmine for testimonials. Think about the clients you’ve worked with in the last year or two who were particularly pleased with your service. Reach out to them with a personal email explaining how valuable their feedback would be for your business growth.
Make it easy for them by including a direct link to the review site of your choice in the email. Emphasize how important their opinion is and how it helps potential clients feel confident in choosing you as their real estate professional.
Leaving Reviews for Others
The law of reciprocity is powerful. When you leave positive reviews for other professionals you’ve worked with, such as title companies or lenders, they are likely to return the favor. Don’t make it transactional; genuinely express your appreciation for their services and let them know about it.
This not only builds goodwill but also increases the likelihood that they will take a moment to leave you a positive review as well.
Running a Review Campaign
A targeted review campaign can generate significant results. Use social media or personalized emails to announce a campaign where each review left will result in a donation to a local charity in the reviewer’s name. This not only encourages people to leave reviews but also supports the community.
People love contributing to charitable causes, especially when it’s tied to supporting someone they know and trust. Outline the campaign clearly and set a timeframe, like 30 days, to create urgency.
Turning Compliments into Reviews
If you’ve ever received an appreciative email from a client, don’t let it end there. Respond with gratitude and ask if they could turn those kind words into an online review. Provide them with a direct link and assure them it would only take a few minutes of their time.
This simple step can convert private compliments into public endorsements that will continue to benefit your business long after the transaction is complete.
The Power of Simply Asking
Sometimes all you need to do is ask. Many people are willing to help out but just need a little nudge. Think about friends, colleagues, or clients who had positive experiences working with you but haven’t left a review yet.
A polite request can go a long way. Explain how reviews help new clients feel confident in choosing you and provide easy instructions on how they can leave their feedback.
Gathering testimonials doesn’t have to be daunting. By leveraging existing reviews, utilizing your email signature, reaching out to past clients, leaving reviews for others, running campaigns, turning compliments into public endorsements, and simply asking, you can build a strong collection of testimonials that showcase your expertise and trustworthiness.
Your online reputation is vital in attracting new clients and growing your real estate business. Start implementing these strategies today and watch as your credibility soars.
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