You probably already have a protocol for following up with potential leads, touching base with existing clients, and double-checking that transactions are going smoothly, so why not add a plan for gathering reviews into the mix?
To begin collecting reviews it’s vital for you to understand which sites and platforms will work well for your real estate business.
Firstly, you’re going to have to determine how to start your strategy. You can do this by doing a simple Google search: “[industry, i.e. real estate] + reviews” and see what comes up in search results. In our example, we look up “real estate reviews”.
Once you have the top industry-specific sites/platforms narrowed down, it’s time to create a strategy:
Always provide outstanding customer service.
Exceptional service starts from the time you sign listing paperwork. Let your clients know if ever the service is not up to expectations to let you know.
Keep communication transparent with your clients.
When you do weekly check-ins, ask your clients if everything is going as they expected. What could you do be doing better? This will ensure the communication channels remain open and you have a chance to enhance the service based on their requirements.
Communicate the significance of the review to your business.
Once you’ve established a relationship with your client, it’s never too early to start them thinking about your review. Start by bringing up that you appreciate feedback whenever there’s a big moment in the buying or selling process.
Build reviews into your closing process.
Opportune times to request feedback include when an offer is accepted, when conditions are waived, or when you visit your client in their new home.
Get reviews from past clients.
Platforms such as RankMyAgent allow you to request reviews from past clients with just one click.
Send out branded survey requests from unbiased real estate focused review platforms.
Unbiased platforms create a space for clients to leave honest reviews. This adds both value for you in information, and value for prospective clientele looking to see what it’s really like to work with you. These qualitative factors add authenticity and trust to your brand.
Respond publicly.
Once reviews are received, make sure you respond publicly on the review platform or on social media to showcase your professionalism.
Integrate reviews into all your business branding.
There’s so many ways to build reviews into your branding. Whether it’s through social media, websites, email signatures, etc, get creative!
Amplify your reviews on social media.
Automations make your life easier. Real estate specific review platforms such as RankMyAgent allow you to share reviews across the web automatically.
Once you work your reviews strategy into your business workflow, gathering reviews will be easier, save you time, and boost your business all in one-go.