Everyone knows referral business is important in real estate, especially early in a career. But referrals aren't the only way that your past clients can help you succeed. One reason why Homesale Realty professionals are so successful is because of strong relationships!

And one of the best ways to leverage those relationships is through customer reviews.

Research shows most people trust customer reviews almost as much as they trust their own friends' recommendations. In most industries, customer reviews are considered much more believable than any statement made by a brand about its own products and services.

Not surprisingly, that's also true in real estate.

Using Customer Reviews to Supercharge Your Digital Marketing

Your real estate website has the potential to be your most powerful lead generation tool. That's because it works for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers can find your website any time and use your content to inform their buying or selling journey.

Reviews are an important piece of the puzzle. They serve as social proof that shows your leads others "just like them" have succeeded with your help. The best reviews are relatable, helping leads imagine the outstanding results they can get when they work with you.

Reviews can be showcased all over your website to inspire leads to reach out to you. The more positive reviews you have to offer, the clearer it will be that you're a local authority who people trust!

4 Ways to Collect Terrific Reviews from Your Customers

Reviews from third-party sites are great, but you should also encourage your satisfied customers to send reviews directly to you. Without that encouragement, people are more likely to share negative experiences than positive ones. That can turn into a real headache!

Here's how you can capture clients' positive experiences:

1. Lay the Foundation Early and Be Proactive
   One way to make asking for a review more comfortable is to be upfront about it. Early in the relationship and again as closing day nears, let clients know you would appreciate a review if they're happy. When the time comes to request the review, most clients will be ready. If the initial request doesn't get a response, follow up once more after 30 days.
   
   
2. Maintain Long-Term Client Relationships
   Make asking for a review just one part of your long-term relationship management strategy. Reach out to clients one week, one month, and three months after closing to help them with any lingering issues with their home. Then, they'll be more likely to invest time in writing a review. They may also send you that coveted referral business when friends and family hit the market.
   
   
3. Respond to All Reviews on Third-Party Sites
   When you get reviews on sites like Yelp, be sure to respond to them. A cheerful response to a positive review makes the reviewer glad for taking the time. For negative reviews, following up calmly and professionally can win reviewers over. If you can resolve their issue, they may even edit their review. People who read your response in the future will be impressed, too.
   
   
4. Make it Easy for Clients to Send You Reviews
   If you collect reviews on your own, asking the right questions can help clients provide valuable answers for you. But keep those questions simple, to the point, and few – not many clients will complete a survey that has eight long questions! Some agents find it easiest to use a review management platform that automates requesting reviews and collecting feedback.

Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to learn the best strategies for growing your business.