There are hundreds of ways to make the case that you should be a person's real estate agent of choice, but that doesn't mean you should reinvent the wheel. One reason why Homesale Realty agents are so effective is their ability to use "tried-and-true" methods alongside the latest modern innovations.

At its core, real estate is about relationships. At every step of the journey with a prospect, lead, customer, or former customer, you're deepening that relationship. Customers get to know you in person, but before that point, you must rely on marketing techniques such as your real estate website.

When they're first starting out, every real estate agent entertains a seed of doubt that their marketing will ring true. One way to help your marketing sound authentic and truthful as soon as possible is to use social proof. A testimonial is perhaps the most important form of social proof you can have.

Why Testimonials Matter So Much for Real Estate Marketing

Social proof is anything that shows a potential customer that others "just like them" have had success by using your services. By putting testimonials in their own words, your satisfied customers help you create the personal connection. The more similar the testimonial-giver is to the prospect, the more the story will resonate.

Since everybody is different, though, you will need many testimonials – probably dozens – before you have a story that aligns with the interests of 95% of your future customers. With that in mind, it's wise to build up a habit of asking for testimonials from the very beginning of your practice.

What is a testimonial? A testimonial can take the form of a single short quotation from your customer that you publish on your website's footers or print on your fliers. Or it can be part of a longer narrative called the case study, where you describe the person's unique challenges and how your services helped.

How to Get More Testimonials for Your Real Estate Business

• Ask as Soon as Possible
  Asking at the right time is the key to getting the desired result. You aren't obligated to ask every customer, so be sure to ask those who've already expressed enthusiasm about your services. Asking on or right after closing day is ideal. If the person is amenable but doesn't take action, call again a week later.
  
  
• Follow Up on Key Anniversaries
  It isn't too late if you haven't gotten a testimonial from an existing customer. The best way to rekindle the relationship naturally is to follow up on a key anniversary. Closing day is best, followed by a holiday you know the person celebrates or their birthday. Ask at least three times before giving up.
  
  
• Make It Easier to Submit Testimonials
  Most testimonials are plain text, so the person simply needs to jot down a quick statement. One way to make it easier is to have a dedicated page on your website you can link a customer to right away where they can input their testimonial. Another way is to choose one third-party website (like Google) and ask for a review.
  
  
• Consider Video Testimonials
  If you have a customer who loves your work and wants to be a bigger part of your success, make provisions for a video testimonial. Ask the person a few questions and simply record their answers, preferably with a quality digital video camera rather than your phone. Be sure to prepare a simple release form for customers to sign.

Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to find out more or get started with our team.