In real estate, your clients’ experiences speak volumes. Their feedback helps shape your story and build trust with future buyers and sellers. With so many people checking reviews first, are you making the most of the stories your clients are sharing?

Think of your digital footprint as your resume. With 75% of people regularly checking reviews before choosing a local business, is your resume optimized for this industry leading search query? 

A strong online reputation built on client feedback can set you apart, creating lasting trust. Even when reviews aren’t perfect, they give you a chance to show how you handle challenges with professionalism and care, reinforcing your brand.

Managing your online presence goes beyond gathering reviews—it’s about using them to highlight what makes you stand out. Here’s how you can gather more client feedback, respond to it effectively, and make sure your story is heard across all platforms.

How to Get More Reviews from Clients

Encouraging your clients to leave reviews doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here are some simple ways to do it:

• Create a System: Automating your follow-up process for reviews can save you time and ensure consistency. Set up automated emails or texts after closing to remind clients to leave feedback. You could also include this step in your onboarding process, letting clients know upfront how much you value their reviews. However, it’s important to keep your communication personal. Clients who feel that the level of personalized care and attention they received continues even after closing will be more inclined to leave a review, so it’s worth taking that extra step.
• Ask During Peak Satisfaction Moments: Timing is everything, and having a system in place helps you get it right. A great time to request a review is after a major success, like a smooth closing or resolving a challenging situation in your client’s favor. With an automated system, you can ensure you’re asking for reviews at the perfect moment when clients are most satisfied.
• Ask for Reviews via Google My Business: Many real estate professionals overlook the power of Google reviews. Since Google is one of the most trusted platforms and has an immense influence on search rankings, making a concerted effort to get positive reviews there can significantly increase your visibility. 
• Make It Easy: Include a direct link to your review pages in your messaging. You can also add these links to your website or email signature, so it’s always easy for clients to access. You could also include a QR code on a thank-you card at closing to guide them to your preferred review page.
• Offer a Thank-You Gesture: While you can’t incentivize reviews, a small gesture of appreciation, like a handwritten note or a thoughtful gift after receiving a review, can leave a lasting positive impression. It’s not a direct trade for the review but shows gratitude after the fact.

Managing Reviews

It’s important to engage with every review, whether it’s positive or negative. Responding shows you’re attentive and care about client satisfaction. According to BrightLocal, 88% of people are more likely to choose a business that replies to reviews, and many expect a response within a few days.

• Use a Review Management Platform: If you receive reviews across multiple platforms (Zillow, Google, Facebook, etc.), it can be helpful to use tools like BirdEye, Podium, or Reputation.com to manage, track, and respond to reviews from one place. These platforms often provide analytics that can give you insights into how reviews impact your business.
• Respond to All Reviews: Take the time to thank clients for positive feedback, and if a review is less than favorable, respond professionally. Address any concerns and show that you’re committed to improving. A thoughtful response can often turn a negative situation into a positive one.
• Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Sometimes, a negative review can be an opportunity to not only show you where there is room for improvement, but can highlight your commitment to making things right. Take constructive criticism on board and use it to improve gaps in your business model. Then, if you’ve resolved an issue that led to a negative review, consider asking the client to update their review to reflect the resolution or, if appropriate, feature your professional response as part of your marketing. This shows potential clients that you handle challenges with grace and professionalism.
• Encourage Balanced Feedback: Don’t just ask for reviews from clients who had a flawless experience. Some clients might have faced challenges but still value your efforts in guiding them through the process. A balanced review that praises your problem-solving skills can be just as impactful as an entirely positive one.

Using Reviews in Your Marketing

Positive reviews aren’t just for show—they can become a key part of your marketing strategy. Here are a few ways to incorporate them:

• Showcase Reviews: Display reviews on your website, social media, and in email newsletters. Highlight recurring keywords and themes from your reviews—these are your core differentiators and reveal why clients would choose you again over another agent.  
• Use Reviews in Content: Incorporate glowing reviews into blog posts, social media content, or newsletters to highlight your success and build your brand.
• Feature Reviews in Ads: Using great reviews in paid ads on platforms like Facebook or Google can grab the attention of new clients, especially those researching agents.
• Use Reviews in Client Presentations: When meeting new clients, especially those who are still deciding whether to work with you, include a few standout reviews in your presentation materials. This reinforces your credibility early in the relationship.
• Create a ‘Reviews’ Highlight on Social Media: On platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you can dedicate a highlight section or pinned post to showcase your top reviews. This makes it easy for new followers to find client feedback when they first explore your profile.
• Feature Reviews in Email Campaigns: Consider adding a client review as a “testimonial of the month” in your regular email newsletters. It’s a great way to break up the content while still promoting your services.
• Incorporate Reviews into Your Bio: Sprinkle a few brief, glowing quotes from reviews into your online biography or website’s “About” section. This creates a balanced narrative that includes third-party validation of your expertise.
• Track Keywords in Reviews: Look for patterns in the language clients use in their reviews. If multiple reviews mention your punctuality, communication, or negotiation skills, those become keywords you can emphasize in your marketing materials.

Your online footprint is a key part of your marketing success—but is the rest of your strategy as strong? Blok’s on-demand services offer a full marketing audit, pinpointing what’s working and what’s holding you back. With end-to-end support—from marketing and advertising to back-office tools—we provide everything you need to thrive in real estate. Discover how Blok can elevate your business today!