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Let others sing your praises-testimonials work magic!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Lee Forbes PA, Forbes Property Group Broker in Bradenton bk699704

Today's real estate market is pretty competitive. Most areas have more listings and fewer buyers. While many brokers have left the business, it's the strongest players, like you, who remain. And everyone's after the same two things: motivated sellers with attractive (and attractively priced!) properties; and qualified buyers who are ready to act.

So how do you get their attention? You're probably already using web sites with home tours, web blogs, print ads, and other printed materials. Hopefully, they're great looking and informative. But there's one powerful marketing tool most people overlook: testimonials from satisfied customers!

Proof that you're good

Customer testimonials separate you from the competition by offering proof you deliver the benefits you're touting. That's what makes them so effective.

Get in the habit of asking for customer feedback. Few satisfied customers bother to write you on their own, but many are happy to do so if you ask. Just say you'd really appreciate a quick email or note about their experience with you. You'll soon amass a nice collection of letters and emails containing sincere praise, engaging stories, and insightful comments.

Encourage people to be specific, but not lengthy. Be aware that comments from buyers and sellers will be read by both. So if someone wants to praise your negotiating skills, suggest they also make the point that both sides were happy in the end.

Where to put testimonials

It's great to use testimonial quotes to spice up a newspaper ad, web page, email, or print mailer. You can also rotate them in a regular customer feedback section of your web site or blog.

When you receive customer letters and emails, send a thank you and ask permission to use the comments, along with their name, in your marketing. A real name is best and most people are flattered to be quoted. But if someone hesitates, ask if you can at least use initials with town or neighborhood. If the writing's rough, offer to edit it to read a little better.

If you get a nice mention in the media, grab a quote from that too. Get permission, and if the article is online, set up a link on your website.

Prospects get a real sense of comfort from reading what people have to say about you. That's why testimonials add credibility to your marketing messages-and that can result in a big payoff for relatively little effort.

 

Lee Forbes

Comments (1)

Leesa Finley
RED Properties - Wake Forest, NC
RED Properties - Raleigh NC Real Estate
Lee - you are so right!  When you have that dreamy deal whether you are representing the buyer, seller or both - always ask for a referral.  it is one of the best tools you have!
Mar 20, 2008 01:54 AM