Top 4 Websites for Real Estate Reviews
Top 4 Websites for Real Estate Reviews - (One Woman's Opinion!)
Tammy Lankford, challenged us this month beyond many of our comfort zones with regards to testimonials/reviews from our clients. We've all read that the best time to have a review written is ____ or the best way to ask for a review is ____. Fill in the blanks - everyone has an opinion and at this very moment, here is mine, for what it's worth!
I'm not one to ask for reviews - that is just not something that I will ever be comfortable doing! I will, however, offer a link to clients when they ask. However, I'm notorious for saying I'll send them a link and then realizing that today is moving day or tonight they'll be in a hotel or flying to their destination city or...whatever the reason, I don't want them to feel like I've asked them to do something that they don't really have time to do! I feel like I'd be being inconsiderate of them if I did. So, I wait.
After a bit of waiting, I then get that uncomfortable feeling again - of asking! I don't feel like, at that point in time, I'm getting an unsolicited review. I much prefer them to be unsolicited! So, basically, if I get them, the clients find the means and provide them at their leisure.
However, when they ask where I want them to leave a review, here are my 4 top sites:
1. Your own website! We often hear, "Oh, you HAVE to have your clients leave you a review ___ or you won't have any web leads. They'll see that others have 20+ reviews and they'll think you're inexperienced." Well, that's not always the case. If your site has even decent search engine optimization, buyers are reviewing multiple sites and the testimonials on each of them.
Our website has a direct url pointed to the page so that buyers and sellers can find the page with one click when I send out the link: www.CharlotteRealEstateAgentReviews.com. That link takes them to the review page where there is a button to click to leave a review. The plug-in alerts us when a review has been posted on our site so that we can email that client, thanking them for their testimonial.
We have a second one but, this one doesn't auto-post to the site. It is in the 'draft mode' for us to review before we manually post. www.RateUs.org. I don't use that one often at all because it requires another step to then, post the review.
2. Zillow - As much as we all have trouble embracing the site, know that your clients are often frequenting the site. The problem our clients experience when leaving a review there is that they are required to register - it's not an easy process. Plain and simply, it's a hassle and I do not send my clients there. If they leave one there, great. If they ask where to leave a review, I send them to my site!
3. Google - Peter Mark would probably tell us that Google is the #1 place to leave a review. Client reviews here propel those 'ranked' websites approximately 8.5%. You may not think that is worthwhile but, in my opinion, every little bit helps.
As you can see, I really need to work on my Google reviews!!
4. Realtor .com - Reviews here don’t show up on the listing page for a property. However, when a homebuyer goes to Realtor .com in search of a local buyer’s agent, the search results show the number of reviews. When the consumer clicks on your profile, they can then read the reviews.
When someone Googles your name, your Realtor.com reviews page will rank highly in the search results.
BONUS TIPS: More and more of our clients are following us on Facebook. It is virtually effortless for them to leave a review there as well. Some also prefer to have their reviews left on Yelp. I have not found that a lot of people are searching for real estate agents there, based on information from local agents who spend money to rank on the site. You may want to investigate that venue as well with regards to your own area; some agents are having success with Yelp in various parts of the country.
Gabe Sanders recently pointed out that we do have a testimonials area here on ActiveRain that we can enter our reviews. That is forgotten territory to many of us so, perhaps that's something we all need to work on!
Lastly, Google yourself. Your Google business will appear, with quick-access links to add photos, posts, etc. right there. It's easy-peasy and helpful in following your intel also. You can dig deeper into your insights with the click of a button. Here is my search this morning (I just search my name), showing me what I really need to work on Google-wise!
*As you can see, in the last 14 days, 523 people have Google-searched my name. That seems like a lot but, it could be agents, it could be clients of another agent who are on the other side of a deal with me or it could be the consumer looking for a buyers agent or a listing agent. Having reviews to show on Google can be beneficial in more ways than one. Yes, I really need to work on getting more Google Reviews!
Establish what works for YOU in your area. This is something that can change so, if you think you've got it figured out, just know that the algorithms may have changed since you last checked. Analyze your data on a regular basis and shift as necessary.
© Debe Maxwell | The Maxwell House Group | CharlotteBroker@icloud.com | Top 4 Websites for Real Estate Reviews
(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)
Charlotte NC Real Estate Agents
Debe Maxwell, Realtor®/Broker/CRSCharlotteBroker@icloud.com
Direct: (704) 491-3310
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