Utilizing Client Testimonials for Business Growth

BY LISA FANT

In the dynamic world of real estate, where consumer interactions can make or break a deal, testimonials and reviews are pivotal tools that can sway the balance in favor of one business over another.

Clients who have entrusted you with one of the most significant financial investments of their lives can best testify to your expertise, dedication, and how you’ve gone above and beyond to meet their needs. These sincere expressions of satisfaction from past clients can significantly bolster credibility, attract new clients, and amplify marketing efforts.

How to Ask for Reviews

When seeking testimonials, simplicity is key. The timing of your request for a testimonial is crucial; it should ideally follow the successful closure of a deal while the client’s gratification is still fresh. A personalized follow-up email or a courteous phone call can smoothly initiate the conversation. Offer a direct link to your preferred review platform, making the process as straightforward as possible. Express gratitude for their time and input, highlighting the value of their perspective in refining your future services.

The fear of rejection can be a common obstacle to asking for reviews; however, satisfied clients are typically more than happy to share their positive experiences. Focus on the long-term benefits of client testimonials. A strong collection of reviews can significantly improve your online reputation and attract more clients, fostering an ever-expanding circle of trust and business growth.

What Makes a Good Review

In a landscape where reviews hold substantial weight, aiming for five-star ratings is essential. Anything short of five stars often conveys dissatisfaction, but your clients may not understand that idea. In your ask, make sure to note that anything below five stars may be construed as negative.

A good review should reflect your client’s overall satisfaction with you as their real estate guide. Be specific in your ask if you feel comfortable enough with your client. Ask them to talk about a specific aspect of their journey— communication, market knowledge, negotiation, responsiveness, etc. Specific details about how the agent went above and beyond expectations are particularly valuable in building credibility.

Using Reviews to Boost Your Business

Consider establishing a dedicated testimonial page on your website—the digital face of your business, integrate client review snippets into property brochures or amplify testimonials across your social media platforms. You can also ask for LinkedIn recommendations from clients with whom you’ve built professional relationships or highlight client stories and reviews in your community newsletter with a “client spotlight” segment.

Client reviews go beyond endorsements–they are evidence of your trusted service, highlighting your impact on clients’ real estate experiences. By harnessing these testimonials for your business, you instill confidence in potential clients, positioning yourself as their reliable source.

Where Reviews Matter

When deciding where to share reviews, prioritize platforms that align with your primary client reach. If clients find you through Google or your realtor.com® profile, showcase testimonials there. Capitalize on widely used review sites like Google Business, Yelp, realtor.com®, and Zillow, as they are go-to sources for potential clients.

Boost the impact of positive testimonials by integrating them into your social media strategy, fostering a personal connection with your audience. You may also incorporate reviews into your email marketing campaigns to reaffirm credibility in clients’ inboxes and encourage leads to refer new clients.