If you’re thinking of getting into real estate, or if you’re already in the industry, it’s important to understand how to build and maintain your online reputation. With the rise of social media and the internet, you need to make sure you have a strong online presence so potential buyers and sellers can find you.
Start a Blog
If you’re an expert or passionate about a particular subject, starting a blog can help you build a following of people who are interested in that subject.
Blogging helps build authority in your niche and showcases your expertise. When you provide people with value, you’ll eventually start becoming recognizable in your real estate market, and over time, you’ll be the go-to source for their real estate questions, answers, and needs.
But don’t just think you need to have a blog strictly about real estate.
If you’re blogging about something that you’re really passionate about like sports, fishing, food, etc., people will begin to trust you more because they know you’re not just trying to sell them something and that you’re relatable.
What’s wonderful about this is it provides a great way for you to meet new, like-minded people and it will make it easier to find future buyers and sellers since you share common interests.
Ask for Reviews
Did you know that 79% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends or family.
People find online reviews so helpful and refreshing because they’re testimonials directly from other consumers.
Reviews are crucial in today’s homebuyer/seller journey and are a necessary part of any real estate marketing strategy. That’s why it’s important to start an online review campaign early, and get continuous feedback from customers as you develop and grow.
For example, if a client has a great buying or selling experience with you, ask them to leave a review on your Google, Zillow, or Facebook profile.
Use Social Media to Connect with Buyers and Sellers
Being active on social media helps you market your brand, generate leads, and attract buyers and sellers.
Social media is one of the most powerful ways to reach and engage with your clients today. It’s almost universally used and is one of the most effective channels to connect with your audience.
Social media allows you to listen to what people are saying about your brand, engage with them on a personal level, and respond to questions and comments that people are leaving on your social media pages.
You can use social media to build trust and relationships with your customers and potential customers. Think of it like a bridge that forms between you and your clients, allowing you to have conversations with them about your real estate services.
Respond and Engage with Every Customer Query
Never underestimate the power of good customer service. If you’re responding quickly, honestly, and professionally to every client query, you’re well on your way to building a strong client base that will recommend your real estate services to their family and friends.
It’s important to remember that you won’t always be able to solve every issue, but you should try your best to give the client the best service possible. Each time you respond to a client, you have a chance to turn them into a raving fan.
Your clients are your best brand ambassadors and they’re actively telling their networks about their real estate experiences with you
Optimize Your Business for Local Search
Local search is important for real estate, and it’s important to optimize your website and business listings for local search.
You can do this by making sure your business name, address, and phone number are accurate and consistent across the web, including your business’s presence on Yelp, Google, Bing, and Facebook.
Google Business Profile is a free platform all local businesses can use to drive more traffic, generate customer reviews, and more. It’s essential for your real estate business to have a fully optimized listing to increase your chances of ranking in search.
Google’s search results are becoming more local. So when people are searching for real estate agents on Google, they’ll often see a map prominently displayed, and then a list of local real estate agents that are close to them, listed by distance.
Lastly, if you’re not utilizing Google reviews, you’re missing out on advantages that your competitors may be utilizing. Google uses that information to rank your business and to show it to potential customers in their search results, improving your organic visibility.
Closing
Your online reputation is something that requires your constant attention. After all, when potential clients search for you online, they’ll judge your business by what they see and read.
However, online reputation management is a long game. There is nothing that can be done overnight, but by implementing some of these tips today, you can be proactive about setting your real estate business up for success.