How to Get Great Reviews
I'm sure you're wondering how I pulled off that hat!
But, in all seriousness, this is from a recent housewarming party I hosted for my clients. It was combined with their daughter's birthday party. I had a great time and guess what, they took the time to post a review on just about every website you can think of! Zillow, REALTOR.com, Facebook, Google, and Yelp.
Although every client doesn't opt for the housewarming party, I take the time at the end of the transaction to ask them to post a review. From looking at houses, to helping with initial home repairs, I try to help my clients get off to a great start in their new home. Not only do I have a happy client, but a client who is willing to write a review and refer friends and family to me. Some will post on at least one website (I prefer Zillow or REALTOR.com) and others will post on every website. At the end of the transaction, they are excited about their new home so it's always an easy question to ask.
A quick note, personally, I have seen a lot of success with Zillow and REALTOR.com. Recently, I've received several calls from people who read my profile and gave me a call. Our team has over 40 reviews on Zillow and we just started focusing on REALTOR.com. I would highly recommend updating your profile and trying to send your clients there. They have to verify they bought or sold with you so people are more likely to trust the review versus on Yelp or Google where anyone can post. Just something to keep in mind!
Another option is to find ways to motivate them to leave feedback. This is especially true of clients who have purchased several years ago. I recently launched an effort to get more reviews by offering a $5 Starbucks giftcard. It doesn't seem like much, but you'd be surprised the number of people who will do it. It takes minimal effort and they get a free drink. People love free stuff.
What do you do to get clients to write reviews? What have you found that works and doesn't work?
Originally published on ActiveRain, February 16, 2017.
