Whether we like it or not, as a real estate agent our brand is no longer what we say it is – it’s what our clients are saying about us…. online. Long gone are the days when we could purchase billboards & newspaper ads and feel confident that we were putting our best foot forward. This means that if we don’t take a proactive role in building & managing our online reputation, we can be left in the dust.
While managing your online reputation may seem daunting, it’s the same thing real estate agents have been doing for years – generating positive word of mouth and building their referral business. So, if you’re not sure about how to manage your online reputation – here’s our top tips.
1.Have a Presence
90% of home buyers search online to find a real estate agent & search for properties. If you don’t have a strong online presence, you’re therefore missing out on 90% of your potential clients. Ensure that you have a profile on major directory sites – including those that are specific to real estate (like Zillow or Trulia) and those that aren’t industry specific (like Yelp, Google Places & Yahoo!).
2. Monitor What’s Being Said
Understanding what’s been said about you online can have a big impact on your sales funnel. Not only do online reviews and comments influence potential clients, but they also offer valuable opportunities for improvement. Set-up a Google Alert for your name & regularly monitor online review sites to see what’s being said.
3. Respond & Be Active
You wouldn’t go to a networking event, community fundraiser or open house and stand in the corner with your head down – so don’t do it online. Post regularly, answer questions, engage with your audience and respond to online reviews. Help first – sell second!