Ever wondered what sets apart the real estate companies that soar from the ones that struggle? It's not just about location, location, location anymore – it's also about your online reputation.

Imagine you're looking for your dream home, scouting online for the best real estate partners. What catches your eye? It's those shining stars with happy clients singing their praises, right? That's the power of a rock-solid online reputation.

41% of homebuyers look online for properties for sale as a first step.
Source: NAR.realtor

If you're in the real estate game, your online reputation isn't a side gig - it's the main event. A messy online reputation can undo even the snazziest brand. And that’s what we’re here to address. 

In this article, we'll explore 8 effective ways for real estate agents and companies like you to enhance your online reputation. By the end of this article, we hope you have enough to ensure that when clients search for real estate services, your name’s the one that shows up on top!

With that said, let’s get into it!

1. Monitor and manage review sites proactively

2. Cultivate trust through effective engagement

3. Respond to every review, good and bad

4. Encourage and leverage positive reviews

5. Learn and respond to negative feedback

6. Practice good SEO

7. Build a strong online presence

8. Choose the right platforms

1. Monitor and manage review sites proactively

In the world of online reviews, there's one undisputed champion – Google.

Google is a free ride to establish credibility and trust as a real estate pro on the world's biggest search engine. And it all starts with Google My Business – the ticket to swiftly building an online reputation that's tied into Google Maps, giving you a boost in local searches.

However, it's also smart to keep an eye on all the review sites where buyers and sellers are sharing their thoughts. Think Google, of course, but also keep tabs on Yelp, Zillow, Realtor.com, and even Facebook.

And don't limit this mindset to just review sites. Think social media too. Treat the comments on your posts like reviews because they're part of the reputation game too.

Step into your client's shoes and approach things their way. Start with a quick Google search to see where your business name ranks. Check out what's being said about your business across the digital realm. Look through the reviews from clients and others. 

Imagine you're a potential buyer on the hunt for a property. Ask yourself the big question – would you choose your business based on what's popping up online?

If that inner voice says "not quite," then it's time to do something about it.

2. Cultivate trust through effective engagement

Trust is your golden ticket in real estate. It's not just about properties; it's about people. 

And to win people over, you need to engage with them. That means responding to inquiries swiftly, being genuine in your conversations, and showing that you're more than just a business.

Remember, every comment, message, or review is a chance to forge a connection. Whether it's a potential client asking about a listing or a current client sharing their experience, seize the moment. Timely, friendly responses build trust faster than you can say "dream home."

And don't stop at formal exchanges. Social media is your playground here. Post regularly, share insights, and let your personality shine. Show that there's a real human behind the brand. People connect with people, not logos.

Your engagement isn't just a transaction; it's an opportunity to win hearts and loyalty. That brings us to the next point.

3. Respond to every review, good and bad

This is non-negotiable: responding to reviews is a must. Numerous studies reveal that customers expect a response within seven business days after sharing feedback online.

When it comes to positive reviews, channel that enthusiasm. Express genuine gratitude to your happy reviewers – they deserve it. 

But when it's the occasional not-so-great review, it's time for thoughtfulness. Empathy, a heartfelt apology, and consideration can go a long way (more on this later).

Above all, keep the human touch alive. Your responses have a dual audience: current buyers/sellers and future ones. Imagine you're talking to the next buyer while crafting your reply. 

This is your chance to show off your customer service prowess and make both your satisfied and not-so-satisfied clients feel heard.

Remember, no reply is still a reply, and it's not the kind you want. And those cookie-cutter, automated replies? They're a no-fly zone. People can spot canned responses from a mile away. You want to radiate authenticity, not automation.

Maintaining and managing a solid online reputation means more than just reviews; it's about how you engage with them. Consumers want to feel valued, and the golden rule here is treating all customers – whether they're singing your praises or voicing concerns – with top-notch respect and care.

4. Encourage and leverage positive reviews

Picture this: your clients are thrilled, they've had a fantastic experience with you, and they're practically glowing. That's your cue to gently nudge them toward leaving a review. 

It might feel a little nerve-wracking at first if you’re not used to it, but the payoff is huge. That means more leads, a better shot at shooting up to the top of search engines, and an expanded reach. The benefits speak for themselves.

If the thought of directly asking for reviews has you a bit jittery, no worries. Slip in a simple business card or snazzy promo material with your onboarding goodies. It's a slick way to get those reviews flowing without the pressure.

Now, let's pinpoint three golden moments that have the highest chance of success:

• Post-tour: Fresh from a tour, potential buyers have thoughts aplenty. They've got insights about their visit, and it's prime time for a review.

• Settling in: The excitement of moving into a new house brings forth a wealth of opinions from homeowners. From initial impressions to the overall experience, this is an ideal time to gather reviews.

• Successful Sales: Upon successfully selling a property, it's an ideal occasion to seek feedback from the sellers. Let them articulate their reasons for choosing your services and share their satisfaction with the selling process.

However, there's a vital caveat. Reviews that are more than three months old lose their impact, as said by 85% of consumers. In order to counter it, you need to make consistent review generation an integral part of your approach. 

Keep those reviews fresh, and you can keep building your reputation.

5. Learn and respond to negative feedback

Never sweep negative reviews under the rug. With a whopping 96% of customers specifically looking for negative reviews, ignoring them is not an option because that might just push potential clients away.

When you spot a negative review, face it head-on. Don't shy away from addressing the issue. After all, that review likely came from one of your clients. It's your chance to show that you're proactive and dedicated to resolving concerns.

Ironically, having a couple of negative reviews sprinkled amidst the positive ones isn't necessarily a bad thing. Believe it or not, they add authenticity. Real reviews, even critical ones, lend credibility to your online presence.

Plus, they're a window into how you handle hiccups. It's a chance for potential clients to witness your problem-solving skills in action.

Craft your response with empathy and transparency. These qualities resonate, adding credibility to your brand. Whether you like it or not, potential clients are watching how you manage the less-than-perfect moments.

Here's how to transform negative feedback into something better:

• Public responses matter: Address negative feedback publicly. By doing so, you demonstrate accountability and the drive to make things right. This public display can actually elevate your online reputation.

• Feedback fuels progress: Take negative feedback as a chance to learn and grow. Use it to pinpoint areas where your services or communication can improve.

• Follow-up: After resolving the issue, follow up with the client. It's a meaningful gesture that showcases your commitment to their satisfaction and excellence in service. And if you really impressed them, they may even change their negative review into a positive one!

6. Practice good SEO

Your business's online presence is directly linked to your SEO practices. That means choosing the right words and keywords that resonate with your target audience.

For real estate businesses, it's all about zoning in on specific markets you aim to conquer. As a savvy entrepreneur, keep the doors open for client feedback – it's pure gold.

While reviews might not be the sole dictator of traditional SEO ranking, the story takes a different turn when it comes to local search. Reviews wield significant influence over local search rankings.

Why? Because in those reviews, your clients are weaving in keywords naturally and your responses open the door for even more relevant keywords. Google takes note, ensuring the most fitting reviews pop up in search results.

Here's your game plan:

7. Build a strong online presence

There are a couple of ways to do this.

• Social media

You have a treasure trove of positive feedback, and it's time to flaunt it. Social media is your canvas. Share client testimonials, reviews, or feedback across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Spice things up with posts and graphics featuring client quotes, photos, or even videos. This isn't just about boosting engagement; it's about expanding your reach. 

Encourage clients to share their experiences on their own pages, tagging you or using relevant hashtags. 

• Blogs 

A thriving online rep comes with regular and fresh content. Crafting insightful pieces about your real estate business does wonders for brand identity and social network followers.

Fresh content piques potential clients’ interest and helps you connect with your target audience in real-time conversations. 

And Google will pick up on this, so it’s almost a no-brainer if you want to rank higher!

• Press Releases

Got some newsworthy tidbits about your real estate venture? Time for a press release. 

They help you tap into a wider audience pool, attracting the spotlight. Plus, they tend to snag higher rankings in search engines, which gently nudges those old, negative reviews downwards.

Stay active, keeping your press releases updated with important business updates and events – it's a surefire way to stay in the limelight.

• Video testimonials 

They add that personal touch that text-based testimonials often miss. Use them on your website, social media pages, or even in your email campaigns.

Capture a short video of a client sharing their journey with you. You could use your own smartphone for this, or hire a professional to do it for you. Tweak it with a brief introduction and some background music for that extra professional flair.

8. Choose the right platforms and tools

Navigate the intricacies of real estate reputation management with precision by employing the right tools.

• Online Reputation Management Tools

Elevate your reputation management strategy with specialized tools designed to streamline your efforts. 

These tools offer a comprehensive suite of features, including vigilant review monitoring, in-depth sentiment analysis, and holistic insights assessment, all presented within an integrated framework.

Here’s where you can explore some of the best ORM tools available today: 7 Best Online Reputation Management Software To Consider

• Review Management Software

Ensure the integrity of your reviews using dedicated review management software. Through its centralized functionality, it empowers you to accelerate response protocols and maintain oversight of your online reputation's trajectory.

• Social Listening Tools

Embrace the potential of social listening tools to remain in tune with brand conversations across platforms. This real-time awareness equips you to craft swift, informed responses, ensuring a firm grip on the dynamic pulse of your reputation.

• Google Alerts

For Google aficionados, Google Alerts is a valuable asset. This robust tool keeps you promptly informed whenever your business name surfaces anywhere on the web. 

This proactive feature enhances your vigilance over your online presence, ensuring that you're always in the know about discussions related to your business.

Momentum - Your complete reputation management toolset

The real estate industry is all about people and what they have to say about you. Crafting a reputable online presence is not just beneficial – it's essential. 

As real estate agents and companies, you must understand that a strong online reputation can be the defining factor in attracting clients, building trust, and securing success.

That's where Momentum comes in – your ultimate partner in enhancing your online reputation and streamlining your efforts. With Momentum's suite of features, you're poised to take your reputation to new heights:

• Automated Google Review Monitoring:

Boost your Google reviews effortlessly with automated requests and reminders. Jumpstart your reviews by uploading past client details. Enjoy 24/7 review monitoring, alerts, and the convenience of managing and responding to reviews directly from Momentum's Inbox.

• Amplify Social Media Engagement:

Revitalize your social media impact using Momentum's automated tools. Leverage ContentAI for captivating posts and images. 

Select from versatile templates, schedule posts, and convert leads through tailor-made landing pages. Seamlessly manage social media interactions as messages flow into your Momentum inbox.

• ContentAI for Compelling Blogs:

Content creation is time-sensitive, especially in real estate. ContentAI brings powerful, rank-worthy blogs to the table. Enhance your online presence with content that resonates and ranks well on Google.

In the bustling real estate landscape, time is a precious commodity, and Momentum respects that. Our all-in-one reputation and review management software empowers you to navigate the intricacies of online reputation seamlessly. 

Get started with Momentum today to elevate your brand, engage clients, and fortify your market presence!