Realtor Online Reputation Management Basics

In the last episode, we covered the basics of Real Estate Social Media Marketing. In this episode, we do an overview Real Estate Online Reputation Management. In today’s online-centric world, managing your digital reputation can feel like steering a ship through tumultuous waters. With information spreading at breakneck speed, your online reputation can be both an invaluable ally, attracting potential clients, or a formidable foe, driving them away. In this blog, we will show you how to skillfully navigate the digital seas of online reputation management.

Monitoring Online Chatter

The key to managing your online reputation is staying abreast of the online discourse. By keeping an eye on social media interactions and client reviews on real estate platforms, you can effectively control the narrative around your digital persona. This is where powerful tools and practical strategies come in, helping you keep track of online mentions related to your name or business.

It’s crucial to set up alerts for new mentions of your name, business, or area of expertise. Think of it as keeping vigil, catching a ripple before it turns into a wave. Knowledge is power, and knowing what’s being said about you online is the first step to managing your online reputation effectively.

Managing Negative Reviews

Facing a storm of negative reviews can be a daunting experience. However, even the harshest criticism can be a chance for growth. We’ll explore how to transform negativity into a constructive dialogue, demonstrating your professionalism and commitment to exceptional customer service.

Negative reviews offer an honest reflection of areas that might need improvement. A negative comment doesn’t have to spiral into a crisis if addressed with poise and empathy. We’ll guide you on responding to criticism gracefully and constructively, turning each critique into an opportunity to enhance your services. In doing so, you might even convert a dissatisfied client into a staunch advocate of your brand.

Encouraging Positive Reviews and Testimonials

Boosting your online reputation and trust with potential clients starts with positive reviews and testimonials. Here’s how to effectively encourage and use them:

• Deliver Outstanding Service: Going above and beyond for your clients leads to positive feedback.
• Request Reviews: Ask satisfied clients for reviews shortly after a successful transaction, explaining how it helps others and supports your business.
• Simplify the Process: Provide direct links to your review platforms to make it easier for clients to leave feedback.
• Show Appreciation: Always thank your clients for their reviews.
• Display Reviews Prominently: Feature positive reviews on your website, social media, and marketing materials to enhance credibility.
• Engage with All Reviews: Respond to all reviews, addressing any issues raised, to show your commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Offer Incentives: Consider offering small, unbiased incentives for reviews, such as future service discounts.
• Share Success Stories: With permission, share client success stories highlighting your expertise and positive outcomes.
• Use Video Testimonials: Engage satisfied clients in short video testimonials for a more personal endorsement.
• Encourage User-Generated Content: Ask clients to share their experiences on social media and tag you.
• By actively seeking and showcasing positive feedback, you can build trust and enhance your online reputation, making you a go-to choice for potential clients.

Building and Maintaining a Positive Online Image

Creating a positive online image requires a mix of consistent effort and strategy. Follow these steps to build and maintain a strong online presence:

1. Showcase Achievements: Share your successes and awards without overdoing it to showcase your expertise.
2. Engage Online: Participate in relevant online discussions, showing your knowledge and commitment to your field.
3. Contribute Insights: Share valuable insights on your website and social media, positioning yourself as a thought leader in real estate.
4. Manage Digital Footprint: Monitor and update your online presence across all platforms, ensuring consistent, high-quality interaction with clients.
5. Show Authenticity: Your online reputation should reflect your personal brand and values. Stay true to who you are and what you represent.

By actively shaping your online image, you can foster trust and credibility that’s crucial for success in the digital world of real estate marketing.

Tools for Managing Online Reputation

Now that we’ve traversed the why and how of online reputation management, it’s time to arm yourself with the right tools. This section will explore platforms and services tailored to streamline your efforts in monitoring and responding to online feedback.

• Google Alerts: A cost-free tool that notifies you when your name or business is mentioned across the web, keeping you updated on new reviews or mentions.
• Social Media Command Centers: Platforms like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social offer an overview of your multiple social media accounts, allowing you to monitor comments and mentions and even schedule posts for optimal engagement times.
• Review Centralizing Tools: Systems like ReviewTrackers or Podium consolidate reviews from various sources, simplifying your monitoring and response process. They also provide analytical insights, helping you understand trends and potential problem areas.
• Digital Reputation Management Services: Companies like Reputation or BrandYourself offer comprehensive services encompassing online reputation surveillance, management, and repair.
• SEO Arsenal: Robust SEO tools like SEMRush, Ahrefs, and Moz offer features to monitor your search ranking and provide suggestions for improvement.

These powerful tools can be your allies in building and maintaining a formidable online reputation. However, nothing can replace a genuine commitment to excellent service and ethical business conduct. As you journey towards becoming a successful real estate agent, let your actions in both the virtual and real worlds reflect your unwavering dedication to your clients and your profession.

Stay Authentic

Remember, your online reputation is a mirror reflecting your personal brand to the vast digital world. Managing this reflection is crucial for building trust and credibility, both of which are the cornerstones of your success as a real estate agent. The steps you take in shaping your online image can be the difference between blending in with the crowd and standing out as a true leader in your field.

Continuously Update and Engage

A well-maintained online reputation isn’t a one-time effort but an ongoing endeavor. Continuously update your online profiles, share your latest achievements, and keep engaging with your audience. Regular interaction with potential and existing clients helps keep your digital reputation fresh and authentic. See the episode, The Real Estate Agent’s Guide to Asking for Stellar Reviews on how to ask clients for a review.

Adapt and Learn

The digital world is constantly evolving, and so should your approach to online reputation management. Be open to new tools, platforms, and strategies that can help you navigate the digital seas more effectively. Keep learning and adapting to stay ahead in the ever-changing online landscape.

Be Proactive

Don’t wait for a storm of negative reviews to start managing your online reputation. Be proactive, monitor online chatter, engage with your audience, and encourage positive reviews from the outset. A proactive approach will help you navigate the digital seas more smoothly, steering your online reputation in the right direction from the beginning.

Staying Politically Neutral

Navigating polarizing political landscape can be tricky for real estate agents. While it’s essential to respect differing opinions, being overtly political online can alienate potential clients. Here’s how to handle this:

1. Avoid Controversy: Steer clear of publicly commenting on contentious issues that could divide your audience.
2. Be Professional: Focus on showcasing your real estate expertise, knowledge, and success stories, rather than political beliefs.
3. Respect Differences: Approach political discussions with respect and understanding, fostering an inclusive environment.
4. Separate Accounts: Keep personal and professional accounts distinct if you wish to express political views.
5. Know Your Audience: Understand your audience’s values and concerns, while maintaining a politically neutral professional stance.

Be Consistent

Your online reputation is an ongoing reflection of your real-world actions. Stay consistent in delivering excellent service, engaging with your audience, and managing your online presence. Consistency is key to maintaining a positive online reputation and building trust with your clients.

Managing your online reputation in the real estate industry can be a complex endeavor, but with the right tools, strategies, and mindset, you can successfully navigate the digital seas. Stay proactive, authentic, and consistent, and your online reputation will serve as a strong ally in attracting potential clients and growing your business. Remember, your digital reputation reflects your personal brand, and by diligently managing this reflection, you can bolster the trust and credibility that serve as the cornerstone of your success as a real estate agent. In the next episode, we’ll do an overview of real estate online platforms. For more information on digital marketing, see the episode Real Estate Digital Marketing 101.

About the Author

Larry Hales is a seasoned and multi-faceted technology professional. His passion all-things tech began with his first computer in 1984 and it has stayed with him ever since.  Larry is the CEO and Co-Founder of MarketingHero.   Previously, he served as the Marketing Technology Director at West, Williston Financial Group Company, where he coaches and guides Real Estate Agents on how to better leverage technology in their business. His 25 years of photography, design and printing, combined with his knowledge of digital advertising and brand building, gives him a unique perspective of marketing from different angles. When he isn’t busy being a proud computer geek, Larry enjoys trail running, hiking, mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, and anything else that gets him outside.