Asking (and getting) Share-Worthy Testimonials
Asking a client for a testimonial is easy so why are you NOT doing it?
So, you’ve done a great job for that client and you know they’re going to be singing your praises from the rooftops for weeks (if not months — and maybe even years) to come!
Now it’s time to ask for that all important Testimonial.
BUT… wait.
You forgot.
Or you just didn’t want to because it felt awkward and everytime you went to ask, something “more important” got in the way, so you shelved it.
I get it.
I’ve followed this same script many times in my career but here’s the thing. As a business owner and professional agent, Testimonials are (as I keep repeating in the podcast) GOLD! Especially for real estate professionals who are serious about building a personal brand and solid reputation.
You NEED to make the time to 1. ask the question and 2. secure those beautiful words from your clients because THIS is how we build credibility in our personal brand, which leads to more clients and a rock solid career that will last the ages.
My Process For Asking For A Client Testimonial.
I like to wait around 2-3 weeks after a client has purchased their new property before I ask the question, which I carefully curate in a script. This way, I don’t have to think about what I’m going to say each time I ask a new client.
I highly recommend you come up with your own script that you can pull out whenever you need to ask for a review.
PS I share my actual script in The WENDYRUSSELL Buyer’s Agent Blueprint Online Course.
But why wait weeks after settlement?
Isn’t it too late to ask by then?
The answer is No. I understand that buyers and sellers are incredibly busy around the time of settlement. With all the who-ha of moving, dealing with the banks, co-ordinating well, everying, and getting settled into the new home — you run the risk of NOT getting the testimonial if you ask at a time when it’s obvious everyone is just too busy.
Timing is everything!
And if I don’t happen to get the testimonial on the first ask, (because it doesn’t always happen this smoothly) I’ll ask again — but in doing so, I’ll have a genuine reason to reach out to the client first (outside of, “hey, I just want to ask you if you could write that testimonial?”).
A strategic play here is to ask again at say the three month mark or even the one year anniversary of the property purchase or settlement.
This way, you can “check in” on how the client is going in their new home, and at the same time, kindly remind you are updating your reviews and would love for them to spare some time to leave you one.
I’m proud to admit, my success rate when asking a second time has been 100% and I put it down to the fact that I’m asking strategically.
Why Video Testimonials Are The Bomb.
I believe that in real estate, video testimonials are 10 times as powerful as written ones. If you have a client who will agree to a video testimonial, make sure you reward this person well after they’ve fronted up to camera. It’s a big ask!
I took my clients who agreed to do a video to lunch, which served as both a thank you AND a great opportunity to reconnect.
Which Platform Should I Use For Testimonials?
If you’re in real estate, sites like Rate My Agent can be used to direct clients for reviews, but I have to say that Google Reviews is King in my eyes, primarily for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and I believe most people consider Google the most reliable and credible go-to source for checking up on businesses and service providers.
How To Repurpose Testimonials In Your Marketing.
Once you have your golden testimonial, you should be sharing it to your social media accounts and including it on your website for all to see.
I also like to include a Client Case Study that I attach to the testimonial to showcase the review and explain the story behind the client journey.
You can see how I do this by visiting my Reviews and Case Studies page HERE.
The beauty of case studies is they create a story around the client’s journey and this way, others can relate if they feel they have similar circumstances.
Once you’ve prepared your case studies and married them up with the client testimonial and perhaps a photo of the clients or picture of the property, you can include these in your Service Packs as well.
PS - always get written permission from clients before sharing their images online.
There is just so much good to come from Testimonials and Case Studies and this is why we must be making the effort to collect them from our clients.
The Best Way To Build Trust As A Real Estate Agent.
The fact is, if you can't build Trust, you won't be in this industry for very long.
I wholeheartedly believe that showcasing testimonials and case studies is the best way to do it. Letting others share how awesome you are is always a friendlier look than spruiking yourself!
Word of mouth marketing and having people spread the (good) word about you ultimately builds your business and reputation and this is the fast-track to becoming known as a high-value agent.
If there's one takeaway you get from this article and episode, please... please ask for those testimonials, and then please, please share them with the world!
MEET THE WRITER
Hi, I’m Wendy.
I’m a storytelling writer, champagne lover and Luxury Buyer’s Agent based in Brisbane Australia. I share my journey as an independent real estate professional and self-made career woman. MY STORY
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Wendy Russell is a Luxury Buyer’s Agent, social introvert and self-made business woman on a mission to help career women step into their power as high-value professionals. It starts here.
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