Getting 5-Star Reviews Consistently
When a potential client is choosing between you and another agent, reviews often tip the scales. Here's how to systematically build a review profile that wins business.
"88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. In real estate, where trust is everything, reviews are your social proof."
⭐ Why Reviews Matter
trust reviews like personal recommendations
ranking factor for local SEO
read reviews before contacting agent
star rating needed to be competitive
Why Reviews Matter More Than You Think
88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. In real estate, where trust is everything, reviews are your social proof. Beyond building trust, reviews also:
What Reviews Do For You:
- • Improve your Google ranking (local SEO)
- • Give you content to share on social media
- • Provide testimonials for your website and marketing
- • Help you understand what clients value about your service
The Best Time to Ask for Reviews
Timing is everything. Ask at the right moment when emotions are high and gratitude flows:
Peak Happiness Moments:
- • Settlement day - keys handed over
- • After a great auction result
- • When they send a thank-you message
- • Right after emotional high points
NOT These Moments:
- • During stressful negotiations
- • When something has gone wrong
- • Too long after settlement
- • During the cooling-off period
How to Ask for Reviews
The Perfect Review Request:
Make It Personal
Don't send a generic mass email. Personal requests get much better responses.
Make It Easy
Send a direct link to your Google review page - not your profile where they have to find the button.
Explain Why It Matters
"Reviews help other buyers and sellers find agents they can trust. Your feedback really helps my business."
Example Request Message:
"Hi Sarah, congratulations again on the sale! If you have a moment, I'd really appreciate a quick Google review. Here's the link: [link]. Thank you!"
Responding to Reviews
Positive Reviews:
Always respond, always personalize. Mention something specific from your work with them:
"Thank you Sarah! It was wonderful working with you to find that perfect apartment with ocean views. Wishing you many happy years there!"
Negative Reviews:
Don't argue or get defensive. Acknowledge, apologize, offer resolution:
"I'm sorry to hear you felt that way, John. I'd love the opportunity to discuss this further. Please contact me directly at [phone]."
"A thoughtful response to a negative review actually builds more trust than no negative reviews at all."
Building a Review System
Don't rely on memory. Build review requests into your process:
The Review Request System:
Beyond Google Reviews
⭐ Rate My Agent
Real estate specific, good for local visibility
Recommendations visible to friends of clients
🎥 Your Website
Video testimonials are powerful
What NOT to Do
Don't Buy Fake Reviews
Google can detect them and will penalize you
Don't Offer Incentives
This violates most review platform policies
Don't Review Yourself
Obviously - this will backfire spectacularly
Don't Badger Clients
One request, one follow-up, then respect their choice
Using Reviews in Your Marketing
Where to Showcase Reviews:
- • Feature on your website homepage
- • Include in listing presentations
- • Share on social media (with permission)
- • Add to email signatures
- • Use in advertising materials
Let AI Handle Your Review Responses
PlaceROI includes AI-powered review response that crafts professional, personalized replies to every review within 24 hours.
Learn About Our GBP Service