3 Ways To Kick Up Your Digital Handshake

A ringing phone is more likely to be a telemarketer than a referral these days — and when a referral does come through, the first move most people make is pulling out their phone and searching your name. That shift means how a professional looks online now matters as much as any in-person impression. Three things to focus on today.

1. Put Your Personal Brand Front and Center

Winning the local marketing game comes down to personal brand — people buy from people. Make sure social profiles include real, personal information, not just business details, and post authentic personal content in between listings and service updates.

2. Use Your Profile and Page Together

Facebook, in particular, functions closest to "the internet" for many users, and platforms continue to favor personal profiles — where real friend connections live — over business pages in terms of organic reach. That makes using both together essential: share a personal post from a profile to a page to bring authenticity into the business presence, and occasionally share business content back to the personal profile as a reminder that you're active and available.

3. Get Reviews

Automated, company-driven review programs often benefit a parent brand more than an individual's own reputation. The highest-leverage move is generating direct Facebook and Google reviews — most people already have accounts on both, and they don't need to have been a formal client to leave one. Strong reviews meaningfully improve organic search visibility and add third-party credibility that no amount of self-promotion can replicate.

A simple system: swap reviews with fellow agents and service providers after every closing, ask friends and past leads (even ones that didn't close) to share their experience, and encourage coworkers to speak to their own experience working with you.

A strong digital handshake is the new starting point for lead generation and conversion — it's worth treating as seriously as any other part of the business.