Digital Reviews: How to get them and which review sites are necessary

Word of mouth is vital to any business, and online reviews are the modern version of it — proof of quality before a potential client ever meets you in person. Building credibility through reviews takes time, but it compounds. Include testimonials on your website, Google Business Profile, and social media wherever they fit naturally.

Strategies for New Professionals

If you're new to the industry, start with people in your life who can speak honestly to your character. Facebook and Google Business are the most accessible platforms for non-client reviews. If you're transitioning from another field, past recommendations often still apply — tenacity, timeliness, and quality of service tend to be evergreen traits worth highlighting.

Strategies for Established Professionals

Put your database to work. The relationships and rapport built over time are an asset — go through your past clients and professional network and ask directly for a review. It's also a natural, low-pressure way to reconnect. Most people are genuinely happy to share their experience with a trusted professional.

Aim to ask at least five people a week — it adds up quickly. The key is making it easy: save your review links for each platform ahead of time so the ask takes thirty seconds, not five minutes.

Where to Find Your Review Links

• Google Reviews

• Facebook

• Yelp

• Zillow

Build a Simple System

• Ask for the review about two weeks before a transaction is scheduled to close

• Include review links in your email signature and on your website

• Ask past clients to copy their review across your other platforms as well

• Keep direct links to each review site saved so you can share them instantly

More reviews improve both SEO and credibility. Roughly 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, according to BrightLocal's Local Consumer Review Survey — don't miss the opportunity to put your expertise on record.