Praise pays

How to use compliments to market yourself.

Your claim that you are a great agent doesn’t hold much sway with prospects. It’s not like you gain an edge on all those agents touting themselves as average. But other people singing your praises–now that counts for a lot. So how do you go about getting testimonials and make them work for you?

• The more testimonials you display on your Web site and in listing and marketing materials, the better. One way to build up the number of testimonials is to ask for them. Look for opportunities such as when a client verbally compliments you after closing.

• Obtain permission to use full names whenever possible. First names only or titles without names can seem fabricated to skeptical consumers.

• Get testimonials not only from clients but from colleagues and other professionals in the industry. Also, if you offer to provide testimonials to people you work with and respect, they may be more likely to do the same for you.

Illustration © Artville.

Buyers & sellers, visit www.texasrealestate.com.
REALTORS®, visit www.texasrealtors.com.