Strategy #10 - Get Loads of Leads from Online Reviews (11 minutes)

Timing is everything when it comes to requesting reviews. The best time to ask is during a ‘happy moment’ – when the client is satisfied or grateful. For instance:

• Landlords: Ask after you’ve resolved a major issue, such as tenant removal, securing a higher rent, or taking over management from a rival agent who wasn’t performing.

• Tenants: Request a review after you’ve swiftly handled a maintenance request or finalised a lease agreement.

• Tradespeople or Vendors (USA): These tradespeople should have a good relationship with you; that’s why you continue to work with them. A perfect time to ask if they can give you a 5-Star review is right after you have paid them or at the point of assigning them some work.

• Strategic Alliances: Right after you took care of a client that they referred to you, you call them when you deliver the happy news that their client is now taken care of and satisfied.

Reaching out at these high points increases the likelihood of receiving glowing feedback.

There are several ways to ask clients for reviews:

1. In-Person: If you’re signing a new lease or meeting with a client, simply ask them directly.

2. Video Message: A personalised video request can feel more engaging. You could say,

[Script] “Hi [Client’s Name], it’s [Your Name] from [Agency Name]. As you know, my job is helping educate potential investors as to why they should use our services. I would love to get a 5-Star Google review from you, so I can use and show your kind words and experience you've had with us so far?”

3. Email Confirmation: After a positive conversation or resolved issue, follow up with an email to direct them to your Google review page. You can also send a personal video message through email by using Loom. This embeds the video into the email.

Please note that when you use the same link and send it to multiple people at once (so they are using the same link), Google knows this and will remove those reviews, as they can tell you have simply sent out a blanket email, so don’t keep using the same link.

Google is also wanting people to write reviews on Google Maps more and more, especially if they are regular users of the app.

By offering multiple ways to leave a review, you make it convenient for clients, which can increase participation.

Many clients appreciate guidance on what to write. Here’s a sample script you might suggest to make it easy for them:

[Script] “Thank you, [Client’s Name], for bringing your business to us at [Your Agency]. My role is to help investors understand why our award-winning service is the right choice. If you’d like, you could share a brief review of your experience with us to help other property owners make informed decisions.”

Sending this via email or including it in a video message can help clients capture exactly why they’re happy with your services.​

Once you receive reviews, be sure to respond, as this demonstrates to prospective clients that you value their feedback. Here’s how to handle positive and negative reviews:

• Positive Review Response: Personalise each response to add a human touch. For example:

[Script] “Thank you, [Reviewer’s Name], for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Michael. I’ll be sure to pass along your feedback to him. We are also excited to hear of your valuable dealings with our office. Best regards, [Your Name].”

• Negative Review Response: Address issues professionally and without emotion. Offer to discuss the issue privately to resolve the matter. A balanced, thoughtful response can demonstrate to others that you handle criticism gracefully.

We find that writing your response, getting another person to read this, as well as leaving it for a day or two to ensure no emotions are used.

Important: Even negative reviews can be turned into a positive display of your customer service approach.

Most people will read the bad reviews as opposed to focusing on the good ones, and they’re reviewing how you handle the situations and what your potential weaknesses are.​

Getting your team on board can significantly boost your number of reviews.

Here are some effective ways to incentivise:

• Set KPIs: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for gathering reviews can be set based on each team member’s role. For example, sales or property management staff could have different targets based on client interaction.

• Offer Rewards: Create friendly competition by offering rewards, such as a day off, bonuses, or a team lunch for those who gather the most reviews.

For example, one agency offered $10 per review, motivating the team to collect positive feedback, leading to increased property management and sales leads from these numerous reviews.

Google, for example, wants to see consistency with reviews; if they feel you are getting reviews only once or twice a year, it will be flagged that you could be running a campaign to get reviews.

Want Coaching and Need Accountability With That?

If you’d like additional support implementing these strategies, consider getting coaching with us to keep you accountable with the growth of your rent roll.

From group coaching to one-on-one sessions, we offer various resources to suit your budget.

Visit LeadMachineSystem.com for more details, or book a chat with Deniz Yusuf at LeadMachineChat.com.
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