Let’s face it—trust is everything when it comes to real estate. When clients look for an agent, they look for someone they can rely on to make one of the most significant decisions of their life. The good news is that in this day and age, where technology has taken over almost everything, it’s now easier to share testimonials from your clients and attract more leads.
With the rise of digital marketing, realtors are often left wondering which format works best: video testimonials or written ones. Both formats have strengths, but which is the right choice for your real estate business?
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of video and written testimonials and provide actionable insights so you can make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in, shall we?
Why Testimonials Are Important In Real Estate
Before discussing how to showcase your glowing reviews, it’s crucial to realize the importance of testimonials in real estate. Buyers and sellers want to work with an agent with a proven track record. Testimonials are social proof of agents’ expertise and dedication that attracts clients and makes it easier for them to connect with you.
Studies report that 70% of consumers say positive reviews make them trust a business more, and 90% trust testimonials as much as personal recommendations.
Whether reviews are showcased in text or videos, there’s one thing you can be confident about: testimonials help convert leads into deals.
Video Testimonials: Trust Through Visuals
With the rise of video content, realtors are turning to posing video testimonials on their websites and social media profiles. This creates a stronger connection with their audience. Video testimonials are generally more engaging and effective but could also have disadvantages. Let’s explore why realtors choose–or don’t choose them.
Pros Of Video Testimonials
- Authenticity and Trust: Videos capture facial expressions, tone, and body language that create a more genuine connection and make it even easier to trust. A happy client sharing their experience on camera can evoke emotions that words simply can’t. It also creates a sense of authenticity that words may lack.
- Higher Engagement: Video content is generally watched, shared, and remembered more, increasing your reach, engagement, and visibility.
- Social Media Friendly: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok prioritize video content.
Cons Of Video Testimonials
- Requires More Effort: Editing and recording videos may take more time. They can also be more challenging to manage, especially if you post them frequently since they’re less flexible to edit. Additionally, many clients are not comfortable recording themselves on a camera.
- Production Costs: High-quality videos require equipment and editing tools, which can be expensive.
- Accessibility Issues: Some of your audience may not have the time or ability to watch video content.
Written Testimonials: Words That Matter
Written testimonials have been a significant part of real estate for many years, and it’s safe to say they still hold value. They provide a clear message that can be displayed on websites and social media. Moreover, they create a strong narrative of success when shared strategically. Let’s take a closer look into why realtors still rely on them or why they might go for video testimonials instead:
Pros Of Written Testimonials
- Easy To Create: One of the most considerable advantages of written testimonials is their simplicity. They are quick and easy to gather and create.
- SEO Benefits: Written testimonials are shared in clients’ own words, which can often boost your SEO since most of them use terms that potential clients might search for, e.g., “best realtor in the city.”
- Versatility: They can support your marketing in various ways, including website content, social media posts, or blog posts.
Cons Of Written Testimonials
- Less Engaging: This type of content is less likely to increase your engagement and reach than video content.
- Lack Of Emotion: Written words can sometimes be impersonal and may not always convey many emotions.
- Trust Concerns: It’s a possibility that your audience may question the authenticity of written testimonials since they can be fabricated easily.
Which Is Better For Real Estate?
Both written and video testimonials have advantages and disadvantages, but the question remains: “Which one should realtors choose?” The decision ultimately depends on what your audience prefers and engages with more. If they are more active on platforms prioritizing video content, then video testimonials may be the way to go. But if you want to boost your SEO and are looking for a cost-effective option, then written testimonials are your best choice.
Consider using both for the best results and to maximize the potential of testimonials. Understanding how to balance them both is how you create an ideal strategy.
- On Website: Use written testimonials on listing pages and videos on your homepage.
- On Social Media: Share short and engaging video content on Instagram reels or TikTok and written testimonials on LinkedIn and Facebook.
- In Email Marketing: Use video and written testimonials in follow-up emails to attract buyers and sellers.
The Oley Effect
There’s no denying that testimonials are significant in attracting potential clients, but do you know what’s even more crucial? Real estate websites.
No matter how robust your testimonials are, they must be showcased on high-converting, professional websites. And who better than Oley to create a stunning IDX/MLS-integrated website for real estate agents that drives leads and conversions?
Our websites are designed for real estate success, with all the features and tools that close deals seamlessly. They also allow you to showcase both written and video testimonials in ways that boost engagement and trust.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started today! Whether you’re a seasoned agent or just starting, we have plans that cater to your unique needs and aspirations! Explore our pricing plans and find the perfect fit for yourself.
Book a free 1-1 demo to understand better how we plan to transform your business. Your dream website and success are just a click away!
Final Word: The Power Of Testimonials
When it comes to real estate testimonials, there’s no specific way to use them effectively. Written testimonials provide convenience and boost SEO, while video testimonials are more personal and build deeper connections. The best strategy? Leverage both to maximize impact. By understanding the strengths, you can make informed decisions that align with your business goals.
By integrating client reviews into your website and marketing content, you can use the testimonials to their full potential, strengthening your brand, making it more visible, and, eventually, more successful.
Are you using testimonials effectively? If not, now is the perfect time to start! Partner with Oley today, and together, let’s reach new heights!
