It’s no secret: Long before new clients or referrals pick up the phone to call you, they research you online.
They Google you, look at social media, read online reviews…
But here’s what you might not know: Today, 88% of people trust online reviews more than personal recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues.
Not to long ago, the referral process was much different! You’d work with a customer, they’d be happy, they’d refer someone, and that person would call you…
Now they Google you long before they contact you. They want to make sure that what their friend said about them is in fact true.
Do you know what your online identity is and what it says about you? You have an online identity whether you’ve taken the time to create a purposeful one or not.
To find out, Google yourself!
What do the results say about you? Chance are, if you haven’t taken the time to shape what comes up on Google, the results will misrepresent you in one or another.
So what can you do about it….?
Create a Bio / Byline that Gives Clients a Reason to Work with You
Improving your online identity can feel daunting… There’s so many different places to consider, and so much that goes into ranking on Google! So let’s start with something small: improving your byline / bio.
Your byline or bio will show up in many of the places you’re featured. Blog posts. YouTube videos. Social media pages. By improving your bio, you can control the first impression given by many of the places you show up.
Here’s an example of Garry’s bio showing up on a Google result:
Ultimately, you want your bio to say who you are, what you do, and what makes you unique. To improve yours, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Look at what other people are doing so you can see what they’re doing well and how you can differentiate yourself from them. Try Googling other agents in your area or other agents you respect.
- Step 2: Write in the third person and use a professional tone.
- Step 3: First words of your bio should be your name, first name, last name, and what you do. As you can see from Garry’s example above, it clearly says… Garry Wise–Luxury Agent!
Once you’ve written your bio, make sure you include it in “About Me” sections of social media pages, as your byline of posts, and so on!
Want help with your bio? Post it below! We’ll give feedback throughout the day!
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Andra Beatty is a Real Estate Broker that specializes in the greater Fort Worth Residential and Condominium real estate markets. Focusing primarily on the Colleyville, Southlake, Keller, Downtown Fort Worth and surrounding neighborhoods.
If you need guidance as a new homebuyer, or have owned multiple homes and value the personal service needed to gracefully transition from one home to another. You will be impressed with the combination of integrity, competence and a demonstrated ability to handle the most complicated transactions for buyers and sellers Always just a phone call or email away. Let this dedicated Realtor put her lifetime of local experience and technology expertise to work for you today!
As a Business Owner concerned about her clients, Andra Beatty attended the "Protect the American Dream" rally for the National Association of REALTORS® in Washington D.C. She also makes yearly visits to the congressmen on the hill to advocate better access to affordable financing, reform of the secondary mortgage market, improved liquidity in residential and commercial lending, extending the mortgage forgiveness debt relief act and preservation of the tax benefits associated with homeownership.
Andra Beatty has served on the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors Board of Directors and Executive Board. She is a graduate of the Texas REALTORS®Leadership Program and has served on several local committees including; Governmental Affairs, TREPAC, Bylaws, Business After Hours, Installation, Nominations, Strategic Planning, SCR Golf Tournament, Budget, Supra and Growth Task Force. In 2013 she chaired the GFWAR TREPAC committee and in 2016 will chair the Professional Standards committee. In addition she has been honored to serve on the Texas Association of REALTORS® Political Affairs Committee, Education Committee Panel Member and Professional Standards committee. In 2013 and 2015 she served on the National Association of REALTORS® State and Local Issues Policy committee.
On February 10, 2016 at the Fort Worth City Club, Andra Beatty received the REALTOR® Mark of Excellence Award from the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors. The Mark of Excellence honorees are selected based on their professionalism in the real estate industry and for the participation at the Local, State and National levels of the REALTOR® organization. This Includes activities with Local Community Involvement, Designations earned, Educational Activities and Political Involvement. Agents obtaining the Mark of Excellence award believe passionately in what they do, never comprise their standards and care about the best interest of their clients. In 2013 Andra Beatty was presented with the Marie & Dayton Sheridan Realtor Spirit Award from the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors,
A true cowgirl at heart, Andra served six years as an executive board member of the North Texas High School Rodeo Association and is a Charter member of the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Museum
Andra--
That first paragraph makes a really good byline! That scans perfectly. It's too the point, says who you are and what you do.
Here's my advice for the rest of your bio: Identify who will be reading it, and then read through it critically and make sure everything you list pertains to that potential reader.
As an example, if you want to put this on client facing websites (like your blog, YouTube account, etc), I might consider paring it down to something like this:
"Andra Beatty is a Real Estate Broker that specializes in the greater Fort Worth Residential and Condominium real estate markets. Focusing primarily on the Colleyville, Southlake, Keller, Downtown Fort Worth and surrounding neighborhoods.
On February 10, 2016 at the Fort Worth City Club, Andra Beatty received the REALTOR® Mark of Excellence Award from the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors. The Mark of Excellence honorees are selected based on their professionalism in the real estate industry and for the participation at the Local, State and National levels of the REALTOR® organization. This Includes activities with Local Community Involvement, Designations earned, Educational Activities and Political Involvement. Agents obtaining the Mark of Excellence award believe passionately in what they do, never comprise their standards and care about the best interest of their clients.
As a Business Owner concerned about her clients, Andra Beatty attended the “Protect the American Dream” rally for the National Association of REALTORS® in Washington D.C. She also makes yearly visits to the congressmen on the hill to advocate better access to affordable financing, reform of the secondary mortgage market, improved liquidity in residential and commercial lending, extending the mortgage forgiveness debt relief act and preservation of the tax benefits associated with homeownership.
(and then, if it's appropriate to include a call to action) If you need guidance as a new homebuyer, or have owned multiple homes and value the personal service needed to gracefully transition from one home to another. You will be impressed with the combination of integrity, competence and a demonstrated ability to handle the most complicated transactions for buyers and sellers Always just a phone call or email away. Let this dedicated Realtor put her lifetime of local experience and technology expertise to work for you today!"
All those accomplishments tell sellers what they'll get by working with you.
Thank you so much for the Feedback!!!
Tamara Hannah
Real Estate Broker + Real Estate Attorney
30 years of experience with integrity
Experienced in residential and commercial real estate in Illinois and Florida
Whether you are looking to relocate, find a vacation home, or invest in real estate, I can help you!
Please connect via Linked In and Facebook to see my market posts, recommendations, and current listings!
You can always reach me at 312-513-1002!
Www.thannahrealestate.com
Hi Tamara!
A few points to look at with your bio. First, make sure the first sentence has your name + business + what you do (and make sure the what you do specifies what sets you apart!) So it should read something like...
"Tamara Hannah is a Real Estate Broker and Attorney with more than 30 years of experience helping clients relocate, find a vacation home, or invest in real estate in [CITY] and [CITY]."
Then I'd spend a little time listing out all your biggest accomplishments. Just make a list of them. Go through and pick the one that is your biggest claim to fame. What's the biggest award / accomplishment / etc.? Add that next. Then, go through and find the other accomplishments that will matter / stand out to clients. Add those and say why they matter to your clients!
Excellent post. You are right on.
Here is my profile, I am a real estate agent working as a Senior Real Estate Agent with 55+ Mature adults looking to relocate and downsize to smaller places to simplify their lives.
"Natalie Aguilar Vogie resides in Pasadena, California where she has served her community for the past nine years. Natalie loves working with buyers looking to purchase their first home and sellers that are ready to downsize and relocate to a smaller place. Is not just about selling or buying homes that make Natalie an expert in her field, but setting realistic expectations, educating, and equipping her clients with the knowledge necessary to make the right decisions when the time is right.
As an investor with 20 years’ experience, Natalie brings a wealth of skills and resources to the negotiating table. Natalie's background as an accountant with Water Power for 25 years gives her a great edge at the negotiation table. In the past, Natalie's negotiation skills have helped her sellers to net $15,000 to $40,000 thousand dollars above asking price. Buyers were also able to purchase their home for much less than what they intended to pay.
Natalie has a philanthropic spirit and is involved with her church, community, and is presently the Treasurer for the ALA, Alhambra Latino Scholarship Association devoted to raising money for scholarships for High School graduates through fundraising events. She is also a member of the NLBWA, National Latina Business Women Association of Los Angeles. Their mission is to encourage women to develop and grow their professional business through referrals and networking events that help build relationships in the community they serve.
Providing the best customer service plus stellar negotiation skills makes Natalie a top notch real estate professional in her field. Putting the Interest of her clients before hers is what really matters, after all, it’s 103% percent about the client wants and goals. At the end of the day, building long lasting relations after the close of escrow is what really matters.
Hey Natalie!
Your first sentence would actually make a good intro your bio! I would definitely lead with something like... "Natalie Aguilar Vogie is a real estate agent in Pasadena, California specializing in helping seniors looking to relocate or simplify their lives with a smaller home. With more than 20 years of experience, Natalie is an expert in her field that knows how to educate her clients and equip them with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions throughout the process."
The second paragraph points out a really good advantage. I might just streamline it a little bit! "Natalie's background as a real estate investor and accountant with Water Power has equipped her with excellent negotiating skills. These skills have helped her clients... "
Finally, for the third paragraph, I'd just go through and let clients know how those accomplishments / activities help them. For example, you care about the community and know it inside and out!
Natalie also brings more than 20 years of experience as a real estate investor
Hi, I was reading your blog and found it very interesting. My name is Mina Patel and I needed your help and your opinion with preparing my bio.
Please let me know if you can help me. I would really appreciate your help.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mina Patel
Hi Mina! I don't see your bio. Can you post your bio here?
my bio is on my website it is factual certainly wouldn't grab any ones attention can you have a look and give me some feedback tear it to shreds please I need to do the same for linked in and Facebook I don't think I am creating any excitement and certainly not getting any business from it thanks laura
Hi Laura-- can you post the bio you'd like us to look at here?
Hi Kylie Just posted our bio - Laura McIntosh
sorry kyle
Deb is a Kansas City native, born and raised in the local area. During her time away from the office she enjoys time with my husband, 4 Sons and 2 Daughter as well as 4 wonderful and amazing Grandchildren. Sundays will find her greeting church members and helping hand out food in the local pantry of her church.
Debora is a Broker-Associate for MO and KS and began her Real Estate career in 2007 as a Foreclsoure / Shortsale Agent. She enjoys working with buyers and sellers on resale properties as well as with clients who need a specialist in a short sale or a foreclosure. Her certifications include ABR, SFR, CDRS, CSSBR and EHO
Deb is a customer driven Realtor dedicated to achieving results and providing exceptional service. If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, she will put her years of real estate expertise to work for you!
Hi Deb!
I'd actually start with the second paragraph! You want to start with your name + what you do + what sets you apart. You also want to make sure that everything you write is going to be something your clients want to read.
So I'd start with "Debora Compton is a Broker-Associate for [state] and [state] specializing in short sales, foreclosures, and resale properties. She began her real estate career in 2007 to help people struck by the subprime mortgage crisis, and still helps clients navigate the difficult foreclosure or short sale process..."
I'd then elaborate on what your ceritifcations are! Pick the ones that matter most, briefly explain what they are and how they help your clients!
Our way of life is now to Google everything - even when it is a personal referral. Having them land on your site is ideal because YOU are your PR director! I also recommend the "Google my Business" profile since that PR blurb and photo (hopefully some reviews) will show up on the right side of those search results. It works for me!
Hey Doug -- You're absolutely right. We're all for the Google My Business profile, too. Highly recommend everyone sets one up!
Glen and Laura McIntosh are proud to be associates of the Real Estate Professionals brokerage, one of the ten largest brokerages in Alberta. As husband and wife realtors we are truly Partners in Real Estate. We are involved in the marketing and sale of all kinds of real estate, from starter homes to luxury properties, townhouses, high rise apartments, and acreages. We are both Calgary Real Estate Board Certified Condominium Specialists. We have assisted people in buying or selling properties in all quadrants of the City of Calgary as well as in Okotoks, Airdrie, Chestermere and the Municipal District of Foothills. We are recipients of several sales achievement awards.
We work together on all of our listings but generally work independently with buyer clients. Many of the people we work with are referred to us by other satisfied sellers or buyers. In this way prospective clients already have a sense of how we perform and how we keep our business at a close and personal level so they get the individual attention they deserve. We are strong advocates of continual communication with our clients to ensure no one is surprised and that every step along the way is fully understood by everyone.
We pride ourselves in being native Calgarians who have lived in every quadrant of our great city and have been involved as volunteers and supporters of several community organizations and initiatives. As a result, we know our city and its history well.
Glen or Laura would be pleased to answer any questions you may have about real estate at no cost or obligation. Of course if you want assistance in buying or selling a home we would be happy to meet and discuss your specific needs. We understand that selling or buying a home can be a challenging and emotional experience combined with many unfamiliar issues. We are confident that we can successfully represent you in achieving your real estate goals. Give us a call then you can decide for yourself.
As you can see Glen and I are a "team" can we please get your comments I know this is pretty vanilla
Hi Laura! Sorry for the delayed response on this.
First, I think you should work on focusing the second part of the first paragraph on your unique advantage. Try to boil this down into a couple of sentences that says why you're different than everyone else... "As husband and wife realtors we are truly Partners in Real Estate. We are involved in the marketing and sale of all kinds of real estate, from starter homes to luxury properties, townhouses, high rise apartments, and acreages. We are both Calgary Real Estate Board Certified Condominium Specialists. We have assisted people in buying or selling properties in all quadrants of the City of Calgary as well as in Okotoks, Airdrie, Chestermere and the Municipal District of Foothills. We are recipients of several sales achievement awards."
For me, what jumps out is that fact that you and your husband work as a team on listings. Is there some way to elaborate on that? "You guys have XX amount of years experience between you... You get the benefits of two marketing and sales experts... etc! Maybe work in this "We pride ourselves in being native Calgarians who have lived in every quadrant of our great city and have been involved as volunteers and supporters of several community organizations and initiatives. As a result, we know our city and its history well." in that paragraph as well.
You can work your list of accomplishments a bit further down.
Also, in third person you should write "we" instead of "they"! When your switching the language, I'd look for opportunities to incorporate your names more too.
Tom Allen is a senior Realtor and trainer for Century 21 Olympian in Houston, Texas.
As a North Houston area specialist, Tom has a growing client base from all over the greater Houston area. Among many other industries in his background such as travel and corporate energy, Tom is an experienced home rehabilitation contractor. He has “flipped” many homes in all price ranges. His experience is mostly “ground-up” restorations that includes everything from small items like outlets, hinges, knobs and paint to larger items such as complete pool reconstruction, roofs, foundation, masonry and structure. You can view some of his other business ventures and past property rehabilitation projects at TheWhiteHatGroup.com.
Tom has current knowledge of the actual price of parts and labor in every aspect of home construction. This gives him a distinct advantage over realtors who only have training on how to sell a property. Tom knows all of the ins-and-outs of all areas of homes and structures including full market analysis and probabilities of future values and growth. In other words he knows the difference between value and current worth and how to explain it to you.
Tom is also a trainer and recruiter for Century 21 Olympian. You can often see Tom, in his signature white hat, at various Real Estate Schools around the greater Houston area.
A long term Saskatoonean and seasoned realtor since 2007. I specialized in commercial and residential real estates. I speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese and English. Also, I am the co-founder of Saskatoon Home Experts that provides one stop shop service to my clients at every single step for buying and selling real estates. We have the following experts in Saskatoon Home Experts: mortgage broker, insurance broker, lawyer, home inspector, cleaner, mover, renovator, flooring expert, heating, cooling & plumbing professional, security alarm expert, electrician, blinds & interior design expert, and property manager. Give me a call to find out how I can help you on buying / selling and save on closing costs!
This is "About me" that is on my website. Can you give me your opinion, please?
This is who I am:
I was born in Romania, where I spent my childhood and my teenage years surrounded by my loving family and friends. As long as I can remember, I always loved to talk and listen to people, and I've tried to help them as much as I could.
I worked for a Tractor Factory as a Mechanical Engineer, and than I had my own Manufacturing and Retail Company, doing business in Romania and the Netherlands.
I came to Canada in 2000 with my husband and my daughter. My husband is also a Mechanical Engineer and my daughter is a student at the University of Windsor - Business Administration program.
Ever since I came I thought: Real Estate Sales Representative is a great job because I can do what I love to do: listen to the people, talk to them, try to help them, and make them happy!
So, here I am!
I am a dedicated Sales Representative who knows how to listen and understands your needs!
I dedicated myself to making the process of selling/buying your home as easy and successful as possible.
I will hold your best interests in the highest regard throughout the process.
I will value and respect your time, being as efficient and effective as possible.
I will use my base of experience, knowledge, tools and the most up-to-date training to best serve you.
This is my profile. Can you give me your opinion, please?
This is who I am:
I was born in Romania, where I spent my childhood and my teenage years surrounded by my loving family and friends. As long as I can remember, I always loved to talk and listen to people, and I've tried to help them as much as I could.
I worked for a Tractor Factory as a Mechanical Engineer, and than I had my own Manufacturing and Retail Company, doing business in Romania and the Netherlands.
I came to Canada in 2000 with my husband and my daughter. My husband is also a Mechanical Engineer and my daughter is a student at the University of Windsor - Business Administration program.
Ever since I came I thought: Real Estate Sales Representative is a great job because I can do what I love to do: listen to the people, talk to them, try to help them, and make them happy!
So, here I am!
I am a dedicated Sales Representative who knows how to listen and understands your needs!
I dedicated myself to making the process of selling/buying your home as easy and successful as possible.
I will hold your best interests in the highest regard throughout the process.
I will value and respect your time, being as efficient and effective as possible.
I will use my base of experience, knowledge, tools and the most up-to-date training to best serve you.
Hi, my name is Shelia and I was just wondering what pointers you would give a Broker who is semi new to the industry. I have had my license since 2002, I put them on inactive status in 2005, now back to active status since Dec. 2015 and have opened a new real estate office with a business partner who has been active for the past 17 years.