With limited time to chase reviews, where should you focus your efforts? Let's compare the two biggest platforms for real estate agent reviews: Google and Zillow.
Google Reviews: The Universal Player
Pros:
- Highest visibility - appears in all Google searches
- Impacts local SEO and map rankings
- Used by all types of consumers, not just home buyers
- Builds trust beyond real estate transactions
Cons:
- Requires a Google Business Profile
- Reviews can be left by anyone (including competitors)
- Less context-specific to real estate
Zillow Reviews: The Industry Specialist
Pros:
- Real estate-focused audience
- Reviews are transaction-specific
- Integrated with your Zillow agent profile
- Buyers actively searching Zillow see them immediately
Cons:
- Only visible to Zillow users
- Doesn't help with general Google searches
- Platform changes can affect visibility
The Verdict: Do Both, But Prioritize Google
If you can only focus on one platform, choose Google. Here's why:
- Broader reach: Not everyone uses Zillow, but everyone uses Google
- SEO benefits: Good Google reviews improve your overall search visibility
- Social proof: A strong Google presence builds trust in all contexts
The Ideal Strategy
The best approach is to give clients options. After confirming they had a great experience, show them both platforms and let them choose. Some will prefer Google (easier, already logged in), while others may prefer Zillow (more real estate-focused).
Don't Forget Realtor.com and Facebook
While Google and Zillow are the big two, don't neglect other platforms. Realtor.com reviews can be valuable, and Facebook recommendations reach a different audience entirely.
The key is consistency: have a system that requests reviews from every client, on the platforms that matter most to your business.