Stay Paid Podcast: The Google Review Strategy That Landed 61 Deals (and Costs Nothing)
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Hosts: Luke Acree & Joshua Stike
Guests: Stephen Acree & Cody Smith from the Acree Brothers Realty Team
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of the Stay Paid Podcast, hosts Luke Acree and Joshua Stike delve into the transformative power of Google Reviews in the real estate industry. Joined by Stephen Acree and Cody Smith from the top-performing Acree Brothers Realty Team in Lynchburg, Virginia, the conversation unpacks a Google review strategy that has successfully landed 61 deals without incurring additional costs.
The Importance of Google Reviews
Joshua Stike opens the discussion by highlighting the critical role of online reviews in today's business landscape.
"According to BrightLocal, over 90% of people read online reviews before choosing a business, and real estate is no exception." [00:14]
Stephen Acree emphasizes the significance of review averages and volume:
"We're trying to amplify the number of reviews that we have and have one, two, you know, bad reviews out of, we have 300, I think, in 20 something reviews right now." [03:30]
The hosts and guests agree that a high volume of positive reviews significantly boosts credibility and trust among potential clients.
Building Trust Through Reviews
Luke Acree frames the conversation around buyer psychology, stressing that trust is a cornerstone of successful transactions.
"Trust is the essential component there because in a psychology of a buyer, buyers buy from people they look up to, people they believe." [02:10]
Cody Smith draws parallels between choosing a restaurant and selecting a real estate agent, underscoring how Google reviews often guide decisions even over personal recommendations.
"If you go and the reviews are, let's say, it's a three star at a restaurant. You're probably not going to go even if your friend told you about it." [04:19]
Focusing on Google Over Other Platforms
The Acree Brothers discuss their strategic focus on Google Reviews over platforms like Zillow, Facebook, and Yelp. Stephen Acree explains:
"We focus on Google because that's how you search. Facebook is basically a joke now when it comes to reviews." [10:30]
Cody Smith adds that managing reviews across multiple platforms can dilute the effectiveness and authenticity, choosing instead to concentrate efforts where it matters most.
Operationalizing the Review Strategy
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the practical implementation of their review strategy. Cody Smith details their process:
"We make two calls post closing. The first one is to check to see how everything's going and ask for a referral. The second call is about three days after closing and then the seven day marker." [14:30]
Stephen Acree emphasizes the importance of timing and persistence:
"Every week that goes by, it just operationally just doesn't work nearly as well to get the number of reviews." [17:11]
They also discuss the use of a dedicated URL (acreview.com) that directs clients straight to their Google review page, simplifying the process:
"If you type in acreview.com and we got this from another agent, Kel Williams... he has over a thousand reviews and this was his play that we did and then made it our own." [13:43]
Enhancing Review Quality
Beyond quantity, the Acree Brothers stress the importance of quality in reviews. Stephen Acree notes:
"You need to focus on the quality of the reviews... communication skills are incredible. They help solve this problem." [06:39]
They advocate for guiding clients on what to highlight in their reviews without scripting responses, ensuring authenticity and relevance:
"Help me get through the deal. Perfect hit submit. Awesome." [15:43]
Leveraging Reviews for Marketing and SEO
Joshua Stike connects the dots between reviews and search engine optimization (SEO):
"Your Google reviews actually impact your search engine results. So if someone Google's real estate agent near me, it's number of reviews, it's quality of reviews." [09:46]
The team discusses how a robust Google review profile not only attracts more leads but also enhances their ranking in search results, making them more visible to potential clients.
Maximizing Reviews Through Events and Incentives
The Acree Brothers share innovative tactics to gather reviews during client events. Cody Smith recounts their ice skating event:
"For our ice skating event, we did a raffle... a $200 gift card if you left us a Google review." [20:08]
They also discuss incentivizing their transaction coordinator (TC) to secure reviews, ensuring that the process remains consistent and effective:
"A certain amount of reviews, he gets a certain bonus in order to get that." [19:27]
Overcoming Challenges with Review Acquisition
Addressing common hurdles, Stephen Acree and Cody Smith acknowledge the difficulties in consistently obtaining reviews, especially at larger scales. They highlight the necessity of having dedicated systems and the role of accountability in maintaining momentum:
"It keeps you accountable... you should be intentional about getting that review." [17:25]
Conclusion and Action Items
As the episode wraps up, the hosts and guests provide actionable steps for listeners to implement their own Google review strategies:
- Create a Dedicated Review URL: Simplify the review process by directing clients straight to the review page.
- Integrate Review Requests into Client Interactions: Ask for reviews at pivotal moments like the closing table and follow-up calls.
- Utilize Events for Review Gathering: Incorporate review requests into client events with incentives.
- Ensure Quality and Authenticity: Guide clients on what to highlight in their reviews without scripting their responses.
- Focus on Google: Prioritize Google Reviews over other platforms for maximum impact on SEO and credibility.
Luke Acree sums it up:
"Choose Google, apply Steven's tip of going to all your friends and family and send them that URL and ask them if they would write and rate you." [24:25]
The episode underscores that a strategic and well-executed Google review system can significantly enhance a real estate business's credibility, searchability, and overall success.
Connect with the Acree Brothers Realty Team
For more insights or to connect with the Acree Brothers:
- Stephen Acree: Call or text at 434-216-5306
- Cody Smith: Engage through their professional channels
Stay Paid Podcast continues to empower agents and entrepreneurs with actionable strategies to elevate their businesses and achieve freedom through informed, motivated, and inspired discussions.
Note: All timestamps correspond to the original podcast transcript provided.