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Stand Out on Zillow: Tips for Realtors to Make Their Zillow Profiles Shine in the Big Apple

Stand Out on Zillow: Tips for Realtors to Make Their Zillow Profiles Shine in the Big Apple - Optimize Your Zillow Profile Completely

A fully optimized Zillow profile is crucial for real estate agents looking to stand out in the competitive New York City market. With over 9 million monthly visitors searching for homes on Zillow, a robust and eye-catching profile can help capture leads and facilitate more connections.

The first step is to make sure your profile is 100% complete. This includes contact information, a professional headshot, brokerage details, languages spoken, neighborhoods served, and links to your website and social media. Providing as much information as possible builds credibility and shows you are an established agent.

You'll also want to craft an engaging bio that expresses your specialties, skills, and passion for real estate. Share a bit about your background, experience, and what makes you unique. Use descriptive keywords that potential clients may search for like "luxury properties" or "relocation specialist."

Upload at least 25 high-quality photos of yourself interacting with clients, properties you've sold, community events you've participated in, and awards you’ve won. This visual content brings your profile to life.

Make sure to claim and update your Zillow reviews and ratings. Satisfied clients can leave feedback on your profile for others to see. Aim for at least 20 positive 5-star reviews. Respond professionally to any less than 5-star reviews.

Stand Out on Zillow: Tips for Realtors to Make Their Zillow Profiles Shine in the Big Apple - Add High-Quality Photos That Capture Attention

With the rise of popular real estate platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and realtor.com, buyers today are starting their home search online. In fact, a recent NAR study found that 95% of home buyers use the internet to look for homes. This makes high-quality listing photos more important than ever. If your photos don’t capture attention, buyers will simply click away to the next listing.

Go Wide and Bright. Wide angle shots showcase more of the home’s space and layout. And proper lighting is crucial. Hire a real estate photographer to capture listing photos using professional lighting and high-end cameras. Or learn some DIY real estate photo tips and tricks to take stellar shots yourself. Just be sure to avoid dark, blurry pics taken on your phone.

Highlight Special Features. Don’t just snap basic shots of each room. Focus in on special features of the home with detailed close-ups. For example, get artsy photos of a stone fireplace, built-in bookshelves, or a large soaking tub. This gives buyers a better feel for the property’s unique assets.

Style the Space. De-clutter and style each room to look its best. Remove personal belongings and family photos. Style bookshelves with decor, set the dining room table beautifully, and ensure beds are made. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the home.

Capture Outdoor Living. Many buyers desire outdoor spaces, so photograph patios, decks, yards, gardens, and pools. Drone photography can provide breathtaking aerial property views. Just be sure you have permission from the homeowners first.

Use Daylight and Twilight Shots. Photograph the home during daylight hours when the light is soft and bright. But also capture the property at twilight to portray a warm, inviting ambiance.

Highlight the Exterior. Curb appeal is crucial, so get wide shots of the full exterior, entryway, roof, and landscaping. Also photograph unique home features like dormer windows, brick patios, or wraparound porches.

Tell a Story. Create an emotional experience by photographing the home as buyers would see it. Shoot family members relaxing by the fireplace or grilling on the patio. Show them where kids can play, pets can snooze, and memories can be made.

Stand Out on Zillow: Tips for Realtors to Make Their Zillow Profiles Shine in the Big Apple - Write Engaging Property Descriptions

The property description is one of the most important parts of a real estate listing. This short paragraph needs to grab attention and highlight the best features of the home or apartment. Generic, lackluster descriptions do little to capture interest or showcase what makes the property special.

Take some time to craft a compelling, descriptive narrative that brings the listing to life. Walk through each room in your mind and note special details a photograph can't always convey - like the way sunlight streams through the kitchen windows in the morning or how the master bedroom has a quiet, peaceful ambiance.

Use vivid language to help buyers visualize themselves living in the home. For example, describe the sprawling backyard as an entertainer's paradise perfect for BBQs, the kitchen island as sleek and spacious enough for the whole family to gather around, and the bedrooms as tranquil retreats for resting and recharging.

Inject some personality and charm into the description. Share a brief history of the home or fun original details like a reading nook under a cozy staircase. This creates an emotional connection.

Stand Out on Zillow: Tips for Realtors to Make Their Zillow Profiles Shine in the Big Apple - Highlight Special Property Features

One of the most effective ways for realtors to make their listings stand out on platforms like Zillow is to highlight special property features that capture buyers' attention. In a hot market like New York City, it's crucial to showcase what makes your listing unique to entice potential buyers.

Luxury amenities are particularly important in the Big Apple. For high-end listings, call out features like rooftop terraces, doormen, or smart home technology. For example, you could describe an Upper East Side co-op with “a stunning private rooftop terrace offering breathtaking 360 degree views of the Manhattan skyline - the perfect oasis for entertaining high above the city.” This immediately sets the property apart.

Landscaping and outdoor spaces also tend to attract buyers. Talk up lush backyard gardens, spacious patios perfect for alfresco dining, or zen-like water features that promote tranquility. Describing lovely outdoor areas that buyers envision themselves enjoying helps spark emotional connections.

Original architectural details and finishes should be showcased as well. Potential buyers will appreciate charming character features like exposed brick walls, clawfoot tubs, wood burning fireplaces, or a chef's kitchen loaded with high-end stainless steel appliances.

You can also highlight recent renovations and modern updates. Mentioning a gut renovation or newly remodeled bathrooms tells buyers the property is move-in ready. Just be sure to describe the most important updates like a gourmet kitchen or spa-like master bath - not minor changes like a new coat of interior paint.

When marketing historic homes, play up details like original crown moldings, built-ins, stained glass windows, or hardwood floors. Old world charm holds great appeal to many buyers. Phrases like “oozing pre-war elegance” or “exemplifying historic 19th century craftsmanship” help set the scene.

If showcasing a family-friendly property, be sure to call out kid-friendly assets. Describe vivid details like a magician-themed bedroom, backyard swing set and playhouse, or media room outfitted with a popcorn machine. Family buyers will imagine their children enjoying these special spaces.

Outdoor areas also allow you to highlight special features. Talk up a massive deck or patio with a built-in grilling station, pergola covered sitting area, and exterior speakers perfect for entertaining. Fire pits, hot tubs, custom water features, and lush landscaping also help a property stand out.

Stand Out on Zillow: Tips for Realtors to Make Their Zillow Profiles Shine in the Big Apple - Get Reviews from Satisfied Clients

In today's digital world, reviews are crucial for establishing trust and credibility with potential clients. According to a BrightLocal survey, 91% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses. For real estate agents, reviews on sites like Zillow and realtor.com serve as social proof and powerful word-of-mouth marketing. Satisfied clients who post glowing 5-star reviews give you an edge over less reviewed agents.

As a New York City realtor, being proactive about generating reviews should be part of your lead generation strategy. Make it a priority to provide such phenomenal service that clients can't wait to leave positive feedback. Then gently remind happy clients to post reviews on Zillow and realtor.com after closing.

Anastasia, a top producer at Compass, shares that she sends handwritten thank you notes after closing, along with a special gift like a bottle of champagne. In the note, she includes instructions for leaving online reviews along with a link to make it quick and easy. This personal touch results in a steady stream of 5-star reviews.

Other top agents incentivize reviews by offering current clients a $100 Amazon gift card or credit towards their next real estate transaction for posting online feedback. While reviews shouldn't be "bought," a small token of appreciation helps motivate satisfied clients.

When it comes to the reviews themselves, specificity is key. Victor, a successful Douglas Elliman agent, asks clients to highlight what made their experience so positive. This results in detailed reviews that mention his responsiveness, negotiation skills, market expertise and more. Reviews that share unique details and stories are more compelling.

Also advise clients on when to post reviews for maximum impact. Reviews are most beneficial when you have new listings coming to market. Time them around open houses for expanded reach.

Stand Out on Zillow: Tips for Realtors to Make Their Zillow Profiles Shine in the Big Apple - Use Videos to Showcase Properties

In today's digital era, video content is more engaging and effective than static photos alone. Real estate agents who incorporate videos into their Zillow listings stand out and keep buyers more informed and interested.

Videos allow potential buyers to virtually "walk through" the property and get a much better feel for the layout, flow, and overall ambiance. High-quality video tours showcase the home in an immersive way static photos simply can't replicate. They bring the property to life through movement, ambient sounds, commentary, and unique camera angles.

Darren, an agent with The Corcoran Group, shares that professional video tours are his secret weapon for showings. "I hired a top-notch videographer to capture a cinematic walkthrough video for each listing. Now I just send the video link to buyers before showings. It saves everyone so much time, and buyers arrive excited because they've already 'toured' the place online."

Videos also enable agents to highlight special features and showcase extra spaces. For example, pan and zoom to a luxurious en suite bathroom, modern chef's kitchen, or landscaped backyard oasis. Draw attention to sought-after details buyers love.

Karen, a broker with Brown Harris Stevens, says: "I use video to spotlight little touches that photos can miss. Things like the cool built-in office nook, flooded with natural light. Or the spa-like stone shower with an extra large rain showerhead. Showcasing these wow factors in videos really amplifies interest."

Videos can also capture the ambient mood and give buyers a taste of what it would feel like living in the space. Capture warm sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows or a crackling fireplace radiating coziness on a chilly evening. This emotional connection hooks buyers.

Outdoor spaces also shine on video. Capture lush gardens and patios perfect for alfresco dining from multiple flattering angles. Let the camera slowly pan across stunning city skyline views from rooftop terraces high above the bustling streets below. Videos transport buyers right to the property and get them excited.

To boost credibility, Kurt, an agent with Compass, appears in his videos providing helpful commentary. He'll say things like: "The wide plank oak floors are original and add loads of character..." or "You'll love prepping gourmet meals for friends and family in this gorgeous chef's kitchen." His personalized touch builds trust with buyers who feel like they're getting insider tips.

Stand Out on Zillow: Tips for Realtors to Make Their Zillow Profiles Shine in the Big Apple - Link to Your Website and Social Media

In the digital age, real estate agents need a strong online presence that goes beyond just a Zillow profile. Linking to your professional website and social media accounts from your Zillow profile provides expanded reach and helps you stand out from the crowd.

Your website is a place to highlight your listings, market reports, buyer/seller resources, and reviews. It establishes you as an authority. Miriam, an agent with The Serhant Team, says: "My website allows me to showcase my luxury listings with professional photos, 3D tours, and drool-worthy descriptions. It's an online brochure for my business."

Linking to your website from Zillow profiles adds credibility and allows buyers to seamlessly learn more. Choose a memorable, brandable domain name. Opt for yourname.com over a generic site if possible. Ensure your website is mobile-optimized and quick loading, with calls-to-action to request more info.

Mark, an agent with Triplemint, leverages Instagram to showcase listings. "I post pro-shot photos of new listings and link to the Zillow listing in my caption. The beautiful Instagram photos catch their eye, then they click over to my Zillow profile." This strategy nets leads.

Pinterest allows buyers to follow visually appealing boards on topics like home staging, renovation ideas, architecture photos, and interior design. Tailor content to your niche. Feng shui boards resonate with luxury buyers.

Stand Out on Zillow: Tips for Realtors to Make Their Zillow Profiles Shine in the Big Apple - Advertise Open Houses Strategically

Strategically advertising open houses is crucial for real estate agents looking to stand out in the competitive New York City market. Open houses provide invaluable opportunities to connect with motivated buyers, generate new leads, and showcase listings. However, simply holding an open house and hoping buyers show up is rarely effective. Savvy agents thoughtfully promote open houses to drive targeted traffic.

Michelle, a broker at Brown Harris Stevens, shares that she creates eye-catching open house flyers using Canva. She includes a compelling headline like "New Price!" or "Just Renovated!" to capture attention. Vibrant images of the kitchen, exterior, and backyard make the flyers enticing. She displays QR codes to easily access the Zillow listing. Michelle posts flyers throughout the neighborhood at places like coffee shops, supermarkets, gyms, and bus stops. She also door knocks the 40 homes closest to the listing to personally invite neighbors. Her proactive promotion fills her open houses with excited buyers.

Mark, an agent at Compass, leverages social media to spread the word about upcoming open houses. He creates Facebook events for each open house which makes the listing pop up in locals' event feeds. Mark also posts on neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and Reddit forums read by area residents. His social media blitz generates major interest.

To target buyers already active in the market, top producers collaborate with agents hosting other open houses that weekend. They co-promote to each other's client databases via email. "My fellow agents promote my Upper West Side open house to their buyers looking in the area. In exchange, I promote their open houses. It's a win-win that drives more foot traffic for us both," shares Silvia, a Douglas Elliman agent.

Realtors are also getting creative with incentives to drive open house traffic. Peter, a Triplemint agent, raffles off a $100 gift card to a popular local bakery to one visitor at each open house. "The gift card promotion goes viral and packs my open houses with excited buyers hoping to win."

While generating initial interest is key, following up with open house visitors helps agents stand out. Justin, a broker at Halstead, diligently collects visitor's names, numbers, and emails. "I call each visitor within 24 hours to say it was great meeting them and see if they have any other questions about the listing or neighborhood," he explains. This personalized follow up nets appointments and often leads to sales.