A Realtor’s Guide to Cleaning Up Your Digital First Impression

In real estate, your online presence is often your first impression—and it’s happening long before a client ever picks up the phone.

Think about it: a potential buyer or seller hears your name, maybe from a friend or yard sign. What's the first thing they do?

They Google you.

They scroll your Instagram.

They check your reviews on Zillow, Facebook, and Google.

And in those few clicks, they’ve already formed an opinion—often without you knowing they exist.

That’s why cleaning up your digital footprint isn't just a good idea—it’s essential to your success. Here’s a breakdown of the most common mistakes agents make online, and what you can do to fix them.

1. Your Headshot Is From 2017 (or Taken in Your Car)

Your profile picture says more than you think. A grainy or outdated photo makes you look less approachable—and less professional.

What to do instead:
Invest in a clean, professional headshot. Choose a neutral background, wear something sharp, and use that photo consistently across all platforms—website, social media, email signature, and profiles like Zillow or Realtor.com.

2. You're Posting Inconsistently—Or Not At All

A stale Instagram feed or a Facebook page with no recent updates can make it look like you’ve left the business.

Why it matters:
People want to see that you're active, engaged in your market, and available. Even if they’re not ready to buy or sell now, they’re watching.

What to do instead:
Pick one or two platforms where your ideal clients are active and post regularly—at least once a week. Share:

• Local market updates
  
  
• Behind-the-scenes looks at your day
  
  
• Success stories
  
  
• Client tips and FAQs
  
  

It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be consistent.

3. Your Website Isn’t Mobile-Friendly

More than half of all home searches happen on mobile. If your website doesn’t load properly on a phone, you’re instantly losing leads.

What to check for:

• Is your site responsive on all devices?
  
  
• Do your pages load quickly?
  
  
• Is there a clear and easy way to contact you?
  
  

Pro tip: Test your own site from your phone. If you get frustrated, so will your prospects.

4. Your Google & Zillow Reviews Are Missing or Weak

Social proof is powerful. If people can’t find reviews about you—or worse, only see one or two from years ago—it raises doubts.

What to do instead:
Ask every happy client for a quick review. Make it easy by sending a link and a simple message like:

“It would mean a lot if you could share a few words about your experience working with me.”

The more recent, authentic, and positive reviews you collect, the better your first impression.

5. You Sound Just Like Everyone Else

Generic bios. Stock content. Overused buzzwords. They all blend together—and that makes it hard for clients to connect.

What to do instead:
Write your bio like you talk. Share what drives you in this business, why you love your local market, or a quick story about your first closing. Show your human side.

Remember: people hire people—not logos, not slogans.

Final Thought: Your Online Presence Is Your Digital Curb Appeal

In the same way curb appeal influences a buyer’s first impression of a home, your online presence shapes how clients see you as a professional.

Ask yourself:

• If someone Googled me right now, would they feel confident reaching out?
  
  
• Does my digital presence reflect how I show up in real life?
  
  
• Is it easy to find me, learn about me, and contact me?
  
  

If not, it’s time for a tune-up.

You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to show up authentically, consistently, and professionally.

Need help improving your online presence?
Reach out—we’d be happy to connect you with trusted branding partners, content tips, or a quick audit of your digital profiles.

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