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Google Reviews vs Zillow Reviews for Real Estate Agents (Data-Driven Guide)
Nov 24, 2025
Google Reviews vs Zillow Reviews for Real Estate Agents: Where to Focus Your Efforts (Data-Driven Guide)
You just closed a fantastic sale. The buyers loved working with you and promised to leave a glowing review. A week later, you check Zillow—nothing. You check Google—still nothing. Meanwhile, your competitor down the street has 67 Google reviews and 43 Zillow reviews, and they're taking listings you should be winning.
Here's the question that keeps real estate agents up at night: Should I focus on getting Google reviews or Zillow reviews? And if I had to choose one, which matters more for actually winning listings and buyers?
The data-backed answer might surprise you: You need both, but Google reviews have 3-4x more visibility and directly impact 73% of your potential clients before they ever visit Zillow. And the agents who've figured out how to collect both automatically are dominating their markets.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover exactly where Google and Zillow reviews appear, which platform drives more business (with actual data), why you can't afford to ignore either, and how top-performing agents automatically collect 10-15 reviews monthly across BOTH platforms without awkward post-closing asks or manual follow-up work.
The Brutal Reality: Where Your Clients Actually Find You
Let's start with the data that should fundamentally change your review strategy:
The Client Discovery Journey (2024 Research)
73% of buyers and sellers start their agent search on Google (not Zillow, not Realtor.com)
89% of those Google searchers check reviews before contacting any agent
31% eventually visit Zillow to research agents (but only after initial Google search)
67% of listing appointments go to agents with 40+ Google reviews
Real estate agents with 60+ Google reviews win 58% of listing presentations vs. 24% for those under 20 reviews
86% of buyers won't even call an agent with fewer than 4.5 stars on Google
Here's what this means: Google reviews are your first impression. Zillow reviews are your credibility confirmation. You need both, but Google is where most of your business starts.
Why Most Agents Get This Wrong
Most real estate agents make one of three critical mistakes:
Mistake 1: Focusing exclusively on Zillow because "that's where real estate buyers are." Wrong. Buyers START on Google. By the time they're on Zillow researching agents, they've already eliminated you if your Google presence is weak.
Mistake 2: Ignoring reviews entirely and relying on "word of mouth." In 2024, word of mouth happens online. When someone refers you at a dinner party, the first thing that person does is Google your name. Your reviews ARE your word of mouth.
Mistake 3: Only asking happy clients and hoping they'll "post somewhere." Result: 92% never follow through because they don't know which platform matters or find it too complicated.
"I lost a £280,000 listing to an agent with worse credentials but 73 Google reviews to my 11. The sellers literally told me 'We Googled both of you, and their reviews made us feel safer.' That was my wake-up call." — Amanda Richardson, Berkshire Hathaway, Surrey
Google Reviews: Your Primary Visibility Engine
Let's examine exactly where Google reviews appear and why they're your most powerful marketing asset:
Where Google Reviews Show Up (7 Critical Touchpoints)
1. Google Local Pack (Map Results): When someone searches "real estate agents near me" or "estate agents [your city]," the top 3 results show star ratings prominently. 78% of clicks go to these top 3 results. Your review count and star rating directly impact whether you appear here.
2. Google Maps: When buyers search for agents on Google Maps (increasingly common on mobile), your reviews are the primary differentiator. Agents with 50+ reviews get 4.2x more profile views than those with under 15.
3. Google Search Results (Your Name): When someone Googles your name (after a referral or seeing your sign), your Google Business Profile appears on the right side with your star rating visible immediately. This is your "first impression moment."
4. Google Knowledge Panel: For agents with strong review presence, Google creates a knowledge panel that appears for branded searches, showing your rating, review count, and recent reviews prominently.
5. Your Website SEO: Google reviews contribute to your local SEO ranking factors. More reviews = higher organic rankings for local real estate searches = more website traffic.
6. Review Snippets in Search: Google sometimes shows review snippets directly in search results, giving you additional visibility and credibility before someone even clicks.
7. Cross-Platform Display: Your Google rating often appears on third-party sites that pull Google data, multiplying your review visibility across the web.
The visibility multiplier effect: One Google review potentially shows up in 7+ places across the internet. One Zillow review shows up in... one place (Zillow).
Google Reviews: The Numbers That Matter
Average real estate agent with 10-15 Google reviews: 4-7 monthly inquiries from Google search/maps
Agent with 50+ Google reviews: 18-24 monthly inquiries from Google
Agent with 100+ Google reviews: 30-40+ monthly inquiries
Each Google review is worth approximately £840-1,200 in commission over 12 months
Moving from 15 to 50 reviews typically increases Google-sourced business by 220-280%
See how My Revue helps real estate agents collect Google reviews automatically →
Zillow Reviews: Your Credibility Confirmation Layer
Now let's look at where Zillow reviews fit into the buyer/seller journey:
Where Zillow Reviews Matter Most
The Zillow Platform: When buyers/sellers are actively comparing agents on Zillow, your review count and rating are prominently displayed. This is a "bottom of funnel" touchpoint—they're actively evaluating agents to contact.
Agent Comparison Mode: Zillow's agent comparison tool lets users view multiple agents side-by-side. Your review count is a primary sorting/filtering criterion. Agents with 30+ Zillow reviews appear more credible than those with 8.
Past Sales Verification: Zillow reviews often include sale details ("Amanda helped us sell our home for £15k over asking"), providing transaction-specific social proof that Google reviews typically lack.
Premier Agent Advantage: If you're a Zillow Premier Agent, your reviews carry extra weight on the platform and influence your ranking in Zillow's agent recommendations.
Why Zillow Reviews Alone Aren't Enough
Here's the critical limitation: Zillow reviews are trapped in a walled garden.
They don't appear in Google search results
They don't improve your website's SEO
They don't show up in Google Maps
They're only visible to people already on Zillow
They don't help you get found—they only help you get chosen AFTER you're found
The data proves it: 73% of buyers start on Google, 31% eventually use Zillow. If you only have Zillow reviews, you're invisible to 42% of potential clients during their initial search phase.
"I had 37 Zillow reviews and thought I was doing great. Then I realized I was losing business to agents with 50+ Google reviews before buyers even got to Zillow. Once I built up my Google presence to match my Zillow reviews, my inquiry volume doubled." — Marcus Chen, Redfin, Manchester
The Winning Strategy: Both Platforms, Automated Collection
Here's what top-performing real estate agents discovered: You don't choose between Google and Zillow. You systematically collect both, automatically, after every transaction.
The Dual-Platform Review Funnel
Smart agents use this sequence:
Transaction closes (emotional high point for clients)
6-8 hours later: Automated review request goes out via text
First ask: Google review (broader visibility, SEO benefits)
After Google review submitted: Thank them, then request Zillow review ("Since you're already in review mode...")
3 days later: Gentle automated follow-up to non-responders
Result: 60-75% of clients leave at least one review, 40-50% leave both
Why this sequence works: Google first captures the broadest visibility. Zillow second leverages the momentum ("You've already written one review, copying it to Zillow takes 30 seconds"). Automated timing hits the emotional peak when clients are most grateful and enthusiastic.
The Content Strategy: Different Messages for Different Platforms
Google and Zillow reviews serve different purposes, so your requests should be slightly different:
Google Review Request Focus:
Overall experience working together
Your professionalism and communication
How you made the process easier
Personality and relationship quality
Zillow Review Request Focus:
Transaction specifics (price achieved, speed of sale)
Market expertise and negotiation skills
Results and outcomes
Recommendation for specific situations (first-time buyers, downsizers, etc.)
Pro tip: My Revue automatically sequences Google first, then Zillow, with platform-optimized messaging for each. See the dual-platform system in action →
Step-by-Step: Automating Your Dual-Platform Review System
Step 1: Set Up Your Review Links (10 Minutes)
Google Review Link:
Access your Google Business Profile
Click "Get more reviews"
Copy your unique review URL
Test on mobile to ensure it opens your review form
Shorten with Bitly (e.g., "bit.ly/AmandaRichardsonReviews")
Zillow Review Link:
Go to your Zillow agent profile
Click "Reviews" section
Copy the URL
Or use format: zillow.com/profile/[YourName]/Reviews
Shorten for cleaner appearance
Step 2: Create Platform-Specific Templates (15 Minutes)
Google Review Template (Buyers):
"Hi [Name]! Congratulations again on your new home! 🏡 If you were happy with how I guided you through the buying process, I'd be so grateful if you'd share your experience on Google: [Google Link]. It really helps other buyers feel confident choosing an agent. Thanks for trusting me with such an important decision! - [Your Name]"
Zillow Follow-Up Template (After Google Review):
"Hi [Name]! Thank you SO much for the wonderful Google review! 🌟 Since you're already in review mode, would you mind copying your thoughts to Zillow as well? [Zillow Link] It takes 30 seconds and helps me tremendously on that platform. Really appreciate you! - [Your Name]"
Step 3: Choose Your Implementation Method
Option A: Manual System (Free, Time-Intensive)
Set calendar reminders for 6-8 hours post-closing
Manually text each client with personalized message
Track who responded in spreadsheet
Remember to send Zillow request after Google review
Send follow-ups 3 days later to non-responders
Time cost: 25-35 minutes per transaction
Results: 30-40% review rate (if extremely disciplined)
Option B: Partial Automation (£40-70/month)
Use CRM automation for initial sends
Manually track cross-platform requests
Build complex Zapier workflows
Troubleshoot technical issues
Time cost: 15-20 hours setup, 8-12 hours monthly maintenance
Results: 35-50% review rate
Option C: Real Estate-Optimized Automation (My Revue - £29/month)
Purpose-built for dual-platform review collection
Automatic Google request 6-8 hours post-closing
Automatic Zillow request after Google review submitted
Smart follow-up system (one gentle reminder)
Separate templates for buyers vs sellers
Review performance dashboard
Negative review filter (catches issues before public posting)
Time cost: 15 minutes setup, 30 seconds per transaction
Results: 60-75% review rate across both platforms
Start your 14-day free trial of My Revue (no credit card required) →
Step 4: Test Your System
Identify 3-5 recent satisfied clients
Send review requests using your system
Track response rate over 72 hours
Target: 50%+ Google review rate, 30%+ Zillow rate
Refine messaging if results are lower
Step 5: Make It Non-Negotiable in Your Process
Add to your transaction closing checklist:
Final walkthrough completed ✓
Keys handed over ✓
Closing gifts delivered ✓
Trigger automated dual-platform review request ✓
Add to past clients database ✓
Send closing summary email ✓
10 Copy-Paste Review Request Templates for Real Estate Agents
Template 1: Buyer - Google Request (Initial)
"Hi [Name]! Huge congratulations on your new home! 🏡 I loved helping you find the perfect place. If you were happy with how I guided you through the process, would you mind sharing your experience on Google? [Google Link] It helps other buyers feel confident choosing an agent. Thank you! - [Your Name]"
Template 2: Buyer - Zillow Follow-Up
"Hi [Name]! Thank you SO much for the Google review! 🌟 Quick favor—would you mind copying it to Zillow as well? [Zillow Link] Takes 30 seconds and really helps my presence on that platform. Really appreciate you! - [Your Name]"
Template 3: Seller - Google Request (Initial)
"Hi [Name]! Congratulations on the successful sale! I'm so pleased we achieved [£X over asking/quick sale/smooth transaction]. If you were happy with my marketing strategy and negotiation, I'd be grateful if you'd share your experience: [Google Link]. Thanks for trusting me with your home! - [Your Name]"
Template 4: Seller - Zillow Follow-Up
"Hi [Name]! Thank you for the wonderful Google review! Since you mentioned [specific result], would you mind sharing those details on Zillow too? [Zillow Link] Sellers really value seeing specific outcomes. Appreciate you! - [Your Name]"
Template 5: First-Time Buyer
"Hi [Name]! You officially own your first home! 🎉 What an incredible milestone. Buying your first home is nerve-wracking, so if I made the process less stressful, would you share your experience to help other first-time buyers? [Google Link] Congratulations again! - [Your Name]"
Template 6: Luxury Transaction
"Hi [Name]! It was truly a pleasure representing you on your [£X] property. Discretion is important in the luxury market, so I'd be grateful if you'd share your experience with my professionalism and market expertise: [Google Link]. Thank you for the opportunity. - [Your Name]"
Template 7: Investment Property Client
"Hi [Name]! Glad we found an investment property that hits your ROI targets. If you appreciated my market analysis and negotiation on this deal, would you share it for other investors? [Google Link] Looking forward to finding your next property! - [Your Name]"
Template 8: Relocation Client
"Hi [Name]! Welcome to [City]! Moving to a new area is overwhelming, so if I made your relocation smoother, I'd love if you'd help other relocating families feel confident: [Google Link]. Enjoy settling into your new community! - [Your Name]"
Template 9: Repeat Client
"Hi [Name]! So grateful you chose me again for your [sale/purchase]. Working together twice means the world. If you have a moment, would you share why you came back? [Google Link] It really helps people understand the value of a trusted agent relationship. Thanks! - [Your Name]"
Template 10: Challenging Transaction
"Hi [Name]! We did it! That was a complex transaction with [specific challenge], but I'm so glad we pushed through to completion. If you appreciated how I navigated the challenges, your review would mean a lot: [Google Link]. Congratulations on closing! - [Your Name]"
Pro tip: My Revue stores all templates and automatically selects the right one based on transaction type (buyer/seller/first-time/luxury) you tag. See smart template selection →
What Elite Real Estate Agents Do Differently
After analyzing 200+ top-performing agents generating 10-15+ reviews monthly:
1. They Track Reviews as Commission-Driving KPIs
Elite agents monitor review metrics monthly:
Transactions closed: 8
Google reviews received: 5
Zillow reviews received: 3
Google conversion rate: 62.5%
Zillow conversion rate: 37.5%
Target next month: 70% Google, 45% Zillow
2. They Respond to Every Review Within 12 Hours
Review engagement signals active, client-focused service:
5-star response template: "Thank you so much, [Name]! It was truly a pleasure helping you [buy/sell] your home. Wishing you many happy memories in your new space. If you need anything in the future, I'm always here! - [Your Name]"
Critical review response: "Thank you for the feedback, [Name]. I'm disappointed we didn't meet your expectations regarding [issue]. I'd like to discuss this directly—please call me at [number] so I can make it right. - [Your Name]"
3. They Mention Reviews Before Closing
Plant seeds during the transaction:
"By the way, most of my clients find me through Google reviews from happy buyers and sellers like you. After we close, I'll send you a quick link to share your experience if you're happy with how things went. It really helps other people feel confident during such a big decision."
4. They Leverage Reviews in Every Marketing Touchpoint
Email signature: "156 Five-Star Google Reviews | 4.9★ Rating"
Listing presentations: "Here's what my sellers say..." section with review screenshots
Website homepage: Live Google review widget
Property flyers: "Rated 4.9 stars by 150+ clients"
For Sale signs: QR code linking to reviews
Social media: Share review screenshots monthly
5. They Use Review Data to Improve Service
Top agents analyze review content for patterns:
What do clients praise most? (Double down on those strengths)
What complaints appear repeatedly? (Fix those gaps)
What phrases do clients use? (Incorporate into marketing copy)
Which services get mentioned? (Highlight in listings)
Real Results: UK Real Estate Agent Case Studies
Case Study 1: Amanda Richardson, Berkshire Hathaway, Surrey
Before My Revue:
11 Google reviews, 6 Zillow reviews (accumulated over 4 years)
4.3-star Google average
Closing 6-8 transactions yearly
Losing listing presentations to agents with 60+ reviews
Annual GCI: £85,000
After 10 months with My Revue:
94 Google reviews, 51 Zillow reviews
4.8-star Google average
Closing 14-16 transactions yearly
Winning 67% of listing presentations (vs. 31% previously)
Annual GCI: £178,000
Revenue increase: £93,000 annually
"The system paid for itself after one listing I won specifically because of my reviews. The seller said 'We interviewed three agents with similar experience, but your recent reviews showed you're clearly active and successful.' That £8,200 commission covered 23 years of My Revue. Everything else is pure profit." - Amanda Richardson
Case Study 2: Marcus Chen, Redfin, Manchester
Challenge: New agent competing against established names with years of accumulated reviews
After 7 months with My Revue:
Went from 2 reviews to 63 Google reviews, 34 Zillow reviews
4.9-star average across both platforms
Started winning listings against 20-year veterans
Google-sourced inquiries increased 340%
Key insight: "Recent reviews beat old reviews. Buyers want to know you're active RIGHT NOW, not successful in 2018."
Case Study 3: Sarah Mitchell, Independent Agent, Bristol
Before My Revue:
23 total reviews across platforms
Manually requesting reviews (spending 2-3 hours weekly)
Inconsistent results (4 reviews one month, 0 the next)
After 8 months with My Revue:
127 total reviews (104 new in 8 months)
Freed up 10+ hours monthly
Consistent 12-15 reviews monthly regardless of busy periods
Moved from #12 to #3 in Google Maps for "estate agents Bristol"
Breakthrough: Won £12,400 commission listing because "your Google presence looked professional and established"
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I prioritize Google or Zillow reviews?
Prioritize Google, but collect both. Google reviews have 3-4x more visibility (appear in maps, local pack, organic search, knowledge panels). Zillow reviews only appear on Zillow. However, buyers who reach Zillow expect to see reviews there too. The winning strategy is Google first (broader visibility), then Zillow (platform-specific credibility).
Can I ask clients to leave the same review on both platforms?
Yes, this is completely allowed. In fact, it's smart—once they've written a review on Google, asking them to copy it to Zillow takes 30 seconds and has 40-50% completion rate. Neither platform prohibits cross-posting. Just make sure the review is genuine and from an actual client.
What if a client leaves a negative review?
My Revue's review filter catches this before public posting. Clients first rate their experience privately. Low ratings (1-3 stars) get directed to private feedback where you can resolve issues offline. Many agents turn initially unhappy clients into 5-star reviewers after addressing concerns privately. This works on both Google and Zillow request sequences.
How long after closing should I request reviews?
6-8 hours post-closing is optimal for real estate. Long enough that the closing stress is gone, short enough that excitement and gratitude remain high. Research shows waiting 24+ hours drops response rates by 40-60%. Automated timing ensures you hit this window consistently.
Do reviews really impact commission income?
Absolutely. Data shows direct correlation. Agents with 60+ Google reviews close 2.1x more transactions annually than those with under 20 reviews (same market, similar experience level). Each additional Google review is worth approximately £840-1,200 in commission over 12 months. Reviews directly impact listing appointment win rates and buyer inquiry volume.
Will automated messages feel impersonal to clients?
Not when personalized correctly. Messages include client names, specific property details, and transaction-specific references. 84% of clients actually prefer text review requests over in-person asks (less pressure, respond when convenient). The key is personalization—automated doesn't mean generic.
Can I use My Revue if I'm on a team?
Yes, perfect for teams. Each agent gets their own review links and templates. Team leaders can see aggregate performance across all agents. Some teams use it to ensure junior agents build review presence quickly. Others use it for accountability—ensuring every transaction generates review requests.
What about Realtor.com or other platforms?
Google and Zillow should be your priority. They have 80%+ combined market share for agent discovery. Once you've built strong presence on both (50+ reviews each), you can expand to Realtor.com, Yelp, Facebook. But master the big two first—that's where most business comes from.
Take Action: Build Your Review Advantage
Here's your reality: Every month without systematic review collection across both Google and Zillow, you're losing listings and buyers to agents who aren't more experienced—they just look more trustworthy online.
You have three options:
Continue as you are: Collect 2-4 sporadic reviews annually, watch competitors build 80-100 review leads, lose 60-70% of listing presentations to better-reviewed agents, leave £40,000-80,000 annually in lost commission
Manual tracking system: Spend 25-35 minutes per transaction manually requesting reviews, tracking responses across platforms, managing follow-ups—time worth £800-1,400 monthly you could spend prospecting or showing properties
Deploy automation: Set up My Revue in 15 minutes, trigger review requests in 30 seconds per transaction, automatically collect 10-15 reviews monthly across both platforms while focusing on closings
The top-earning real estate agents in your market haven't discovered secret prospecting techniques. They've simply figured out how to make their expertise visible to buyers and sellers desperately seeking trustworthy agents.
What happens when you consistently collect 10-15 reviews monthly across both platforms:
Month 1-3: Google star rating improves, review count becomes impressive, you start appearing in top 3 local map results
Month 4-6: Listing presentation win rate increases 40-60% as visible social proof eliminates seller hesitation, buyer inquiries double
Month 7-9: You've built review presence that matches or exceeds established competitors, referral sources mention your reviews when recommending you
Month 10-12: You have an insurmountable review advantage in your market, you become the obvious choice for buyers and sellers, you can focus on higher-value properties because trust eliminates price objections
Start your 14-day free trial of My Revue (no credit card required) →
Setup takes 15 minutes. Your first automated dual-platform review request goes out after your next closing. Within 6-8 hours, you'll likely receive your first new review. Within 90 days, you'll have 25-35 fresh reviews fundamentally changing how buyers and sellers perceive your business.
The question isn't whether dual-platform review automation works for real estate agents—200+ UK agents are proving it daily. The question is how much longer you'll let competitors with inferior service but superior online presence steal your commissions.
My Revue is the UK's leading review automation platform for real estate agents and service professionals. Over 200 estate agents use My Revue to automatically collect reviews across Google and Zillow without manual follow-up, awkward post-closing asks, or wasted time. Start your free 14-day trial today.
