This is the latest in a series of 'Buyer's Guides' that feature questions to ask and options to consider before making a new purchase. See our previous guides to purchasing a CMA, CRM, Document and Transaction Management, Electronic Signature, iPad App, Lead Generation, Lockbox, Listing Syndication, and Market Analytics tool.

How Do I Manage My Online Reputation?

You may have a certain reputation among colleagues and consumers in your local market, but is that reputation reflected online, where many new prospects are doing their research about real estate agents? Today, the Internet is where most consumers are making major decisions about the things they buy and the professionals they choose – real estate agents included.

How do you ensure that your online reputation is stellar? It's a complex question that requires a multi-pronged solution. This may include agent ratings, agent profiles on consumer-facing property search portals, social networking, your personal website, and much more. Sound intimidating? If so, you're not alone. That's why many companies with expertise in digital marketing for real estate have taken much of the responsibility off your hands.

Each company manages online reputation management differently, so it's important to understand your objectives and your options.