Should I use testimonials in my marketing?
Want to double trust fast? Should you use testimonials in your marketing? Here’s a blunt answer: yes — when you use them right.
Why testimonials matter in real estate marketing
Buyers in Milton, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville and Georgetown don’t buy claims. They buy proof. Testimonials are social proof that convert fence-sitters into callers. They cut friction, answer objections, and speed decisions.
- Search intent: People in the GTA searching for “realtor reviews” or “top realtor Milton” expect testimonials.
- Trust signal: Testimonials give local credibility — especially when they mention neighborhoods, prices, or specific outcomes.
- Conversion lift: Properly-placed testimonials increase lead form submissions and listing inquiries.
How to use testimonials the right way (practical steps)
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Pick result-driven testimonials
Use quotes that name the outcome: price, timeline, neighborhood. Example: “Sold our Oakville home in 7 days at 98% of asking.” Numbers beat platitudes.
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Add context
Include client name, suburb (Milton, Mississauga, etc.), and property type. If clients prefer privacy, use initials and a photo or avatar for believability.
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Put them where they matter
- Homepage hero (short 1-liner)
- Individual listing pages (specific to that area)
- Google Business Profile — bite-size quotes boost local SEO
- Video testimonials for high-intent buyers
- Use formats that convert
- Short clips: 15–30 seconds for social ads
- Text + photo: for property pages and email follow-ups
- Case studies: 300–500 words for high-value listings
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Ask for the right detail
When requesting testimonials, prompt clients: “What was your starting expectation, what did I do, and what was the outcome?” That yields outcome-oriented copy.
SEO and local marketing tactics
- Include neighborhood names in the testimonial excerpts and schema markup. Example keywords: “Mississauga realtor review,” “Burlington home sold testimonial,” “Oakville buyer’s review.”
- Add structured data (review schema) to listing pages so Google can surface stars and quotes in local results.
- Post short testimonials to Google Business and link them to the relevant neighborhood page.
Avoid common mistakes
- Don’t use generic praise. (“Great service” → useless.)
- Don’t hide identity. No name/photo = lower trust.
- Don’t scatter testimonials randomly. Place them near CTAs and high-intent content.
Final rule: Test and measure
Track lead volume, conversion rate from listing page views to contact, and Google Business engagement. Run A/B tests: listing page with vs without testimonial. Let data decide.
If you’re a seller or buyer in the GTA (Milton, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, Georgetown) and want testimonials positioned to sell faster and for more — get a local expert who uses outcome-driven social proof.
Contact: Tony Sousa, Local GTA Realtor — tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
Need help turning client feedback into conversion gold? Ask for a free testimonial strategy for your listing.
