We've all heard why it is important to create Google and Yahoo alerts for your name and company. As social media continues to grow, the idea of reputation management is absolutely crucial.
However, I just reading an article about an Agent's vacant REO listing ended up on Craigslist as a rental as part of a scam. Not only is managing YOUR reputation important, but managing YOUR LISTING'S reputation is important as well.
Not only should you be setting up Alerts for yourself, but you should be setting up Alerts for your property's address and Subdivision names as well.
Not picking on Craigslist, as I know many Agents get great leads through the service. But unfortunately there are a few out there who can ruin it for all. Protect yourself and protect listings by hiring Google and Yahoo(they work for cheap- free actually) to be an Internet watchdog for you.
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Wow, I never considered Google Alerts for my listings. I just started doing Google Alerts for my name. Thanks for the heads up.
GREAT IDEA! I was JUST thinking today along those lines about the Google alerts BUT haven't thought about my listings. GENIUS I tell you.... Thanks
That is smart thinking. I had a client question the safety of advertising on Craig's List.
I haven't thought about it from that standpoint. I have some Google alerts but not for my listings. I have heard about those rental scams though.
Good point. I never thought about that! I have had a few incidents with craigslist where somebody put up a fake post with my listing on there, they cut the price in half! I got excited because I was getting crazy calls but then realized what happened. I guess some people just don't have anything better to do!
Thanks Sara, I just set up my alerts. Now I'm curious to see what kind of alerts I'll get!
Sara - Like others I haven't thought about doing this. Thanks for the suggestion.
I often get alerts when someone post about me or my firm's service on Yahoo/Google which is interesting in the timing of some comments as most are from disgruntled tenants who do not like the lease they agreed to or policies they require to be administered.
It's amusing when I next talk to them and mention I know of their post....they want to know how I know which tips their hand!!
Great idea, sounds like a biz idea!
I guess, Now I have to figure out how to set up these google alerts. I have heard them mentioned too many times here in AR. Thanks for the post.
Thank you for the information. One more thing to be spending time on the internet.