What method do clients typically use to search for real estate agents?

New user here…
Do clients (looking at Millennials + Gen Y + Gen X: born 1970-1998) go online first to research like they would anything else? Or do they rely on word of mouth recommendations?
I am doing research for a project and would love to hear from both buyers, sellers, and agents here.
Thanks.

Almost all clients rely on recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues to find a real estate agent. They may ask for referrals from people they trust who have recently bought or sold a property, as this will give them assurance of the agent’s performance.