As a real estate professional finding people who have the potential to become clients — or leads — is the key to your ongoing success. 

Of course, finding qualified real estate leads can be a challenge, but in today’s highly digitized world, opportunities exist that didn’t several years ago. Whether you’re looking to collect real estate buyer or seller leads, online marketing makes it possible to reach people and collect their contact information so you can nurture them toward using your services. 

And, no matter what’s going on in the outside world, you, the real estate agent, can source promising leads from the comfort of your home or office. Now you may be wondering…

What is the best digital lead generation method for real estate?

Lead generation techniques vary by individual and comfort level. Other factors that may impact your digital real estate lead generation plan include:

• Your real estate niche 
• Local market concerns
• Seasonality

That means there is no single “best” solution for every real estate agent. But this post will inspire you to branch out into the online space and learn how to generate real estate leads, no matter your preferred approach. 

Top 7 real estate lead generation ideas

As you prepare to launch your digital lead generation approach, be sure to cast a wide net. Many of these digital lead generation ideas are free or quite affordable, and most require only a small time commitment. 

1. Provide live showings on your social networks

Bring your showings into your follower’s social media feeds. You’ll be able to give a tour to multiple viewers at the same time and provide a valuable service for out-of-town or busy buyers who may not have time to schedule as many showings as they’d like. 

You can “go live” on Instagram and Facebook with just a few taps. Both platforms allow you to set up a live video feed and interact with your followers, who can ask questions and give instant feedback. These engagements can get you in front of their connections too. And these live videos make it easy for potential leads to contact you directly to take the next steps.

Don’t limit yourself to listed properties. Your followers will appreciate having the inside scoop on upcoming listings — this is a chance to create excitement and anticipation around a new listing.   

After you host your live stream, you can share the video later and embed it on your website. 

2. Create a video marketing strategy

Going live is a great way to communicate with potential buyers through video, but it’s just one part of an effective video marketing strategy. Today’s real estate buyers and sellers are very receptive to video marketing. In a recent survey, 73 percent of homeowners said they would be more likely to list with an agent who offers to create a video for them.

Videos will attract more potential buyers to visit your website and your YouTube channel. Video content can also liven up your email newsletters and social media posts. While you’ll likely want to focus mostly on listing videos, consider these ideas for other entertaining and educational video content:

• Staging advice and demonstration 
• Satisfied client interviews
• Local community guests
• Personal insights that invite your followers to get to know you
• Education on the buying and selling process

3. Improve your local SEO

People often search for real estate agents based on location. Think “real estate agents near me” or “real estate agents in (desired location).” That means it’s crucial to optimize your local online presence for search. 

Your first target should be creating a Google My Business (GMB) listing. These free public listings display information about your agency and show up for users based on the location and service area details.  

Don’t underestimate the importance of keeping your Google My Business listing up to date.

In addition to your GMB listing, be sure to check the accuracy of the information that shows up on other online directories Zillow and Facebook. Local search results are also impacted by online reviews, social media activity, and your website’s accuracy and quality. 

4. Audit your website for SEO

It’s a good idea to regularly review your website to ensure you show up on Google’s search engine results pages. There are several quick yet impactful things you can do to improve or maintain your search rank. Keep in mind the local areas you service here as well. 

Conduct keyword research

Stay current on keyword research related to your market. You may find that your page will rank higher with just a few tweaks to your content. Moz is a good source for conducting free keyword research.

Create or update your blog

The Google search algorithm prefers websites that are updated regularly and offer quality content. A blog is a perfect vehicle for achieving both of these aims. Also, blog content can be shared across social media and in email communications. 

Work to create compelling content that adds value to your service offerings. For example, you could write posts focused on local history, upcoming events, or DIY and how-to posts on real estate related projects.

5. Host a webinar

A webinar is another great form of video-based content you can create for your brand. Like in-person seminars, they are usually focused on a complex topic and offer interactive elements for attendees. 

You can run live webinars, or you can record a few and market them through paid social media ads and Google Ads. Some agents create webinars and sell virtual tickets while others use them as a marketing channel. 

Webinar topics run the gamut. Here are a few ideas:

• First-time home buyer tips
• How to get the highest price for your property sale
• Advice about what to renovate and what to leave alone when selling a property
• Negotiation strategy class

There are several tools available that will help you put together an effective webinar, even if you’re a total novice.

6. Create a local podcast

Podcasts have grown in popularity over the past few years, including podcasts with a local angle. If you’re not familiar with podcasts, you can think of them as recorded talk radio programs you can find online. 

There’s no limit to what you can do with your podcast. Dive into some analysis about the local real estate market or focus on topics that help potential buyers relate to you. Are you an avid gardener? Create a podcast with tips for planting in the local climate or invite guests who share your interest. 

Creating a podcast is relatively straightforward, and you don’t need to make a significant financial investment. A decent microphone and some free or inexpensive software are all you need.

7. Create a branded app

This idea is a bit more involved than some of the others on our list, but you may be surprised by how simple it is to create an app representing your brand. Platforms like AppInstitute and Buildfire can help you make an interactive app even if you’re not an experienced coder. 

You can offer several valuable services to your clients through an app:

• Send push notifications about new listings 
• Alert potential buyers to price reductions
• Share open house details that link directly to a map

Ready to get started?

These digital real estate lead generation ideas will help you connect to potential clients in new ways so you can point them toward taking the next steps, all from the comfort of home. Want more marketing advice? Check out our recent real estate marketing articles for more. 

The post Real Estate Leads: Top 7 Ideas to Land More Clients and Sell More appeared first on Constant Contact.