Unleash the Power of Referrals: Proven strategies to generate qualified leads
Are you looking to boost your real estate business through effective lead generation strategies? Navigating the world of referral leads in the real estate industry can be a game-changer for agents like you. Referral leads hold valuable potential, offering a trusted path to new clients and business growth. As a real estate agent, you understand the significance of generating a steady stream of leads to fuel your success. The challenges of lead generation in a competitive market can be daunting, but fear not – there are effective strategies tailored to the unique landscape of the real estate industry. By tapping into the power of referral leads, you can unlock a goldmine of opportunities to expand your client base and establish your reputation. Leveraging client relationships Building strong relationships with your current and past clients is a cornerstone of success in the real estate industry. Not only does it foster trust and loyalty, but it also opens the door to valuable referrals that can fuel your business growth. Let's dive into some effective strategies for leveraging client relationships to maximize your referral leads. Personalized follow-ups One of the most powerful ways to nurture client relationships is through personalized follow-ups. By staying in touch with your clients in a personalized manner, you show them that you genuinely care about their well-being and success. Regular follow-ups keep you top-of-mind for referrals but also help you maintain a strong connection with your clients over time. Here are some best practices for personalized follow-ups: Send personalized emails or handwritten notes to check in on your clients. Remember important milestones like birthdays or home anniversaries. Provide valuable market updates or homeownership tips tailored to each client's needs. Stay connected through social media to engage with clients on a personal level. By implementing these practices, you can solidify your client relationships and increase your chances of receiving quality referrals from satisfied clients. Client appreciation events Organizing client appreciation events is another effective way to strengthen client relationships and generate referrals. These events show your appreciation for your clients' business but also create opportunities for them to refer their friends and family to you. Here are some ideas for client appreciation events: Host a networking happy hour or brunch for your clients to connect with each other. Organize a community charity event and invite your clients to participate. Offer educational workshops or seminars on home buying or selling tips. Arrange a client-exclusive property tour or real estate market update session. By organizing client appreciation events, you not only strengthen your relationships with clients but also cultivate a network of loyal advocates who can drive valuable referrals your way. Strategic Partnerships In real estate, teaming up with pros in other fields like mortgage brokers, designers, or stagers can boost your business big time. It opens doors to grow your network and business. Cross-promotions and collaborations Creating partnerships with strategic allies for cross-promotions boosts referrals and marketing synergy. For example, teaming up with an interior designer for home staging elevates your listing appeal, attracting more buyers and referrals. Referral exchange programs Creating referral exchange programs with strategic partners forms a mutual referral system benefiting all involved. By exchanging clients with trusted partners, you expand your reach and access new networks. For instance, a mortgage broker can refer homebuyers to you, while you recommend their services in return. Online presence and social media In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is paramount in attracting valuable referral leads. Your online presence and social media strategies play a crucial role in positioning yourself as a trusted authority in the real estate industry and fostering connections that can lead to lucrative referrals. Consistent content creation Consistency in creating content is key to maintaining a vibrant online presence. Consider starting a blog or regularly posting on social media platforms to showcase your expertise and engage your audience. Share insightful content tailored to the real estate industry, such as tips for first-time homebuyers, neighborhood spotlights, market trends, or home staging advice. Offering helpful content shows your expertise and boosts client referrals. Engagement and networking Engaging with the online community and actively networking are powerful ways to generate referral leads in the real estate industry. Interact with followers on social media by responding to comments, initiating conversations, and sharing relevant industry news. Consider joining real estate groups or forums to connect with potential clients and other professionals in the field. Networking events, both online and offline, provide opportunities to build relationships that can result in valuable referrals. By consistently engaging with your online audience and fostering meaningful connections, you can strengthen your reputation and increase your chances of receiving quality referrals. Rewarding referral programs Referral programs are a cornerstone in the real estate industry, fostering connections and driving business growth through client recommendations. One powerful strategy to enhance these programs is by implementing rewarding referral incentives. By rewarding referrals, you show appreciation and motivate others to keep spreading the word about your services. Incentives and gifts Incentives play a crucial role in motivating individuals to refer your real estate services. Effective referral incentives can range from monetary rewards and discounts to exclusive perks such as home staging services or professional photography for their property listing. Additionally, thoughtful gifts for referrers, such as personalized closing gifts or home decor vouchers, can make the experience more memorable and strengthen the client-agent relationship. A good reward system says thanks and keeps referrals coming for a loyal network. Tracking and managing referrals Tracking referral leads is crucial for measuring program success and identifying top referrers. Use CRM software or referral tracking platforms for insights on sources and conversion rates. Efficiently manage referrals by setting clear criteria, automating tracking, and promptly rewarding successes. Establish a structured program to maximize impact and nurture client relationships. Sustainable growth comes from appreciating and rewarding supporters. Offer incentives and maintain a robust tracking system to build a network of advocates. In the competitive landscape of the real estate industry, mastering the art of generating referral leads is key to your success. By implementing strategic techniques such as nurturing your lead database, hosting engaging client events, and leveraging online platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com, you can significantly boost your referral business. As a real estate agent, embracing these effective strategies will enhance your referral business and position you as a trusted and reliable professional in the industry. Stay proactive, stay engaged, and watch your referral leads soar to new heights. To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog. Related reading 10 Proven Ways to Optimize Your Real Estate Website for Lead Generation Supercharge Your Lead Generation: Proven strategies for real estate agents in 2024 The Ultimate Online Listing Guide for Attracting Potential Buyers

10 Proven Ways to Optimize Your Real Estate Website for Lead Generation
Are you looking to supercharge your real estate website's lead generation potential? A high-performing website is crucial for attracting and converting leads in the competitive real estate market. In this post, we'll explore 10 proven strategies to optimize your real estate website for maximum lead generation potential, backed by actionable insights and industry trends. From leveraging search engine optimization to creating compelling lead magnets, we've got you covered with practical tips to elevate your real estate website's lead generation game. Let's dive in and unlock the full potential of your real estate business online. Understanding the importance of lead generation for real estate websites In the competitive real estate market, lead generation is pivotal in driving business growth. Real estate professionals like yourself can expand their client base, increase sales, and boost revenue by harnessing effective lead-generation strategies. Let's take a look at the significance of lead generation for real estate websites and the role that a well-optimized website plays in this process. The role of a well-optimized website in lead generation A well-optimized website serves as the digital storefront for your real estate business, playing a critical role in attracting and converting leads. By leveraging search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, user-friendly design, and compelling content, real estate websites can enhance their visibility and engage potential clients. A good website makes it easy to attract and engage potential leads, giving you the tools and opportunity to build strong client connections and drive conversions. Key strategies for optimizing your real estate website for lead generation Let's explore key tactics to enhance your real estate website's lead generation capabilities. Create compelling landing pagesDesign landing pages specifically tailored to different buyer personas. Offer valuable content such as market reports, home valuation tools, or e-books in exchange for contact information. Implement clear calls-to-action (CTAs)Strategically place CTAs throughout your website, prompting visitors to take action. Use compelling language and contrasting colors to make them stand out. Optimize for local SEOTarget local keywords and phrases relevant to your area to boost your website's visibility in local search results. Incorporate location-specific content and meta tags. Utilize high-quality imagery and videosVisual content is powerful in the real estate industry. Invest in professional photography and videos to showcase your listings and engage visitors. Offer virtual toursIn today's digital age, virtual tours are a game-changer. Provide immersive 3D tours of your listings to give potential buyers a true sense of the space. Incorporate live chat supportEnable live chat functionality on your website to instantly engage with visitors and answer their queries. This personal touch can significantly increase lead conversions. Utilize testimonials and reviewsDisplaying positive feedback from satisfied clients builds trust and credibility. Integrate testimonials and reviews throughout your website to showcase your expertise. Create informative blog contentRegularly publish blog posts addressing common real estate concerns, local market trends, and buying/selling tips. This positions you as a knowledgeable resource and boosts SEO. Optimize for mobile responsivenessEnsure your website is fully responsive across all devices. With the increasing use of mobile devices, a seamless mobile experience is non-negotiable. Integrate social media sharing buttonsEncourage visitors to share your listings and content on social media platforms. This can expand your reach and attract potential leads through social sharing. Prioritizing user experience, using high-quality content, and incorporating lead capture forms will help you effectively attract and engage potential clients. Embracing SEO best practices like targeting local keywords and optimizing for mobile will further improve your website's visibility and accessibility. Additionally, including social proof and client testimonials can help establish trust and credibility, encouraging more conversions. Remember to continually analyze and refine your lead generation strategies to adapt to evolving market trends and consumer behaviors. By consistently optimizing your real estate website, you can create a powerful digital presence that drives sustainable lead generation and fosters long-term business success. To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog. Related reading How to Create Top-Notch Real Estate Website Pages The Best SEO Tools for Real Estate Websites 24 Tips for Analyzing a Competitor's Real Estate SEO Strategy

Friday Freebie: Scripts for Handling Objections, Lead Gen Strategies, and More
A challenging market is the perfect time to challenge yourself by getting back to real estate basics. By revisiting the fundamentals of real estate success, you ensure your business' foundation is solid — and that you're primed for profit no matter the market conditions. In this week's Friday Freebie, we're highlighting a guide that covers four fundamental areas of real estate — from filling your sales pipeline to answering objections — for you to master in order to crush it in 2024. Read on to find out how to download your free copy! Free copy of Back to Basics: Mastering the Fundamentals of Real Estate eBook, courtesy of Inside Real Estate Any real estate agent working in today's market knows that it's not as easy as it once was to convince consumers to buy or sell a home. You likely hear the same objections over and over, including these two big ones: Home prices are too high right now and I'm waiting for interest rates to go down. What's the best way to respond? This guide offers scripts for answering these two objections, as well as several others. In addition, when you download this guide, you'll learn the fundamentals of: Building Your Pipeline Mastering the Art of Follow-Up Scripting and Objection Handling 101 Using Social Media for Lead Gen Building a strong foundation is the best way to ensure your success. Get started by downloading your FREE copy of Back to Basics: Mastering the Fundamentals of Real Estate now! More Friday Freebies Friday Freebie: One Month of a .realtor™ or .realestate Premium Website Friday Freebie: 'Master the Market' eBook Series Will Help You Master Your Marketing

How Real Estate Agents Can Use AI to Manufacture Inventory
Real estate is rapidly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its operations. A recent survey by Delta Media found that 75% of top brokerages already use AI, and almost 80% of their agents have adopted AI tools. Top agents are among the earliest adopters of this transformative technology, working AI into their daily workflow to create content, analyze market trends, and enhance customer service. However, the rapid advent of AI applications is occurring at a pace that is getting harder for agents to keep up with. Still, if you do, you have a unique opportunity to use AI to significantly expand your business, engaging existing clients and prospects in a new way that didn't exist six months ago. Real estate's AI revolution AI's impact on real estate is profound, offering you tools that automate mundane tasks, predict when clients are ready to buy or sell, and help you streamline your marketing activities and increase your time for clients. This technological leap can help you analyze vast amounts of data for actionable insights. As these tools evolve, the more you find ways to use AI, the more you will set yourself apart from your competitors and in the minds of your clients. Revive Vision AI for "listgen" Among the array of tools available, Revive Vision AI emerges as a new tool for agents looking to solve the low inventory challenge in their markets. It is an AI tool that can help you, as an agent, manufacture inventory. You have a website and social channels for "lead gen" or lead generation; think of Revive Vision AI as "list gen" – your listings generator. This AI-powered platform allows you to showcase the financial benefits of home renovations to homeowners, potentially unlocking hidden value without any initial investment from them. By illustrating the potential returns on strategic improvements, you can motivate clients to list their properties, creating new inventory from homes previously not considered for sale. How to manufacture listings Revive Vision AI allows an agent to show a client who may not even be thinking about listing their home for sale how much money they could earn – without investing a dime of their own funds up front – by making key renovations on their home. Once the client sees how much money they can make – Vision AI shows them in real-time based on an actual budget – an agent can use this tool to manufacture listings. You know your clients, including those with life events that might push a home to market: a new baby, kids leaving for college, or getting close to retirement. These clients are likely to sell and are worth reaching out to. However, the key to reaching out to show them what this new AI tool can do is with an approach like this: Call a client and share a recent success story. Your goal is to pique their curiosity. The pitch: "Hey, we just helped a family that just became empty nesters with their youngest kid leaving for college in Arizona. We spent some time discussing where they were in their real estate and using this new AI tool; I had to show them how much equity they had in their home and how much more they could have by looking at what AI suggested. They got a lot out of our meeting and found a way to increase their home's value way beyond what they thought it was worth. I feel like you would benefit from seeing this, too. Are you open to setting up some time — perhaps lunch next week — just to talk so I can explain everything?" Cultivating client relationships with AI This approach can work because the essence of real estate remains in building and maintaining strong, personal client relationships. AI can help you build client trust by increasing the expertise and advice you can provide, delivering deeper insights and recommendations based on detailed data analysis. As an agent, your role as a true consultant is enhanced when you leverage AI to provide tailored advice that aligns with your client's life stages and financial goals. Initiating meaningful conversations Incorporating AI into your practice is not just about data analysis; it's about using those insights to spark meaningful discussions. By presenting AI-generated information in a relatable way, you can connect with clients on a deeper level, addressing their unique circumstances and what is happening in their lives. Engaging clients The interactive nature of AI tools like Revive Vision AI invites clients to participate actively in the valuation and decision-making process. Encouraging homeowners to provide photos as part of the process fosters a collaborative environment. It also makes technology feel more accessible and worth experiencing. This hands-on involvement demystifies AI and shows its practical side. Creating trust The services you provide clients should never end with a sale but morph into an ongoing relationship that your use of AI can enhance. By continually offering insights and updates, you keep clients engaged and informed, reinforcing their loyalty – and trust. When clients are ready to make their next move or recommend you to someone they know, they will reach you: the agent that provides long-term value. Related reading Revive introduces 'Revive Vision AI,' an AI-powered Listing Tool for Real Estate Professionals Revive Uses AI to Introduce a New Era of Pre-sale Renovations

Dollar-Productivity: What to Start, Stop, and Continue in 2024
Real estate moves fast, and in order to keep up, you have a lot to manage, maintain, and strengthen. With competing priorities and new goals for 2024, it's more important than ever to zero in on the strengths, weaknesses, and areas of opportunity for your business. This helps ensure you're maximizing dollar-productivity, or the tasks that will generate revenue for your business. By having a strong lay of the land for the current state of your business, you have ample opportunity to know what to start, stop, and continue to ensure success. Let's take a look at how you can execute this exercise. The First Step to Determining Ways to Maximize Your Productivity Before you dive headfirst into deciding what to start, stop, and continue in 2024 to drive more income, it's important you first get a lay of the land. Without knowing exactly where you're starting, it can be difficult to identify where you can pare down, and other places you can scale up. First, take a look at what daily tasks you're performing for each revenue-generating area of your business, like lead generation, marketing, and follow-up. Then, measure your own success metrics directly related to generating revenue. As you review 2023's performance, make sure to measure things like: How many leads are you generating? What are your best lead generation sources? How many phone calls are you making? How many calls does it take for you to have a conversation? How many conversations does it take for you to get a meeting? What's your client conversion rate? How about your lead conversion rate? By understanding the current state of your business, you'll have a strong grasp on areas of opportunity, things you can eliminate, and what you can strengthen this year. Doing this early in the year helps you gain the right footing on the path of planning ahead, especially since you're equipping yourself with a year's worth of fresh, recent data. How Exactly to Determine What to Start, Stop, and Continue in 2024 Now that you're deeply familiar with your key success metrics, you also have a good view into what's working, what can stay the same (or be kicked up a notch), and what you can cut out completely. Remember: the goal is dollar-productivity. This means you need to assess exactly which activities you're doing are ones that are either helping, hurting, or maintaining your revenue goals. Use each of the following areas to assess what you can start, stop, and continue for the year ahead. We recommend getting a piece of paper and creating columns for each of these actions and categorizing your efforts appropriately. Marketing and Lead Generation When it comes to deciding which of your marketing efforts are worth starting, stopping, and continuing, you have a lot of opportunity to refine in this space. Since we're approaching this from an income-based perspective, start by looking at your top-performing marketing sources from a lead volume and conversion perspective. Where are you generating the most leads? What is the conversion rate on those leads turning into clients? How long does it take for them to go from "client" to "closed deal"? Knowing what's working well will help you understand what you can continue. To know what to stop, flip these same questions on their head by looking at your lowest performers for marketing. Is there anything viable? Can anything be improved? If you answer "no," it's a good idea to trim the fat and stop those efforts. But if there's a chance things can be improved, like if you've transitioned to a new market, hired marketing help, or have acquired a higher marketing budget, formulate a game plan to continue these efforts, and set a timeline to ensure you're staying on track. Then, revisit these questions above. Follow-Up and Conversion Rates Your approach to follow-up is what gets looky-loos to become leads, who then turn into clients. Earlier, we recommended you measure your phone call volume, how many calls it takes to get a real conversation, and then the amount of chats that lead to an actual meeting with the prospective client. It's also important to assess your follow-up via email and text message. How many email and text touches does it take to get on the phone? How many to get a meeting? Analyzing these averages will help you find the sweet spot of turning casual conversation into committed clients. If you find your outbound phone call volume is sky-high with limited success, consider adding in email and text touchpoints. To view the original article, visit the Inside Real Estate blog. Related reading Double Down on These 5 Marketing Basics to Start Your 2024 Out Strong 24 Fresh Lead Generation Strategies for 2024 Top 5 Hot Tech Trends in 2024 and How They Will Benefit You

9 Proven Ways to Generate More Real Estate Leads
In the bustling world of real estate, lead generation stands as a cornerstone for successful agents and brokers. Why? It's simple. No leads, no business. Each lead is a potential client waiting to buy or sell property, a chance to close another deal, build your reputation, and grow your business. In real estate, generating leads is akin to striking gold. But how do you find the golden nuggets in a sea of pebbles? Well, let's dive into some real estate lead generation strategies that have proven their worth time and again. Geographic Farming as a Lead Generation Strategy Geographic farming, not to be confused with tilling the soil, is all about concentrating your marketing efforts in a specific area or "farm." Think of it like this: If real estate was a game of darts, geographic farming would be hitting the bullseye every time. Why does this strategy work? Simple—consistency and familiarity. By focusing on a particular community, you become a familiar face and name. This familiarity breeds trust, which is vital to any successful real estate transaction. How to implement geographic farming effectively: Choose Wisely: Not all farms are created equal. Research demographics, market trends, and competition before deciding on your target farm. Consistency is Key: Inconsistent efforts yield inconsistent results. Regularly engage with the community through newsletters, open houses, local events or door knocking. Provide Value: Don't just sell properties; sell your expertise. Offer insights about real estate trends or home maintenance tips that homeowners in your farm will find valuable. Leverage Technology: Use tools like a CRM to track your interactions, send consistent newsletters, and follow up effectively. As easy as pie! Now you're ready to reap what you sow in your carefully chosen geographic farm. But keep in mind that while geographic farming is an essential strategy, it's not the only one out there. There are other innovative ways to generate leads—like hosting mega open houses or leveraging existing lead databases, which we will explore next. Remember, a successful real estate agent is like a master chef, constantly experimenting and tweaking the recipe for success. So, don't be afraid to try new strategies or mix and match to find what works best for you. Mega Open House for Real Estate Leads Discover the power of a mega open house in your arsenal of real estate lead generation strategies. Unlike a traditional open house event, a mega open house aims to attract a large crowd, creating a buzz that can boost your brand visibility and generate a flood of leads. Tips for Hosting a Successful Mega Open House To navigate this strategy effectively, consider these tips: Choose the Right Property: For a mega open house, you need an attractive property that can draw in potential leads. Look for homes with unique features or those located in high-demand neighborhoods. Create Hype Before the Event: Use social media platforms, email newsletters, and local advertising channels to promote your mega open house. The more people know about it, the higher your turnout will be. Offer Incentives: From providing refreshments to hosting mini-seminars on home buying, offering incentives can keep attendees engaged longer and provide more opportunities for meaningful interactions. Follow Up Promptly: After the event, it's crucial to follow up with attendees while the experience is still fresh in their minds. Remember, a mega open house isn't just about showcasing a property. It's about showcasing you. This strategy provides an opportunity for potential clients to meet you face-to-face and experience firsthand your dedication and professionalism in the real estate industry. So, ready to transform an ordinary event into an extraordinary lead generator? Embrace the concept of a mega open house. Use landing pages or a digital sign-in sheet to capture all your guests information as they enter. Leveraging Your Existing Lead Database Let's talk diamonds in the rough. Yes, you got it right! Your existing lead database is an untapped gold mine, just waiting to shine. Let's delve into the world of leveraging your existing lead database. The beauty of an existing lead database lies in its familiarity. You have a trove of information at your disposal about each lead: their preferences, past interactions, and even their hesitation points. Harnessing this data is like having a roadmap to success in real estate lead generation. Strategies to Turn Data into Dollars Here are a few strategies that can help turn this data into dollars: Re-engagement Campaigns: Have leads gone cold? Heat things up with targeted re-engagement campaigns. Personalize communication based on the info you already have. Special Offers: Who doesn't love a good deal? Use what you know about your leads to create tailored offers they simply can't refuse! Referral Programs: Happy clients make the best advocates. Encourage satisfied customers to refer new leads for incentives. Remember, the value of an existing lead database is not just in volume, but in the quality of relationships you've built. It's all about cultivating connections and transforming them into conversions. So, dust off that database and let it sparkle! To be a successful real estate agent, just having a list of potential leads isn't enough. The real challenge is engaging these leads and converting them into actual clients. That's where the role of lead generation techniques comes into play. And one technique that's turning heads in today's digital age is Conversational AI. Conversational AI in Real Estate So, what exactly is conversational AI? In simple terms, it's the use of messaging apps, speech-based assistants and chatbots to automate communication and create personalized customer experiences at scale. It's like having a virtual assistant who can chat with hundreds of leads simultaneously — without breaking a sweat! Why Consider Conversational AI for Your Real Estate Business? The real estate sector has been quick to embrace this technology, using it to engage potential leads in meaningful conversations. But why should you consider incorporating conversational AI into your lead generation strategy? Here are some compelling reasons: 24/7 Availability: Unlike human agents, conversational AI tools are not constrained by time zones or office hours. They're available round-the-clock to answer queries or provide information to leads whenever they need it. Instant Response: Leads no longer have to wait for an agent to be available or for office hours to get their questions answered. Conversational AI can respond instantly, ensuring that leads feel heard and valued. Intelligent Conversation: Conversational AI tools can have meaningful, respectful conversations while adding in human elements like correcting typos and using emojis. Consistency: Conversational AI will handle objections, never get discouraged and stay consistent with leads long after other agents have dropped off. Imagine having all these benefits at your disposal! You'll not just be building relationships with new clients but also nurturing them effectively for long-term business growth. The Power of Combining Conversational AI with Other Lead Generation Techniques But, remember that conversational AI is not an end in itself. It's just a means to an end — a tool that can help you engage leads more effectively. The real magic happens when you use this tool in conjunction with other lead generation techniques and strategies. So, are you ready to embrace the future of lead generation? With conversational AI, you'll be one step closer to creating an effective, efficient, and engaging lead generation process. And who knows? You might just discover some hidden secrets of successful real estate lead generation along the way! Real Estate Cold Calling Scripts Cold calling remains a solid strategy for lead generation. It's about initiating contact, building relationships with new clients, and setting the stage for future transactions. However, mastering the art of cold calling isn't just about dialing numbers — it's about delivering a compelling pitch that captures interest and initiates conversation. Let's explore a few practical real estate cold calling scripts tailored to successful lead generation: 1. The Introduction Script Hello, this is [Your Name] from [Your Company]. I noticed you have a property in [Area], and I'm currently helping several buyers looking for homes in that neighborhood. Can we schedule a time to discuss how I can assist you? 2. The Follow-up Script Hi [Prospect's Name], this is [Your Name] from our last conversation. I wanted to check in and see if you've given any more thought to selling your property? 3. The Check-in Script Hello, I'm [Your Name] from [Your Company]. I've been keeping an eye on properties in your area, and noticed that home values are on the rise. Have you considered what this could mean for your property? The secret sauce? Personalize these scripts based on your style and the prospect's specific situation. Remember, building rapport is key, so keep your tone friendly, professional and empathetic. Next up, let's dive into how technology can further improve lead conversion rates — specifically through auto dialer tools. Let's explore how you can improve your lead conversion rates, specifically by using auto dialers. These tools can be incredibly helpful for real estate agents when it comes to turning leads into actual clients. What Is an Auto Dialer and How Does it Help with Real Estate Leads? An auto dialer is a software tool that automatically dials telephone numbers from a list or a database. When a call is answered, it connects to either a live person or plays a recorded message. This technology could be a game-changer for your real estate business! Benefits of Using an Auto Dialer Here are some key advantages of using an auto dialer for your real estate leads: Streamlined Calling Process: An auto dialer eliminates the need for manually dialing numbers one by one, saving you time and effort. Increased Productivity: With an auto dialer, there's no waiting time between calls. As soon as one call ends, the next one is dialed automatically, allowing you to make more calls in less time. Efficient Call Handling: Auto dialers can filter out unproductive calls such as answering machines, disconnected numbers, or busy signals. This means you can focus only on meaningful interactions that have a higher chance of converting into transactions. Improved Call Quality: Some auto dialers come with features like call recording and script prompts, which can help you deliver consistent and effective messages to your prospects. Integration with CRM Systems: Wise Agent CRM has a very smooth auto dialer built right into their platform. This will ensure smooth data transfer and streamlined workflows. Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Dialer Not all auto dialers are created equal, so it's important to select one that best fits your needs. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice: Go for Quality over Quantity: Auto dialer systems vary in terms of features and functionalities. Some may prioritize making a large volume of calls, but they might compromise on call quality or customer experience. Remember, it's better to have fewer high-quality interactions than numerous unsuccessful ones. Compliance with Regulations: Ensure that the auto dialer you choose complies with relevant regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) or Do Not Call (DNC) laws. This will help you avoid legal issues and maintain a good reputation. Ease of Integration: Check if the auto dialer seamlessly integrates with your current CRM and other software systems. This will make it easier to manage your leads and track your communication efforts. Reporting and Analytics Capabilities: Look for an auto dialer that provides detailed reports and analytics on your calling activities. This data can give you insights into your performance, identify areas for improvement, and guide your future strategies. Customer Support Availability: It's always wise to choose an auto dialer vendor that offers reliable customer support. Technical issues can arise at any time, and having prompt assistance can save you from potential disruptions. Imagine what you could achieve with more time on your hands, higher productivity, and increased focus on quality interactions. It's time to take your lead conversion process to the next level with the right auto dialer! Google Ads for Real Estate Listings In the vast digital expanse, standing out is no small feat. Google Ads can be a powerful ally in your quest to convert leads into clients. This platform allows you to showcase your real estate listings directly to interested buyers through targeted advertising. How Google Ads Works for Real Estate So, how does it work? Google Ads uses keyword targeting, allowing your ads to appear in search results when users input specific phrases. For example, if you are selling a condo in Manhattan, you might target keywords like "Manhattan condos for sale" or "luxury condos in Manhattan." Tips to Optimize Your Google Ads Campaigns Here are some tips to make the most of your Google Ads campaigns: Keyword Research: Use tools such as Google's Keyword Planner to identify high-volume, low-competition keywords related to your listings. Ad Copy: Write compelling ad copy that clearly highlights the unique selling points of your listings. Remember, relevance and clarity are key. Landing Page Optimization: Direct your ads to a well-designed landing page that provides detailed information about the listing. Make sure it's easy for potential leads to contact you from this page. Remember, effective lead conversion is not just about reaching out—it's also about being reachable. Google Ads ensures that when potential clients look for properties, they find you. As a dynamic complement to auto dialer tools and personalized communication strategies, Google Ads can significantly bolster your real estate lead conversion efforts. Partnerships for Passive Lead Generation For busy real estate agents, partnerships can be a goldmine. Partnerships for passive lead generation are basically relationships where both parties benefit. Let's take a closer look at this idea. What are Partnerships for Passive Lead Generation? Partnerships for passive lead generation are win-win situations where you collaborate with another business or individual who can help bring potential leads to you. In return, you may provide them with leads or other benefits. For example, if you're a real estate agent, forming a partnership with a local home improvement store or an interior design firm could result in them recommending your services to their customers who are looking to buy or sell properties. This tactic offers dual benefits — it expands your reach and provides value to your partner. Types of Partnerships for Real Estate Agents There are several types of partnerships that can be advantageous for real estate agents: Affiliate Partnerships: You might recommend the products or services of a company in return for them doing the same. Content Partnerships: Collaborate with bloggers, influencers, or other local businesses to create content that gets shared on multiple platforms. Event Partnerships: Join forces with local businesses to host events that will attract potential leads. Tips for Successful Partnerships While partnerships sound great, they require work. Here are three tips to ensure your partnerships thrive: Choose the Right Partner: Look for businesses that align with your brand and have a similar target audience. Communicate Regularly: Keep the lines of communication open and ensure both parties are benefiting from the partnership. Provide Value: Make sure you're providing as much value as you're receiving. Embrace the power of partnerships! They can become an invaluable tool in your lead generation toolkit, creating seamless avenues for potential leads without any extra effort on your part! Bulk SMS as a Lead Generation Strategy Harness the power of bulk SMS to supercharge your real estate lead generation! The concept is simple but powerful: send mass text messages to a large group of potential leads, capturing their attention straight from their mobile devices. Why Bulk SMS Works for Real Estate Lead Generation Bulk SMS has the advantage of immediacy. Unlike emails that can sit unopened in an inbox for days or weeks, most people read text messages within minutes of receiving them. For real estate agents, this means your message gets seen and considered quickly. But let's not sugarcoat it — there are challenges with bulk SMS, too: Compliance with Anti-Spam Laws: Anti-spam laws require that recipients have opted-in to receive your messages. Crafting Effective Messages: It can be tricky to craft a text message that is both brief and compelling. Tips for Making Bulk SMS Work for You Here are some tips on making bulk SMS work for you: Start with Value: People get a lot of texts these days. Make sure yours stand out by offering something valuable — an exclusive property preview, a market update, or a home buying tip. Personalization is Key: Inserting the recipient's name into the message can increase engagement rates. A personalized touch can make all the difference. Timing Matters: Aim to send your messages at times when people are likely to be able to respond, typically during lunch hours or after work in the evening. Call-to-Action: Include a clear call-to-action that encourages recipients to take the next step. It could be asking them to reply, call you, or visit a webpage for more information. Remember, bulk SMS is just one tool in your lead generation arsenal. Used wisely, it can help you reach more potential leads faster and more effectively than ever before! Conclusion We've journeyed together through the land of real estate lead generation, uncovering hidden secrets that can propel you to success. Remember, lead generation is the lifeblood of your real estate business, and a variety of strategies can be employed to ensure a steady flow. To view the original article, visit the Wise Agent blog.

Cracking the Code: A Guide to Real Estate Marketing Terms
Real estate marketing terms can often seem like a foreign language, filled with jargon and complex concepts. However, having a solid understanding of these terms is crucial for success in the industry. By familiarizing yourself with the terminology, you'll be able to navigate the real estate marketing landscape with confidence. Let's quickly dive into it: Real Estate Lead Generation Terms Here are the most important lead generation terms that specialists use a lot: 1. Lead Capture: Definition: The process of collecting information from potential clients, often through online forms, landing pages, or contact forms on websites. Example: Using a well-designed landing page to capture leads by offering downloadable resources or scheduling property tours. Check out our Lead Capture plugin. 2. Lead Magnet: Definition: An incentive or valuable offer designed to attract potential leads and encourage them to provide their contact information. Example: Offering a free e-book on "Top Tips for First-Time Homebuyers" in exchange for the visitor's email address. 3. Conversion Funnel: Definition: The series of steps a potential lead takes from the initial contact to becoming a client. It typically includes awareness, interest, consideration, and conversion stages. Example: Moving a lead from browsing property listings to scheduling a showing and eventually making a purchase. 4. Qualifying Leads: Definition: Assessing the potential of a lead to become a paying customer based on factors like budget, timeline, and specific needs. Example: Asking qualifying questions during an initial consultation to understand the lead's preferences, financial capacity, and urgency. 5. IDX (Internet Data Exchange): Definition: A system that allows real estate professionals to display MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listings on their websites. Enhances the property search experience for visitors and generates leads. Example: Integrating an IDX plugin on a real estate website to showcase up-to-date property listings and capture leads interested in specific properties. Want to more? Check out our comprehensive article titled What is IDX? 6. Lead Nurturing: Definition: Building relationships with potential leads over time through personalized and relevant communication to guide them through the decision-making process. Example: Sending a series of informative emails to a lead, including market updates, financing tips, and exclusive property previews. 7. Inbound Marketing: Definition: Attracting potential leads through content creation, social media, and search engine optimization rather than traditional outbound methods. Example: Publishing blog posts about local real estate trends or creating engaging social media content to draw in potential clients. 8. Call to Action (CTA): Definition: A prompt that encourages leads to take a specific action, such as filling out a form, scheduling a consultation, or downloading a resource. Example: Placing a prominent "Schedule a Showing" button on property listings to prompt leads to take the next step. Want to have CTAs on your website? Visit CTA Plugin. 9. Database Management: Definition: The organized storage and management of lead information and interactions. Helps real estate professionals maintain and leverage their network effectively. Example: Using CRM software to store lead details, track interactions, and set reminders for follow-ups. Real Estate SEO Terms 1. Keyword Research: Definition: The process of identifying and analyzing the specific words and phrases potential homebuyers and sellers use in search engines. Example: Researching keywords like "real estate listings," "homes for sale," or "property investment tips." Keyword research is not that simple. Check our our comprehensive guide on real estate SEO keywords. 2. On-Page SEO: Definition: Optimization efforts made directly on the web pages to improve their visibility in search engine results. This includes optimizing content, meta tags, and images. Example: Optimizing property descriptions, titles, and image alt tags with relevant keywords. 3. Off-Page SEO: Definition: Strategies employed outside of your website to improve its visibility and authority. This often involves building high-quality backlinks from reputable sources. Example: Collaborating with local businesses or influencers to get backlinks to your real estate website. 4. Local SEO: Definition: Optimization techniques focused on improving a website's visibility in local search results. It's crucial for real estate professionals targeting a specific geographic area. Example: Claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing with accurate business information and customer reviews. 5. SERP (Search Engine Results Page): Definition: The page displayed by search engines in response to a user query. Real estate professionals aim to have their websites rank higher on SERPs for relevant keywords. Example: Monitoring your website's position on the SERP for key phrases like "real estate agent in [your city]." 6. Crawling and Indexing: Definition: The process by which search engine bots (crawlers) discover and analyze web pages to determine their relevance and index them for search results. Example: Ensuring that all important pages on your real estate website are easily accessible and crawlable by search engines. Learn more in How to Optimize Your Indexing Situation and Crawl Budget. 7. Schema Markup: Definition: A structured data markup that enhances the way search engines read and display your website in the search results. It can include details like property prices, addresses, and reviews. Example: Adding schema markup to property listings to provide rich snippets in search results. SEO is much larger than these terms. If you really want to know how SEO is working in the real estate industry, check our Real Estate SEO Guide. Real Estate Social Media Terms 1. Engagement: Definition: The level of interaction users have with your social media content, including likes, comments, shares, and clicks. Example: Encouraging engagement by posting visually appealing property photos and asking followers to share their thoughts. 2. Analytics: Definition: Tools and metrics used to measure the performance of social media campaigns, including reach, impressions, and engagement. Example: Analyzing social media analytics to determine the most effective times to post content for maximum visibility. 3. Targeting: Definition: Refining the audience for social media ads based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and location. Example: Targeting first-time homebuyers in a specific city with ads promoting educational content about the home-buying process. 4. Hashtags: Definition: Words or phrases preceded by the # symbol used to categorize content and make it discoverable to a wider audience. Example: Creating a branded hashtag for a real estate campaign to encourage user-generated content and community engagement. 5. Influencer Marketing: Definition: Collaborating with social media influencers to promote real estate properties or services to their followers. Example: Partnering with a local influencer to showcase and promote a new housing development. Sound interesting yeah? Check out how you can get benefits from social media influencers. Real Estate Email Marketing Terms 1. Drip Campaign: Definition: A series of automated emails sent over a specific time frame to nurture leads and guide them through the sales funnel. Example: Implementing a drip campaign that provides valuable content, such as home-buying tips and market trends, to leads over several weeks. 2. Segmentation: Definition: Dividing an email list into smaller groups based on specific criteria, such as location, interests, or behavior. Example: Segmenting the email list to send targeted newsletters to buyers interested in luxury properties and sellers looking for marketing tips. 3. Open Rate: Definition: The percentage of email recipients who open a given email. A crucial metric to measure the effectiveness of email campaigns. Example: Improving open rates by crafting compelling subject lines and delivering content relevant to the audience. 4. Call to Action (CTA): Definition: A prompt in an email that encourages recipients to take a specific action, such as visiting a website, scheduling a showing, or downloading a resource. Example: Including a clear and prominent CTA button in an email promoting a new property listing. 5. A/B Testing: Definition: Experimenting with variations of email elements (subject lines, content, images) to determine which performs better. Example: Running A/B tests to compare two versions of an email and identify the most effective elements for engagement. PPC (Pay-Per-Click) Advertising 1. Click-Through Rate (CTR): Definition: The percentage of people who click on an ad after seeing it. A measure of how effective an ad is in generating interest. Example: Monitoring CTR to assess the relevance and appeal of a real estate ad to the target audience. 2. Conversion: Definition: The desired action taken by a user after clicking on an ad, such as filling out a contact form, scheduling a tour, or making a purchase. Example: Tracking conversions to measure the success of a PPC campaign in generating leads and sales. 3. Quality Score: Definition: A metric used by search engines to evaluate the relevance and quality of keywords, ads, and landing pages in PPC campaigns. Example: Improving the quality score by creating targeted ad copy and ensuring that the landing page provides valuable information. Learn more at our Complete Guide on Google ads. 4. Ad Extensions: Definition: Additional information displayed with a PPC ad to provide more context and encourage user engagement. Example: Adding location extensions to real estate ads, displaying the office address and phone number for local engagement. ROI (Return on Investment) 1. Cost per Lead (CPL): Definition: The cost associated with acquiring a single lead through a marketing campaign. Example: Calculating CPL by dividing the total campaign cost by the number of leads generated. 2. Conversion Rate: Definition: The percentage of leads or website visitors who take a desired action, such as making a purchase or scheduling a consultation. Example: Improving conversion rates by optimizing landing pages and streamlining the lead generation process. 3. Lifetime Value (LTV): Definition: The predicted total value a customer is expected to bring to a business over the entire relationship. Example: Considering the potential long-term value of a real estate client in assessing the overall ROI of marketing efforts. 4. Attribution Models: Definition: Methods used to assign value to different marketing touchpoints that contribute to a conversion. Example: Using a multi-touch attribution model to understand how various marketing channels and interactions contribute to a successful real estate transaction. 5. Marketing Funnel: Definition: A visual representation of the stages a customer goes through before making a purchase, from awareness to consideration and conversion. Example: Aligning marketing efforts with different stages of the real estate buyer's journey to maximize ROI at each stage. That's it, we covered the most important terms here, there are billions more, we make sure keep updating this content to be always helpful and up-to-date. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog. Related reading The 1-Year Challenge: Learn 52 Spanish Real Estate Terms in 52 Weeks 10 Real Estate Abbreviations Every Realtor Should Know Is Your Realtor Jargon Communicating the Full Value of Your Listing?

Stressed About Low Inventory? Read This.
The current state of the housing market is leaving everyone in and adjacent to real estate feeling uneasy at times. But it doesn't have to completely knock you off your rocker. With low housing inventory and high interest rates, the time to buy or sell can seem unpredictable to prospective clients. This is where you come in. You know it's more complex than that, and that investments in real estate, even in a tricky market, can pan out successfully in the short- and long-term. Clients need a real estate pro to guide them through this, and someone they can trust. But with low inventory and a ton of competition, how can you cut through the noise? We have a few solutions. The Issue at Hand Low inventory isn't just a cause for concern for aspiring homebuyers — it adds plenty of pressure to real estate pros, too. With low inventory comes an increase in competition for listings. It's not to knock the wind out of your sails, it's just an indicator for you to get with the times and maximize how clever, comprehensive and well-rounded you are in your approach to your clients. Ways to Ease the Tensions Caused by Low Inventory Thankfully, there are ways to help ease the issues low inventory is causing so you can offer a stellar experience for clients and get one step closer to closing. Harnessing Your Technology Platform Leaning on technology as a key part of your real estate business's arsenal is more critical than ever before. To help ease the pressure low inventory is putting on us all, tap into your tech stack. Make the most of online lead generation by posting and advertising on social media. This gets more eyes on your brand, as well as engagement with you as a real estate professional. When you purchase ads on social media platforms to promote your business, you also have an opportunity to tap into previously-unreachable audiences. You'll also want to ensure you're well-positioned on real estate websites. Make sure your MLS feed is hooked into each one so your listings are seen, as well as ensuring your headshot, bio, and contact information are up-to-date across all major sites. As you start to grow momentum with online ads, social media, and the big players of the real estate portals, make sure your real estate CRM is on point. This is the hub where you track prospects and their activities, as well as automating key elements of your follow-ups, like emails and text messages. It's also the central place to nurture your relationships and monitor every step of the journey you're guiding your clients through. With help from your CRM, you can also develop and send targeted email campaigns. Take advantage of list segmentation to send personalized, relevant emails to subsets of your database. For example, a set of prospective buyers in your ZIP code are going to want to hear more about listings and mortgage rate updates, while prospective sellers will want to get notices about market changes that could favor them in their home sale. Always seek to share relevant, customized, helpful information your clients will actually want to read. Lastly, break into the art of virtual tours for your listings. Not only does this save time by allowing your prospective clients to self-serve their walkthrough, it also illustrates your commitment to new marketing methods — a great way to stand out from your competitors. Embrace Direct Mail Marketing Going hand-in-hand with the power of tech is embracing more classic approaches. Integrate direct mail marketing into your outreach plans to really stand out from the crowd. It adds a personal touch, which can help leave a lasting impression. With a similar formula to your online approach, you want to use targeted prospect lists specific to your market, or even your niche in real estate. When you're creating your marketing materials to send out, make sure they're compelling and eye-catching. You'll also want to be consistent in how often you send direct mail, so you can help get prospects to the point where they're anticipating your promo materials and know your name and face. As you start to ramp up your outreach and generate interest, you can track and measure how many prospects came your way from your direct mail marketing throughout your early conversations. Nurturing Relationships with a Personal Touch Another great way to nurture relationships and maintain a strong personal connection? Getting involved in your neighborhood. By volunteering, sponsoring, hosting, or simply networking, you can quickly become a fixture in your community. Aim to get to know the people in your neighborhood and forge personal connections; you don't have to hit them hard with real estate from the very start. By building relationships first, your ability to guide them and provide your expertise can unfold naturally. As your connections progress, both online and offline, add personal touches to your communication plans, like handwritten notes or specified educational content that adds elements of the neighborhood, like local guides or your top recommendations. By adding more of a human element to your marketing, follow-up, and communication planning, you can cut through the noise, beat out the competition, and make it crystal clear to prospects they need to partner with you. Want more insight into why this type of approach truly matters? Check out this article: Why Agents Should Prioritize Meaningful Outreach. To view the original article, visit the Inside Real Estate blog. Related reading Low Inventory Got You Down? 5 Tips for Finding More Homes for Sale Protect Your Real Estate Business with These 6 Foundational Principles Low Inventory? No Problem! 3 Digital Ad Campaigns for Finding Seller Leads

Easy Hacks for Prospecting and Marketing Automation Success
Have you ever wished you could connect RPR (Realtors Property Resource®) to your CRM, or maybe directly to Canva for prospecting and farming? Well, we're not quite there yet, however there are a few things you can do to "hack" the system and be on your way to prospecting and automation success. Before we jump in, if you're just getting started in real estate or want to give your database a boost, be sure to check out this previous article: How to Build your Neighborhood Database From Scratch. Think of it as some prerequisite reading to this article. You'll get an understanding of what datasets are available to you from RPR and all the info you need on RPR's Mailing Labels. Now you have an understanding of how to set up your CRM and how you can export RPR Mailing Labels. Here's where we take it a step further, beyond pre-formatted labels and right into marketing automation territory: the ability to export raw data via a CSV export. In this article, we're going to take the next step and strategically filter for specific types of prospects. Automate your marketing and targets prospects with these "Recipes" Below are a few "recipes," based on real world scenarios, that you can use with the RPR Advanced Search feature to help you spot target prospects with ease. To drill down and identify Current Renters/Potential Homeowners, follow these steps: Step #1: Click "Research" Step #2: Click "Map Search" Step #3: Search your target area (hint: you can search as small as a neighborhood) Step #4: Click "More Filters" for advanced searching Step #5: Change the search to "Public Records" (you'll want to target less than 500) Step #6: Scroll down to "Miscellaneous Fields" and make sure "Absentee Owner" is selected Step #7: Make sure "Time Owned" is selected to the 5-10 and 10-15 year groupings Step #8: Click "Update and Search" Step #9: Click "Mailing Labels" Step #10: Select "CSV" Step #11: Make sure the "Address Type:" is "Property" Step #12: Change the "Addressed To:" field to "Current Resident" or to "Custom Name" and fill it out with something like "Future Homeowner" Step #13: Select "Absentee Owner" as the "Occupancy Type" Step #14: Run full list, or narrow records to export Target: Potential Home Sellers Follow steps 1-5 from above, then continue with: Step #6: Scroll down to "Miscellaneous Fields" and make sure "Owner Occupied" is selected Step #7: Make sure "Time Owned" is selected to the 5-10 and 10-15 year groupings Step #8: Click "Update and Search" Step #9: Click "Mailing Labels" Step #10: Select "CSV" Step #11: Make sure the "Address Type:" is "Property" Step #12: Change the "Addressed To:" field to "Owner Name" Step #13: Select "Owner Occupied" as the "Occupancy Type" Step #14: Run full list, or narrow records to export Need Help? Take a step-by-step guided tour of the two examples above. From here, you can take these lists and add additional columns to your sheet that would match your CRM (ie: "Status" and then set it to say "Prospect-Buyer" or "Prospect-Seller,") this can work with Google Sheets or your CRM of choice. If you're working with a CRM, instead of additional columns, when you're importing your contacts, simply apply flags or categories directly within your platform to help keep your contacts organized. But, let's not stop there, let's set up an automation that can do all of that for you… Making automations and RPR work for you The beauty of this workflow is the ability to essentially take this data right from RPR and apply it directly to your CRM or Google Sheets contact list. Then using preset triggers with tools such as IFTTT, Zapier and Canva, you can create a multitude of marketing automations that will cut down the manual labor of simple marketing tasks. In this next example, we're going to show you how to take the exports above and connect them directly to Canva to complete a postcard that you've prepped with the most current Market Trends Data and then print it with all of your prospect's data added to it. To get started, head over to RPR's Resource Center and choose a Canva postcard template that you'd like to work from. Be sure to select "Use template for new design" to get started. Next, add your photo and update your information for both sides of the postcard–you don't want to accidentally send your mailing out with filler text. Write a compelling introduction of yourself and why it's a good time to buy; better yet, read on and we'll show you how to let our Market Trends ScriptWriter powered by ChatGPT help you craft the perfect message! Before we add our contact data, let's update the Market Trends information with the latest stats. When you're in RPR, head up to Research, then click Residential Market Trends and search for the geography that you executed for your export. This ensures that the data matches the postcard template with the month and the correct data points. Now we're ready to add our prospect's info to the Canva doc! PRO TIP: Looking for the perfect copy to go with your postcard? Click "Create Script" to give our AI-powered Market Trends ScriptWriter a try. You can easily generate Metric Analyses and Social campaigns, and the copy generated can easily flow into to your postcard. From the left side navigation menu, go to "Apps," and go down to "More from Canva" and select "Bulk create." Maybe in the future, there'll be a "Bulk create from RPR," but for now, select "Bulk create." You essentially have two options here, you can manually enter your data or upload a CSV file. Let's click "Upload CSV" select your list, and all of your fields will be listed by the column headers. PRO TIP: Before you upload your list, open it up and delete any extra fields that you think won't be necessary. Since we are prospecting to potential buyers, we won't be needing the owner's information that by default comes with the export. Next, we're going to connect our data to text fields. So, add a few text fields to the backside of the postcard template. For the greeting, make it fun, since you don't know the person who is renting the property, you could address it to "Future Homeowner." For the next text field, right click it and select "Connect Data." Canva will then present you the list of all your data fields, select "Property Full Address," or whichever combination of fields that you need to complete your mailing. After you have set up your data and added all of your personal information and market data, click "Continue." This will take your data and merge it into a new Canva Doc that you can now send out for print. Pretty cool, huh?! To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

Real Estate Lead Generation: 12 Strategies for Agents to Build a Robust Pipeline
In the world of real estate, your pipeline of leads is like the lifeblood of your business. Without a steady flow of potential buyers and sellers, your career as a real estate agent can hit a hitch in the road. But, fear not! We're here to dive into the exciting world of lead generation and share some tried-and-true strategies to build a robust pipeline that will keep your real estate business thriving. Understanding the Lead Generation Game Before we jump into the strategies, let's get on the same page about what real estate lead generation is all about. Simply put, it's the process of attracting and identifying potential clients interested in buying or selling properties. These leads are the foundation of your real estate career. Without them, you're basically a ship without a compass. Strategy 1: Master the Art of Networking Networking might sound like a buzzword, but it's an essential skill for any successful real estate agent. Attend local events, join real estate associations, and become an active member of your community. The more people you meet and connect with, the wider your net for potential leads becomes. Remember, real estate is a people business, so start shaking hands and making lasting impressions. Strategy 2: Harness the Power of Social Media In today's digital age, social media is your secret weapon for lead generation. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer a goldmine of opportunities to connect with potential clients. Share informative content, showcase your expertise, and engage with your audience regularly. The more valuable your online presence, the more leads you'll attract. Strategy 3: Create a Stunning Website Your website is your online business card. It's often the first impression potential clients have of you. Make sure it's clean, user-friendly, and informative. Include high-quality images of your listings, client testimonials, and valuable blog content. Don't forget to optimize it for search engines (SEO) to ensure it ranks well on Google. Strategy 4: Leverage the Power of Email Marketing Email marketing isn't just for e-commerce. It's a potent tool for real estate lead generation too. Collect email addresses from website visitors and past clients, and create engaging newsletters. Share market insights, new listings, and tips for buyers and sellers. Email campaigns can help nurture leads until they're ready to make a move. Strategy 5: Offer Valuable Content Content is king, even in real estate. Write blog posts, create informative videos, or host webinars about real estate topics that interest your target audience. Share these pieces of content on your website and social media channels to position yourself as an authority in your local market. Valuable content will attract potential clients who are seeking your expertise. Strategy 6: Partner with Local Businesses Establish partnerships with local businesses like mortgage brokers, home inspectors, or interior designers. When you refer clients to these professionals, they might return the favor by sending clients your way. This symbiotic relationship can lead to a steady stream of referrals and new leads. Strategy 7: Optimize Your Online Listings Your online listings are digital billboards for your properties. Make sure they stand out by using high-quality photos and detailed descriptions. Additionally, consider using paid advertising on real estate websites to increase the visibility of your listings and generate more inquiries. Strategy 8: Embrace Virtual Tours In our fast-paced world, convenience is key. Offering virtual tours of your properties is a great way to attract busy buyers and sellers. These immersive experiences allow potential clients to explore homes from the comfort of their own living rooms, which can lead to more serious inquiries. Strategy 9: Continue to (gently) follow up! Leads can quickly turn cold if you don't follow up promptly and persistently. Develop a system for tracking leads and staying in touch with them. Whether it's through phone calls, emails, or text messages, consistency in your follow-up will increase your chances of converting leads into clients. Strategy 10: Invest in Paid Advertising Sometimes, you need to spend money to make money. Consider investing in paid advertising on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or local real estate websites. These targeted ads can put your listings in front of potential clients who are actively searching for properties in your area. Strategy 11: Offer Free Workshops or Seminars Hosting workshops or seminars on topics related to real estate can be a fantastic way to generate leads. These events not only showcase your expertise but also provide an opportunity for attendees to get to know you better. Collect contact information from participants to follow up and nurture potential leads. Strategy 12: Stay Updated with Technology Real estate technology is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest tools and apps that can streamline your lead generation efforts. From CRM software to virtual reality tours, embracing technology can give you an edge in a competitive market. To conclude, building a robust pipeline of real estate leads is an ongoing process that requires dedication, creativity, and a willingness to adapt to changing market conditions. By mastering the art of networking, harnessing the power of digital marketing, and providing valuable content, you can create a pipeline that flows with potential clients. Remember, in the world of real estate, a robust pipeline is the key to long-term success. So, go out there, implement these strategies, and watch your real estate career flourish! To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

Fridge Magnets, Begone: Why the Annual Equity Review Is the Best Way to Engage Past Clients
You're an advisor to clients during the purchase or sale of a home, but who do you become to them once the transaction is closed? Too often, the answer is "just a memory." But if you want past clients to keep thinking of you as their go-to advisor for all things real estate, what strategies can you use? One of our favorite ways to stay top-of-mind with previous clients is by offering an annual equity review. This method is not pushy or salesy — rather than contacting clients because you want something from them (their business or a referral), you're reaching out to offer something to them, no strings attached. And all the while, you're highlighting your market expertise and cementing your value in the minds of your previous clients. So what do you need to know to leverage this strategy, and how do you approach past clients? Real estate coach Jason Pantana and lead generation expert David Caldwell cover all you need to know in the video below. Watch it to learn: About the concept of the annual equity review, in depth How you can use this strategy with past clients and nearby potential clients Methods to communicate home value information The importance of providing certainty about home values in the market Why prospects from your database are easier to convert than "bottom of the funnel" leads And more! Related Reading Grab Previous Clients' Attention with the RPR Equity Update How to Reconnect with Past Clients 8 Steps for Nurturing Long-term Relationships with Your Buyers

[Podcast] Using Social Channels to Create Connections with Tamany Hall
Thank you to RPR for sponsoring this article on RE Technology: This episode of Decoding Real Estate welcomes Tamany Hall. Tamany is a real estate marketing and lead generation expert who brings a wealth of social media know-how to the table. Her company, The Simple Touches, specializes in helping real estate agents bolster their social presence, set up lead gen funnels, and effectively learn how to use video and design templates, especially Instagram, to establish a brand and grow a business. Tamany joins Reggie and Genie from RPR (Realtors Property Resource®) to discuss how REALTORS® can leverage Instagram to generate quality leads consistently. They talk about content creation, user engagement and analytics, with the aim of helping you achieve remarkable results. Tamany also shares insider tips on how to make the most of new tools and templates, conserve time while creating quality content, and gather potential leads effectively. She urges real estate agents to broaden their content horizons, emphasizing the importance of featuring local communities and personal narratives. Towards the end, the show switches gears to discuss Threads — the latest entrant in the social media scene. Hear what Tamany thinks of this new platform, and why it might be the next big thing in real estate marketing. Don't miss this month's Decoding Real Estate with guest Tamany Hall! Decoding Real Estate is hosted by Reggie Nicolay and Genie Willett. Subscribe/Follow And be sure to check out these helpful and relevant links: The Simple Touches Single Property Website CANVA Template Tamany Hall/The Simple Touches Instagram Realtors Property Resource® RPR Canva Templates Listen on: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

40 Tools, Tips and Scripts for Finding More Listings
It's a tough time for finding listings -- but we probably don't have to tell you that. What we do want to tell you about, however, are the strategies and tools that can help you unearth more homes for sale. That's why, over the month of August, RE Technology has been running a series of articles every Tuesday to help you do just that. It's part of our "Tips and Tricks Tuesday" series. This month, our theme has been "How to Find More Homes to List." Below is an overview of the topics we covered — and you can download our free eBook to read these articles compiled in one convenient place. Embracing Technology and Direct Mail: Solutions to Ease the Inventory Issue - Learn about a high-tech way to implement direct mail outreach to homeowners. Lead Gen Meets Next Gen with RealtyCandy's New AI-powered Home Valuation Widget - Find out how to use a new home valuation tool to attract seller leads. Why Is Housing Inventory So Low? Tips for Overcoming Market Challenges - Real estate coaches Johnny Pfeiffer and Brandon Doyle discuss today's inventory issues, the causes, and how agents can thrive despite these challenges. Looking for Better Leads? Remine Pro Could Be Your Best Solution - Real estate data can help you find new prospects — and Remine Pro is just the tool for the job. Try This Expired Listing Script to Win More Appointments - Expired listings want to sell, but getting them to list again can be tricky. Get a script to convert these leads into clients. Plunk Unlocks Confident Investing in Real Estate - Learn about a new tool that gives real estate investors, advisors and analysts access to real-time property valuation data and analysis. 8 Campaign Ideas for Finding More Listings - Your MLS's property data/public records tool is a powerful tool for finding leads. Here are eight campaign ideas you can execute with the help of that tool. How to Win Over Tough FSBOs (and a Script to Help) - FSBOs can be a prickly bunch who are reluctant to use an agent to sell their home. Learn how to approach FSBOs and what to say to counter their objections and concerns. Why Absentee Owners May Be a Gold Mine for Seller Leads in Today's Market - Most would-be sellers today don't want to give up their existing low interest mortgage to jump into today's expensive real estate market. But there's one set of property owners who are less likely to have these concerns — absentee owners. Find out how to tap into this niche. We hope these articles were helpful to our readers. However, you should know that great advice about finding seller leads isn't something we share just one month per year — we do it year-round! To help round out our listing-focused month, today we want to share more resources that we've published over the years. Let's dive in… Where are all the leads? So you want to grow the listing side of your business. First things first: where should you look for leads? If you're looking for motivated sellers, try these three sources. Want to turn your sphere of influence into a lean, mean, lead-generating machine? Check out our article, 65 Sources of Real Estate Referrals You May Have Overlooked. Finding and converting seller leads is a process. Learn how to make that process work for you in 5 Strategies to Generate Seller Leads and Build Better Relationships. Tap into the power of online marketing We don't call ourselves RE Technology for nothing. Helping real estate professionals use technology to better their business, including finding more homes for sale, is part of our raison d'etre. Here's a sampling of advice we've published on various online marketing methods: Google Ads Facebook boosted posts Hyperlocal blogging Email marketing Landing pages Social media is another key way to stay top-of-mind with your sphere of influence. It's a highly visual medium, however. Fortunately, if you aren't graphically inclined, you can lean on pre-made templates like the ones highlighted in the articles below: How to Create Instagram Posts for Your Real Estate Business with Canva Free Templates to Help You Create Social Media Market Updates Use scripts for easier outreach and follow-up Sometimes the toughest part of reaching out to leads or following up is knowing what to say. If that's a struggle for you, jumpstart your communication with these handy scripts: Real Estate Prospecting Letter Examples and Tips 4 Real Estate Emails that Convert Like Crazy (+Templates!) 3 Free Drip Marketing Emails to Send to Home Seller Leads Get a Smarter Door Knocking Script from an Outreach Expert The Ultimate Script for Reconnecting with Past Real Estate Clients Ultimate Real Estate Scripts to Keep in Touch and Get More Business Real Estate Scripts and How to Use Them 4 Lead Generating Scripts for Listing Agents Scripts and Templates to Turn Expired Listing Leads Into Clients Strategies for converting leads So you've got a great lead. How do you get them to convert? Try the tips and strategies outlined below. (And, bonus, there are a few more scripts tucked away in these articles.) What's in Your WOW Package? 5 Agents and Brokers Share Top Strategies How to Create a Conversion Engine for Your Online Seller Leads The Only Follow-Up Plan You Need for Seller Leads How to Turn Your Real Estate Buyers into Seller Leads 3 Tips You Need to Convert Every Seller Lead (No Matter Their Objection) How to Market to Expireds the Right Way The Ultimate Guide to Geographic Farming Don't forget referrals! Some of the best, most transaction-ready leads are referrals. Learn how to encourage more referrals and how to handle the ones that come your way: 10 Things to Do When you Receive a Referral How to Ask Your Clients for a Referral The Real Estate Referral Machine for Lifelong Business Remember all the things you do for your clients Finally, we want to wrap up on a positive note — and give you ammo to counter any objections from sellers who ask, "Why should I hire an agent?" (We're especially looking at you, FSBOs.) Ready? Next time anyone questions the value of using an agent, refer to this list of 184 Things You Do for Real Estate Clients (and they don't even know it). Happy selling! To explore helpful lead generation solutions, check out our Product Directory. And don't forget to download our ebook of this month's Tips and Tricks Tuesday articles!

How to Win Over Tough FSBOs (and a Script to Help)
Welcome back to another edition in our Tips and Tricks Tuesday series on "Finding More Homes for Sale." Last week, we highlighted a script for talking to expired listing leads. While those leads can be challenging, FSBOs are often a harder nut to crack -- and sometimes outright hostile to real estate agents. But with the right approach (and a thick skin), they can be a solid source of new listings. In fact, Realtor Chris Molenaar began his real estate journey by cold-calling For Sale By Owner properties to find potential listings. It took a year and a half, but finally Molenaar's efforts began to pay off when he listed three FSBOs in a single day. His secret? Establishing rapport and trust with FSBOs and using a script to build credibility and handle the inevitable objections. In the video above, Molenaar shares his strategy for turning tough leads into promising clients. Watch the video to learn: The questions to ask to engage FSBOs in a productive conversation Approaches for handling FSBOs' previous negative experiences with agents How to highlight the challenges in a slow market Tips for managing resistance and skepticism How to make FSBOs feel important and validated How to win over FSBOs And more! Related Reading Converting FSBOs to Clients: 4 Tips Are You Unknowingly Encouraging Sellers to List as FSBOs? True Confessions of a FSBO 184 Things You Do for Real Estate Clients (and they don't even know it)

Try This Expired Listing Script to Win More Appointments
Expired listings can be a prickly source of real estate leads. On one hand, the owner clearly wants to sell, otherwise they wouldn't have listed their home in the first place. On the other hand, something went wrong during the for-sale period, and you don't know what. Was the previous agent bad at their job? Was the seller difficult, or insistent on a price that was too high for the market? Whatever the case, the seller may not be feeling too great about the process of putting up their home for sale again. In our latest "Tips & Tricks Tuesday" article, we want to highlight just how to handle expired listings. When approached with empathy and curiosity, expireds can be a profitable lead source. Watch the video above to learn how Realtor Brandon Mulrenin approaches expired listings. He role plays a conversation between agent and homeowner, demonstrating the script he uses to convert expired listing leads. Watch the video to learn how to: Initiate a conversation with the owner of an expired listing Establish rapport with the homeowner Pique the homeowner's curiosity to keep the conversation flowing Unearth why the home didn't sell previously Close the call and get the seller to agree to meet with you And more! Related Reading How to Market to Expireds the Right Way Scripts and Templates to Turn Expired Listing Leads Into Clients What's the Best Way to Contact Expired Listings without Being Intrusive and Rude? 6 Easy Questions to Ask an Expired Listing

Embracing Technology and Direct Mail: Solutions to Ease the Inventory Issue
Welcome to a new month of our "Tips and Tricks Tuesday" series, which highlights articles around a theme. August's theme is "Finding more homes for sale." Read on for tips and tricks for finding business even in challenging market: The real estate market has always been dynamic, with fluctuating inventory levels a common challenge for real estate agents. As the demand for properties continues to surge, many markets face an inventory issue, leading to fierce competition among agents to secure listings. In such a scenario, leveraging technology and direct mail strategies can prove instrumental in generating more listings and winning coveted listing appointments. This educational article will explore the best tips for real estate agents to tackle the inventory issue and thrive in a competitive landscape. Harnessing Technology for Listing Leads In the digital age, technology plays a crucial role in connecting agents with potential sellers. Use the following tech-savvy strategies to boost your chances of acquiring more listings: 1. Online Lead Generation: Leverage various online platforms like social media, real estate websites, and paid advertising to reach a broader audience. Create engaging content and lead magnets to attract potential sellers and encourage them to provide their contact information. 2. Real Estate CRM: Adopt a robust Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to manage leads efficiently. A CRM helps track prospects, automate follow-ups, and nurture relationships over time, increasing the likelihood of conversion. 3. Virtual Tours: With the ongoing advancements in virtual reality and 3D technology, offer virtual property tours to potential sellers. This not only saves time but also showcases your commitment to embracing innovative marketing methods. 4. Targeted Email Campaigns: Utilize email marketing to stay in touch with your database of potential sellers. Segment your lists and personalize messages to create meaningful connections with prospects. The Power of Direct Mail Marketing Amidst the digital age, direct mail remains an effective and tangible marketing strategy. It can add a personal touch to your outreach efforts and create lasting impressions. Here are some tips for incorporating direct mail into your listing generation strategy: 1. Targeted Prospect Lists: Work with a reliable data provider to build a targeted mailing list. Consider factors such as homeownership duration, neighborhood demographics, and property age to identify potential sellers more accurately. 2. Compelling Content: Craft eye-catching and persuasive direct mail pieces. Include engaging visuals, success stories, and personalized messages that resonate with the recipient's specific needs and aspirations. 3. Consistency: Consistency is key in direct mail marketing. Create a well-thought-out campaign with multiple touchpoints to reinforce your brand and increase your chances of eliciting a response. 4. Track and Measure: Implement tracking mechanisms in your direct mail campaigns to monitor response rates. Use unique URLs or QR codes to gauge the effectiveness of each campaign and adjust your approach accordingly. Nurturing Relationships with a Personal Touch In a competitive market, the value of personal connections cannot be overstated. Building trust and rapport with potential sellers can set you apart from other agents. Here are some ways to foster meaningful relationships: 1. Neighborhood Involvement: Become an active member of the communities you serve. Attend local events, sponsor neighborhood activities, and engage with residents on social media. This involvement will position you as a local expert and build trust with potential sellers. 2. Handwritten Notes: In the digital age, a handwritten note can make a significant impact. Send personalized notes to homeowners expressing your interest in selling their property and explaining how you can help them achieve their goals. 3. Thought Leadership Content: Establish yourself as an industry expert by creating thought-provoking content. Publish blog posts, host webinars, or create video content that addresses common seller concerns and offers valuable insights. The inventory issue in real estate markets demands innovative strategies from agents looking to generate more listings and secure listing appointments. By embracing technology, harnessing the power of direct mail, and nurturing personal relationships, real estate professionals can overcome the challenges posed by low inventory and thrive in a competitive landscape. By combining digital efficiency with genuine human connection, agents can position themselves as trusted advisors, ultimately attracting more sellers and achieving long-term success in the real estate market.

The Art of Hosting Real Estate Webinars: Engaging a Virtual Audience
In today's fast-paced world, real estate professionals are increasingly turning to webinars as an effective tool for engaging with a virtual audience. In this post, we will explore the art of hosting real estate webinars and provide you with practical tips to captivate and engage your virtual audience. Choose a Captivating Topic To kickstart your webinar journey, start by selecting a compelling topic that resonates with your target audience. Whether it's an overview of the local real estate market, tips for first-time homebuyers, or insights into investment properties, ensure that your topic is relevant, timely, and valuable. Research your audience's interests and pain points to tailor your content accordingly. Craft an Engaging Presentation Start your webinar journey off right by deciding on a topic that appeals to your target audience. Whether it's an overview of the local real estate market, tips for first-time homebuyers, or insights into investment properties, ensure that your topic is relevant, timely, and valuable. Research your audience's interests and pain points to tailor your content accordingly. Master the Art of Storytelling When you have a topic in mind, it's time to put together an engaging presentation. Remember, your slides should enhance your message, not distract from it. Make effective use of high-quality charts, graphs, and images to support your arguments. Keep your text concise, and use bullet points to highlight key information. Incorporate a consistent color scheme and font style to maintain a professional and cohesive look. Engage in Interactive Polling and Q&A Sessions Make your webinars interactive by incorporating live polling and Q&A sessions. Polls promote active participation by enabling participants to instantly share their perspectives and offer feedback. In addition to keeping your audience interested, this offers insightful data that can be used to customize your content. A Q&A session should be scheduled specifically so that any queries or worries your audience may have can be addressed. Leverage Multimedia Content Diversify your webinar content by incorporating multimedia elements. Your presentation can gain interest and depth by incorporating video clips, animations, and virtual property tours. Your audience will be captivated and impressed by stunning property images or before-and-after renovation projects, which will also highlight your knowledge. Utilize Engaging Platforms and Tools Select a reputable webinar platform with tools to raise viewer engagement. Look for platforms that offer interactive whiteboards, live chat, and hand-raising features. During the webinar, your audience can interact and work together using these tools. To ensure a seamless experience, make sure you are familiar with the platform beforehand. Promote Your Webinar Effectively If you don't have a viewership, even the most captivating webinar will fall short. Through a variety of platforms, including your website, social media sites, email newsletters, and pertinent online communities, advertise your webinar. Create persuasive marketing materials that emphasize the importance and advantages of attending your webinar. To increase your reach, think about collaborating with influential people or companies in related industries. Follow Up and Seek Feedback After your webinar, follow up with attendees to thank them for their participation and provide any additional resources or information promised during the session. Request feedback to gain insights into what worked well and areas for improvement. This feedback will help you refine your webinar hosting skills and deliver even more engaging sessions in the future. Hosting real estate webinars is an art that requires a delicate balance of engaging content, interactive features, and effective promotion. By choosing captivating topics, crafting compelling presentations, and leveraging interactive tools, you can create a virtual experience that captivates your audience and sets you apart from the competition. Embrace the power of technology, unleash your creativity, and master the art of hosting real estate webinars to engage, educate, and inspire your virtual audience! To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

5 Easy Ways to Get More Agent-to-Agent Referrals
Referrals from past clients, friends, and family are great — but you know what can be even more lucrative? Referrals from other agents! Not only are these leads ready to transact, they're often already pre-qualified by the referring agent. However, to be the Realtor who is top-of-mind when another agent wants to make a referral, you need to cultivate your agent network. Fortunately, real estate leader Jimmy Burgess wants to show you how to do just that. Watch the video above to learn: Why "I love referral fees" should be your new mantra How to use social media to cultivate a referral network The importance of following up to keep the referrals flowing long-term How to "farm" for other agents by strategically targeting and connecting with them And more! Related Reading 65 Sources of Real Estate Referrals You May Have Overlooked 5 Professionals Outside of Your Network to Get Referrals How Referrals Can Help Take Your Business to the Next Level

Building a Homebuyer Pipeline Through the Residential Rental Market
As a new real estate professional, building a client base can be a daunting task. One effective strategy is to use the residential rental market as a way to build your homebuyer pipeline. By establishing relationships with renters early on, you can position yourself as a trusted source of knowledge and advice to potentially help renters buy a home down the line. Establishing Relationships with Renters The first step is to establish relationships with renters. This can be done by reaching out to property management companies, offering your services at universities/colleges, and utilizing online rental platforms such as Rental Beast. Once you form a connection with a renter, it's important to provide them with your expertise in the housing market so they see you as a trusted source of knowledge, and with excellent customer service so you leave a good impression. This will leave a mark in their mind so that when they are ready to make the jump from renter to buyer, they think of you first. Converting Renters into Homebuyers While your primary goal may be to help renters find a great rental property, it is important to consider the long-term potential of converting them into homebuyers. As you establish relationships, make sure to keep in touch and provide them with valuable information about the home-buying process. Keep them up to date on new mortgage rates, first-time homebuyer options, and more. When the time is right, suggest the idea of homeownership and offer your services as a real estate professional. Leveraging Referrals Another benefit of working with rentals is the possibility of referrals. Renters may have friends or family members who are also in the market for a home (to rent or buy), and by successfully working with them, you increase the likelihood of receiving referrals. Make sure to follow up with your clients after the rental process and continue to stay in touch via email or text, especially as they approach the end of their lease term. By building a solid network of satisfied clients, you can continue to grow your pipeline. To view the original article, visit the Rental Beast blog.

Secrets for Streamlining Your Cold Emailing Strategy
Fierce competition and dynamism have made it mandatory for every brand to connect with quality prospects and motivate them to become warm leads. Cold emails have historically been one of the most popular lead generation tactics. It gives you an opportunity to connect with targeted prospects quickly. Why an Email Marketing Strategy Is a Crucial Business Asset

How to Turn SEO into a Major Source of Lead Generation
Every real estate agent's goal is to have a steady flow of leads without making hundreds of cold calls. Lead generation is vital for real estate business success. As a professional in the industry, to achieve long-term goals, it is essential to have an effective, up-to-date strategy and tools to help you generate consistent organic leads. Today, we are going to talk about how you can use SEO as a major source for generating real estate leads. Why Is SEO Important for Real Estate Websites? Like everything else, people search for homes online before getting in touch with a professional. You want your real estate website to rank among the top sites that show up in the search results during these searches. ​​Having a high-performing website, making sure you are visible in local searches, and listing your business on major real estate platforms is the way to go. A solid online presence establishes credibility for your business while attracting more leads. If you're not visible online, your business will be missing big time on potential clients or new leads. That is why effective SEO should be a part of your overall marketing strategy. Without this, clients might find it challenging to locate your website, hence low conversion rates. SEO for Real Estate Lead Generation Your real estate brand's visibility on Google and other search engines is highly dependent on how your website is optimized. Real estate agents should learn how to use SEO to engage prospects through organic search results and how real estate websites can boost their SEO and improve their visibility across the web. So, without further ado, let's discuss how real estate agents can leverage search engine optimization as a major lead generation source. Claim Your Google My Business Listing A Google My Business listing helps target users in your local area. This means that when potential clients search terms related to your business, your website will be among those that show up on the local area business map. This is one of the first steps to ensure that your business appears on the knowledge panel of Google search, Google SERPs, and the Google 3-Pack. Now, how do you claim your Google My Business listing? Head over to Google My Business and create a real estate business profile. Next, list all other details about your business, such as your business name, address, and business phone number. Always make sure that these three details are consistent across all your other social network accounts. When your GMB account is verified, you can also create citation accounts on Yelp, Facebook, Yellow Pages, etc. This ensures that when users search for real estate listings or agents on any of these platforms instead of Google, you still appear in the results. Blogging Leverage your website's blog and create city/area-specific content. Organized and informative city-specific content can be beneficial to your marketing funnel. For example, you can create blogs detailing important information about neighborhoods, cost of living, security, and other amenities in your city to properly guide your users around your sales funnel to make a better decision. If you provide useful information to people during their research stage, chances are that they are likely to come back to you and trust you when they are in the decision stage. Keywords Competition and volume play an essential role in attracting more leads. So if you are not sure about what to write in your blogs, make sure to research niche-specific keywords and other keywords related to your line of business to attract more organic traffic. Schema Markups This is a more technical SEO practice. These are snippets of code that indicate to Google how you want your website pages displayed on SERPs. There are several types of codes applicable to this technique. By using schema markups for local real estate businesses, you are helping Google's crawlers know what type of business you are, your work hours, reviews, and more. Pages that use schema markups have higher click-through rates—and as a real estate professional, this is essential for lead generation. Final Thoughts With the high level of competition in the real estate industry, professionals have to get more creative with their lead generation strategies. A real estate SEO plan that incorporates these tactics will yield the best results. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

The 4 Types of People You Encounter When Cold Calling
So you're cold calling. Sure, you may have the name and address of the prospect on the other end of the line, but you don't really know who you're dealing with. Are they impatient? Chatty? Quick to hang up or easy to talk to? Understanding the personality answering your call helps you better engage with them, and is more likely to lead to a successful conversation. In the video above, Realtor Loida Velasquez breaks down the four major personality types. Watch to learn the communication styles of each, how they make decisions, how to build rapport, and more. More Insight For a deeper dive into different personality types, check out this series below: 4 Tips for Marketing to Clients by Personality: Part 1 - Bulls 4 Tips for Marketing to Clients by Personality: Part 2 - Owls 4 Tips for Marketing to Clients by Personality: Part 3 - Lambs 4 Tips for Marketing to Clients by Personality: Part 4 - Tigers

Discover the Power of Data-Driven Real Estate Sales Funnels
Are you ready to maximize your marketing impact? Utilizing real estate sales funnel data can be the key to reaching your niche and driving growth in your business. What's a sales funnel? A real estate sales funnel is a process used by real estate agents and brokers to convert leads into clients. It involves a series of steps that help agents identify, qualify and nurture leads, eventually converting them into buyers and sellers. The funnel comprises various stages: generating leads, nurturing leads, setting an initial meeting, closing a deal, and even post-transaction follow-up. At the start of the funnel, leads are generated through various methods such as advertising, social media, networking, referrals, and cold calling. After leads are identified, they're nurtured by providing information and resources to help them make informed decisions and build trust. The next step is setting an initial meeting, usually a face-to-face meeting, to determine their needs and discuss the options. How to set up a real estate sales funnel Setting up a sales funnel for your real estate business can seem daunting, but with the right steps, it doesn't have to be. Let's walk through the steps to set up a sales funnel for SEO-based campaigns, social media, video and other marketing outreach: Define Your Target Audience: Start by pinpointing who your target audience is. Ask yourself questions like, "What type of clients do I like working with most?" and "What are their interests?" Once you've identified your target audience, you can tailor your sales funnel to meet their needs. Choose and Optimize Your Platforms: Once you know your target audience, decide on the platforms you'll use to reach them. Will you be using SEO? Email? Social media? Video Marketing? Choose the platforms you think will work best for your audience and then optimize those platforms for maximum visibility and engagement. Create Content: Content is king and especially important for sales funnels. Create content that your target audience will find valuable and shareable. Tailor the content to the platforms you're using. For example, if you're using social media, you may want to focus on visuals and short snippets of content. If you're using SEO, then focus on keywords and long-form content. Lead Magnet: Lead magnets are attractive offers that entice prospects to visit your site and provide their contact information in exchange for something of value. Examples of lead magnets include e-books, webinars, white papers, market reports, a "What's my home worth?" landing page and more. BONUS: RPR Market Activity reports are a powerful lead magnet. Consider offering a Market Activity report to prospects with data-driven market insights about the local real estate market. These reports contain invaluable information about the current market, including listing and sales activity and pricing trends that can help potential buyers and sellers determine whether the time is right for them to enter the market. Be sure to have a clear call to action, such as, "Provide me with your address and I'll send you a Market Activity Report based on your area," or something to that effect. Design Your Funnel: Once your content and lead magnet are ready, it's time to design your funnel. Often this involves a landing page. It should be eye-catching and provide clear messaging and a call to action. From there, create a form to capture user information and set up automation to follow up on those leads. Automating your follow-up process allows you to reach out to potential customers quickly and easily and ensures no leads slip through the cracks. Track and measure: driving maximum impact with your sales funnels If you're serious about your sales funnel strategy, don't stop short of tracking your results. Pay attention to the metrics that can give you the most useful insight into your campaigns' performance and areas that need improvement (social media engagement, website visits, click-through rates, conversion rate, cost per lead and more). Then based on those metrics, craft messages that will really connect with your niche audience! Use trends from your existing campaigns – emails, mailers, social media and more – to identify what's working and areas for refinement. With this data to guide you, create targeted messages and campaigns that resonate. And use the same data to focus in on the best messaging for maximum impact. Unlock the power of data to get the results you want! Unlock your inner marketer: create an engaging sales funnel Embrace the power of sales funnels and use the tools you now possess to craft a powerful funnel that resonates with your target audience. With the right combination of content and analytics, you can see the tangible results of your efforts and confidently optimize your marketing plan. Take the plunge and make your mark — the success is yours for the taking! Good luck! To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

Top Features to Look for in Your Lead Generation Software
With the real estate market slowing down, more real estate professionals need creative ways to build their sphere of interested buyers and sellers. The housing market can be a bit of a jumble with so much conflicting information. Messaging ranges from "buy now before the market crashes" to "wait to sell your home because prices are about to take a considerable dip." As a real estate agent, you need to find a way to put your clients at ease, provide them with reliable market information, and think of innovative ways to find a reliable flow of incoming leads. This is where lead generation technology comes in. Lead generation has become the agent's #1 most reliable source of new business. Without lead gen tech in this market, finding a source of leads would mean dropping into people's DMs, spending hours of your free time trying to navigate the world of digital marketing, or finding ways to interact with the public in-person during an ongoing pandemic. While these options may work for some agents, having a lead source that provides an ongoing stream of new leads can far outweigh the alternative lead gen options. But with so many options out there right now, how do you choose the option that's right for your business? Today, we'll dive into what you should be looking for in the best real estate lead generation technology: Flat rate pricing Budgeting is much easier when you know exactly how much your expenses are. So why would you invest in a product when the pricing fluctuates month to month? Lead generation software that charges by the lead or a percentage of your commission often leads to surprises when the bill comes. Invest in lead generation software that allows you to realize your expenses up front, with no surprise charges included. Automated follow-up Real estate professionals know that the best time to follow up with a new lead is as soon as possible. But in your busy schedule, following up with every lead is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Lead generation technology that provides you with a system to follow up with leads for you will inevitably be worth the cost. After all, think of all the leads you may have missed out on by trying to contact each one manually. An automated lead follow-up system will help you save time and bring in new clients. Tested and proven landing pages Landing pages play a big part in a successful digital marketing campaign. A quality landing page needs to include some essential features to convert a high percentage of leads including: Visually appealing design Customized agent/broker brand information A comprehensive lead form A strong headline and click-through action If a lead generation company does not provide these features, you may want to look elsewhere. Optimized digital ads Do you know the best places to display your advertising so it will be seen by the right audience? Or how to optimize ads to avoid ad fatigue and get the most value out of your ad spend? If your experience with running ads on multiple platforms is limited, you should consider letting a professional do it for you. The best lead generation software displays your ads on multiple platforms to increase your ad visibility. You need a lead generation company that provides ads that fit your brand criteria and is consistently A/B tested to make sure your ads are getting the best possible delivery including cost per click and the highest possible lead volume. If you're in the market for more leads (who isn't?), there are some great options out there. But most of the software that's available doesn't offer all of the characteristics we've listed above at an affordable price. If you're looking for the best features and the most leads, we recommend BoldLeads for a comprehensive real estate lead generation platform that will help you find workable buyer and seller leads to fill your sales funnels. To view the original article, visit the Lone Wolf blog. Next Steps Explore more Lead Generation solutions in our Product Directory Read articles about Lead Generation

[Podcast] Decoding Real Estate: Video as a Lead Generating Machine with Karin Carr
Today we welcome a special guest, Karin Carr, the Amazon bestselling author of YouTube for Real Estate Agents, and founder of the Video Boss Agent Academy. With over 15 years of experience as a REALTOR®, Karin has become a sought-after speaker on video marketing, and she's here to share her expertise with us. In this episode, we'll explore video as a lead-generating machine and how Karin fell into the YouTube video niche. We'll learn about the competitive advantage of using video, the difference between leads generated through video versus traditional lead generation sites, and how agents can cut through the excuses and get started with video marketing. Karin will also share her thoughts on the key elements of creating a successful sales funnel with video, including calls to action, landing pages, lead magnets and auto-responses. We'll discuss the importance of increasing visibility and building meaningful consumer relationships, as well as the biggest mistakes agents make when incorporating video into their marketing plans. Finally, we'll dive into Karin's popular Market Update LIVE! and discuss the value of hyper-local market update videos. If you're looking to expand your business with video, Karin's book, YouTube for Real Estate Agents, might be a great place to start. So sit back, relax, and join us as we decode the power of video marketing with Karin Carr. Decoding Real Estate is hosted by Reggie Nicolay and Genie Willett. Subscribe/Follow And be sure to check out these helpful and relevant links: Karin Carr YouTube Page YouTube for Real Estate Agents Realtors Property Resource RPR's Market Trends Listen on: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

How to Turn Your Real Estate Buyers into Seller Leads
Successful real estate vets tend to work off of mostly referral business. They've been in the game for a while and have an extensive sphere of influence. To successfully transition your buyers into seller leads and repeat clients, you need to play the long game. And it takes patience and strategy to win! What is the long game exactly? Think of it as the ability to transition first-time clients into repeat real estate customers. If you put your process in place now, your pipeline will reap the benefits for years down the road. In order to build a bulletproof seller lead strategy, combine tactics to create more immediate demand for seller leads with this personalized approach for longer term seller leads. Understanding Your Repeat Client Before you craft a longer term seller lead strategy, you need to know your audience. Your clients may differe in everything other than the fact they made a real estate transaction one time with you, however, there are still a few national trends to consider. For example, when you're writing follow-up plans to keep the conversation going after a closing, the likelihood of a client purchasing a larger home after first purchasing a condo is much higher due to getting married, growing a family, wanting more space, relocation, etc. Simple stuff! So, don't assume you can market to your repeat clients in the same way you marketed to them the first time around. After your lead becomes a client, and this client closes on a home, the transaction may be complete. But their buying cycle is only beginning. It is your job to follow along with this cycle and be there when they round the circle and are ready to sell, or buy, again. Give White Glove Service (Even After Closing Day) If you hope to have your clients return the second transaction around, then your business needs to live and breathe memorable moments. These are the moments and memorabilia your clients will remember you by and hopefully down the road, will nudge them towards the phone when they want to sell. "Your customers are only satisfied because their expectations are so low and because no one else is doing better. Just having satisfied customers isn't good enough anymore. If you really want a booming business, you have to create Raving Fans." – Ken Blanchard Closing gifts are the perfect opportunity to kick-off a lasting relationship with your client. You should have the go-to gift for everyone, but it really shows when you take the time to gift an item, experience or gift card specific to that person. Take into account if your buyer(s) are tech savvy, eco-friendly, families, just starting out, vacation homebuyers, etc. Keep Your Clients Engaged Between Real Estate Transactions The easiest route to keeping up communication between transactions is email. Consider these transaction follow-up campaigns to be your "Loyalty Program." And every good loyalty program retains consistent communication over time. To make it easy, we've compiled a list of emails and email ideas below to help jump start your follow-up process. These can be coupled with a newsletter or done on their own. Example of a Homebuyer Follow-Up Campaign 1 Day After Closing: "The Congratulations Email" This communication should congratulate the buyer, confirm they received their closing gift, reaffirm how much you loved working with them, ask for a review, and state the upcoming to-dos after purchasing a home. 30 Days After Closing: "Reminders Email" Remind the recent buyer of upcoming deadlines such as the one for permanent residency tax applications. Go the extra mile and mention you will call them closer to the deadline to make sure they have turned their important documents in. In this email, you need to continue to reaffirm their decision to buy and remind them of discounts for new homeowners at local or chain stores. 60 Days After Closing: "Reference List Email" It has now been two months since closing and the reality of owning a property has set in. At this point, it may be helpful to send a "check-in" email including a list of local references you would use including plumbers, landscaping companies, electricians, dog sitters, contractors, pest control services, home alarm businesses, etc. 6 Months After Closing: "Bi-Annual Check-In" At the six month mark, you should begin sending emails with value and service all packaged into one. These should be market updates displaying localized information on the housing market. The new property owner sheen is still fresh, but after six months owners will be curious to see whether or not their investment is gaining value and what else is happening on the market. 1 Year After Closing: "Closing Anniversary Email" Congratulate your client(s) for owning their property for a year! Reaffirm what a fantastic decision they made and keep the lines of communication open in case they need anything. Communication After One Year: These emails needs to be consistent and engaging. Continue to send e-cards for birthdays, annual "homeowner anniversary" emails, and newsletters. Newsletters: Organizing a quarterly newsletter is an excellent outlet for post-transaction communication. You don't want to overload your clients, but it's important to reach out and maintain a relationship. These newsletters should include local events (preferably those you are involved with), charitable opportunities in the area, holiday homeowner updates (Black Friday sales particular to homeowners!) and, mostly important, home value market updates. And remember, the golden rule for email follow-up is to not send emails unto others as you would have them sent unto you. So, if you wouldn't derive value from an email, then why would they? Ask yourself this before you hit send every time. Listings Come to Those Who Wait (and Follow-Up) The constant grind of generating leads and following up is not for the faint of heart. But like any career, you gain experience by doing. Through systematically automating your process with a CRM, you can cut out half the time you would spend manually customizing emails. To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.

The Only Follow-Up Plan You Need for Seller Leads
Perhaps you have the right plan in place for your buyer leads, but you're struggling to engage and nurture your seller leads, or maybe you just need some fresh ideas. Either way, here's a solid plan to create more conversations and land more listings. And did I mention this plan includes eleven weeks of touches? Best Practices for Following up with Seller Leads Don't forget the tried and true best practices for following up with anyone: Apeed to lead. Respond as quickly as possible to new leads. Every minute counts. Provide value: Give them what they need before they even know they need it with helpful, relevant information. Include a variety of follow-up methods in your nurture plan: calls, emails, texts, social media, etc. And remember, once you've gotten the response, pull that lead off of your campaign and communicate based on that lead's specific communication preferences and needs. Okay, here we go! Week 1 Seller Lead Strategy This is the most intense part of the campaign, with a communication plan for each day. Since you know there is interest in their home's worth, now is the time for a full court press. Day 1: Since the leads are registering through your home valuation page, they should automatically receive their home valuation and market report upon registration, and you should receive a notification in your CRM. This lead is H.O.T. so call them ASAP. No answer? Here's a sample voicemail: Hi, this is <Your Name> with <Your Company>. You should be receiving your home value report shortly, but I am also putting together a custom report with some interesting comps from your neighborhood. I'd love to deliver this version to you and answer any questions. Then follow up with an email: Subject: Your Home Value Report for <address> Hi <prospect name>, I left you a voicemail, but figured I'd send you an email in case it's easier for you to respond this way. Thank you for your home value request on <company website>. I'm working up a custom report for you and was wondering if you had any questions I could help with in the meantime. I would love to deliver a copy to your home today if you're available. Thanks! Taking the time to deliver the report shows off your level of service and if they take you up on the meeting, it's a great way to get face-to-face, run through the report, answer any questions, and start taking the relationship to the next level. Day 2: Shoot the lead a text message. Sometimes this is the best communication method for people and they prefer to talk via text rather than over the phone. (It also eliminates the possibility of your email drowning in an overly-crowded inbox! Day 3: Try to call your prospect again, mail the customized value report to their address (with a note). Voicemail: Hi <prospect name>, this is < your name> with <company name>. Just wanted to follow up and make sure you received the home value report I delivered, and to see if you have any questions I may be able to help with. I actually have some questions for you that would help me with estimating you home's worth even better, so please give me a call or send me a quick email. Hand-written note: Hi <prospect name> Thank you so much for reaching out to learn more about your home's value. I hope you had an opportunity to look over the value estimate and report I delivered, but in case you didn't receive it, here's another copy for you to look through. Please let me know if I can answer any questions. All the best, <your name> <company name> *include a business card too! Day 4: Set your prospect up to receive automatic updates (e-Alerts) on similar listings and market activity. Day 5: Email some similar active listings: Subject: Check out these comparable listings Hi <prospect name>, Here are some homes that are for sale that are similar to your own. Feel free to check out <company website> for more information and properties! Day 6: Send an email with your customized value report attached. Subject: Your customized report Hi <prospect name>, I hope you enjoyed your valuation report. While they can be helpful in getting a better idea of your home's worth, they are generated from third party data, so I made a few tweaks based on my knowledge of market activity in your area. I dropped this by your home, but thought it might be helpful to have a digital version as well. I'd love to discuss any questions or issues you may have! Day 7: Make a phone call and follow up with a brief text. Voicemail: Hi <prospect name>, this is <your name>. I just wanted to follow up and make sure you your were satisfied with the requested property report and value range of your home. I know the range may seem a bit broad, but we can adjust and narrow that down if I could get you to answer a few questions for me about your home. Even if you're just curious about the market, I'd be happy to provide any advice that might be helpful. Feel free to call me any time or shoot me an email. Thanks and have a great day! 10-Week Drip Campaign for Seller Leads If you still don't have a response after your week-long effort, it's time to approach your lead with the "low and slow" method. This next phase involves an email drip campaign that delivers one message per week for the next 10 weeks. Week 2 Seller Lead Strategy This email is just checking back in and trying to gain some information around the prospect's timeline and intentions. Subject: Is your home worth more than you think? Hi <prospect name>, I wanted to check in with you about your home valuation report and see what you thought about the provided price range. Too high or too low? I know it's a broad estimate, but things like past remodels and updates could impact the value nicely. Are you considering selling or simply interested in your home's current value? I'd be happy to help either way. All the best, <your name> Week 3 Seller Lead Strategy This next touch is taking a new tack to trying to get a response: asking a very specific question. (If you are right, or wrong, in assuming they may be relocating, you have a high chance of getting a reply!) Subject: Are you relocating? Hi, Since you were curious about the current value of your home, I was wondering if you may be planning to move or relocate. Is this the case for you? If you're planning to move somewhere nearby or relocating further away, I'd be happy to help. Nearby: Just tell me which neighborhoods you're interested in and I'll make sure you receive the freshest listing information and a market report so you can get a good feel for pricing in that market. Relocating: I'm happy to tap into my network to connect you with a trustworthy agent to help you look for homes in your desired area. Just let me know what's most helpful! Week 4 Seller Lead Strategy Here's a check in on the e-Alerts they're receiving and if they are the right type of parameters. If they're enjoying the alerts then they might tell you as much, and if they're a little off, this is the chance for them to let you know. Subject: Staying on top of the market Hi, I hope you've been enjoying learning a bit more about the market activity around your home and receiving similar properties that have been listed. I can make these alerts even more customized if you'd like to limit the search for only homes in your neighborhood, with the same square footage, etc. Also, if you're moving, it's never too early to research the market you'd like to move to! Let me know what you're looking for in your next home and I'll send you some homes to check out! Week 5 Seller Lead Strategy Remember, to be of value for your clients, it's your job to share your expertise. That means taking the market information and translating it into terms they can understand, and relating it to their own situation. Or, as Steve Harney would say, "connecting the dots." Subject: The right time to sell? Hi, Our area is enjoying a market where home values are on the rise. When homes are priced correctly and marketed effectively, there are frequently multiple offers for a property within a few days of listing. Here's a helpful link to see current stats for your zip code <insert link>. Most of my clients find this really useful! Let me know if you have any questions, I am happy to help! Week 6 Seller Lead Strategy Make another call! Check in and ask things like "What's your timeline?" "What did you think of the home value range?" etc. Subject: Your home is worth how much?! Hi, To get top dollar for your home, we'll want to determine what a buyer will pay in the current market. Determining the market value of your home is complex and you should use a local expert to help you determine that price. Some key factors include: Location Lot size Square footage Special enhancements and features of your home If you are a little ways out from selling, we can work together now on a few minor and inexpensive changes so you can draw in higher offers when you decide to put it on the market. Call me on my cell <insert number> so we can find a time to discuss. Or send me your number and I'll call you. Week 7 Seller Lead Strategy Now is a great time to make sure your listing presentation game is strong. Offer an explanation of what you can do to market their home and show how many buyer leads you have at the ready! Subject: A marketing plan for <insert address> Hi, What's the difference between listings and marketing your home? Listing is just getting it on the market, but marketing is what is done to drawing buyers in and getting top dollar for your home. That's where I come in! As a successful listing agent in the area, creating a strategic marketing plan with the homeowner before we list has been crucial to getting my sellers the best price for their home. Let's set up a time where we can discuss a marketing strategy for your home. Before we meet, feel free to send over any thoughts you have: 1. Who do you think will be the perfect buyer of your home? (A large family, a couple downsizing,etc.)2. What are your favorite features of your home? Why? Looking forward to hearing from you! Week 8 Seller Lead Strategy If you're creating fresh content for your website, blog, or social media accounts (and you should be!), share something that might be useful to a potential seller. Want a little treat? Here is some tweetable advice you can share with seller leads. Subject: Top 5 Ways to Boost Your Curb Appeal Hi, Did you know that doing just a few simple, inexpensive things to your home before you put it on the market can increase your home selling potential up to 10%? Here's a link to my blog post, "The top 5 ways to improve your home's first impression." My past client found this very helpful when we were selling their home and I hope you will too. Let me know if you'd like to chat about the selling process! Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you! Week 9 Seller Lead Strategy It may be worth offering some giveaway to pique the interest of the potential seller. The below email details the opportunity for a staging consult, but you could also offer a free appraisal as well. Subject: Free home staging Hey, I just wanted to drop you a quick note about a special offer for a free home staging consultation with my favorite local home stager (they help make your house look pretty when we show your property). These guys are awesome and this is a service I highly recommend. The deal is good for the rest of this month. Let me know if you're interested! Week 10 Seller Lead Strategy Testimonial time! Demonstrate the success you've had in a similar area selling homes, or showcase what similar homes you have sold. Now is a great time to pull in testimonials from past clients and brag a little bit (humbly of course!) about any big wins with multiple offers, time to sale, etc. Subject: Sold: 3 homes just like yours Hi, Just wanted to let you know that these homes, similar to your own, were all sold in under one month (and one even went above asking price!). Here are some things my clients have to say: *Insert testimonial* *Insert testimonial* I would love to be able to offer you the same experience they all enjoyed. Would you have some time today to chat about this market and what your timeline is like? I look forward to hearing from you! Week 11 Seller Lead Strategy If you still haven't had any bites after all these touches, it's a good idea to make sure they haven't been put off by anything, and put the ball back in their court. Subject: Did I drop the ball? Hi <prospect name> I have yet to hear back from you, so I want to make sure I didn't drop the ball. When you initially reached out to me you were interested in the value of your home. Are you just looking to refinance or do you want to potentially sell sometime down the road? I don't want to bug you, so here's how you can contact me: <insert name><insert phone number><insert email> I would love to help you with any of your real estate questions or needs. Warm regards, <your name> Nurturing Non-Responsive Seller Leads Continue sending your seller leads automatic e-Alerts and market updates to stay top of mind and keep adding value. Even if they are a ways out from selling their home, or unresponsive, it's certainly worth keeping them involved in your digital marketing efforts. That way, when the time does come when they're ready for help, you'll be the person they turn to. With the right technology, and automated processes, nurturing seller leads can be a breeze. To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.

Outperform Your Competition with These 10 Prospecting Essentials
It's no secret, prospecting is a critical factor in determining how successful you will be in the real estate industry. This article will identify prospecting strategies to help you stand out from the competition and increase your real estate success. From knowing your niche to utilizing digital marketing to its fullest potential, these strategies will help you make the most of your time, acquire more leads, and close more deals. 1. Know Your Niche Identify your competitive advantage and focus your efforts on the areas where you excel. Also, consider the type of clients you want to work with and the services you can offer to meet their needs. 2. Leverage Behavioral Targeting to Connect with Your Ideal Prospects With your niche selected, use behavioral targeting to identify key characteristics of your prospects and then craft a message that speaks directly to them. 3. Create a Localized Website with SEO Optimization This is your home base for showcasing your listings, marketing your services, and providing resources for buyers, sellers, and investors. Consider including a blog to discuss local real estate news and showcase local resources such as schools, restaurants, and attractions. 4. Embrace Video in Your Marketing Video has the potential to reach a large audience and gives potential prospects a chance to get to know you — building your trust and credibility. Your tips and market insights will help to position you as a local market expert. Video marketing also helps you stay top-of-mind with past clients. 5. Leverage Social Media to Connect with Prospects Social media is a terrific way to build relationships with prospects and create content that adds value to their lives. Share helpful advice and tips about the area, the real estate market, and the home buying/selling process. Connect with local businesses and organizations to increase your presence in the community and become a trusted resource. 6. Host Events to Network with Prospects Host open houses or educational seminars that allow potential prospects to meet and learn more about you. Consider participating in, or organizing, local community events to meet new locals and build connections. 7. Develop an Effective Follow-Up Process It's important to follow up with prospects after initial contact to stay top of mind. Take the time to craft a personalized message tailored to the prospect. Ask questions that will give you insight into their needs and wants. And don't rush the process! Be patient and take the time to build trust and rapport. 8. Providing Exceptional Customer Service Always strive to provide the highest level of customer service to ensure prospects will remember you and reach out for future business. That starts with listening intently, following through on promises, providing timely answers, and going above and beyond when needed. 9. Leverage Referrals from Past Clients Word-of-mouth referrals from happy past clients are invaluable for real estate prospecting. Sending thank you notes is a great way to thank past clients for their business and remind them to refer their friends and family. 10. Develop an Effective Lead-Nurturing Strategy It's important to identify and prioritize leads based on their level of engagement and interest, so you can focus your efforts on the most promising leads. This is why it's important to have a lead-nurturing strategy that includes targeted content, automated emails and follow-up calls to keep prospects interested and engaged. Prospective clients are out there… we'll help you find them What's just as important as your current client? Your next one! Proven prospecting methods like the ones above will help fill your pipeline and start some conversations. Use this top ten list of prospecting strategies and tactics to stand out from the pack and get noticed. To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

Google Sheets + Your CRM = Open House Dream Team
Did you know you can use Google Sheets for lead capture? It's true—rather than paying for open house apps or building lead capture pages, you can simply use this free tool as an easy way to capture leads. That's not the only use for Google Sheets, either. Use the new year as an excuse to reach out to your database and ask them to update or verify their contact info. Simply text or email them the link to a Google Sheets form, et voilà! (It's also a good excuse to reach out to old contacts.) In the video above, Gabe from API Nation shows you how to set up a Google Sheets spreadsheet for lead capture. He'll also show you how to connect it to your CRM—and that's where the magic truly starts to happen... Syncing Sheets with your CRM So you've got a lead's contact information on a Google Sheets. What's the easiest way to get it into your CRM? Sync it! If your CRM doesn't offer direct integration with Google products, you can create an integration of your own via API Nation, a service that connects technology platforms to each other. That way, information entered into your Google Sheet will automatically be sent to your CRM—no manual input, exporting or importing required. API Nation can connect Google Sheets to most major real estate CRMs, including: kvCORE MoxiWorks BoomTown Follow Up Boss Chime LionDesk and more To learn more about connecting your CRM with Google Sheets Sync, watch the video above or visit this page. Happy lead capture!

10 Ways Real Estate Agents Can Get More Listings
As a real estate agent, one of the most important aspects of your job is to secure listings. The more listings you have, the more successful you will be. However, we all know that getting more listings can be a challenging task. However, we've got you covered! In this post, we will discuss 10 ways real estate agents can get more listings and increase their chances of building a successful career in the industry. Whether you're a new agent or a seasoned pro, read on to learn how you can boost your listings and take your real estate career to the next level. 1. Networking Since networking enables real estate brokers to establish connections with other businesspeople in the field, it is a crucial method for obtaining more listings. Through recommendations and partnerships, these connections may result in new listings. For instance, if a real estate agent and mortgage broker have a solid working connection, the mortgage broker may recommend the agent to potential clients who are looking to purchase or sell a home. Furthermore, connecting with other local agents might result in listing collaborations where brokers can split the workload of marketing and showing a property to prospective purchasers. This can help the property get more publicity and boost the likelihood that it will sell. Furthermore, networking with other professionals in the industry, such as home inspectors, can provide real estate agents with valuable information and resources that can help them to better serve their clients and win more listings. 2. Cold calling Cold calling allows real estate professionals to speak with potential clients who may not be actively looking for an agent, meaning it can help them get more listings. Cold calling entails getting in touch with local property owners and informing them that you are a real estate agent willing to assist them in selling their home. Agents that want to boost their clientele and the number of listings they have for sale may find this to be a useful tactic. 3. Open houses Due to the fact that they give agents the chance to exhibit their listings and personally interact with potential clients, open houses can help real estate professionals acquire more listings. A wonderful approach to increase attention and draw potential buyers is holding open houses for your own listings. Additionally, hosting open houses for other agents' listings will enable you to meet possible clients who may be in the market to buy or sell a property. 4. Marketing By expanding their visibility and audience as well as by producing leads, marketing can assist real estate agents in obtaining more listings. The use of direct mail or internet advertising in targeted marketing initiatives can help you reach a larger audience and create new leads. For instance, agents can employ demographically specialized web advertising to connect with prospective buyers and sellers in particular neighborhoods. By doing this, you may have a better chance of connecting with folks who are looking to purchase or sell a home right now. 5. Referral program The establishment of a referral program can assist real estate agents in obtaining a greater number of listings. A system in which agents reward previous customers, friends, and family for referring new customers is known as a referral program. When friends, family, and previous clients recommend an agent to a new client, they are essentially praising the agent's expertise and quality of service, which can increase the likelihood that the new client will work with the agent. Referral programs can be a powerful way for real estate agents to generate new business due to the fact that people are more likely to trust and work with someone who has been referred to them by someone they know and trust. 6. Online presence By making it simpler for potential clients to find and get in touch with them, having an online presence can help real estate agents get more listings. Agents can reach a larger audience and generate new leads by having a professional website, active social media accounts, and presence on online real estate platforms. 7. Attend local events Through increasing their visibility and establishing relationships with potential clients and other professionals in the industry, attending local events can assist real estate agents in obtaining more listings. Agents can meet and connect with people in the community at events like local fairs, festivals, charity events, and networking events. Agents can become a local authority and generate leads by being present in the community and being active. 8. Use data By providing them with useful data about the local real estate market and potential clients, data can assist real estate agents in obtaining more listings. Agents can gain a deeper understanding of the local real estate market and use this information to inform their marketing and sales strategies by analyzing data on things like property prices, sales volume, demographic information, and market trends. 9. Build your personal brand By distinguishing them from their competitors and establishing them as experts in their field, building a personal brand can assist real estate agents in obtaining more listings. The way an agent presents themselves to the general public—including their image, reputation, and the message they convey—is their personal brand. Agents can attract more clients, generate leads, and increase their chances of getting more listings by developing a strong personal brand. 10. Follow up Keeping their name in the minds of potential clients and developing relationships with them, following up with clients can help real estate agents get more listings. Agents are able to keep in touch with current clients, leads, and potential clients and maintain relationships by communicating with them on a regular basis. Clients are more likely to work with an agent with whom they have a relationship, so this can help you get more listings. In conclusion Being a real estate agent is a competitive field. The more listings you have, the more successful you will be. By using these 10 methods, you can increase your chances of getting more listings and building a successful career in real estate. To view the original article, visit the Transactly blog.

How to Create High-converting Landing Pages
If you could increase your return on investment (ROI) in your real estate business today, what marketing strategy would you use? Our best guess is to use landing pages. A landing page has a high chance of converting visitors into leads or potential clients. It gets even better when your website attracts massive traffic. While many people often confuse landing pages for home pages, landing pages are much more specific and have a single goal that is often highly targeted. Therefore, a high-converting landing page is one that automatically compels visitors to click the CTA (call to action) button, resulting in leads. Below are a few tips on creating a high-converting landing page for your real estate website. Target Audience For your landing page to be high-converting, you need to target your audience. Always start with the end goal in mind. Landing pages aren't meant for a general audience, but serve as a final destination for your internet users who click on your ads. Ensure that your landing page caters to the needs and questions of your audience, making them more likely to contact you for your services. Write a Compelling Headline Your landing page headline should captivate the visitor's attention. Headlines are the first thing visitors see when they get on your landing page. So the headline should clearly state your ad's value. If your landing page ticks this box, your chances of converting a visitor to a lead will increase. Keep It Concise and Simple A lot of users quickly get bored reading through chunky content. Ensure that your landing page content is concise and simple to avoid confusing the visitor with long paragraphs of endless information. It will be more difficult to seal a deal with a lead that needs clarification about your offer. So get to the point with information about the value of your product or service. Lean on Social Proof Although it may seem straightforward to exchange contact information for helpful content, as there is no financial cost to your audience, individuals are understandably guarded about their email and personal information. Trust is a crucial component of a successful landing page, just like in every real estate marketing effort. Therefore, Realtors should include reviews and other forms of social proof, such as certifications, awards or even earned badges, to show potential clients that their business is legit and trustworthy. Use Images and Video Efficiency is essential for landing pages. For example, a striking image or video can often be more effective than short headlines. So real estate professionals should use high-quality images to draw visitors' attention and show them how much value your brand offers. Additionally, the quality of your images or videos clearly reflects your brand, what it has to offer, and its value to others. That's why it's important that the media quality adds value to your brand's image rather than taking from it. Like every other component in your real estate marketing engine, landing pages need a complex web of interlocking methods to work in harmony to bring in new clients and listings. So as you narrow down on your target group and branch out to new targets, don't hesitate to explore fresh communication techniques and new approaches. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog. Further Reading 3 Keys to Creating Effective Real Estate Landing Pages Landing Pages: Your Secret Lead Conversion Weapon Landing Pages for Real Estate Seller Lead Generation

[Best of 2022] Is Cold Calling Still Effective in Real Estate?
We're continuing an annual tradition of counting down our top 10 articles of the year. The following article was originally published in February and is #4 in our countdown. See #5 here. Over the past several months, the debate between those who believe cold calling is dead and those who swear by it intensified. To be honest, we all know how intimidating cold calling can be. When it comes to calling strangers on the phone, some rookie real estate agents are hesitant. And others may be concerned about receiving negative reactions or not having a positive return of investment (ROI). Of course, each side has reasoning behind their choice. But before we delve into the nitty-gritty of cold calling, let's look at what it is all about. Meaning of Cold Calling in Real Estate Cold calling is one of the real estate industry's most traditional marketing strategies. It entails contacting a prospective consumer who has not previously interacted with you or expressed any interest in the product or service you provide in an attempt to gain their business. Cold calling aims not to analyze, make a pitch, complete a deal, or engage in a discussion. Instead, the goal of cold calling is to transition from an interruption to a scheduled appointment when you gain the prospect's full attention. However, we found that there are many opinions regarding this topic, backed by very little information. But here is what you need to know about cold calling. Cold Calling Statistics How Many Cold Calls Do Real Estate Agents Make? According to this Keller Research Center Report, which specifically targets the B2C market, real estate agents made about 6,264 cold calls and discovered that just 28 percent of the calls were answered. The agents scheduled 19 appointments with prospective customers and received 11 referrals from this 28 percent. This implies that an agent will secure only one appointment or referral for every 209 calls made. Therefore, the overall time commitment required per agent to finish all 209 calls was roughly 7.5 hours. (Some ended up in conversations while others did not.) Of course, the closing ratio in the real estate industry will, at this point, assess the effectiveness of a marketing strategy. It is not that cold calling won't produce any results, but rather that the cost of the lead and the sale may be achieved more efficiently through alternative techniques. The goal is to measure your performance and rely on analytics to get informed. How Well Does Cold Calling Work? Implisit, a firm that Salesforce recently acquired, studied the CRM data of organizations around the world. They discovered that the leads that created the best conversions originated from employee and customer recommendations. Leads generated through social media came in second place. According to a study by Leap Job, only 2 percent of cold calls resulted in an appointment. Similarly, Ovation Sales Group discovered that it takes an average agent 6.25 hours to schedule one meeting with a prospect. If we apply Implisit's analysis, suppose that these appointments are now regarded as opportunities. Only 6 percent of these appointments are likely to result in sales. When you examine the data, you can't say cold calling doesn't work. However, its effectiveness is fast becoming questionable. This finding is supported by a HubSpot study (The State of Inbound), which discovered that cold calling is 60 percent more expensive per lead than other strategies. This discussion, as you can see, is not a debate about whether or not cold calling works. At some level, it works. However, the essential question is: how well does it work? Is the ROI on this endeavor improving or deteriorating? Is the number of calls necessary to produce a qualifying lead increasing or decreasing? Real estate agents must develop new approaches to reach decision makers. If you don't rely on verifiable facts like this, you're probably losing out on trends that might predict a storm coming your way. How to Warm Up Cold Calls No one can dispute the digital revolution engulfing real estate. As technology improves, brokers are using new tools to locate the appropriate consumers and close more deals. This is the main reason why there is a debate regarding the effectiveness of cold calling. From the data discussed above, we agree that there is massive room for improvement in our outreach efforts, especially regarding cold calling. Here are two top tips on how to warm up cold calls for better lead generation. Sophisticated prospecting The days of painstakingly combing through property records and portfolio information for possible leads are long gone. What was once a time-consuming process of identifying potential listing, clients, and purchase and refinancing options is now as simple as clicking a button. In addition, real estate technology and off-market data platforms are now readily available to simplify the prospecting process, allowing real estate professionals to conduct custom searches and rapidly discover property owners and other potential leads. Get in touch with decision makers After identifying a promising lead to pursue, Realtors sometimes encounter roadblocks since they cannot access the necessary contact details of the property owner or the lead. Dealing with this situation is frustrating, and it results in a waste of the agents' time. Instead of finding the decision maker, the real estate professional is usually given inadequate information or a gatekeeper's phone number, which hinders them from speaking with the right people to make a deal. However, agents may avoid dealing with gatekeepers and directly contact the decision makers with the proper real estate technology and data. Top Alternatives to Cold Calling CRM Businesses have relied on numerous lead generation techniques for decades. Customer relationship management (CRM) includes tactics to maintain a healthy and lucrative relationship with potential and existing customers. CRM blends cutting-edge technology with sales and marketing methods to increase lead generation and customer satisfaction. LinkedIn Before you make a phone call, LinkedIn might be an excellent approach to form a personal relationship with a buyer. It is also a great way to expand your audience. LinkedIn Sales Navigator is an effective tool for locating qualified prospects who match your ideal customer profile. It is also effective at maximizing your existing relationships to increase access to high-level decision-makers. Email An effective technique to reach out to and engage prospective customers is via email campaigns that deliver useful information that doesn't revolve around your services. Providing email content that isn't just a meeting request or a sales pitch is also an effective strategy to engage dormant or difficult to reach leads. It can also assist you in determining when to contact an inbound lead with a targeted message. Referrals Most B2B businesses begin their work with a referral, and nearly three-quarters of executives prefer to work with agents referred by network connection. Asking for recommendations from existing clients who may benefit from your service is incredibly effective. Warm Calling Warm calling is a networking approach that builds trust and rapport with a prospect before making a phone call. An increasingly effective way to make this discovery is through a personal referral, as this historically has happened. Unfortunately, cold calling only has a 1% success rate compared to warm calling, with a 30% success rate. Direct Mail Can you recall the last time you received or even read a letter? Perhaps not, but many businesses have effectively used direct mail or "snail mail" campaigns to reach their target audiences. This strategy allows for personalization, which is a plus. Given the current lead and client acquisition cost, a modest, inexpensive gift included with the letter might be worth the extra expense. Physical Events Not only do we use social media to network, but there are a plethora of networking events organized for practically any industry and place with substantial job prospects. While they might be fairs, exhibitions, or conferences, they may also be events explicitly aimed at networking. Although ticket prices may be high, many people attending events like these will bring in new customers for a salesperson on the spot, making them well worth the investment. Social Media Engagement Engage in social media conversations with the appropriate people. Growing your social media audience and your prospective list of prospects will be facilitated by contacting and interacting with thought leaders in your industry and potential users who meet the criteria for your ideal buyer profile. Takeaway Today, sourcing techniques have evolved. Instead of file cabinets, online databases are now storehouses of information. In summary, the effectiveness and scalability of cold calling is greatly affected by changes in data. It takes away uncertainty while providing confidence every step of the way, allowing for the fast development of more powerful relationships, especially because Realtors these days have so much information at their disposal that they don't have to talk to a prospect until they are ready to buy or sell. Technology has streamlined any setbacks that real estate professionals could encounter while trying to generate and convert leads. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

[Best of 2022] Tips for Growing the Listing Side of Your Real Estate Business
We're continuing an annual tradition of counting down our top 10 articles of the year. The following article was originally published in March and is #8 in our countdown. See #9 here. Building the listing side of your business will help you become a more balanced agent that can thrive in any market, whether it's favoring buyers or sellers. Here are essential tips that can help agents expand their listing services to grow in their markets. How to Get Started When you want to begin expanding your listing services, your online presence is a great way to start. Building new landing pages marketing your listing services on your website will help you create a resume for your seller leads. Giving sellers strong content to engage with will present you as a reputable listing agent with insight, experience, and market knowledge. Website Landing Page Ideas to Attract Sellers: Home Renovations to Increase ROI Seller Tips for (Year) Local Market Reports Seller Testimonials Essential Home Selling Guide Glossary of Home Sale Terms Things to Expect When Selling Your First Home How to Prepare a Home for Listing Another option for kickstarting your listing services is to organize your CRM based on client needs. Tagging your clients and leads as sellers and buyers allows you to leverage bulk actions when following up with your network. This gives agents the chance to begin sending out targeted engagement to seller leads in their CRM. #ProTip: Don't forget to reach out to buyers that you worked with in the past in case they're ready to re-enter the market as sellers! Tips for Building a Solid Listing Presentation When growing the listing side of your business, you'll need to master listing presentations. Listing presentations are where agents pitch their services to a potential seller. Successful listing presentations result in being hired by the seller, meaning you just converted a new client. The listing presentation is the agent's chance to prove to the seller why they are the best decision for the job. Use these five tips when building your listing presentations to improve your conversion rate and stand out from competing agents. #1. Include a Bio and Noteworthy Stats In most cases, the listing presentation serves as the first introduction between sellers and agents. You want to make a strong first impression, and that means including a bio and noteworthy career highlights in your listing presentation. Make your career bio a short "about me" introduction to set the stage for the listing presentation. It's a good idea to include your best real estate stats, like annual production volume and sales data, to prove your statement — that you're the best choice for the job. #2. Add a Detailed Marketing Plan Sellers want an agent that can leverage a robust marketing strategy when selling their home. Instead of just saying that you can sell the home, prove it to them by providing a detailed marketing plan. Explaining the steps you will take to attract buyers will build trust with the seller and give them a preview of the services they'll have access to once they sign you on as an agent. #ProTip: Remember to include your social media channels here so the seller can explore your pages and follow you. #3. Provide Content for Your Audience Whether you're giving your listing presentation in person or online via video call, your audience should have something in hand to keep their attention and provide more information. Give your audience something to follow along with. For a live presentation, consider bringing a printed worksheet with additional tips. For an online presentation, send a PDF with supplemental information in advance. Not only does this keep your audience engaged, but it also gives sellers something to walk away with that has your brand on it. #4. Include a Local Market Recap Show sellers your value as an agent by including a brief market recap in your listing presentation. This introduces you as a data-backed agent that can recommend informed seller strategies based on real-time market data. Include data like: Whether the market is favoring sellers or buyers Average days on the market Average listing price Inventory levels Buyer demand #ProTip: Don't forget to include a few comments on what trends are popular in your local market. For example, if buyers are paying more for recently renovated kitchens or if sellers are waiving a certain contingency to win buyers. #5. Bring in Client Testimonials The listing presentation is a great place to introduce client testimonials. This strategy shows sellers that you have a good reputation with your past clients while giving them a preview of what it's like working with you. #ProTip: Instead of having one portion of the presentation only about testimonials, include them throughout the presentation. Select client feedback that is relevant to what you're talking about and use the testimonials to back up what you're saying. When you're talking about ways to generate buyer leads to sell a home quickly, it's a good idea to include a testimonial saying how a seller was thrilled at how fast you were able to secure an offer. 5 Easy Ways to Generate Seller Leads Targeted Facebook Ads Email Marketing Campaigns Specifically for Sellers Invest in Advertising in Local Newspapers and Magazines Find Sellers at Open Houses Work with BoomTown! To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.

Why and How to Boost Your Online Presence to Get More Leads
Real estate marketing, social media, repeat and referral, top-of-mind marketing. You've probably heard of all of them, but may not know how they apply to your real estate business. And even if you do, the nuances may be so eclectic they continuously escape you, leaving you with a social media marketing strategy that no longer works or an outdated well of tactics that Google and company no longer smile favorably on. Take a deep breath, massage your temples and embrace social media — even as a real estate professional. Why social media marketing is so crucial in real estate Social media platforms have a wide range of new lead generation potential, while allowing you to stay up-to-date with your past clients. The relationship aspect of social media accounts is a well-known facet of the platforms and their target markets. But other than just having access to more leads and past happy clients, what are successful real estate agents using their platforms for? Marketing and influence. Most social media platforms allow you to utilize their built-in metrics to gauge what marketing strategies are working with your brand and which to leave by the wayside. Social media posts pushed from marketing and business managers often come with insights that tell you who engaged with the post, what the engagement was like, and whether to update your locale to reach more of your target market. But to get the most out of this, you'll have to ensure you have a deep well of influence across your channels. How do I strengthen my social media presence? Post often and post about more than just houses, neighborhoods and market updates. While these things are great to post about, venture out and give your target audience more to take in than just housing. To start, try posting general real estate advice. Use your social media channels to make yourself the expert real estate agent in your particular location and desired market. From there, use your Facebook page, Twitter posts, Instagram page or other platform to engage with your social media followers. These engagements are key to understanding what it is your clients and leads are hunting for in the current real estate market, and what pain points you can solve for over other real estate professionals. Be sure to genuinely follow some of your followers back, engage with their posts and paint yourself as the available expert ready and willing to help, at normal and non-invasive intervals. After all, you want to post often and frequently, but you don't want to post about the same exact things so often that you lose the social following you've worked so hard to gain. Use the resources available to you Probably one of the most overlooked success strategies out there is utilizing the resources available to you through your social media platform. Each is designed with extensive help desks and knowledge bases to help you navigate through their resource pool. Likewise, support channels also exist where you can get live feedback. If you still need a little extra help with your online presence and digital marketing strategies, education and coaching opportunities are available to give you an extra edge when working toward your influential marketing goals. So whether you're in the market for a new marketing strategy or just want to understand the landscape a little bit more, starting with social media is a great, low-cost way to give your marketing prowess the extra boost it needs. Download this FREE GUIDE for actionable ideas for your social media marketing Your free Social Media 101 Marketing Guide will give you fresh ideas for how to create awesome social media marketing content. Download this guide and get the tips and trips from pros to elevate your social media marketing content today! DOWNLOAD GUIDE

Real Estate Farming: Sowing, Growing and Expanding Your Business
Of the myriad lead generation strategies available to real estate agents, one of the most consistently successful is real estate farming. This type of strategy offers focus on a geographic area and the prospects therein. According to The Close, agents who use the farming strategy can capture at least 30% of all sales in a target area and turn leads into long-term clients. It seems like a solid marketing model, but is farming for real estate the right strategy for you? Even if you're happy with your current marketing plans, having a more profound understanding of farming methods and concepts can prove beneficial in any real estate market. How to create a real estate farming strategy The first step in any farming strategy is to choose your target area. You'll want to choose somewhere with high demand and a high turnover rate to focus your real estate farming idea. The next step is to plan the kind of marketing efforts you'll use on your target audience. Some popular examples include sending real estate farming postcards via direct mail, offering market updates via email and creating neighborhood websites. Think of this stage as sowing the seeds in your garden. Tracking your progress necessitates a customer relationship manager, or CRM. With a real estate-specific CRM, you'll have all the tools to create records of correspondence and the growth of your influence in your farm area. Once you have everything in place, focus on publishing or delivering your high-value content into your geographic farm area. Experts suggest using a mixture of long-term automated communication, like email newsletters, and personal follow-ups. What does it cost to start real estate farming? The most successful farming techniques do come with an upfront cost, but the more you invest in your farm, the better your returns will be. Real estate farming will likely require an annual budget of several thousand dollars. However, don't forget that commission from a single home sale will recoup your investment — and then some. While it might take some time to get established, even one home sold in your local real estate market means your farm is alive and growing. Real estate farming through social media Social media is an important tool for any real estate agent, but an essential one for successful geographic farming. With your potential clients spending so much time online, it's crucial to focus some of your real estate farming techniques in those particular spheres. One example of how to farm on social media is creating a community Pinterest board featuring community members, local business owners and other topics to add value. Host community events for your real estate farm area Don't forget to include face-to-face marketing among your real estate farming ideas. Organizing neighborhood or community activities can be an enormous source of both new leads and strengthened client relationships. If you're not sure where to begin, start with major holidays, school fundraising events and engaging local businesses. Real estate farming and relationship marketing Relationship marketing is the lifeblood of a successful real estate business. Whether primarily through word of mouth or online communication, it's relationships that form the basis for future transactions. Real estate farms make the process of creating and cultivating relationships even easier. As your prospects and relationships grow and blossom, they will spread to plant new seeds. All you need are the right real estate farming tools and a real estate farming area — your fertile soil. Want to boost your farming and overall marketing results? Download this 30-Day Marketing Challenge and put your skills to the test! The 30-Day Marketing Challenges provides you with eight steps to elevate your marketing in less than one month. [DOWNLOAD NOW]

11 Tips to Increase Engagement on Your Blog and Generate Real Estate Leads
You should think of your blog like a home. Provide regular maintenance and it will produce returns. Ignore it for too long and it can become a blight. We want to avoid that last part. So here are 11 tips to increase engagement on your blog and generate real estate leads. 1. Know Your Reader To increase engagement on your blog, you need to know what your readers want. You should get into their heads. Ask yourself: What information do they need? What questions are they asking? What would make their lives easier? Provide the answers on your blog, and you'll see engagement and leads spike. 2. Use Keywords In journalism, there is a saying: "Don't bury the lede." This means don't muddy what's important with what's not. The same lesson applies to blogging: don't bury your content with poor keywords. Find a few words or a phrase that get to the essence of your article. Make sure these keywords are in the title, the URL, and scattered regularly throughout the body. This will help your content appear higher in the search engine results. It will increase engagement on your blog and help you generate real estate leads. 3. Be Consistent Going three weeks without posting is not going to increase engagement on your blog. That much is certain. So you should try to be consistent. Keep a calendar and a rolling list of ideas — and stick to them. 4. Respond to Comments You do all this work to get leads to engage on your blog. You should reward them when they do. If someone comments, comment back. If someone asks a question, answer it. Real estate, after all, is a relationship business. Don't waste these opportunities to build relationships and generate leads. 5. Go a Step Further There is no shortage of real estate blogs. So how do you stand out and generate leads? Do more. Find your favorite blog. Study it. Keep track of all the content that's posted. Do all of that on your own blog, and then go a step further. Add one more thing. It can be a new feature, or new photos, or new market information. The more needs you can fulfill for your leads, the more you will increase engagement on your blog. 6. Present Data As an agent, you have a wealth of data at your disposal. This data helps you assist your clients with buying and selling decisions, but it can also help you increase engagement on your blog and generate real estate leads. Present market statistics on your site, and you'll start seeing the benefits. You can also compile these statistics in a report to generate leads at your next open house.  7. Create a Quiz If you've ever used Sporcle, you know how long people can spend doing online quizzes. Why not create your own? Your quiz could be about anything. You could ask readers to name the neighborhoods in your town. You could ask them to pinpoint local landmarks or quiz them on local history. Better yet, use all of these. Create regular quizzes to increase engagement on your blog and keep it at a high level. 8. Create a Reader Contest People like winning stuff. So consider a reader contest with a small prize. This could be a photo contest. Or submissions for best community garden. Encourage readers to participate and vote. 9. Include a Call-to-Action Readers will engage on your blog if you ask them. So don't forget a call-to-action in all of your posts. This can be as simple as a request to leave comment. It can be a pop-up asking for subscribers. It can be a call for submissions. The important thing is that you make the ask. 10. Cross/Guest Posts Every real estate agent has a network. This is a group of colleagues and other professionals that provide advice, partnerships, and referrals. You should tap into your network for your blog. Accept guest posts from other agents. And cross-post your content on other blogs run by people in your network. This will help position you in the market and increase engagement on your blog. 11. Guide Readers to Relevant Content You're not always going to hit a home run. Not all content is going to generate real estate leads, but that does not mean the lead is lost. You simply need to direct the reader to more relevant content. You can do it with a robust internal linking strategy, or you can include relevant content at the bottom of your posts. To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.

Using Webinars to Promote Your Real Estate Business
Is educating your clients on the home buying and selling process at the core of your real estate business? Do you consider yourself an expert on the local market or have a knack for working with first-time home buyers? Could you easily make a Top 10 list with tips and tricks for staging your home for professional photos, open houses, and showings? Do you regularly connect with your team to keep them engaged, involved and progressing as real estate professionals? Webinars to Educate and Inform If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions, have you considered creating a webinar series that educates, informs, and showcases your value as a real estate professional? A mainstream marketing tool in today's digital and virtual world, webinars are a low-cost, low-commitment medium for staying connected and establishing credibility with your current and potential client base. Typically 30 minutes to one hour in length, webinars can be recorded, shared, and published with attendees after the live event. Do you have a branded YouTube channel for your business? (Note: YouTube handles were just announced this month; look for more information on effective YouTube branding and marketing in an upcoming post.) Structuring Your Webinar Content A great way to practice presenting information within a designated time frame, webinars can help you refine your message and organize information in a way that helps you in the real world — one-on-one client education and brown bag "lunch and learns," for example. Be sure to leave time for Q&A at the end of the session; this helps you understand what additional information you can address and clarify for your next presentation or in your "thank you for attending" follow-up communication. To view the original article, visit the IXACT Contact blog. Further Reading Tips and Tricks for Hosting the Perfect Real Estate Webinar 7 Real Estate Workshop (or Webinar) Topics that Generate Leads Advanced Lead Generation: Hosting a Seminar Top 10 Tips for Successful, Lead Generating Webinars

5 Underrated Real Estate Lead Generation Ideas
The main problem faced by most real estate agents today is finding new prospects. Thankfully, implementing creative lead generation ideas can make a world of a difference to your business. Whether you're looking to take your content marketing strategy to the next level or engage in more in-person connections, here are five tried and tested ideas for attracting and converting leads. Network at Non-Real Estate-Related Events If you're attending an event where everyone is aiming for the same outcome, your odds of meeting quality real estate leads are slim. Instead of going to the same real estate networking mixers, expand your horizons by joining some non-real estate-related local events. You never know—your next client can be found at a cooking class, book signing, fitness workshop, or even at a concert. Reward Referral Sources with Handwritten Notes and Gifts One of the most overlooked lead generating tools has been rewarding referrals with handwritten notes and gift cards. From birthdays to holidays, and everything in between, personalized notes are one of the best ways to connect with clients, friends, and family who have referred you. Take Advantage of Website Community Pages Community pages are chock-full of information that buyers want to learn about, including things like quality of schools, neighborhood attractions, shopping malls, etc. An effective community page should cover all the best features of why someone would want to live in or buy property in a certain area. Rank Website on Google by Building Quality Backlinks Building links back to your site from sites that are relevant to your real estate business will help boost your Google search rankings. While SEO won't produce leads for your business instantly, your organic lead flow will increase over time and improve your business' ROI. Pitch Listing to News Outlets Pitching listings to news outlets has surprisingly proven to be one of the best strategies for getting leads quickly. By generating press coverage, real estate agents can attract new social followers, drive website traffic, establish brand value, and as a result, close more deals. It's time to think outside of the box when it comes to real estate lead generation. With these helpful tips, you can start attracting and converting more leads in no time! To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.

How to Ask for Real Estate Referrals
Word-of-mouth marketing generates more leads than any other. As every Realtor knows, asking for referrals is crucial to boosting your businesses growth rate. In fact, 84% of Realtors we recently polled said referrals were the greatest source of increasing sales. But how do you ask for referrals in a way that is authentic and effective? Many people aren't sure how to begin writing a referral or know exactly what you are asking for. Providing them with examples or past referrals can help drive action and give them a template for tone, length, and content. And like many things in life, timing is everything. Send Periodic Follow-up Messages to Past Clients Perhaps the most crucial way to obtain real estate referrals is by staying in touch with past clients. There are probably plenty of people in your sphere of influence that would love to refer you to friends, but simply need to know your best contact information. This is where CRM software that can improve your communication with clients while keeping track of every customer in your greater contacts list comes in. Use Referral Cards and Run Referral Contests When sending a handwritten thank you note to clients, either at or immediately after closing, add an incentive in the form of a referral card that can be exchanged for a physical or digital gift card or gift certificate, ranging from Amazon.com to a local restaurant. Incentives drive action, and if the real estate transaction was favorable, clients are more likely to recommend you to a close friend, colleague, or family member. Some agents have had great luck (and great fun) with referral contests that reward clients with a tiered-level of incentives based on the quantity and quality of referrals they provide in person and on social media. Before implementing a referral contest, be sure to review your social media channels, website, and Google Business page and verify links are not broken and that your contact information is correct. Stay Involved in Your Community If possible, donate or sponsor community events like community theater, sporting events, or fundraisers. Not only are you helping to make the events possible and successful, you are building brand awareness for yourself and your business. While not asking for referrals directly at the event, you can promote and display your best referrals on promotional materials and your social media pages that promote and share the event in print and digitally. Use a Real Estate CRM A real estate CRM not only helps you get more referrals, but it also helps you track referrals more effectively, increasing your odds of converting them to clients – whether it's right away or down the road. What you do with your referrals, specifically how you manage and keep in touch with them, can make a significant impact on your business. To view the original article, visit the IXACT Contact blog.

The Social Media Secret to Getting 2.5x More Leads
In the past, you've heard about the importance of social media when developing a business brand, finding new clients, and providing virtual tours or open houses. If you're evaluating your social media performance and creating a social media plan, you'll likely consider the classic social media dilemma: Do I focus my social media efforts on organic posts and engagement with potential clients? Or do I put my resources into paid social media advertising to turbocharge my lead generation? Here's the secret: That's a false choice. Agents should pursue organic and paid social media together, leveraging engaging, authentic, organic social media content to market themselves and their properties — while also pursuing paid advertising on social media platforms. We know this strategy works: Social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have hundreds of millions of users and provide opportunity for direct contact with potential clients. Meanwhile, agents who buy paid ads see positive results, exemplified by Homesnap's data scientists' finding that agents who buy Facebook ads through Homesnap receive 2.5 times more leads from Facebook than agents without paid Facebook ads. That's why you should approach social media as a virtuous cycle: By creating strong organic social media, you can engage with consumers, demonstrate your expertise, and build your brand. Then, with paid social media, you can generate leads for specific listings and direct more people to your real estate services. Read on to learn how to create compelling organic social media and why consistent investment in paid social media will benefit your business. Use EAT Framework for Organic Social Media The first step to optimize your social media should be to burnish your social media profiles with organic content that follows the EAT framework. The first portion of EAT is engagement. With engagement, agents should focus on regularly posting on social media channels and responding to consumers' comments on the posts. Agents should also ask questions to spur audience engagement. Consider asking questions such as "Carpet or hardwood?" to get people talking about their preferences, or "What homes are catching your eye this fall?" to learn about why people are entering the market and the homes they're most excited to tour. The second component of EAT is authenticity. By producing authentic social content, agents can tell honest stories about the home selling and buying processes and the real estate market in general. For example, agents shouldn't solely post videos and photos of fully staged homes and tours. Instead, consider posting before and after photos, or a video of your open house preparations. This way, consumers see that buying or selling a house is a process, and that you're dedicated to the work necessary to make it happen. The final part of the EAT framework is thought leadership. For agents, social media provides the opportunity to display subject matter expertise, which is especially valuable knowledge to share in a complicated time for the real estate market. Consider the value that the EAT framework provides. For one, social media content that follows EAT principles helps you maintain a relationship with consumers and hear directly what questions or concerns they have about the market. Also, EAT content allows you to demonstrate your own knowledge about real estate, and establish yourself as a trusted voice about the market. More broadly, following the EAT framework ensures that when people view your social media content, they see a credible, engaged real estate professional. If a consumer sees one of your paid advertisements and later searches for your information, strong organic social media may help reassure them that there is substance behind your advertisements. With engagement, authenticity, and thought leadership at the forefront of your organic social media efforts, you can develop a solid foundation for social media success. Invest Consistently in Paid Social Media Advertisements After laying the groundwork with strong organic social media, you can use paid social media to draw large numbers of leads into your sales funnel. Our data scientists crunched the numbers and found that consistent investment in paid advertisements pays off for agents. In fact, agents who buy Facebook ads through Homesnap earn 2.5 times more leads from Facebook than agents who use social media but do not buy paid ads. Consistent paid social media ads will generate leads. And if your paid social media is complemented with strong organic social media, you will be able to introduce leads not just to a specific property or listing, but to an agent brand. Learn more about how Homesnap Pro Ads can complement your organic social media without breaking the bank or your schedule. To view the original article, visit the Homesnap blog.

Friday Freebie: Guide to Asking for (and Getting) Referrals
If one thing is true in real estate, it's this: Success is all in who you know. That's particularly true in times of low inventory. There just aren't enough seller leads to go around--and so to drum up business, agents really need to work their networks. That's where this week's Friday Freebie comes in. We're highlighting a guide that offers strategies, tips, and scripts to help you ask for—and win—more referrals. Read on to learn how to download your free copy. Free copy of Guide to Asking for (and Getting) Referrals, courtesy of Market Leader For many agents, the most difficult part of earning referrals is simply asking for them. Maybe you don't want to be an imposition, or maybe you fear potential rejection. Whatever the case may be, Market Leader's Guide to Asking for (and Getting) Referrals makes it easy to get started, thanks to useful advice from top real estate coaches and experts. Worried about what to say? This guide even offers scripts to make the asking easy. Here's a rundown of everything it offers: Four-step strategy for getting referrals Scripts for asking for referrals How to build a referral program that gets results Tips for qualifying incoming referrals The dos and dont's of asking for referrals And more! Start building your referral business today. Download Guide to Asking for (and Getting) Referrals now!

[Podcast] Lead Gen and Leveraging Data with Ed Carey of Audience Town
In this episode of It's Closing Time, RentSpree CEO Michael Lucarelli sits down with Ed Carey, Founder and CEO of Audience Town, a digital advertising platform designed for real estate. In addition to talking about Audience Town's advertising products, they also dive into how lead-gen technology shifted during the pandemic and how real estate agents should be leveraging data.  

How Do Real Estate Agents Get Listings?
As a real estate agent, the lifeblood of your business is winning new listings. Whether you're a new agent or have years of experience, the number and quality of your listings determines your revenue and your local reputation. Top real estate agents get listings and new clients through a variety of lead generation strategies. If you want to get listings, grow your business, and become your local market's go-to real estate expert, consider these 16 real estate home listing generation tips. Build Your Reputation Offline As a real estate agent who wants more home listings, you need to be sure people in your network and community are aware of your real estate services. 1. Tell Friends and Family You're in Real Estate Don't overthink it: Step 1 to getting more real estate listings is to make sure people you already know are aware of your real estate practice. Agents tell us all the time that they started in the business by helping friends and family members sell their homes. Some even make a point of telling new acquaintances that they're in real estate. You don't have to force it: Just by telling people you're in the real estate business, you open yourself up to people's questions about selling homes – and possibly even their business. 2. Learn Your Local Market If you're going to identify yourself as a real estate agent, you'll likely receive questions about the local market. Real estate agents who get listings are those who have learned their local market and can answer these questions intelligently. Consumers want to list their homes with agents who understand the quirks and realities of their local market. Selling a home in December can look much different than selling a home in June. And selling a home when the market is red-hot is different than selling when inventory is high. Above all, selling a home in one city or town or neighborhood may be much different than selling in another – every location has unique considerations, including schools and taxes. Make sure you are up-to-date on the local market and the differences in home selling between different neighborhoods. If you're an expert real estate agent, it will show, and you'll get more home listings. 3. Meet Other Agents Being educated and informed about real estate and your local market is important. It's made easier and is more likely to lead to getting home listings when you have relationships with other agents. Meeting other agents often involves joining local real estate chambers and organizations and attending networking events. Other methods include joining neighborhood groups or real estate charities. By meeting and developing relationships with other agents, you'll learn more about your market and how successful real estate professionals operate. You'll also develop relationships with the people who represent buyers. This allows you to hear about what buyers are going through and what they're looking for – making your listing presentations more compelling and informed. 4. Develop a Community Presence As you learn your market and meet other agents, you should also develop a strong, noticeable, consumer-facing community presence. Having a community presence helps you get listings. The agent name on the back of Little League jerseys, the yard signs, the billboards, the ads in church bulletins, the overall involvement in your community – when it's time to sell and people need to think of a local real estate agent, you want to be who comes to mind. Grow Your Reputation Online At one time, the aforementioned offline methods may have been enough to establish and maintain a sustainable real estate practice. But not anymore. To get listings, you need a strong online presence. 5. Complete and Verify Your Google Business Profile The first and most essential component of a strong online reputation is a verified Google Business Profile. Your Google Business Profile appears at the right hand side of the screen when people search for you online. It includes complete business information, including your contact information, recent listing photos, hours of operation, and reviews. Having a complete, verified Google Business Profile is essential. It tells consumers that you're a credible real estate professional who is ready to do business. 6. Get Google Reviews The next step to building a strong online presence and getting more home listings is to populate your Google Business Profile with reviews. Just as when they're offline, people who are searching for an agent online don't usually have someone specific in mind. Instead, they search for terms like "real estate agents near me." You want to be at the top of these results, and you can, with positive, plentiful Google reviews. Notice that the top agents in this generic search all have dozens of reviews and a high review rating? That's because Google wants to serve searchers agents who are trustworthy. Reviews serve as a proxy, and are essential to any agent who wants to get home listings. With positive Google reviews, you'll appear at the top of Google search results, attract more attention from sellers, and get more home listings than other real estate agents. 7. Appear on Homes.com Getting listings means reaching consumers. And reaching consumers means appearing on the Homes.com agent search directory. Homes.com and Homesnap are both now part of CoStar Group, and tens of millions of dollars are being invested to surge traffic on Homes.com. Already, Homes.com is a leading portal for people looking for an agent to help them sell a home. And the sellers who arrive are valuable: 85% of Homes.com visitors who are planning to sell have not yet selected a listing agent. Clearly, the Homes.com agent search directory is a place you need to be if you want listings. And you can ensure a place at the top with Homesnap Pro+. Pro+ members are automatically boosted to the top of the agent search directory, ahead of thousands of competitors. Your profile, synced with Homesnap agent information, will be ahead of thousands of your competitors – winning you real estate listings. 8. Prospect for Off-Market Sellers Being findable online is important. But particularly during market downturns, being able to effectively and efficiently prospect online for off-market sellers is crucial to getting new home listings. Traditionally off-market prospecting involves knocking on doors or dropping leaflets that ask whether people want to sell their home. The world's become more complex: If you want listings, you should be using Homesnap Pro+ to identify properties that are likely to sell before they hit the market. Homesnap Pro+ members have access to a range of premium filters, including home loan balances, that help you market your services to people who want to sell their home but haven't yet selected an agent. Top agents are proactive, and real estate agents who get listings use Homesnap Pro+ to prospect for new clients. 9. Use Social Media Organically Social media is important for real estate agents, and a component of winning new listings. The benefits of social media are manifold, and include brand and name recognition. But perhaps the biggest benefit of organic – or non-paid – social media is that it allows you to publicly establish yourself as a real estate expert. Post about the market, offer advice, or ask your followers what they're looking for in a home. Either way, you're demonstrating to potential sellers that you think critically and seek feedback about the market – boosting your chances of getting more listings. 10. Run Ads on Social Media After laying the groundwork with strong organic social media, you can use paid social media to draw large numbers of leads into your sales funnel and get more home listings. Our data scientists crunched the numbers and found that consistent investment in paid advertisements pays off for agents. In fact, agents who buy Facebook Ads through Homesnap earn 2.5 times more leads from Facebook than agents who use social media but do not buy paid ads. Targeted, data-backed Homesnap Pro Ads help you zero in on sellers, pitch your services, and get more home listings. Showcase Your Professionalism and Competency As your presence online and offline expands and you get yourself in front of more sellers, don't forget that showcasing professionalism and competency helps you win more home listings – now and in the future. 11. Deliver Compelling Listing Presentations Being recognizable and well-known is great, but for some sellers, deciding on a real estate agent takes more persuasion. Enter the real estate listing presentation. Listing presentations are your opportunity to convince a potential client that you're thorough, professional, and attuned to their needs. Listing presentations are designed to preemptively answer consumer questions such as: What's the background of the agent or brokerage? What's the state of the local market? What homes like mine has the agent sold before? What kind of marketing plan does the agent use? How does the agent plan to price my house? What plans does the agent have for my open house? Does the agent have access to photography and photo editing expertise? Overall, being prepared with a strong listing presentation will win you real estate listings. 12. Always Treat Your Buyer Clients Like Prospective Sellers Winning attention and affection from sellers is always important, but a long-term, sustainable listing generation strategy requires treating buyer clients like prospective sellers. Think about it: Needing to sell a home usually means needing to buy a home. Buyer clients sometimes get a bad rap because of the amount of work necessary to help them find their dream home. But if you do a good job for buyers, you'll be their preferred agent when it's time to sell, and you'll win more listings. 13. Ask for Referrals Hopefully, prospective clients will get a taste of your professionalism, ability, and work ethic through your Google reviews. But winning more real estate listings means being prepared for anything, and that requires referrals. Ask for past clients to refer you to friends, family, and other people they know. Also be sure to ask your clients for feedback. If you're doing a good job, these remarks will be largely positive, and you can share these comments with new prospective clients to get more listings. 14. Stay in Touch With Past Clients Remember that referrals and Google reviews and representing clients multiple times all become less likely if you fail to stay in touch with past clients. The same goes for winning listings. Real estate agents who consistently get listings are usually those who maintain contact with past clients. This doesn't have to suck up too much time: Just periodically check in with your former buyers and sellers to see how they're doing. Simply staying front-of-mind helps boost the odds you'll be hired for their next real estate go-around, and will increase the number of listings in your portfolio. 15. Have a Professional Headshot and Polished Listing Photos Too often, agents appear unprofessional, untrustworthy, and ineffective because they lack a professional headshot and have listing presentations and an online presence that features poor lighting and staging. Those agents cost themselves listings. Don't be one of them. Instead, have high-quality, well-lit, professionally-shot and staged headshots and listing photos. If your brokerage or agency doesn't provide that service, it's still worth it: To be a real estate agent who gets listings, you need people to know you're a legitimate professional with a sharp presentation who is ready to do the job. 16. Host Great Open Houses The last piece of advice to get more real estate listings might seem counterintuitive: Host great open houses. It seems weird. Once you have listings, isn't the focus entirely on getting the best deal by impressing buyers and people touring the home? The answer is yes, but that's exactly why hosting the best possible open houses is a must. Those buyers are very likely to be sellers once they've signed a contract on a home. Some people at the open house are simply getting a feel for the real estate market. When it's time for them to list their home, they'll remember the well-staged open house, and be more likely to give their listing to the agent that hosted it. Get More Home Listings and Grow Your Real Estate Business Getting real estate listings isn't easy. But getting enough listings to thrive as a real estate agent isn't complicated: Develop your offline and online reputation, and consistently demonstrate that you're a professional, thorough agent who is worth consumers' business. Over time, and with the help of this guide, you should find that you have enough listings to maintain a thriving practice and develop a real estate business that gives you pride. To view the original article, visit the Homesnap blog.

24 Hyperlocal Blog Topics to Attract Seller Leads to Your Website
Any marketer will tell you organic traffic is the best traffic. However, only some real estate agents are aware of this. Real estate agents with a strong online presence will continuously generate leads through organic traffic. Blogging is an easy way to generate organic traffic to your real estate website and ultimately capture more real estate leads. Luckily, driving local traffic to your real estate website is relatively easy. Hyperlocal marketing focuses on specialized topics that interest people in a limited area. We've created a list of 24 blog topics for agents to help you start your next blog and capture seller leads in your market. 24 Real Estate Blog Topics that Capture Seller Leads The Best Time to Sell a Home in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) Is 2022 a Good Time to Sell a Home in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.)? __ Reasons Now is the Time to Sell in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) What Recent Divorcees Should Know About Selling a Home in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) How to Sell a Home Quickly in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) Even with Negative Equity How Quickly Homes Sell in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) Average Sale Price of homes in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) How to Sell Your Home While Living Outside of (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) Why (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) Home Owners Need a Listing Agent How to Evaluate Purchase Offers when Selling a Home in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) What (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) Homes Should Include in a Listing Description __ Ways to Prepare Your Home Sale in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) The Truth Behind FSBO Sales in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) What First Time Home Sellers Should Know About the (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) Market What (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) Home Buyers Look for in a Home Best Day of the Week to Hold a Open House in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) How Many Homes Are For Sale in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.)? _ Reasons a Home Might Not Sell in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) Is it a Good Idea to Sell Your Home During the Winter in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) __ Things that Make the (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) Real Estate Market Different __ Best Real Estate Agents in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) __ Best Real Estate Brokerage in (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) Average Commission Fee of a (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.) Real Estate Agent Preparing Your Home for (insert city/neighborhood/ZIP code/state/etc.)'s Spring Market To view the original article, visit the Zurple blog.

Friday Freebie: Get Sellers into the Game with this Cheat Sheet
2022 is shaping up to be the year of the rising mortgage rate, and that's sidelining a lot of would-be sellers. While they stand to make a handsome profit on their current home, buying a new home is more expensive than ever. Staying put seems to make more financial sense. So how can you get homeowners back into the game? Lean on this week's Friday Freebie—a cheat sheet designed to help you move sellers off the bench. Free Download of the 2022 Home Seller Cheat Sheet, courtesy of Zurple There are plenty of reasons homeowners are reluctant to sell—they're afraid they won't find a new home to buy, they want to avoid a higher mortgage, etc. Once you know what their fears are, you can allay them with facts and helpful information. That's where Zurple's 2022 Home Seller Cheat Sheet comes in. This free guide offers resources to help you hone your powers of persuasion, including: Common seller objections and how to overcome them Statistics, information, and articles to motivate sellers off the fence Tactics for convincing owners to sell (like recommending contract contingencies) Processes and strategies for selling during COVID-19 And more! You can use this cheat while on the phone with a seller, on a Zoom call, or just keep it on your phone to reference anytime you need it. You'll always have the perfect comeback to any objection ready when you download the 2022 Home Seller Cheat Sheet!

The BEST Way to Generate Free Real Estate Leads
There are plenty of listicles on the internet telling agents how to get free real estate leads. But the ideas suggested are often stale and require a lot of your time (start a blog, call FSBO listings) for what will ultimately be very little payoff in the long run. Lead generation activities don't need to take up hours of your day. There's a better way to generate free real estate leads: The Google business profile. Understanding the benefits of a Google business profile The Google business profile is a large box that appears on the right side of Google's search engine results page. You'll notice it when you search for a local business, like a restaurant or salon. Real estate agents are considered local businesses, too, and you're able to create this profile on the country's most-used search engine. This profile has a few key benefits, which we'll describe in detail. 1. Brand Building Your Google business profile will appear prominently on the results page when a prospect searches for your name. It makes a solid first impression and adds legitimacy to your brand because it looks more professional and official than a standard search result. Consider it to be your "homepage" since it will be the first stop for consumers who search for you. You want to have a fully completed profile that provides consumers with as much information as they need to understand your brand and services. Put care into your business description and content posts, and be sure to get as many five-star reviews from current and past clients as possible. Without those five-star reviews, you risk losing 12% of potential clients. 2. Added Visibility At Homesnap, we have years of experience managing Google business profiles for real estate agents. What we've found is that fully completed profiles that are regularly updated are much more likely to appear high in search rankings for what's called earned searches. These are the vague but localized queries people use when they don't search for a specific business name. Earned searches include phrases like "real estate agents near me" and "real estate agent in Bethesda." The frequency in which these types of search terms are used continues to grow every year and are more often used than searching for a business directly. A well-maintained profile also greatly increases your chances of being featured in the coveted local three-pack. The local three-pack appears at the top of the search results page when a search query has local intent. Google will display a large map with pins and a trio of local businesses underneath the map. When the local three-pack appears, its placement is in the No. 1 position on the page, even before organic results. These placements are Google's rewards for those who have a well-maintained profile. The company's decision to do this is based on research. Google found that completed, accurate profiles get seven times more clicks on average than empty ones, so it's in Google's best interest to elevate the profiles that consumers will find relevant and helpful. So what does it mean to have a well-maintained, regularly updated profile? Real estate agents should focus on these three actions: generating new reviews, responding to new reviews, and publishing new content, like thoughtful posts and photos of recent listings and deals. These tasks generate big rewards. 3. Passive, Free Real Estate Leads Once you set up a Google business profile, the world's most powerful search engine will do the rest of the work for you. The results we've seen from the profiles we maintain prove that a Google business profile is the best way to generate free real estate leads. According to Homesnap data, agents who maintain an active Google business profile see more than 7.5 times the actions than those that don't. Actions include calls, texts, website clicks, and direction requests originating from your profile. In other words: free real estate leads! To view the original article, visit the Homesnap blog.

8 Proven Prospecting Methods to Build Your Real Estate Business
Purchasing real estate leads can be effective, but can also be expensive to maintain. Learning new and creative ways of "who" to target can be a terrific way to future-proof your business. But where should you focus your time? See a list of eight proven prospecting methods below: 1. Neighborhood Prospecting A geographic farm continues to be one of the best ways to market yourself as a real estate agent. And luckily for you, as a REALTOR® you have access to RPR (Realtors Property Resource®) to help power your neighborhood prospecting every step of the way. Leverage RPR's search and mapping to compare neighborhoods based on important stats such as turnover, absorption rate and competition. Then use RPR to generate labels and/or a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) export to populate your CRM. Reports such as the Market Activity Report and Property Report also make terrific "leave-behinds" as you prospect the area. See for yourself with this how-to on setting up your geographic farm. 2. Circle Prospecting So you just got a new listing? It's time for circle prospecting. Circle prospecting is a lead generation technique designed to let the surrounding neighbors know about your listing, open house or recent sale. Usually, this is done by sending a postcard or mailer to a few hundred homes around the subject property. RPR makes the process of getting these contacts quick and easy. To get started, look no further than RPR's mapping. From the map, make sure Type/Status is set to Public Records. Then locate the neighborhood of the subject property and then choose Draw. Next, select Radius and click on the subject property to create the center point, and then drag out. Once you've achieved the desired distance, click again to set the shape. Now choose Search in This Area. Grab labels or CSV export by selecting Mailing Labels above the map. 3. Open House Prospecting You're getting ready to hold your open house. You've prepared by ensuring the home looks its best and is staged well. Yet, beyond that soft landing, serious homebuyers will want the facts about your listing and the area. Stand out with each prospect walking through the door by providing client-friendly reporting on all the details that matter most: the property, neighborhood, schools and local market. Use the RPR app to create data-packed reports on the spot and text or email them as the conversations happen. This is a great opportunity to build your brand and create a wow factor with each potential prospect that comes through the door. Learn what you should be doing at your next open house here. 4. Niche Prospecting Strategies Focusing your business on a real estate niche is a great way to target a specific group of people you'd like to be working with. You can establish a specific real estate niche for just about anything: location, properties, or even the type of prospects. In many cases, it can all start with a search in RPR. Find expired or distressed listings, luxury homes, absentee owners, and lots more. For examples of how RPR's search and filters work, check out this article or watch this video. Once you have the results you want, watch this video to create your mailing labels or CSV export. eBook: How to Farm and Prospect for new ClientsThis detailed prospecting ebook provides step-by-step instructions, formulas, videos, guides, testimonials and more on how to prospect like a pro. 5. Sphere of Influence (SOI) Most successful real estate pros will tell you that long-term success comes from nourishing relationships and converting contacts into clients. And more times than not, those clients come from your own sphere of influence (SOI). Your SOI is a group of your personal connections. These are people you know well, plus loose connections and acquaintances, too. A few SOI examples include family, friends, social media friends, friends of friends, coworkers and community connections. Nourishing your SOI takes time. Make sure to start by building the list itself. Identify your connections. Compile them into a spreadsheet or CRM. Then layer on your communications and touchpoints. If you send out a regular newsletter or mailer, use RPR to include consistent market updates or trends. 6. Social Media Prospecting Social media prospecting as a real estate pro really is a no-brainer. Also one could argue that social media prospecting is an extension of the sphere of influence and past client marketing. Although it's hard to disagree, it's also unique enough to deserve its own callout. Social media has been growing in popularity for years, and is now as commonplace as any traditional media. Today it's one of the fastest ways to spread information. And the more connections you have in your network, the more people you will likely reach. Social media also happens to be a terrific place to ambiently build and showcase your real estate expertise. This is where RPR can help. Compile real estate trends covering your local market, including inventory levels, new homes, open houses, home ownership tips and much more. For a few examples, check out this article on creating Instagram sharables and this one on using RPR and Canva to make shareable market charts. 7. Past Clients Any successful REALTOR® will tell you when it comes to earning repeat business, past clients are where it's at. Over time, this can become a significant portion of your overall business. It's much easier to retain an existing client than it is to attract a new one. But to be successful, you need a plan to stay in touch. This can involve social media, events, mailings, phone calls—if you're interacting, it counts. Be sure to have some of your touch points revolve around real estate and their current property investment. For example, with the low inventory and high appreciation over the last few years, most homeowners have gained significant equity in their homes. Consider sending an equity checkup, because chances are your past clients will be very curious. As their REALTOR®, you have a unique position to be able to keep them in the loop on what may be their largest single investment. To start sending the equity checkup, you'll need to get the current mortgage balance. Then using RPR, perform a current CMA on their home. Once you have a solid understanding of its current value, generate a property report. (Customize and trim down the report to just showcase the essentials.) Now simply take the home value and subtract the mortgage balance to arrive at the total equity in the home. 8. Prospecting Letters Okay, so this is not really a niche. But prospecting letters certainly can be a useful method of outreach when it comes to your prospecting efforts. For a few examples, check out these articles from Tom Ferry, Fit Small Business, and one from The Close. The Many Paths of Prospecting Prospecting comes in many forms. Whether it's nurturing repeats and referrals, or digging for new leads through a variety of methods, it's important to keep laying tracks that lead to listings and buyers. RPR offers data, tools and reports that can power up your prospecting efforts across the board. Be sure to take advantage of the valuable resources that RPR puts in the hands of every REALTOR®. To view the original article, visit the RPR blog.

Friday Freebie: 67 Text Message Templates that Get Replies
Emails can be missed, phone calls can be screened, but text messages? With a 90% open rate, they have one of the highest engagement levels of any type of communication. But just because a real estate lead is likely to read your text doesn't mean they'll respond to it. How can you up your chances for starting a conversation with real estate leads over text? This week's Friday Freebie to the rescue! Today, we're highlighting a collection of 67 text message templates that are designed to reach leads and initiate a response. Read on to find out more. Free copy of 67 Text Message Templates that Get Replies from Real Estate Leads, courtesy of Zurple Here's the good news: Most text messages are read by recipients within 90 seconds. The bad? Not everyone is willing to respond to text messages from people they don't know—and real estate leads don't know you…yet. Zurple's text messaging guide aims to help you change that. The guide offers insight into why leads respond to texts, and provides text templates for various scenarios and lead sources, including cold leads, follow-up on free home valuations, referrals and more. Here's a brief glimpse at what's included: Text messaging tips that increase replies Text message templates for general leads Text message templates for homebuyer leads Text message templates for home seller leads And more! Ready to start engaging more leads? Download 67 Text Message Templates that Get Replies from Real Estate Leads now!

6 Ideas for Prospecting with Your Property Data System
Low housing inventory got you down? There's a tool available to you with powerful prospecting capabilities--and the best part is that it's already included with your MLS or association membership dues. That's right, we're talking about your MLS's public records/property data system. Did you know that you can use the rich information it contains to precisely target potential leads? Frank Goswitz, a Realtor from Knoxville, Tennessee, definitely knows. He recently told us how he uses his property data system to target potential leads in his area. In this article, we'll share Frank's prospecting tips and offer six campaign ideas you can execute with your own property data system. 6 Prospecting Ideas for Low Inventory Markets Frank's local Realtor association provides him access to CRS Data's MLS Tax Suite. He says he uses it for everything from "finding what the owner originally paid to reviewing pictures of the property plat map, lot size and school zones. The possibilities are endless and make it possible to service my clients beyond their initial expectations." When it comes to lead generation, however, he primarily targets homeowners near listings that have just sold using CRS Data's built-in Prospecting tool. "I target approximately 500 prospects at a time, depending on the size of the subdivision." Frank's "just sold" campaign is one of many ways you can use your property data system. Here are six more ideas you can leverage to your advantage: 1. Rising home values campaign - Record-high home prices go hand-in-hand with record-low housing inventory. Nudge reluctant sellers off the fence by reminding them how much profit they can make off their home if they sell now. Send out mailers that list how much home prices have risen in the area you're targeting. Be sure to include a call-to-action to contact you for a free home valuation, or to visit a dedicated landing page for a free online valuation (e.g., What's your home worth? Find out here!). 2. Sold listing campaign - Let's revisit Frank's favorite type of campaign for a moment to break down how it works: when you sell a home, you then send out a mailer to homes nearby that shows what the home sold for. In today's market, that's usually a big number, so make that information prominent. If the home sold over the asking price or very quickly, mention that success point. You want your prospects to associate you with a potentially lucrative opportunity to sell their home. As with the above idea, include your contact information and a call-to-action. 3. New listing campaign - One thing you can count on with homeowners—they're curious about other homes in their neighborhood. What do they look like? How much are they worth compared to my home? Tap into this curiosity by sending a postcard or flyer that announces your new listing and all its details: price, bed/bath, square footage, school district, etc. Your goal here is to build awareness of you as the go-to Realtor for selling homes in the area. 4. Expired listings campaign - If there's one thing expired listings have going for them, it's this: they want to sell their home. Something went wrong with their last attempt at a sale—the price was too high, repairs were needed, or maybe their previous agent wasn't the greatest. Whatever the case, they are prime targets for prospecting. Send them or physically drop off a packet touting your experience and successes to encourage them to list their home with you. 5. Likely mover campaign - How long do residents in your area stay in their homes? If you know this piece of information, you can use it to target owners who have been in their home for around that amount of time—and statistically may be likely to move soon. A postcard or other mailer from you may help nudge them into listing. Just be sure to use your public records tool to remove active "for sale" homes from your list, as they obviously don't need your services—and you don't need to waste your marketing budget. 6. Renters/new buyers campaign - Do you enjoy working with first-time buyers? Consider targeting renters in affluent neighborhoods. Finding them in your property data system is a little less straightforward than finding current homeowners, however. Fortunately, your property data platform's "owner type" filter can help. For example, with the MLS Tax Suite, you can filter results by absentee owner, out-of-state owner, in-state owner, and owner-occupied properties. All options except owner-occupied can help you target properties with renters. Bonus: You can also use this filter to unearth vacation properties or second homes. Creating Your Prospecting Campaign So you know what kind of prospecting campaign you want to send out. Now, how do you execute that campaign? To find out, we spoke with Sara Cooper, Director of the MLS Market at CRS Data. Step 1: Narrow down your targets You know what you want to send, but to whom should you send it? Tap into your property data system's filters to narrow it down. Users of CRS Data's Prospecting tool can "target exactly who you want to prospect to," says Sara. "It could be a street, a subdivision, or even an entire ZIP code. There are a variety of filters that can be enabled to narrow down the list—from the type of home and length of time it's been owned to how old the current mortgage is and acreage size." Depending on your property tool's capabilities, you may also be able to target prospects more precisely by drawing shapes on a map. For CRS Data users, Sara offers these tips: Draw map shapes to EXCLUDE certain areas specifically. "This is useful when not all areas within a city or ZIP code are within the same price range or interest of whom you are trying to market," she says. You can draw multiple shapes when your target areas are not in a continuous/connected area. Step 2: Create your mailing list Once you've identified your prospects, it's time to create your mailing list. "You can export the data to use in your CRM," says Sara. CRS Data's MLS Tax Suite lets you download your prospect data as a .CSV file so that you can easily import it into your CRM for prospecting strategies. Alternatively, "you can skip the export and create mailing labels instead." The intuitive platform lets users print mailing labels from within the program itself. Just select how you want to address recipients (by name or "Current Resident"), and your preferred label size. Next, simply print your labels and send off your campaign! "I use the mailing labels feature of the Prospecting tool consistently. It makes the process of creating labels so quick and easy," says Frank. "Creating mailers through CRS Data's MLS Tax Suite has benefited my business tremendously." To learn more about CRS Data and the company's MLS Tax Suite, visit CRSData.com. Not a CRS Data user? Contact your public records provider or MLS help desk for assistance.

Friday Freebie: 2022 Home Seller's Guide
With record-high housing prices comes record-high commissions. However, getting a listing in today's low inventory market? It can be a challenge. That's why in this week's Friday Freebie, we're highlighting a free guide for home sellers that's great not just for educating existing clients, but as a lead magnet to attract more seller prospects. Read on to learn how to get your free copy! Free download of the 2022 Home Seller's Guide template, courtesy of Zurple Selling a home is an involved and complicated process. When consumers are beginning to consider selling, they first research what they should know before diving in. Zurple's 2022 Home Seller's Guide template is a comprehensive resource of everything a potential home seller needs to know: Common real estate terms The timeline of selling a home How to hire an agent How to price a home How to prepare a home for sale How to evaluate an offer The ins and outs of closing a sale What to know about moving day And more! You can share this guide on social media, on your website, in person, via email, and more. Put it behind a lead capture form on your website to ensure you get the contact information of potential parties. The guide is brandable, with space not only for your contact information and logo, but it also concludes with a page featuring your bio and a call-to-action. You can link that page to your email or a CMA request landing page to acquire even more leads. Ready to get started finding more seller leads? Download the 2022 Seller's Guide template now!