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Generating leads for your real estate business can be tough—and even more difficult if you don’t know where to start. Don’t worry, though! You don’t have to hire expensive contractors or consultants to find new clients when there are plenty of low-cost ways to generate leads on your own. This article will walk you through 8 ways to generate leads that you can use right away.
1) Network With Realtors
One of the most effective (and easiest) ways to generate leads is through networking. But when you’re just starting out, networking can feel uncomfortable and unnatural. The good news? You don’t have to be a pro. Just make sure you’re easy to find, get out there and build relationships with people in your industry and ask them for referrals. Small businesses interested in generating leads online will find more practical tips in this lead generation guide.
Most importantly, be open about what you do; potential clients are going to see that you love working with people, so be it! If a person likes talking about their profession as much as you do yours—it’s worth chatting up! Consider attending events like luncheons or workshops where professionals are invited—there are tons of options out there if you just do a quick Google search.
2) Attend Business Events in Your Area
Not sure how you’re going to generate leads? Attend a few local networking events and talk with business owners and other people in your industry. Ask if they know anyone who needs help with a project that you can assist with. You’ll meet new people, make connections, and learn about potential clients.
You never know when someone will ask if you have availability or can handle something for them! Asking is always better than guessing. Plus, getting out there—even without a specific agenda—shows people in your industry that you care about their success and are willing to invest in yourself and build relationships with others. (You never know when a connection will lead directly to a job!)
3) Reach Out Directly To Realtors
Looking for a good way to generate leads for your real estate company? Here’s one simple strategy that works like a charm: Reach out directly to Realtors. These are potential clients who have already expressed interest in working with an agent—so there’s no guessing about their interest level. If you reach out with a helpful lead—and don’t come off as pushy—you can count on Realtors to spread positive word of mouth, increasing your odds of generating more solid sales leads. Here are some tips on how you can get started today.
4) Advertise Online
An easy, low-cost way to get new clients is by advertising on a website. This can be as simple as putting up a flyer or hiring someone local who has a large social media following and will post about your company. For example, if you’re opening a bakery in Brooklyn that specializes in gluten-free cupcakes (like Lily’s), then hiring an Instagram blogger with 10,000 followers is a smart idea. You could even offer them free cupcakes in exchange for the promotion of your brand.
5) Be a Guest on Podcasts
Many sites and publications are focused on specific industries or niches. If you’re trying to build a following, do some research on popular websites in your industry or field and pitch ideas. What worked for other writers may work for you as well—and if not, they can always say no.
Just make sure that whatever you pitch is something you really want to write about before pursuing it too far. You don’t want to waste time writing about things that have nothing to do with your brand’s focus. Alternatively, look at your own passions; maybe there’s an under-served subject that people would like to read about (for example dog rescue). The point is: to find relevant guest opportunities so others will find you relevant.
6) Write Articles for Niche Sites and Publications
Depending on where you are in your career, writing for niche websites can be a great way to get into blogging or grow an audience. Writing for smaller publications is often a better fit if you’re just starting out—they may not pay as much, but they do let you develop your voice and craft. I personally recommend small sites, though there’s nothing wrong with trying large ones.
It all depends on what you want out of it (if anything). Some people love writing with no pay simply because they love writing! Think about what type of writer you are (brand building? traffic generation? money-making?) and find publications that align with those goals.
7) Know When To Call Instead of Emailing
The old adage, When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail, holds especially true in real estate. When you own a company that’s solely dedicated to selling homes (as most are), it’s tempting to use every opportunity to drum up new business. Don’t give in.
You don’t want customers thinking of you as just another telemarketer calling whenever they’ve got time. In most cases, it’s better to follow up via email than by phone; if someone says they’ll call you back—be patient and wait until they do. If they end up deciding not to buy a home, after all, you can always follow up with them later on about other needs or concerns.
8) Use Other People’s Authority
A recent study found that 81% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family over all other forms of advertising. Authority marketing is one of your most powerful tools.
The key is to find people who already have a following and connect with them in some way. There are several types of authority relationships—and a few tips on how you can use them to attract new clients. If you can develop genuine, authentic relationships with these people, you’ll be able to tap into their network by directing referrals or cross-promoting with them—which can ultimately lead to an increased number of leads in both personal life and business.
The more professional you look, and sound, the easier it will be to convince people that you know what you’re talking about. Nailing down a solid reputation can take a little time—but it’s well worth it! Additionally, don’t forget that old adage: Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you want your company to be successful, then there needs to be an effort on both ends of things. This means offering advice or solutions when appropriate and being able to engage with people in a way that lets them feel comfortable sharing information with you.
