5 Underrated Real Estate Lead Generation Ideas
Are you interested in learning about how to generate more leads for your real estate business?
With numerous ways to increase real estate lead generation, it can feel overwhelming and the thought of where to start.
That’s why, today, I want to talk about lead generation for real estate agents for the beginner to the experienced broker. I’m going to share 5 underrated yet innovative ways to increase real estate leads.
Here are 5 ideas to get real estate leads
1. Handwritten notes & gift cards are easy to do
Handwritten cards are great because it takes minimal effort and time. It’s also easy on the checkbook.
Each person who refers a lead to you whether they end up becoming a client or not, should be thanked. It’s a proven way to connect with friends, family, clients, and others who are kind enough to refer my services.
You will need to pick out a box of cards, whether you order them online or go into the store, grab stamps (my favorite is Costco because they are cheaper), and have a blue or black pen to write with.
But, if you really want to shine, pick up a $5 or $10 gift card for gas or Starbucks, to include in the thank you card.
2. Create an avatar of your ideal client to then target on social media
Real estate lead generation isn’t easy, but there are many things you can do to separate yourself from other agents, like creating an avatar of your ideal client (hint, hint…this would ideally be you!) to connect with on social media.
When you close your eyes and imagine your avatar, who do you see? Is it a clear picture of a person you know well, a friend you know intimately as you know yourself? Or is it more uncertain? A fuzzier “I think” I know but it’s hazy are audience might be?
As you work to create your avatar, look at things like:
- Age
- Gender
- Number of children
- Income level
- Location(s)
- Needs
- Wants
- Hobbies
- Interests
Then draw a picture or sketch, initially, I used markers to draw a picture on a white piece of paper. Not aiming for an A in artwork only to have on your desk a reminder of who you want to attract.
If you don’t know how to use Canva to create graphics or images, simple paid stock pictures will do. If you’ve written down that they are active bike riders, like to travel, and spend time gardening, your pictures need to reflect this.
3. Become a trusted source on real estate in Facebook groups
When you participate in conversations happening inside Facebook groups, it can be a source of referrals. Answering questions, liking posts, and asking your own questions (depending on the group type) can build relationships and a trust-to-trust factor.
You don’t have to create your own Facebook group, just join some groups related to real estate so you can reach a new group of people. Make sure the group is in your local area unless you offer relocation services.
Just because you may not see leads coming in right away, or someone asking for your phone number, it doesn’t mean you abandon within a few days or weeks. It takes time to build trust.
Like I’ve already said, you will have to build relationships with your fellow Facebook members, and this is not always easy. However, if you are able to build relationships that are interested in what you have to say, then you could have a very lucrative source of referrals with Facebook groups.
4. Become specialized in real estate investing
Some people look to buy a home and live in it, sell it, and buy another one. What if that person wants to keep the first house and buy another, to build a real estate portfolio?
By learning how to help a beginner invest in real estate can in turn keep a client for life. In exchange for your knowledge, the client will see you as the expert for future real estate needs.
5. Create a plan and work the holidays
One of the best benefits of the holidays is staying on to work during the holidays. When many people take time off, you can make yourself present and available during the holiday season.
If you have listings that you are going to be showing during the holidays, have holiday-themed events, such as Holiday Candy with holiday-themed candy scattered throughout the home in glass jars filled with candy canes, chocolates, werthers original, thin mints, and starlight mints (all wrapped items). Dollar tree is a great place to pick up all these items for less than $15.00, or if you have glass jars, about $6.00.
You can also take new pictures of the property with some holiday decorations to use in your social media posts.
Not all lead generation strategies are created equal, with some realtors gravitating to social media while others prefer the offline approach. I recommend you pick one thing to start first as doing too many things at one time can lead to overwhelm.
Do you have any unique ways you’ve acquired real estate leads?