New Agents: Use These 7 Tips to Find More Leads

For a new agent, trying to find leads can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know where to start. When it comes to finding leads and bringing in new business, the internet can be your best friend and provide so many different opportunities to secure more leads.

Here are 7 tips you can use to help you generate real estate leads

#1. Establish a website

A real estate website is the foundation for online lead generation. This is an opportunity for you, as a new real estate agent, to offer value and give your website visitors a chance to engage with you. Your website should not be a page full of content about how great you are. The truth is, consumers do not really care how great you are as much as they care about how you can help them achieve their real estate goals.

This is a place you can help consumers with specific needs like searching for homes online, looking up information on neighborhoods and school districts, or just looking for advice on how to buy or sell a home.

#2. Start a blog

The first thing many people will do when looking to buy or sell a home is head straight to Google to look for information on the area they plan to move to. You can be at the top of the search results if you have a blog and website that have tons of great information about your market and neighborhoods, along with info on buying and selling a home.

Keep the blog updated with relevant info and write posts about the schools, restaurants, and businesses in the area as well as tips on things like staging a home or DIY projects. A blog can help you become a market leader and showcase your knowledge to help you attract leads.

#3. Utilize social media

One of the easiest ways to establish a solid digital presence is to be active on social media. LinkedIn is a fantastic business tool that can help you prospect and reach out to people within the business community to see what kind of real estate needs they may have. You can post your active listings here, share real estate articles and give commentary on real estate trends.
If you are more advanced in social media you can even start writing your own original LinkedIn articles that you can implement into your newsletters and on your website or blog.

Of course, Facebook is also a phenomenal tool for lead generation. And, with options for paid ads and boosted posts that allow you to target specific zip codes, it’s a no-brainer for new agents trying to get their name and face in front of potential buyers.

#4. Get out and network

One of the most foolproof ways to gain leads is to network. Everyone knows someone that knows someone who is either selling a home or looking to buy a home. Utilize your immediate network as well like personal bankers or mortgage lenders. Many homebuyers go to their bank before seeking out a real estate agent to ensure they qualify for a loan, and they often make referrals.

But don’t stop there! Let everyone know you’re in the business — your dentist, your dog-walker, your babysitter, your hairdresser. It’s about spreading the word.

#5. Pay to advertise

You can gain a lot of leads through Zillow or realtor.com if you’re willing to pay for them. Think about all of the consumers who look at homes listed on Zillow or realtor.com. All of those people will see your ad and may potentially become a new client. These listing websites have a wealth of tools available to new agents. From outright buying leads in particular zip codes to purchasing ad space or promoting your new listing — sometimes it pays to just pay.

#6. Utilize your CRM

As a new agent, your CRM can help you make the most of every second during the work day. You can schedule out email drip campaigns to help you get in front of potential clients or post these newsletters on your LinkedIn, even. You can also find plenty of background on potential new clients to help you turn cold calls into warm calls. Your CRM should be a go-to resource you use to stay organized and prospect successfully.

The most important thing a new agent can do with their CRM is fill it with all of your contacts. And, don’t just stop at real estate contacts. Think about the people you know from past careers, from church or school, from the neighborhood association — they should all be added to your CRM so you can reach out and let them know you’re in the business.

#7. Contact sellers with expired listings

Reach out to sellers with expired listings to let them know that you can help them get their listing back on the market and sold. This is a great way to generate leads, but does take a little digging and research. If you can create a solid marketing plan and price the property in line with the seller’s expectations, you may win a new client. The most important part is to differentiate yourself from their previous real estate agent so that they trust you will sell their home in a timely manner and have the resources and knowledge to do so.