If you ask the average real estate agent whether they can use the Internet to drive leads for their business, they'll tell you it doesn't work. That's because most of the people who've tried doing it didn't know what they were doing. Poorly used methods and the wrong tools can add up to a lot of wasted money. But, the majority of home shoppers now start their search online. That means that using only traditional methods to generate leads could keep you from getting in touch with the very people who want to do business with you.
If you want to succeed in generating online leads, the important thing is to focus on using an automated system that's effective and builds relationships with people who might become your clients. If your prospective clients feel like yet another number, they're not going to be interested in working with you. It's that simple.
Most agents fail at one of those important factors. Either they use an automated system that makes their prospects feel unimportant, they use an inefficient, ineffective system, or they forget about automation entirely and try to do all the work by hand. Any of those problems is going to result in a failed online lead generation system. Fortunately, you don't have to end up like them.
Want to make the Internet work for you?
You can stop having do to print mail and reduce your marketing expenses significantly, without paying a lot for online leads. It's not just luck, either. Simple techniques, like keyword marketing, blogging, use of an autoresponder, SEO methods, and other ways of getting in touch with people in the market for a new home are all it takes. Here are a few of the basic techniques and what you need to do with them.
Keyword Marketing Research Most people look for homes using search engines. This means that they find their real estate agents through keywords. Knowing which keywords they're likely to use can help you find leads. Take the time to do some keyword marketing research (there are many guides out there that can help you get this information) and you'll know where to start with your campaign.
Blog Based Websites and Landing Pages
A blog based website is the better choice for most real estate professionals than a static site, these days. Blog sites let visitors get to know you and your business. They allow a personal feeling without a lot of investment on your part, too. Just write about what you do, what's available, and your methods. Be sure to use a landing page or squeeze page for visitors, though. These pages are the ones that get their names and contact information - the important data that you need to generate leads.
Auto responders or Auto Notifiers
An autoresponder is an important part of your automated system. It gets the information out to your prospective clients as soon as they sign up. It's also a great way to distribute newsletters and other information about you that'll help them stay interested in what you have to offer.
Search engine optimization (SEO), is an important part of using those keywords. It's a method to make sure that the search engines know what your site is about and what keywords to rank it for. Take the time to do it well, and you'll find yourself climbing in the rankings. Look for free SEO plugins from WordPress for your blog.
Video Creation Video advertising is another method to get the information out to your prospects. Try sites like http://www.getafreelancer.com and others to find freelancers who'll make your videos for you. Just remember that you get what you pay for, and the cheapest isn't always the best.
Syndication Don't forget to syndicate the great content you're distributing through your blog. Sites like feedburner.com can help you get the word out through syndicated blog feeds. Readers will sign up to read them without needing to go to your site.
Other Online Property Submission Web Blasts Sites like Vflyer.com also have some great features that can help you automate your lead generation, bringing in the people you need to do business with.
If you do it right, you can automate your real estate lead generation. It's remarkably simple. Just take the time to check out all the options, and make sure that you go at it in an organized, human, automated fashion. You'll be surprised by how many solid leads you generate by spending only a little money and a little time at the beginning. Don't miss out on all the great leads you could be getting through the Internet. It's where people go to look for their next home, so it should be where you go to look for your next client.
------
About the Author: Duncan Wierman is an Ex Software company CEO turned Real Estate Investor and Marketer. Discover how to outsmart your competitor, ethically dominate the search engines,and legally siphon off tons of cash in hand buyers from your website! Get a customized FREE report on what is wrong with your website! http://internetmarketingconsultinggroup.com/outsourcing/
