Real Estate Lead Generators - 7 Website Strategies
Most real estate agents know the importance of generating leads and how it can help grow your business. But many of these same agents are confused by the concept of real estate lead generators and how they can use their websites for that purpose. Does this describe you? If so, you'll find the following information extremely helpful.
We will cover the different types of lead generators soon enough. But first, let's establish a clear definition of lead generation as it applies to your real estate business. You'll get more value out of this tutorial once we cover these basic concepts and definitions:
Within this context, the term real estate leads refers to the names and contact information of people who might need your services (i.e., potential clients). For example, if somebody fills out a form on your website to receive information about your services or a particular property, then you have received a lead through the process. You can then follow up with that person and, ideally, begin a working relationship with them.
So by extension, the term lead generation simply refers to the process through which you gain this valuable information.
7 Website Lead Generators
In truth, there are more than seven ways to produce leads through a real estate website. These are just some of my favorite techniques, based on their effectiveness and their relative simplicity. So without further ado, here are seven real estate lead generators you can put in place on your own website.
1. Direct Contact
This is for of website lead generation that agents are most familiar with. It's also the simplest technique. But it may not produce as many leads as the other generators on this list. This is when somebody visits your website and contacts you directly, simply by emailing you or calling you on the phone.
2. Information Request Forms
This is an extension of the previous item, but here there is a bit more structure and forethought. With this type of real estate lead generator the agent creates HTML forms to put on the website, through which readers may request more information. This technique works best when there is some type of incentive being used, such as a free e-book or exclusive report. The downside is that this lead generator has been overused and may be "diluted" as a result.
3. Blog Comments
Many agents are using real estate blogs these days as a way to publish content on a regular basis. There are many benefits to using a blog, and lead generation is one of them. Most blogging programs have a commenting feature built in, through which the reader can leave comments on a blog post that interests them. This can also be a way to capture the reader's name and email address for follow-up purposes. In other words, blogs can function as real estate lead generators by starting a dialogue between reader and publisher.
4. Chat Tools
Did you know you could install a live chat program on your website simply by copying and pasting some code onto the site? With the user-friendly chat programs available today, it really is that easy. These programs can also be used for lead generation purposes, and they can help you connect with people through your website. Of course, to use this technique, you would need somebody who is in front of a computer for most of the business day, such as a receptionist or an office manager.
5. FAQ Programs
Much like the chat program mentioned above, you can also install an FAQ program that lets readers type their questions into a box. They would also provide their email address to be notified when their question was answered online. So here again, you have a real estate lead generator that can potentially turn web traffic into clients. You can buy this software for relatively cheap, and it can installed onto your website in an hour's time. It's a great way to create an "Ask the Expert" feature of your website.
6. Email Newsletters
If you publish an email newsletter with timely information on your local real estate scene, there are plenty of people who want to sign up. It's a versatile technique that could be used for buyers or sellers, depending on your business model. In addition to being a lead generator (by capturing email addresses), this technique also helps you stay in touch with previous clients. This can be good for referrals as well.
7. Buy the Book!
This is the most important tip I have to offer you. If you are serious about this subject, and you want to learn more about real estate lead generators for your website, you should download the book below. It offers more than 60 pages of in-depth advice and instructions, with plenty of helpful illustrations and recommended tools.
