How to Get Real Estate Leads: Proven Strategies for Realtors® That Work
Smart, Repeatable Lead Generation Strategies Every Realtor® Needs to Grow
Realtors® discussing proven lead generation strategies during a one-on-one marketing consultation
Every Realtor® needs leads to grow their business, but not just any leads—they need the right ones. In today’s fast-paced, hyper-competitive housing market, the ability to generate, nurture, and convert high-quality real estate leads is what separates top producers from agents who are constantly starting over.
At AmericasBestMarketing.com, we help Realtors® build predictable lead pipelines using a multi-channel strategy that combines social media, direct mail, online ads, IDX websites, and sphere of influence (SOI) engagement. The result? Consistent, qualified leads who already trust your brand.
Let’s Start building your brand, growing your pipeline, and generating more high-quality leads with the full-service support of AmericasBestMarketing.com.
Why Lead Generation Is Essential for Real Estate Growth
Without Leads, Even the Best Branding Can’t Deliver Results
Great branding, polished websites, and marketing materials are essential—but they only work if seen by the right people. Realtors® need a lead generation strategy that delivers repeatable results and targets their ideal client profile. Whether you’re aiming to work with first-time homebuyers, luxury sellers, or investors, every lead generation plan should be built with consistency, conversion, and scalability in mind.
Lead generation is not just about quantity. It's about attracting people who are most likely to need your services now or in the near future, and nurturing them until they're ready to take action.
Online Real Estate Lead Generation Strategies That Work
Use Social Media Marketing for Inbound Leads
Post listings, home tours, and community highlights on Facebook and Instagram
Use Reels, Stories, and polls to engage your audience
Run lead ad campaigns to capture contact info directly from the platform
Pro Tip: Use testimonials, client success stories, and behind-the-scenes moments to create authenticity that drives engagement.
Build a High-Converting IDX Website
Offer intuitive property search and map features
Use home value popups and newsletter opt-ins to capture leads
Add lead forms to blog posts, listings, and landing pages
An IDX website optimized for local SEO helps you capture leads from Google while positioning you as the go-to expert in your market.
Leverage Local SEO to Rank in Google
Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
Get client reviews using target keywords (e.g. "top Realtor® in [City]")
Write blog posts about school districts, neighborhoods, and market trends
SEO helps Realtors® build long-term digital equity that produces leads without ongoing ad spend.
Lead Generation Through Your Sphere of Influence (SOI)
Why Your SOI Is Your Most Valuable Asset
82% of buyers and sellers choose a Realtor® they know, have used, or were referred to by someone they trust. Staying connected to your sphere is the fastest way to build a pipeline of warm, referral-based leads.
Ways to Stay Top-of-Mind With Your SOI
Send monthly real estate updates and market tips via email
Mail personalized postcards, newsletters, and home anniversary cards
Text or call quarterly just to check in and offer insights
Host seasonal client appreciation events or holiday giveaways
Pro Tip: Combine your SOI marketing with digital retargeting ads and social media engagement for higher recall and response rates.
Paid Real Estate Lead Generation Strategies That Deliver
Facebook and Instagram Advertising
Promote home valuation campaigns with lead forms
Target sellers in specific zip codes with local success stories
Retarget past website visitors with testimonial and open house ads
Google Ads for Buyer and Seller Keywords
Bid on terms like "homes for sale in [City]" and "sell my house fast"
Send traffic to high-converting landing pages for home valuations or listings
Track lead conversion cost and adjust campaigns for profitability
Lead Services Like Zillow or Realtor.com
Purchase shared or exclusive leads in your target areas
Follow up within minutes using scripts and auto-responders
Set a monthly budget and analyze ROI by lead source
Pro Tip: Paid leads require fast follow-up. Use automation and CRM tools to ensure no lead slips through the cracks.
Offline Real Estate Lead Generation That Still Works
Door Knocking and Community Farming
Knock doors around Just Listed or Just Sold homes
Offer a free neighborhood market report or value estimate
Respect privacy, follow local laws, and lead with value
Hosting High-Impact Open Houses
Promote online through Facebook Events and email blasts
Offer printed market reports and homebuyer guides
Collect lead info via QR codes or digital sign-in forms
Print Marketing and Direct Mail Campaigns
Send branded postcards monthly to your farm area
Use Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) for affordable coverage
Include CTAs like "What’s Your Home Worth? Scan Here"
Pro Tip: Combine direct mail with digital ads and SOI follow-up for maximum exposure.
Content Marketing Strategies to Attract Real Estate Leads
Blogging for SEO and Lead Capture
Write weekly or biweekly blog posts on topics like:
"Should I Sell My House This Year?"
"Top Neighborhoods for First-Time Buyers in [City]"
"What to Expect in the [City] Housing Market"
Include opt-in forms, market reports, or free consultations to convert readers into leads.
Email Marketing That Builds Trust
Send a monthly newsletter with market updates, recent closings, and tips
Segment lists for buyers, sellers, and past clients
Use automations and drip sequences to nurture long-term leads
Pro Tip: Include short video updates in your email to humanize your message and improve open rates.
Lead Conversion Systems and Tools Realtors® Should Use
Real Estate CRM to Organize and Automate
Track where leads come from and their stage in the pipeline
Assign follow-up tasks, schedule check-ins, and send automated emails
Categorize leads as hot, warm, or cold to prioritize follow-up
Text, Email, and Video Automation Tools
Use short-form videos to welcome new leads
Set appointment reminders and automated check-ins
Include personalized scripts in follow-up messages for better engagement
Pro Tip: Use CRM reporting to identify which campaigns drive the most leads and where to increase your budget.
What Successful Realtors® Are Reading
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Real Estate Leads
Q: What is the best way to get real estate leads as a new agent?
Start by marketing to your SOI, building a social media presence, and using free tools like Google Business Profile and local community events to build your visibility.
Q: How much should I spend on real estate lead generation?
Aim to invest 10–15% of your GCI on marketing. Start small, test different channels, and reinvest in the campaigns that produce the highest-quality leads.
Q: Are paid leads from Zillow or Realtor.com worth it?
They can work well with fast response times and a solid follow-up plan. Track your cost-per-conversion closely and don’t rely on them as your only lead source.
Q: How does AmericasBestMarketing.com help Realtors® get more leads?
We provide done-for-you marketing campaigns across social media, direct mail, and SEO to help Realtors® stay visible, attract qualified leads, and grow sustainably—all with no long-term contracts.
Q: What are the best tools to convert leads into clients?
Real estate CRMs, email automations, video messaging platforms, and targeted content campaigns help turn initial interest into closed transactions.
There’s No Better Time to Start Growing Your Business Than Right Now. Let’s Get Started Today!
Stop relying on guesswork or hoping for referrals. Build a consistent lead generation machine with expert support from AmericasBestMarketing.com. Our full-service marketing programs deliver the branding, systems, and strategy you need to grow.
Let’s start building your brand, growing your pipeline, and generating more high-quality leads with the full-service support of AmericasBestMarketing.com.
Discover our comprehensive Multi-Channel Marketing Program tailored for Realtor® success! In this video, we’ll walk you through our strategic approach that blends social media, listing marketing, IDX interactive websites, digital advertising, direct mail, and more.
