Hi Dave Martin (703) 585-4687 

  A question about "leads" was asked the other day on the Q&A Board by Michael Elliott. 

Even though he asked if we pay currently, most of the 24 replies were from Realtors who had purchased leads at some point in the past; they did not see an ROI, they do not presently purchase leads.  

   Those replies might help you in composing your post.

   Do You CURRENTLY pay for any online leads with SUCCESS?

I think many (not most) agents try paid leads in their first year of business Dave Martin (703) 585-4687 . I would guess that less then half the number do their 2nd year if they are even still in the business. I've said it over and over that the BEST lead generation is sticking your right hand out and saying Hi! I'm John Doe and it's nice to meet you. I work with Real Estate, do you have any Real Estate related questions?

So roughly 90% of my business is by referral, so they are not much of a challenge. The 10% I get from blogging, internet and post cards are challenging in that I'm a commodity to them until I'm not. So here's that 10%'s challenges I face:

1. High Competition: Standing out in a crowded market can be difficult, as multiple agents target the same leads.
2. Consistent Lead Flow: Maintaining a steady stream of qualified leads often requires constant marketing and outreach efforts.
3. Converting Leads: Generating leads is one thing, but turning them into clients requires effective follow-up and relationship-building.
4. Adapting to Technology: Keeping up with new platforms and tools for lead generation, such as social media algorithms and CRM systems, can be overwhelming.
5. Time Management: Balancing lead generation with day-to-day responsibilities often leads to inconsistent efforts, impacting results.

Each challenge requires strategic planning and adapting to new tools and methods for sustained success. It's only 10% of my business, so I don't spend much time on it when the 90% deserves my 100% focus, but to help you with your research, I broke it down for you.

Like Bob Crane said, there is a LOT of competition.  Everyone seems to know several Realtors.   Everyone.  So you have to be responsive, quick, prepared and ready and ask the right questions and follow up like mad.

If you work your SOI properly there is no need for lead generation or paid leads!

I have paid for thousands of leads. The best results are those developed by personal contacts.

Being visible in the Real Estate industry is 90% of the opportunity & success. How to be visible? If you go way back in time, everyone knew where to go for their Real Estate needs. When communities, cities or territories became bigger, more agents were required. Everyone knew where to go for blacksmithing, baked goods, retail, medical & all the rest. What do we learn?" GET OUT THERE! Then, people will know about who you are & where you are & from there, take it where you want to go with it. Volunteering, free hot dogs (Costco makes this affordable) BBQ at the park events hosted by you, helping people in your neighborhood, door knocking, leave-behind gifts & networking as in going to seminars etc. with answering your text, email or phone right away being very important. Don't SELL but TELL. The public wants information, their questions answered & perhaps motivation & encouragement. People in this business like to touch & feel. Real Estate is an emotional experience. I know my core market. The cost to build, rent & invest. Tax input. T-bill rates for monies on sold homes. DOM data. Remodel & location tips AND SO much more. Leads? There will be a path to your door depending on who you are, your skills bank & your savvy not to mention your love of people & industry. Let's not reinvent the wheel here. The old ways become the new ways because everything cycles & begins again & again. Nature & the weather tell this story & they never lie! Dress, hygiene, manners, availability & soft sell. You know what? You'll do well because the majority don't do what I shared here. Why? Their money is focus or tunnel vision driven. Go bigger

Since I retired, social media and the internet access to new listings has exploded along with other technology such as video opening up a whole new world of which I am unfamiliar. also I a parked and reading along with you.

Dave,  mindset #1 - I do not see obtaining clients as a "challenge". 

#2 - do not buy leads. I have never paid for leads. 

Then again, I am not a high-volume agent.  That has never been my goal. 

My leads are overflow my office on weekends when all the agents are busy.  I know she uses organic searches (my wife/broker) to get leads to her website.

Welcome back to the Rain Dave!  Glad our community members are catching you up on this subject

Lead generation is a much overused term in the real estate business.  Lead conversion is a much better topic to expand upon.  Both need more definition before you can go further.  Every person is theoretically a lead.  Every person at some point of time, hopefully will want to buy or sell real estate.  People want to do business with those they know, like and trust.  The skill is to build this trust with a large group of people who again, hopefully will want to do business with you. 

I paid for leads early on in my career, but it very quickly became a referral based business.  Working your sphere is the most important thing you can do.

A lot of competition out there and most seek out someone that they know for advice.  Good to get to know more people and the people they know, and the referrals will flow your way.

I find contacting my sphere often keeps me pretty busy.   I send newsletters and call my sphere.   with the web site, I get several hits, but lately not many are signing up.