How to Get Clients in Real Estate: What the Top Sellers Do and the Tools They Use

Introduction

In an industry as dynamic and competitive as real estate, standing out is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a seasoned agent or just starting out, you need a blend of proven traditional methods and cutting-edge digital strategies to attract and retain clients. Top producers like Tom Ferry, Ryan Serhant, Barbara Corcoran, and Josh Altman have all emphasized the importance of building a strong personal brand, leveraging technology, and offering unique value to potential buyers and sellers. In this post, we’ll explore the tactics that set these high achievers apart and spotlight how innovative tools—such as virtual staging—can catapult your listings to the next level.

The Foundational Elements of Real Estate Marketing

1. Solidifying Your Online Presence

Modern real estate success often hinges on a strong online foundation. Studies show that 85% of homebuyers consider online photos the most critical factor when evaluating a property. This indicates that your professional website, high-quality listing photos, and a consistent social media presence aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re essential.

• Professional Website: Think of it as your digital storefront. It should be user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and contain clear calls to action.
  
• Social Media Profiles: Whether you focus on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or LinkedIn, keep your branding consistent and professional.
  

2. Local Networking & Offline Strategies

Even with the rise of digital marketing, old-school methods still prove valuable:

• Referrals: Ask satisfied clients to recommend you. People value word-of-mouth advice.
  
• Local Events: Sponsor a community event or host a neighborhood open house to connect personally with potential clients.
  
• Print Advertising: Although digital channels provide robust ROI metrics, print ads can help with brand awareness—particularly among older demographics and local buyers.
  

According to recent data, many brokerages still see significant returns on print marketing, especially when combined with digital outreach. Ultimately, a “hybrid approach” that unites online and offline efforts often yields the best results.

Strategies Top Sellers Use

1. Social Media Advertising

Real estate agents using social media advertising have reported a return on ad spend as high as 500% or more. In particular:

• Facebook Ads: With an average cost per click (CPC) of around $1.80 in real estate, Facebook can be an affordable lead-generating tool.
  
• Instagram Ads: High engagement rates—over 1% in many cases—make Instagram especially effective for visually driven listings.

Well-known agents such as Ryan Serhant routinely show behind-the-scenes property tours and success stories, creating a sense of exclusivity and urgency among followers.

2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Top real estate sellers also invest in strong SEO strategies. By optimizing your website for specific long-tail keywords (e.g., “luxury condos in downtown Miami” or “how to get clients in real estate quickly”), you can capture high-intent traffic directly from search engines.

• Local SEO: Include location-specific terms in your content and metadata.
  
• Blog Content: Write in-depth articles that address homebuying or homeselling pain points—this signals both expertise and relevance to search engines.
  

3. Paid Advertising Beyond Social

While social media ads are popular, don’t forget Google Ads and Bing Ads. Although they might have higher CPCs compared to social platforms, their audience tends to be further down the purchase funnel. A well-tuned Google Ads campaign can yield consistent, high-quality leads.

4. Content Marketing & Storytelling

Following the advice of content marketing experts like Joe Pulizzi, top-performing agents focus on delivering valuable, educational material. This approach builds trust. Consider:

• Market Reports: Offer local housing market updates.
  
• Case Studies: Showcase success stories, especially if they include novel approaches like AI-powered virtual staging.
  
• Video Content: Share quick tips or property tours on YouTube and social media, capitalizing on the emotional appeal of visuals.
  

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The Power of Tools: CRMs, Photography, and More

1. CRM Platforms

Many high-performing real estate pros credit their success to effective lead management. Tools like HubSpot CRM, Zoho CRM, Salesforce, WiseAgent, and Follow Up Boss offer features like:

• Automated follow-ups
  
• Lead segmentation
  
• Detailed analytics
  
• Task reminders
  

For instance, a CRM that automates email marketing campaigns helps you stay top of mind with potential buyers or sellers. This can prevent valuable leads from slipping through the cracks.

2. Professional Photography

High-quality photography can increase property views by up to 61%, and listings often sell significantly faster—sometimes cutting market time by weeks. Potential buyers form impressions of a home within seconds, so crisp, well-lit images are critical.

• HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos can yield up to a 50% faster sale.
  
• Professional Equipment & Editing: If the pictures look subpar, prospective buyers may scroll past your listing entirely.
  

3. Virtual Tours & Video Walkthroughs

Video walkthroughs add a dynamic element that photos can’t always capture. Platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or even Instagram Reels can showcase your listings more realistically. Top agents often post short, impactful video tours to spark urgency and excitement.

Virtual Staging: A Game-Changer for Modern Real Estate

1. Why Virtual Staging Matters

Virtual staging transforms an empty or outdated property into a visually appealing, move-in-ready home. This technique can:

• Decrease listing time by up to 73% compared to vacant properties
  
• Increase potential offers by 6–10%
  
• Improve buyer engagement by as much as 50% or more
  

For a $500,000 home, that can translate to tens of thousands of dollars in additional sale price—a highly attractive proposition for your sellers.

2. ROI of Virtual Staging

Recent findings show that staged homes—virtual or traditional—often sell faster and at higher prices.

• Reduced Days on Market: Up to six fewer days on average.
  
• Higher Sale Prices: Properties can fetch 8–12% more in luxury segments.
  

3. A Mini Case Study with Bella Virtual

A mid-range, suburban listing that had been on the market for over 60 days without serious offers. Bella Virtual provided a virtual staging makeover: modern furniture, warm lighting, and a more cohesive color palette. After uploading the new visuals to the MLS:

• First Offer arrived within 10 days.
  
• Sale Price was nearly 7% above the original listing price.
  
• Client Feedback: The sellers credited the updated visuals as the tipping point for buyers.
  

FAQs

1. Do I need a huge budget for social media ads?
   Not necessarily. Many real estate agents start with a modest budget and scale up as they see returns. The key is targeting the right audience with compelling visuals.
   
2. Which CRM is best for new agents?
   If you’re budget-conscious, HubSpot’s free plan can be a great start. Zoho CRM also offers affordable options. Focus on a system that’s easy to learn and integrates with your current processes.
   
3. Is virtual staging worth it for smaller properties?
   Absolutely. Virtual staging can benefit any size property by helping prospective buyers visualize the space. It’s often even more impactful for smaller homes that need to look open and inviting.
   
4. Can I stage the same listing in multiple styles?
   Yes. Many virtual staging providers, including Bella Virtual, can offer different design styles—modern, Scandinavian, rustic, and more—to match your target audience.
   
5. How quickly can I expect results from SEO?
   SEO takes time—several months, typically. However, once you start ranking for relevant keywords, the traffic (and leads) can become a consistent, long-term asset.
   

Conclusion

Standing out in real estate requires a blend of smart strategies and the right tools. From harnessing the power of social media ads to mastering SEO and deploying advanced technologies like virtual staging, top real estate sellers understand that success hinges on an integrated approach. Whether you’re running open houses or building an Instagram following, consistency and creativity are key.

Ready to stand out from the crowd? Explore our Virtual Staging solutions to transform empty or outdated spaces into eye-catching listings that sell faster! You can also check out our 3D Rendering Service or Virtual Furniture Removal and Replacement to give your listings a fresh, modern look.

If you want to elevate your listings and generate more qualified leads, Contact Us for a free consultation.