You’ve got listings, connections and local know-how. So, where’s the flood of consistent leads?
If you’re like many real estate agents right now, you’re feeling the shift. Referrals that once flowed like clockwork are slowing. Paid ads aren’t hitting like they used to. And your website feels more like a static business card than a lead engine.
Here’s the thing: today’s buyer or seller has more information, more choices and less patience than ever before. If your digital marketing strategy isn’t meeting their expectations, they’ll move on to someone else.
Instead, it’s time to take control back. How? By capturing attention, speaking to your prospect’s needs and leveraging digital marketing that positions you as the “obvious” option in your city, town or state. Below are the 9 most common mistakes real estate agents make with their digital marketing and how you can course-correct immediately.
1. You’re Saying What Every Other Agent Says
Your homepage headline says:
“Helping buyers and sellers since 2010.”
Ask yourself: does that move the needle for your target demographic?
Of course not. In today’s market, you don’t get attention by blending in. You get it by being specific and emotionally relevant. What kind of clients do you specialize in? Why do you care? What’s your unfair advantage? How can you position yourself differently?
Real Estate Marketing Fix:
Rework your homepage headline to lead with benefits and clarity:
“Helping first-time buyers in Memphis land dream homes without putting their lives on pause.
See the difference? This captures real attention. Always start there, then include other details like location served, client type, etc. You can achieve that with a
strong secondary line.
Remember: your site is a sales asset, not a boring brochure. It’s your pitch, your personality and your value on display. Use it wisely.
2. You Don’t Have a Lead Magnet (Or It’s Boring)
Most real estate sites are losing 95%+ of their traffic by not capturing leads. Why? Because they don’t offer a reason to stay in touch. They all give visitors the same options: Contact Us, but nothing else.
Here’s the truth: buyers and sellers often browse for weeks or months before reaching out. A smart lead magnet lets you stay top-of-mind until they’re ready.
Real Estate Marketing Fix:
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Create a free local guide
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Example: “Your First-Time Buyer Checklist for Denver”
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Gate the guide behind a short opt-in form (name + email)
Follow up with an automated email sequence that educates, builds trust and invites a conversation.
Pro Tip: Add a pop-up on your listing pages that says:
“Love homes like this? Get listings (before they hit Zillow).”
If you’re not capturing emails, you’re letting buyers go cold.
3. You’re Ignoring Google Business Profile (Or It’s Outdated)
People search for “real estate agent near me” every day. If your Google Business Profile (GBP) isn’t optimized, you’re missing free traffic and credibility. This is often the first impression people see, not your website.
Real Estate Marketing Fix:
Make sure you’ve claimed your GBP and filled out:
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Categories (i.e. “Real Estate Agent.)
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Description with several local keywords
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Hours, website, phone number, contact info
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10 high-quality photos (headshots, closings, homes, neighborhoods)
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Ask past clients to leave detailed reviews (and respond to all of them)
If you’re not showing up in the map pack, you’re invisible to half your local audience. Top real estate agents don’t ignore this valuable asset. And you shouldn’t either.
4. Your Listings Are Boring or Detached From Your Brand
Embedding the MLS feed isn’t enough. Those homes are available everywhere. The question is: Why should someone experience that listing through you? Listings should build trust, show value and invite action.
Real Estate Marketing Fix:
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Write short, custom blurbs on key listings
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Add CTAs like: “Want a private showing? Text now.”
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Use your logo and colors so listings feel like your brand
Each listing is a potential first impression. Make it count.
5. You Aren’t Retargeting Website Visitors
Most people who visit your site won’t convert on the first visit. But with retargeting ads, you can follow them around the internet (ethically) and stay in front of them.
Real Estate Marketing Fix:
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Install Facebook Pixel and Google Tags
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Run simple retargeting ads with customized messaging
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Test video creative, static images to identify top performers
It’s like turning abandoned traffic into a second chance, for pennies on the dollar.
6. You’re Not Showing Enough Social Proof
Everyone says they’re trustworthy. Few prove it. Buyers and sellers want to see real people like them having good experiences. Your site should showcase this as much as possible. No prospect ever turned down a real estate agent who had “too much social proof.”
Real Estate Marketing Fix:
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Add a section with video testimonials or quote cards
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Include before/after photos (listed homes → sold homes)
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Link to your Google and Zillow reviews (other platforms too)
Let happy clients do the talking. Nothing builds trust faster.
7. Your Branding Is Inconsistent
Your site looks clean. Your Facebook page looks five years old. Your YouTube channel is empty. That disconnect confuses people and makes them question professionalism.
Real Estate Marketing Fix:
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Use one consistent headshot and color scheme
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Write one short bio and adapt it to all platforms
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Use tools like Canva or GoDaddy Studio for branded social templates
You don’t need to be everywhere. But where you do show up, make sure to look cohesive and confident.
8. Your Blog Doesn’t Exist Or It Has Zero Value
Blogging might feel outdated, but here’s the reality: it’s your SEO engine. Want to show up for “best neighborhoods in Gainesville” or “how to buy a home solo”? You need content.
Real Estate Marketing Fix:
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Write 1–2 helpful blogs a month
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Make them 100% location-specific
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Add CTAs throughout the blog post
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Share them on email and social media
Great content builds trust before the call. Local content boosts rankings. Both become key sales assets to grow your real estate business.
9. You’re Relying Too Much on Referrals
Referrals are gold, but they’re unpredictable. They’re a result, not a system. If you’re not generating your own demand online, you’re always dependent on outside momentum.
Real Estate Marketing Fix:
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Use content, SEO, email marketing and paid ads
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Automate lead capture and follow-up so no one slips through
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Track which sources lead to closings and perform above the rest
Digital marketing isn’t about being everywhere. It’s about being visible where it matters.
Your Digital Marketing Should Be Closing For You
Most agents aren’t losing because they’re not working hard enough. They’re losing because their website, their copy and visibility are outdated or too generic to compete. But the good news? You don’t have to do this alone.
At Slamdot, we specialize in helping real estate pros like you turn passive websites into lead-generating machines. From clean design to local SEO, email marketing to conversion copy, our team does more than just build pretty sites. We build systems that grow your business.
If you’re tired of guessing at what works and ready to attract more serious buyers and sellers, let’s talk. Your next client is out there. Contact us today and we’ll help them find you!
