Top 3 Online Lead Generation Strategies for Realtors in 2025

When it comes to real estate lead generation, almost anything can work—YouTube, Instagram, Facebook Ads, networking, cold calling—you name it. But the real difference between agents who consistently close deals and those who struggle isn’t the method they choose. It’s consistency.

Most agents bounce between different strategies, posting sporadically on Instagram, running a few ads here and there, and hoping for referrals. But the truth is, the agents generating steady leads aren’t doing everything—they’re doing a few things well and sticking to them.

If you want predictable leads without the constant ups and downs, focus on three proven strategies:

• YouTube: a place where you content can stay relevant for years, instead of days.
• Instagram: a personal brand builder that turns followers into clients.
• Facebook & YouTube Ads: a high-converting system for attracting buyers and sellers on autopilot.
  

Let’s break down exactly how to use each of these to build a lead generation system that actually works—without wasting hours on marketing or relying on expensive agencies.

1. YouTube: The Ultimate Long-Term Lead Magnet

YouTube is one of the most underrated lead generation tools for real estate agents. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where content disappears quickly, YouTube videos act as a search engine, bringing in buyers and sellers for months (or even years) after posting.

Since YouTube is owned by Google, it works just like the world’s biggest search engine. People type in a question, and instead of just showing the latest content, Google serves up the most relevant results—whether that’s a blog post from two years ago or a YouTube video from six months ago.

But the real power of YouTube isn’t just in getting found—it’s in the kind of trust it builds.

Think about it: When someone watches your videos, they see your face, hear your voice, and get a sense of your personality and expertise. By the time they reach out, they already feel like they know you. They’re not just browsing for an agent—they’ve already chosen you.

Compare that to someone who stumbles onto your website. They might be curious, but they still need convincing. With YouTube, that trust is already there. The people who contact you aren’t just leads—they’re warm, ready-to-work-with-you clients.

So while others are fighting for attention with social media posts and cold outreach, you’re 10 steps ahead. You are attracting clients who are already sold on you.

How to Make YouTube Work for Real Estate Leads

If you’re new to YouTube, don’t overcomplicate it—you don’t need fancy equipment, viral content, or thousands of followers to start getting real estate leads. You just need a simple system that helps buyers and sellers find you.

Here’s how to get started, step by step:

Step 1: Set Up Your Channel

First things first—you need a YouTube channel. If you don’t have one yet:

• Go to YouTube.com and sign in with your Google account.
• Click on your profile picture in the top right and select “Create a Channel.”
• Add your name (or business name) and upload a professional headshot or logo.
  

Tip: Keep your channel name simple and searchable. “[Your Name] | [Your City] Realtor” works perfectly.‍

Step 2: Choose Your First Video Topic

One of the biggest mistakes new agents make? They overthink their first video.

Instead of trying to create the perfect video, start with something simple that buyers and sellers are already searching for.

Here are three great first video ideas:

1. “Buying a Home in [City]? Here’s What You NEED to Know First”
2. “Moving to [City]? Pros & Cons You Should Consider”
3. “How Much House Can You Afford in [City] in 2025?”
   

Why these work: People actively search for these questions, so your video has a higher chance of being found—even if your channel is brand new.

Step 3: Film Your First Video (No Fancy Equipment Needed)

You don’t need a professional setup to start. Your phone + good lighting is enough.

1. Find a quiet space with good natural light.
2. Use your phone’s back camera for better quality.
3. Keep your message clear and conversational—imagine you’re explaining it to a client in person.‍

Tip: If you’re nervous, use bullet points instead of a full script. This keeps your delivery natural and engaging.‍

Step 4: Upload & Optimize Your Video for Search

Once you’ve filmed, it’s time to upload and make sure people can actually find it.‍

• Title: Use a keyword-rich title like “Best Neighborhoods in [City] for First-Time Buyers” instead of “My First YouTube Video.”‍
• Thumbnail: Design a simple, bold thumbnail with text—Canva is great for this. Don't over-design it, you are a realtor, not a designer. The simpler - the better.
• Description: Write a few sentences explaining what the video is about. Include phrases like “Homes for sale in [City]” to help YouTube rank your video.
• Call to Action: In your video and description, tell viewers what to do next. And you aren't creating videos for the subscribers, you are creating videos for leads. So instead of saying, subscribe - say call me on [phone number].
  

Example: “Thinking of buying a home in [City]? Download my free home-buying checklist—link in the description!”

Step 5: Stay Consistent & Improve Over Time

Your first video won’t be perfect—and that’s okay. The key is consistency.

Commit to one video a week (and if you are really serious and want to generate leads, create two a week - this is the most optimal) and focus on getting better with each one. The more content you create, the easier it becomes—and the more leads you’ll start attracting.

Why YouTube Works for Lead Generation

YouTube isn’t just another social media platform—it’s a search engine that keeps working for you long after you hit publish.

Unlike Instagram posts that disappear in a day, a good YouTube video can bring in leads for months or even years. And since viewers get to see and hear you, they’ll feel like they already know you by the time they reach out—making them far more likely to work with you.

So if you’ve been thinking about starting a channel, now is the time. Your future clients are searching for answers—why not be the one to show up?

2. How to Use Instagram to Generate Real Estate Leads in 2025

Instagram can be a powerful tool for real estate agents—but only if you use it the right way. Too many agents treat Instagram like a digital business card, posting Just Sold and Open House flyers, hoping that somehow, buyers and sellers will flood their inbox. Spoiler alert: they won’t.

The truth is, Instagram isn’t about selling. It’s about building trust, positioning yourself as the go-to expert, and staying top of mind until a potential client is ready to buy or sell. If you want real leads from Instagram, you need a strategy that attracts the right audience, provides value, and creates a reason for people to reach out to you.

Step 1: Optimize Your Instagram Profile for Leads

Your Instagram profile is the first thing people see when they land on your page, and within seconds, they’ll decide whether you’re worth following—or if they should scroll past. That’s why your bio isn’t just a description; it’s a lead magnet. It should clearly communicate who you help, how you help them, and what they should do next.

Instead of a generic profile name like John Smith, use something searchable like John Smith | Miami Realtor. This makes it easier for people to find you when they search for real estate in your area.

Next, craft a bio that speaks directly to your ideal client. Instead of something vague like Helping clients buy and sell homes, make it specific and action-driven. It should include:

• Who you help (First-time buyers? Luxury sellers? Relocations?)
• How you help them (Market insights? Home-buying tips? Exclusive listings?)
• What to do next (DM you? Download a guide? Book a call?)

Example: “Helping first-time buyers in Miami find their dream home. Grab my free home-buying guide below!”

Your profile should also have one clear link—preferably not just your brokerage’s homepage, but something that captures leads. This could be a landing page where people can download a buyer’s guide, sign up for a market update, or access an exclusive property list. Using a tool like Stan Store or Linktree allows you to include multiple links while keeping things simple and organized.

Step 2: Post Content That Attracts Buyers and Sellers

Most agents make the mistake of only posting their listings. While Just Listed and Just Sold posts might seem important, they don’t build engagement or trust. Buyers and sellers don’t care about another house that just hit the market unless it directly benefits them.

Instead of treating Instagram like a portfolio, think of it as an educational and community-building platform. People follow realtors because they want to learn something valuable—not just see homes they can already find on Zillow.

A strong Instagram strategy includes a mix of:

• Market insights – Updates on home prices, mortgage rates, and whether it’s a good time to buy or sell.
• Home-buying tips – Common mistakes, financing advice, and step-by-step guidance for first-time buyers.
• Neighborhood breakdowns – The best areas for young professionals, families, or retirees in your city.
• Behind-the-scenes content – Your daily life as a realtor, home tours, or contract negotiations (without breaking confidentiality, of course).

But, you can also keep it very simple. A very good strategy what is working right now, is posting only home tours starting with the hook: This is what [price] gets you in [city/town]! These tours don't have to be your own listings. Create 2 of these videos a week and see your engagement increasing.

Take a look at Jason Ballo for inspo!

Instagram is about value, not vanity. The more helpful and engaging your content, the more likely people will follow you—and eventually reach out when they’re ready to buy or sell.

Step 3: Use Instagram Reels to Expand Your Reach

One of the best ways to grow on Instagram right now is through Reels. These short, engaging videos help you reach people who aren’t already following you, making them a powerful tool for organic lead generation.

But here’s the key: you don’t need to be a video editing expert or follow cringy trends to make Reels work for you. Instead, focus on quick, valuable insights that buyers and sellers actually care about.

For example, instead of a boring market update, turn it into a punchy, engaging Reel:

• “Should you buy a home in [City] in 2025? Here’s what you need to know.”
• “The 3 biggest mistakes first-time homebuyers make (and how to avoid them).”
• “Thinking of moving to [City]? These are the best neighborhoods for young professionals.”
  

Reels don’t need to be complicated. Just talk to the camera, keep it under 60 seconds, and get straight to the point. Most people scroll past videos that take too long to get to the good part, so the first three seconds should hook them in immediately.

Another thing to keep in mind: most people watch Instagram videos without sound, so adding captions is a must. Without captions, you’ll lose a huge chunk of your audience before they even hear what you have to say.

Step 4: Stay Consistent and Build Trust Over Time

Instagram isn’t about instant results. You won’t post one Reel and suddenly have a flood of buyers messaging you. It’s about staying top of mind so that when someone is ready to buy or sell, you’re the first agent they think of.

The key is consistency. Post at least three to four times a week, mix in Reels and carousel posts, and use Instagram Stories daily to engage with your audience. Stories don’t have to be polished—just sharing quick updates, answering questions, or giving behind-the-scenes glimpses into your work builds credibility and keeps you visible.

But most importantly, engage with your audience. Reply to comments, answer DMs, and start conversations. Instagram is about community, not just content. The more you interact, the more people will trust you—and when the time comes, they’ll choose you over another agent they don’t know.

3. How to Use Facebook Ads to Generate Real Estate Leads in 2025

Instagram and YouTube help you build trust and visibility, but if you want consistent, predictable leads, you need Facebook Ads. Unlike organic content that takes time to grow, a well-structured ad campaign can start bringing in buyers and sellers immediately—but only if you do it the right way.

Most agents waste money on ads that don’t convert. They either boost posts with no clear strategy or run generic “Call me for all your real estate needs” ads that get ignored. The agents winning in 2025 are using hyper-targeted, problem-solving ads designed to capture leads and get them into their pipeline.

You can download your pre-written high converting ad copy here!

If you’ve tried Facebook Ads before and they didn’t work, chances are you were missing one of these key elements:

Step 1: Stop Boosting Posts – Run Real Lead Generation Ads

Many realtors make the mistake of boosting posts instead of setting up proper ad campaigns. While boosting a post increases visibility, it doesn’t target the right audience, and it doesn’t optimize for leads.

Instead, you need to use Meta Ads Manager and run a Lead Generation or Traffic campaign with a clear strategy. This allows you to:

• Target people who are actively looking to buy or sell
• Collect lead information (like emails and phone numbers)
• Retarget people who have already interacted with your ads
  

A good Facebook ad campaign isn’t about getting your name out there—it’s about getting the right people to take action.

Step 2: Use High-Converting Facebook Ad Formats

Not all Facebook ads perform the same. Some formats get tons of clicks but few conversions, while others consistently generate high-quality leads.

Here are the three best ad types for realtors in 2025:

1. Property-Specific Listing Ads

These ads highlight a single listing with stunning visuals, a strong hook, and a clear call to action. Instead of just saying “New listing! Check it out,” focus on what makes the property unique.

2. Hyper-Specific Home Lists

Instead of running generic “Homes for Sale” ads, create an exclusive home list that solves a specific problem.

Example: “Looking for the best homes under $500K in [City]? We’ve put together a list of the top 10 homes on the market right now—click below to access it!” This works because people love curated lists, and it gives them a reason to click and provide their contact information.

Tip: Offer different lists based on market demand, such as:

• ‍“10 Best Homes Under $450K in [Neighborhood]”
• “Luxury Homes with Pools in [City]”
• “Best Investment Properties Under $300K”
  

3. New Construction & Off-Market Deals

Buyers love feeling like they have access to something exclusive. Ads that promote new construction communities, pre-market homes, or off-market deals generate high engagement and quality leads.

Example: “Want early access to [City]’s newest homes before they hit the market? We have exclusive info on pre-construction pricing and VIP incentives—click below to get the details!”‍

This positions you as the go-to agent for exclusive opportunities, making buyers more likely to reach out.

Step 3: Target the Right Audience (Stop Wasting Ad Spend!)

Even the best ad won’t work if it’s shown to the wrong people. Many agents waste money by targeting broad audiences instead of dialing in on serious buyers and sellers.

Here’s how to set up smart targeting for real estate ads in 2025:

• Custom Audiences – Retarget people who have visited your website, engaged with your Instagram, or clicked on a past ad.
• Lookalike Audiences – Find new leads by targeting people similar to your past clients.
• Location-Based Targeting – Focus on specific neighborhoods, not just entire cities.
• Homebuyer Interests – Target people interested in Zillow, Redfin, mortgage calculators, and moving companies—these are signals that someone is actively looking for a home.

Tip: If you’re running a listing ad, exclude agents and investors from your audience so you’re only showing ads to potential buyers.

Step 4: Use a Strong Call to Action (Tell Them What to Do Next)

The biggest mistake in real estate ads? Vague or weak calls to action. If your ad just says “Call me today!”, most people will scroll past it. Instead, you need to give people a clear next step that feels low-commitment but valuable.

Best Calls to Action for Real Estate Ads:

• 📥 “Download the full list of available homes in [City]”‍
• 📞 “Book a free 15-minute consultation to see if buying now is right for you”‍
• 🏡 “Click to see this home’s full details and schedule a private tour”
  

When your call to action is specific and actionable, people are much more likely to take the next step.

Step 5: Set Up an Automated Follow-Up System

Once someone clicks on your ad, what happens next?

If you don’t have a follow-up system in place, you’re leaving money on the table. Most people won’t immediately be ready to buy or sell—but if you stay in touch, they will be eventually. You can download your pre-written high converting follow-up system here!

Here’s how to automate your follow-up:

1. Send an Instant Email or Text – As soon as a lead submits their info, send them a quick message with the next steps. (Example: “Hey [First Name], thanks for requesting our home list! I’ll send it over now—let me know if you have any questions!”)
2. Put Leads into a Nurture Sequence – Not all leads will convert immediately, so set up an automated email drip campaign with useful real estate tips, market updates, and reminders about your services.
3. Follow Up Personally – The best agents follow up with a personal call or text within 24 hours of getting a lead. A simple, non-pushy message like: “Hey [First Name], I saw you checked out our latest home list! Any specific features or price ranges you’re looking for?” can make a huge difference.

Conclusion: Build a Lead Generation System That Works

Generating real estate leads in 2025 isn’t about chasing every new trend—it’s about consistency and strategy. YouTube helps you build long-term trust, Instagram turns followers into clients, and Facebook Ads provide instant, targeted leads. By focusing on these three proven methods, you can create a predictable, scalable lead generation system that brings in buyers and sellers on autopilot. If you’re ready to take your lead generation to the next level, start implementing these strategies today. And if you want high-converting ad copy and follow-up templates, download them here to get started faster!