Our Business Development Managers are constantly asked how estate agents can secure more instructions. We've compiled these proven strategies to help boost your agency's conversion rates and market presence.
Leverage Property Technology
There are excellent canvassing tools available in the market that provide critical insights: properties' time on market, recent price reductions, and nearby sales activity. These technologies help you stay informed about developments in your micro-market, enabling you to send targeted letters to potential vendors or identify prime opportunities for door-knocking campaigns.
Modern proptech solutions don't just identify opportunities – they streamline your approach. With tools like LetsBid's prospecting platform, you can quickly generate professional, branded communication that positions you as the local market expert. This technology allows you to work smarter, not harder, by focusing your efforts on properties most likely to convert.
Actively Seek Referrals
This strategy is absolutely fundamental – if you don't ask, you simply won't receive. Whenever you successfully rent or sell a property, make a point of asking your clients whether they know anyone else considering selling or renting. When a stakeholder has had a positive experience with your agency, they rarely hesitate to recommend your services.
Consider implementing a structured referral programme to incentivise existing clients. Even simple gestures like gift vouchers or charitable donations can significantly boost referral rates. Remember that personal recommendations carry extraordinary weight in the property market, with many vendors selecting agents based primarily on trusted referrals.
Embed Yourself in the Local Community
Become genuinely involved in your local area – let residents know you're an integral part of their town or village. This doesn't necessarily mean sponsoring high-profile events (though that can be effective). Shop at local businesses, volunteer at community centres, and engage with local schools and organisations.
Community involvement builds not just your agency's brand recognition, but crucially, it develops your agents' personal brands. When residents repeatedly encounter your team members in positive community contexts, they naturally think of you when property needs arise. This approach creates authentic connections that digital marketing alone simply cannot achieve.
Amplify Your Successes
Make certain your market knows exactly how well you're performing:
High-visibility 'SOLD' boards serve as powerful testimonials across your territory. These physical markers of success build confidence among potential vendors considering your agency.
Customer testimonials should feature prominently across all your marketing channels. Real feedback from satisfied clients provides social proof that significantly influences decision-making.
Branded elements like umbrellas, car decals, and community sponsorships extend your visibility throughout your territory.
Window displays remain extraordinarily effective – invest in professional design and regularly update them to showcase current successes.
Social media presence is no longer optional. If you haven't established accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, prioritise this immediately. Social media offers both exceptional property advertising opportunities and a platform to demonstrate your local market expertise.
Develop a Comprehensive Digital Strategy
Social media has evolved into an outstanding source of leads and a powerful channel for property promotion. A robust digital presence increases awareness of your agency, ultimately generating more instructions.
Your digital strategy should incorporate:
- Regular posting showcasing successful sales
- Market insights and analysis that position you as the local expert
- Community news and involvement
- Behind-the-scenes content that humanises your agency
- Video content touring properties and highlighting area amenities
When planning your social strategy, remember that consistency matters more than perfection. Regular, authentic content outperforms occasional polished campaigns.
Explore Specialisation Opportunities
Consider developing expertise in specific property niches where competition may be less intense. Probate properties, for example, represent a significant market segment often overlooked by general agents. Specialised knowledge in areas like retirement properties, new builds, or unique character homes can position your agency as the go-to expert for those particular segments.
These strategies represent just a starting point. To learn more about how you can secure additional instructions and grow your agency, visit www.letsbidproperty.co.uk and speak with one of our experienced Business Development Managers. We can provide tailored guidance on implementing these approaches and introduce you to our suite of tools designed specifically to help estate agents win more instructions in today's competitive market.
