Six core areas where leads can be generated in 2023 have been identified by website and marketing solutions business Property Webmasters.

Responding to the need for quality lead generation in the face of tried and tested methods “possibly not working as effectively as they used to”, the company believes success can be found through: networking; social media; existing database; video; portals; testimonials and referrals.

According to Property Webmasters, all of the above can be effective if used well and consistently for maximum effect with the use of automated responses and open AI technology such as ChatGPT.

These new technologies, the company explained, were created to speed up processes and provide helpful information. Estate agents should ensure they have efficient follow-up processes with clients, and the likes of ChatGPT can provide both content and prompts, Property Webmasters said.

The company added that systems such as Zapier enable you to connect your apps into automated workflows and allow agents to move information between apps or platforms as well as check for alerts in multiple places. Zapier can also allow an agent to keep track of their leads.

Property Webmasters said one of the key elements that “cannot be ignored” is an agent’s own website, as “not only is this a 365/24/7 window on the world but can be the conduit through which all lead generation is managed”.

Jamie Arthur, CEO of Property Webmasters, said: “With the growth of social media and the portals over recent years there has perhaps been a tendency by some to ignore the importance and potential of their own website.

“Of course, the reach of the portals and social media should not be ignored but driving more enquiries and contact through one’s own website is crucial, as it is entirely down to the agent as to how they stand out from the crowd, show their points of differentiation and demonstrate added value in what they do.”