Agents followingup with leads from lead generation companies are not doing their job. I represent a Broker as an agent, and a SEO marketing firm which I founded. One of the things I have spent time studying over the last 10 years is the best way to respond these leads which are usually weak at best in terms of viable. Being personable and having a direct message the lead can relate to is a key element, timing is crutial, and for best results for your own sake follow up with a phone call.
I thing that leads that come from search traffic, which I generate a ton of traffic for my clients using this approach, only dilutes the prospect and reduces your credibility. People are naturally turned off by unknow referrals so its best for AGENTS and BROKERS to generate their own leads.
I would love to help anyone boost their traffic, and free advice on how to maximize your leads.
Its a two step process, first you engage them, then call them. WORKS EVERY TIME. - Fri May 9 2008, 13:30

I would make sure that along with Craigslist your actively persuing a SEO approach. I have been involved with SEO for about 15 years and have put several agents in the top lists, some have had mutiple pages in the top 5 of yahoo. I test each market I get into and don't sugar coat results. I will not take a job in a market unless I can gauantee top 10 placement. I also track stats to assure you pick the best keywords.
Contact me directly thru my website about your real estate marketing online goals, maybe I can help in the same way I have helped the rest of my clients. - Fri May 9 2008, 13:17

Betty,
The best way to increase your business is to be more productive and work more leads. I can actually help you get more from the internet. I do SEO for realtors and have had a lot of success in terms of getting my clients more traffic by putting them up higher in serach engine results pages.
Id love to talk about this with you and will only offer to help if what you want is within my reach. I always test the market before I take on a client in order to gaurantee results. Just for one example Sam Ramsey in Baraboo Wisconsin was #3 on yahoo overnight and basically doubled her web traffic immediately.
MORE SALES? You be the judge. I am very reasonable in terms of rates too. - Fri May 9 2008, 13:06

Brutal is not the word. STAY INSIDE AND STAY WARM. If your a skiier Wisconsin is GREAT! - Fri May 9 2008, 12:56

Honestly the market over the last month and a half has been quite unusual, web traffic is up but buyers are not pulling the trigger. We really are not into the true busy season yet so hang in there and hopefully someone will bite for you. Also in todays market you really do need maximum exposure so make sure who ever you have your listing with is going to put your home on as many partner sites as possible. Reedsburg is a tough market right now with a lot of inventory for buyers to chose from so its important for your listing to "stand out" in some positive way.
GOOD LUCK! - Fri Apr 25 2008, 21:32

I agree with Sue, but not every Broker is full service even though they say they are. I reccomend RE/MAX Preferred as they have only experienced agents, other firms will load their offices with new agents and then claim to do a better job. Just not the case. visit http://www.madisonpreferred.com for the best agents out there. - Tue Apr 1 2008, 09:53