How to Use Virtual Tours and Online Consultations to Capture More Leads in 2024

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working with thousands of real estate professionals, success comes to those who adapt quickly to change. 

The market is shifting—buyers now expect a digital-first experience, and if you’re not meeting them there, you’re leaving money on the table. 

According to NAR, 70% of buyers expect virtual tours and online consultations, which is only going up. 

Let’s leverage these tools to capture more leads and dominate your market in 2024.

Why You Need to Embrace the Digital Experience Shift in Real Estate Marketing

We’re in an era where buyers want convenience. 

They’re used to getting everything online—from ordering food to buying a car—so why should real estate be any different? 

Especially when 35% of buyers are millennials, who practically live on their phones. 

They want tech-savvy, digital-first agents who make their lives easier. 

By offering virtual tours and online consultations, you’re not just keeping up with the competition—you’re setting the pace. 

Let’s break down how you can integrate these tools into your business.

Step 1: Integrate Virtual Tour Software into Your Listings

Virtual tours aren’t just a cool feature—they’re a must-have. They allow buyers to explore properties from the comfort of their couch, which is a game-changer in today’s world.

• Choose the Right Tool: There are tons of options out there, like Matterport, Zillow 3D Home Tours, and iStaging. Pick one that’s easy to use and integrates well with your current systems. The goal is to make it seamless for you and your clients.

• Show Off Your Listings: Highlight the best parts of your properties in these tours. Make sure you’re showcasing the features that buyers care about—like a spacious kitchen or a killer view. Use the software’s tools to add annotations or info spots that guide the buyer through the property.

• Make It Accessible Everywhere: Don’t bury your virtual tours. Embed them directly into your MLS website listings and blast them on social media. The more places buyers can find them, the better.

• Market Your Tech-Forward Approach: Make it known that you offer virtual tours. This should be in all your marketing materials—emails, social media, flyers—you name it. You want potential clients to know you’re a step ahead.

Step 2: Set Up Online Consultations for Easy Scheduling

Online consultations are another non-negotiable. 

They’re perfect for today’s buyer who values convenience and flexibility. And guess what? You get to save time and meet more people faster.

• Use Scheduling Tools: Tools like Calendly or Acuity Scheduling make booking easy for your clients. They pick a time that works, you get a notification, and boom—you’ve got a meeting. No more back-and-forth emails that waste your time.

• Offer Options: Not everyone wants a video call. Some prefer phone calls, others Zoom or Google Meet. Give them options so they can choose what’s most comfortable for them.

• Prepare Like a Pro: Just because it’s online doesn’t mean it’s casual. Have your market data, property info, and anything else you might need ready to go. Screen share these documents to keep the meeting professional and informative.

• Follow Up Fast: Use your CRM to automate follow-ups after these consultations. A quick thank you email or a summary of what you discussed keeps the momentum going and shows clients you’re on top of things.

Step 3: Use TopShot Pro’s CRM to Track Engagement and Automate Follow-Ups

A CRM is your best friend when you’re ramping up your digital game. TopShot Pro’s CRM isn’t just any tool—it’s built specifically for real estate, and it’s going to help you manage these new digital touchpoints like a pro.

• Monitor Engagement: Use the CRM to see which virtual tours are getting the most clicks, how long people are staying, and what they’re looking at. This data is gold when you’re trying to understand what buyers are interested in.

• Automate Your Follow-Ups: Set up automatic follow-ups based on user behavior. Did someone spend a long time on a virtual tour? Your CRM can trigger an automated email or text to reach out. It’s like having an assistant who never sleeps.

• Personalize Your Outreach: Use the CRM data to personalize your follow-ups. If you know what properties a buyer is looking at, you can tailor your communication to highlight similar listings or features.

• Analyze and Improve: Regularly check your CRM analytics. See what’s working and what’s not. If virtual tours are driving leads, double down. If something’s not clicking, adjust your strategy.

Step 4: Promote Your Digital-First Approach in Your Marketing

Now that you’ve got the tech in place, it’s time to let the world know. Being a digital-first agent isn’t just about offering virtual tours and consultations—it’s about positioning yourself as the go-to tech-savvy agent in your market.

• Update Your Branding: Make sure your branding reflects your digital-first approach. Your website, business cards, and social media profiles should all convey that you’re on the cutting edge of real estate technology.

• Create Content Around Your Tools: Show off your virtual tours and online consultations through videos, blogs, or social media posts. Educate your audience on why these tools make their home-buying experience better.

• Leverage Testimonials: Get feedback from clients who’ve used your virtual tours and consultations. Share these success stories to build social proof and show potential clients the value of your services.

• Run Targeted Ads: Use targeted advertising to reach buyers looking for a tech-forward agent. Highlight your virtual tours and consultations as key differentiators that make their home search easier.

Conclusion: Adapt, Lead, and Dominate in 2024

The real estate market is shifting fast, and the agents who adapt will come out on top. By integrating virtual tours and online consultations, you’re not just keeping up—you’re setting the standard. This is your chance to capture more leads, connect with the modern buyer, and scale your business in ways that were never possible before. Use these tools to provide a standout experience that distinguishes you from the competition. Let’s crush it in 2024—together.

Remember, success isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. And with the right tools, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Let’s get to work!