Stop Wasting Money on Real Estate Leads: Do This Instead | Rethink Real Estate S4E43

In this marketing-mic-drop episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady and returning guest Chris Cochran get real about the true definition of a lead—and why most agents are doing it completely wrong. Forget overpriced third-party “buyer inquiries.” If you’re not speaking directly to someone’s problem, you're just noise in the feed.Chris breaks down what actually makes someone a qualified lead, how lead magnets should work (but usually don’t), and the power of speaking to niche pain points instead of trying to “market to everyone.” You’ll learn why most agents aren’t building trust with their marketing, how to use gated content the right way, and the exact shift that will 2–3x your conversions.They also dig into tactics like persona-based guides, real client case studies, and the biggest mindset mistake agents make with online ads. Whether you’re buying leads, building a funnel, or just wondering why no one clicks your links—this one’s packed with the kind of clarity that can change your business today.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – The Real Definition of a Lead (That Most Agents Miss)[00:01:11] – Why Opt-Ins Matter More Than “Buying Leads”[00:02:22] – Lead Magnets That Actually Work for Agents[00:04:03] – How to Use Gated Content Without Being Annoying[00:05:29] – Building Trust Through Free (But Valuable) Content[00:09:39] – The Power of Persona-Driven Marketing[00:13:05] – Speak to the Problem or Be Ignored🔗 Related Resources:For more info on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, visit:www.harcourtsauctions.comConnect with Ben Brady and the Harcourts Auctions team:Facebook: www.facebook.com/BenbradyharcourtsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517Instagram: www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctionsFacebook: www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions🎯 Subscribe for more tactical sales and listing strategies. Drop your questions in the comments — we read every single one.