Episode 18: Why Your Internet Leads Aren't Converting: Tyler Shields Exposes Common Mistakes - Relevate Homes

In the ever-evolving real estate industry, effective expansion and lead conversion are essential for sustained growth and success. In Episode 18 of The OT podcast, Tyler Shields, a leading real estate expert based in Denver, Colorado, shared his powerful strategies for navigating these challenges. His team, Relevate, has made significant strides in markets including Denver, Colorado Springs, Phoenix, and Missouri. In this blog post, we’ll explore Shields' top tips and techniques for optimizing real estate operations and scaling your business.

Mastering Facebook Lead Conversion

Tyler Shields highlights a critical insight: newer agents often outperform their more experienced counterparts when it comes to converting Facebook leads. The reason? Fresh agents are more likely to treat each lead as a valuable opportunity and invest the time required to nurture it. Here’s how to effectively convert Facebook leads:

- **Personalized Property Searches:** Align property searches with the lead’s preferences for a more engaging experience.

- **Value-Driven Communication:** Use automated texts and emails to provide relevant information, including open house invitations and property details.

- **Persistent Follow-Up:** Combine automated and personalized follow-ups to stay top of mind and guide leads through their decision-making process.

These strategies not only increase conversion rates but also help build long-term relationships with potential clients.

Getting to Know Tyler Shields and Relevate

Tyler Shields has established himself as a leader in online lead conversion, leveraging his experience from Zillow. His team, Relevate, has successfully expanded to Denver, Colorado Springs, Phoenix, and Missouri, showcasing impressive results in lead generation. The team’s structure includes:

- **Transaction Coordinators (TCs):** Handling transaction details across various branches.

- **Virtual Assistants (VAs):** Supporting administrative tasks.

- **Team Leads and Agents:** Driving client interactions and lead generation.

Relevate operates with a streamlined, non-hub model, using local TCs and VAs in each market to maintain efficiency.

Innovative Lead Generation Strategies

One standout tactic discussed is the "Golden Letter" strategy. By sending out 19,000 letters annually, Relevate has achieved about 30 listing appointments and eight closed deals in just the first four months. This approach involves administrative support for printing and mailing, allowing agents to focus on client engagement.

Tyler also shared his success with pay-per-click (PPC) advertising and Facebook ads through Command. The core of these strategies is providing continuous value and maintaining aggressive follow-up practices.

Effective Team Leadership and Expansion

Managing a team across multiple states can be challenging, but Tyler Shields has mastered the art of maintaining a strong team culture and providing growth opportunities. Key strategies include:

- **Regular Stand-Up Meetings:** Biweekly meetings to review goals, metrics, and ensure accountability.

- **Value Ladder:** Offering comprehensive support, including leads, training, and opportunities for advancement.

- **Clear Expectations:** Setting and communicating clear performance standards for all team members.

Shields stresses the importance of finding the right fit for each market and learning from past expansion attempts to avoid pitfalls.

Training and Accountability

Relevate’s training strategy is centered around the Relevate Playbook, which includes best practices and a career visioning plan. Tyler Shields advocates for “belly-to-belly” training to build strong, personal connections within the team. Regular check-ins and well-defined standards for performance ensure that agents remain motivated and accountable.

By integrating these strategies, you can optimize your real estate operations and achieve remarkable growth. Stay tuned for more expert insights and practical advice in upcoming episodes of The OT.