Missed Opportunities: 9 Free Online Tools Every Realtor Should Be Using

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In a busy world like real estate, it’s easy to overlook the free tools out there that could make a HUGE difference in reaching potential clients. You’re already working hard showing properties, managing listings, and building relationships, but imagine if there were a few simple, free ways to amplify your online presence—there are! Just by taking a bit of time to set up these free profiles and tools, you can increase visibility, build credibility, and connect with clients, all without spending a dime. Here’s where to start.

1. Complete Your Realtor.com Profile

Realtor.com is often one of the first places buyers and sellers look for agents, so a complete, eye-catching profile boosts your credibility and visibility right where clients are already searching.

Why It Matters: Realtor.com ranks high in search results, meaning your profile can attract attention even outside the Realtor.com website.
How to Do It: Visit Realtor.com to set up or claim your profil e. Then, fill out every section with your biography, specialties, service areas, and certifications.
Example: Use a high-quality, professional headshot, and write an “About Me” that highlights not only your experience but also your personality and what you love about your work. Include recent certifications, service areas, and make sure all contact info is accurate – including your website (if you have one!).
Pro Tip: Ask past clients to leave reviews on your profile. Positive testimonials add a level of social proof that new clients are looking for when selecting an agent.
Pro Tip #2: Realtor.com now has a “Recommendations” section that allows you to ask colleagues and friends to write a review. This is a fantastic option if you are a newer agent who hasn’t sold any homes yet. Also, if you have clients you’ve been working with who, for whatever reason, had to put their home search on hold, to leave a review / recommendation about their experience working with you.

2. Set Up a Zillow Agent Profile

Zillow is one of the most visited real estate sites. With so many buyers and sellers browsing on Zillow, a complete profile lets you tap into that audience and establish yourself as a trusted agent.

Why It Matters: A Zillow agent profile is highly visible and can directly connect you with potential clients who are actively browsing listings.
How to Do It: Go to Zillow and create a free agent profile. Add your headshot, complete your bio, and list any areas of expertise or special certifications.
Example: Add all your active listings to your Zillow profile, and request satisfied clients to leave reviews specifically on Zillow.
Pro Tip: Zillow lets you showcase your past sales, which builds credibility and shows potential clients the volume of deals you’ve successfully handled. It’s a great way to highlight experience, especially if you specialize in specific types of properties or neighborhoods.

3. Create and Optimize Your Google My Business Profile

Google My Business (GMB) is ESSENTIAL for local SEO. When clients search “real estate agent near me” or something similar, a completed Google My Business profile boosts your chances of showing up in search results and on Google Maps.

Why It Matters: A GMB profile makes you more visible in Google’s local search results, which is where most clients start looking.
How to Do It: Head over to Google My Busines s to set up or claim your profile. Include your office address (or service area if you work remotely), phone number, website link, and business hours.
Example: Add a mix of photos, such as headshots, office photos, or a few snapshots of recent sales, to give a personalized feel to your profile.
Pro Tip: Use GMB’s post feature to highlight recent listings, open houses, or market updates. Encourage happy clients to leave Google reviews, which not only build trust but also improve your ranking in local search results.

4. Claim and Customize Your Profile on Homes.com

Homes.com might not be as well-known as Realtor.com or Zillow, but it’s still a platform where clients look for listings and agent reviews. Having a complete profile here can help reach a different set of clients who prefer Homes.com for browsing.

Why It Matters: Homes.com’s user base includes both buyers and renters, giving you access to people who may need real estate services soon.
How to Do It: Visit Homes.com to claim your free agent profile. Fill out your contact info, add a recent photo, and list any specialties or certifications.
Example: Use the “Local Insights” section to share details about neighborhoods or tips on buying or selling in your area. This adds a layer of credibility and positions you as the go-to agent for specific neighborhoods.

5. Use LinkedIn to Build Professional Connections

LinkedIn isn’t just for job seekers; it’s also a powerful way to connect with other professionals and even potential clients.

Why It Matters: LinkedIn is a professional platform, so building connections with local businesses, lenders, and potential clients here can be beneficial.
How to Do It: Create or update your profile on LinkedIn. Fully complete your profile with a detailed bio, work history, certifications, and any professional accomplishments.
Example: Post insights on real estate trends, share client success stories, or write short articles about local market changes. These posts position you as an industry expert.
Pro Tip: Join local or industry-specific LinkedIn groups and engage with potential clients by commenting on relevant posts, answering questions, or sharing helpful tips.
Pro Tip #2: Ask past clients and friends to provide feedback on their experience working with you.

6. Leverage Free Facebook Tools and Local Groups

Facebook remains a powerful platform to connect with potential clients. Many communities have neighborhood or real estate groups where people look for advice or recommendations.

Why It Matters: Facebook is widely used, making it a great place to share listings, testimonials, and educational content.
How to Do It: Set up a Facebook Business Page with all your contact information, a professional bio, and a few sample listings.
Example: Share recent listings, post client testimonials, or create “Did You Know?” posts about the buying or selling process.
Pro Tip: Host live virtual tours on Facebook Live! It’s a unique way to showcase properties directly to an interested audience, and the interactive element lets potential clients ask questions in real time.

7. Build Your Profile on NextDoor

Nextdoor is a local platform where neighbors connect for recommendations, services, and advice, making it a great place for Realtors to establish visibility in specific neighborhoods.

Why It Matters: Many people turn to NextDoor for trusted local referrals, making it a solid platform for building connections in specific communities.
How to Do It: Create a business profile on NextDoor if it’s available in your area, and fill it out with details about your services and contact info.
Example: Engage in neighborhood conversations to stay visible and trusted within the community. Answer questions, provide advice, and be helpful without pushing a hard sell.
Pro Tip: Participate as a community member. For example, if someone posts about moving, offer moving tips or advice without promoting your services directly. People appreciate a genuine, friendly approach.

8. Use Instagram to Showcase Properties and Local Knowledge

Instagram is perfect for Realtors because it’s visual, so you can show off listings and connect with locals who might be future clients.

Why It Matters: Instagram is a popular social media platform that’s ideal for visually engaging content like home photos and local neighborhood features.
How to Do It: Set up an Instagram profile and start posting high-quality photos, short video walkthroughs, or Instagram Stories showcasing local hotspots.
Example: Post short videos or photo series on topics like “Top 5 Coffee Shops in [Neighborhood]” to highlight your knowledge of the area and engage a local audience.
Pro Tip: Use hashtags like #[CityName]RealEstate to reach people interested in your area. Also, tag locations to connect with people searching for homes in specific neighborhoods.

9. Leverage Twitter (aka “X”) for Market Updates and Neighborhood Insights

Twitter may not be the first platform Realtors think of, but it’s an easy way to share quick updates and insights, especially if you’re in a larger city.

Why It Matters: Twitter is great for short, timely posts, making it ideal for real estate updates or neighborhood insights.
How to Do It: Set up a profile on Twitter (aka “X”) and share quick updates on market trends, new listings, or community news.
Example: Use hashtags like #RealEstate, #JustListed, or #[CityName]Homes to connect with potential clients interested in those topics.
Pro Tip: Engage with local businesses, community leaders, and neighborhood organizations to build a local network and stay visible.

Conclusion

Taking the time to set up these profiles and use these free online tools for Realtors can open up opportunities you may not have even thought of! Even if you only spend an hour a week updating these platforms, you’ll build a powerful online presence that helps you connect with clients, grow credibility, and make a bigger impact in your market. Every little bit adds up, so go ahead—start setting up those profiles today!

Kerry Lucasse

After almost 20 years in the real estate business, Kerry Lucasse has had the pleasure of building one of Atlanta's top real estate teams, generating thousands of internet leads, and received numerous awards, including eXp ICON Agent, #1 Team in the US, Chairman's Excellence Award, and Rookie of the Year. She currently manages a local team of 20 agents and has over 6,500 agents in her organization across North America. Kerry's helped hundreds of agents grow successful real estate businesses, establish their brands, generate more leads, build multi-state teams, and diversify their income streams. Her #1 goal.... Building Better Agents!