We are heading for another shift in Internet lead generation. Lets examine the past, present, and future of Internet lead generation. There are many ways to generate leads from the Internet, however, lets focus mainly on 3rd party lead generation systems, SEO/organic, and PPC.

1997 to 2000 - Market Leader was incorporated. Online lead generation was at its infancy. Most brokers and agents were not incorporating online lead generation in their business. Those that did were ahead of the curve. The importance of online marketing was still a futuristic idea for many agents. And those that paid money for new 3rd party services found disappointment as they did not understand the "new" Internet consumer.

2000 to 2006 - The Internet was still unfimilar territory for most agents. Googles AdWords was born with limited success until the re vamped version centered around PPC in 2002. However, agents did not understand or engage in SEO or PPC at this time. IDX became a popular word in 2004 and implemented on many websites in 2005. More buyers were turning to the Web to search for homes. A survey conducted in 2004 by Realestate.com, reported that 41% of first time home buyers used the Internet to search for a home. In 2005, it was said that the Internet was the new advertising medium for the real estate industry. However, many agents still did accept lead generation as a viable tool for attracting new business. Wordpress blogging platform was formed in 2003. Blogging by real estate agents gained popularity in 2005. When the housing boom was at its height from 2003-2005, buyers and sellers were everywhere, the minority of agents who focused on lead generation did exceptionally well and it was no accident that their business was a success. But, pardon my expression, "a monkey could have sold real estate during this time..." However, many agents did not feel that the new technology that was brewing at this time was useful and continued using less effective methods of marketing.

2006 to 2009 - In 2006/2007, lead generation systems were on a rise and promoted heavily to agents in every market. It was trial and error for many. Mickey Mouse was a common buyer. By, 2008, agent websites were more abundant. Agents started to invest into PPC and and 3rd party services. For the tech savy agent, blogging was a intergral part of that agents SEO campaign. Web 2.0 took off, and the through the use of videos, webinars, blogs, and podcasts, agents were able to learn about all aspects of real estate technology. However, even by 2009, only a small number of real estate agents had a functioning website that produced leads. Internet lead generation was still a mystery to most agents. Real estate portals became popular and syndication was a great word in 2009.