Are Online Leads Cheaper Than Cold Calling? with Brandon Bateman

In this episode of the Deal Finders Podcast, we sit down with Brandon Bateman, founder of Bateman Collective, to dive into the power of digital marketing for real estate investors. With years of experience managing millions of dollars in ad spend, Brandon shares expert insights into generating high-quality leads through pay-per-click (PPC), SEO, and social media advertising.

 

We discuss the importance of data-driven marketing, how to evaluate a marketing agency, and the biggest mistakes investors make when running their own ads. Brandon also explains why traditional marketing channels like cold calling have become less effective and how to strategically allocate your budget for maximum results. Whether you’re new to real estate investing or looking to scale your business, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:52] - Introduction to Brandon Bateman and how he started Bateman Collective.

[2:19] - How Bateman Collective manages $2 million in monthly ad spend for real estate investors.

[5:21] - Do investors need to run their own marketing? Why hiring experts can be a better option.

[9:00] - Key factors to consider when evaluating a marketing agency.

[14:03] - Overview of PPC, SEO, and social media ads for real estate lead generation.

[19:50] - The importance of tracking data and optimizing marketing campaigns.

[26:58] - Understanding marketing costs and why PPC is becoming more cost-effective than cold calling.

[30:34] - How leads are generated and delivered to real estate investors.

[33:39] - What new investors should do if they have little to no marketing budget.

[37:12] - The rising costs of real estate marketing and how to adapt.

[42:21] - Factors that influence cost per lead and how to improve lead quality.

Five Key Takeaways

1. Data is everything – Successful marketing requires tracking every aspect of your campaigns. The best marketers make decisions based on real numbers, not just intuition.

2. PPC and SEO are becoming more cost-effective – Many investors assume that cold calling is the cheapest way to generate leads, but data shows that online marketing is often more efficient.

3. Speed matters – When a lead comes in, calling them immediately is critical. Delays reduce conversion rates as motivated sellers continue searching for other options.

4. Hiring experts can save money in the long run – While some investors try to run their own ads, the complexity and constant changes in online marketing make outsourcing to professionals a smarter move for most.

5. Start where you are – If you do not have a marketing budget, focus on networking, referrals, and grassroots efforts to generate your first deals before investing in paid advertising.

Links & Resources

• Batema