Award-winning lead generation gives LJ Hooker network a competitive edge

LJ Hooker’s award-winning marketing program is proving that national advertising can drive real opportunities for business owners and agents across Australia and New Zealand.

The real estate network has won the Acquisition Marketing category at the 2026 Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) Marketing Excellence Awards for The Difference, its new brand and lead-generation campaign.

In the past year, the campaign delivered 75% more paid traffic, 51% more new-customer leads and 58% more sales appraisal leads, while reducing advertising spend by 20%.

LJ Hooker was the only real estate company recognised at the awards and was also a finalist in the Brand Revitalisation category.

LJ Hooker General Manager Marketing Stephan Gervois said the results showed how a strong national brand and effective marketing could deliver more opportunities to offices and agents.

“Working with one of Australia’s most iconic brands and continuing to find new ways to innovate after nearly a century in the market, is something I genuinely cherish about this role,” Mr Gervois said.

“This award recognises much more than a new visual identity. It reflects the way we have brought research, creative thinking, technology and the strength of our network together to reach more prospective vendors and landlords and create tangible opportunities for our offices.”

Launched in February 2025, The Difference brought LJ Hooker’s Australian and New Zealand businesses together under a modern and consistent identity while retaining the familiar elements that have defined the brand for generations.

The campaign is built around four qualities property owners value: a trusted brand, consistent service, clear communication and professionalism. Its central message is that real estate is not just about houses, but people.

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This message was used throughout the customer journey. Social media advertising introduced the campaign to potential customers, search advertising reached people looking for property appraisals, and office websites and follow-up communications helped turn enquiries into opportunities.

Importantly for the network, sales appraisal leads generated through local offices increased by 85 per cent year on year. This showed how national marketing could be used by offices to generate more opportunities in their local areas.

Mr Gervois said LJ Hooker’s lead-generation program was designed to give its people an advantage in their local markets.

“Our brand has never been stronger, and this award is recognition of the outcomes our new platform has delivered,” he said.

“It belongs to our marketing team, our offices and our people across Australia and New Zealand, who embraced the strategy and brought it to life in their local markets. I also congratulate and thank our agency partners, Überbrand and Reload Media, whose expertise and collaboration were central to the program’s success.”

Mr Gervois said the results strengthened LJ Hooker’s offer to established business owners, future principals and agents considering their next move.

“What I’m most proud of is that this work is translating into real, measurable opportunities for our local offices and agents. When you have a strong national brand and marketing that performs, it helps our people compete and grow in their own markets.”

As LJ Hooker approaches its centenary in 2028, the network continues to invest in its brand, technology and marketing tools to help offices and agents compete in their local markets.

The award marks an important milestone as LJ Hooker continues to connect with more customers, generate leads for its network and attract ambitious real estate professionals and business owners across Australia and New Zealand.