thedigitalbrokers
FAQs

Frequently asked questions.

70 answers on lead generation, marketing, sales conversion, pricing and process — for Australian car and asset finance brokers.

Broker Marketing & Lead Generation

How do finance brokers generate leads?

Finance brokers generate leads through a mix of dealer and referral partnerships, repeat and past clients, and their own digital marketing — primarily Google Ads, Facebook and Instagram ads, SEO and their website. The most sustainable brokerages use both: referrals for immediate volume, and owned digital channels so lead flow isn't dependent on any single partner.

How much does a car finance lead cost in Australia?

Cost per lead varies widely by channel, location and asset type. Purchased or shared 'pay-per-lead' enquiries are typically cheapest per lead but convert lowest, while leads generated through your own Google Ads or SEO usually cost more upfront and convert far better because they're exclusive to you. The more useful metric is cost per settled deal, not cost per lead.

What is a good lead-to-settlement conversion rate for finance brokers?

It depends heavily on lead source, so a single blended number is misleading. Warm dealer referrals convert far higher than cold online enquiries. The brokers who improve fastest track conversion separately at each stage — lead to contact, contact to application, application to settlement — and by source, so they can see exactly where deals are being lost.

How quickly should a finance broker respond to a new lead?

As fast as possible — ideally within five minutes during business hours. Borrowers commonly enquire with several brokers at once, and the first to genuinely engage usually wins the deal. Response time is one of the most controllable factors in conversion, and often matters more than rate or product knowledge.

What is speed to lead?

Speed to lead is the time between a prospect submitting an enquiry and the broker making genuine contact. In asset finance it's a decisive conversion factor because borrowers frequently enquire with multiple brokers simultaneously. Shorter response times dramatically increase contact rates and the likelihood of winning the deal.

Is SEO or Google Ads better for finance brokers?

They solve different problems. Google Ads delivers immediate visibility to people actively searching for finance right now, but stops the moment you stop paying. SEO takes months to build but compounds and keeps generating enquiries without ongoing ad spend. Most growing brokerages run Ads for immediate lead flow while building SEO to reduce long-term cost per lead.

Do Facebook ads work for asset finance brokers?

Yes, but differently to Google. Facebook and Instagram reach people before they start searching, so enquiries are usually earlier-stage and need more nurturing. They typically cost less per lead than Google Ads and are strong for brand awareness and remarketing, but they require good creative and a proper follow-up process to convert.

Are pay-per-lead services worth it for finance brokers?

They can fill a pipeline quickly, but shared or resold leads are often contacted by several brokers at once, which drives down conversion and pushes the conversation toward rate. They're best used as a supplement rather than a foundation — brokers who scale sustainably build owned channels they control.

Do finance brokers need a website?

Yes. Even when leads come from referrals, most borrowers will look you up before calling. A website is where credibility is established and where paid traffic, SEO and social media all convert. Without one, you're relying entirely on someone else's platform and losing enquiries that would otherwise have converted.

How much should a finance broker spend on marketing?

There's no universal figure — it depends on your settlement targets, average commission and current conversion rate. A more useful approach is working backwards: decide how many extra settlements you want, apply your real conversion rates to calculate the leads needed, then determine the spend required at your channel's cost per lead.

How can finance brokers reduce reliance on dealer referrals?

By building lead sources you own — a converting website, a Google Ads and SEO presence, an active database for repeat and refinance business, and a recognisable brand. Dealer relationships are valuable but can end without notice; brokers who also generate their own enquiries aren't exposed to a single partner's decisions.

Why aren't my finance leads converting?

It's usually process rather than lead quality. The most common causes are slow first response, no structured follow-up after the first call, inconsistent qualification, and deals stalling between approval and settlement. Before spending more on lead generation, measure conversion at each pipeline stage to find where enquiries are actually being lost.

About The Digital Brokers

What is The Digital Brokers?

The Digital Brokers is a business growth partner built exclusively for Australian asset finance brokers. We combine digital marketing, lead generation, sales coaching and business strategy to help brokers grow their brokerage — not just their lead count. We're built by business owners who've worked in and around the finance industry, not a generic agency selling leads.

Are you a marketing agency or a coaching business?

We're both — and that's the point. Most agencies stop at delivering leads, but leads alone don't grow a brokerage. We pair proven digital marketing with sales process, conversion strategy and business coaching so the leads you receive actually turn into settled deals and revenue.

Who founded The Digital Brokers and what's the background?

The Digital Brokers was founded by Matt, who has over 20 years of experience across business ownership, sales and the asset finance industry. The business was started after seeing too many brokers get burned by generic agencies and online 'gurus' selling cookie-cutter solutions that didn't fit the finance industry.

Do you only work with asset finance brokers?

Yes. Everything we do — our campaigns, our content, our sales scripts, our reporting — is built specifically for the Australian asset finance industry. We don't dilute our focus across unrelated industries, which means our strategies are proven and relevant to your market.

Where are you located and who do you service?

We're proudly Australian and service brokers across Australia. Because our marketing and coaching is delivered digitally, we work with brokerages in every state — from sole operators in regional towns to multi-broker teams in the capital cities.

What makes you different from other marketing agencies?

Three things: we're asset-finance exclusive (not generic), we're straight-talking (no fluff, no excuses), and we cover both marketing AND sales. Most agencies hand you leads and walk away. We stay involved through to conversion and business growth, because that's where real revenue is made.

What entity operates The Digital Brokers?

The Digital Brokers is a trading name of MPG Group Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 39 696 110 291), trading as The Digital Brokers Australia. We operate as a registered Australian business with full corporate governance.

Services & Digital Marketing Products

What digital marketing services do you offer?

We offer a full suite of growth services: Google Ads, Facebook & Instagram Ads, SEO, landing pages, web design, brand design, email marketing, social media management, digital profile and reputation, tracking & analytics, lead management, and sales coaching. Each can be engaged standalone or bundled into a growth partnership.

Do you build Google Ads campaigns specifically for asset finance?

Yes. Our Google Ads campaigns are built around asset finance search intent — equipment finance, truck and machinery loans, car and commercial vehicle finance, working capital, and more. We target by loan type, asset type, location and borrower profile so you only pay for clicks with genuine intent.

Can you run Facebook and Instagram ads for finance brokers?

Absolutely. Meta platforms are powerful for reaching business owners and self-employed borrowers who may not be actively searching on Google. We build campaigns around lookalike audiences, interest targeting and retargeting to reach prospects earlier in their finance journey.

Do you provide SEO services for brokerages?

Yes. We optimise your website for the asset finance keywords your prospects are actually searching — by loan type, asset type and location. Our SEO includes technical optimisation, content, local SEO (Google Business Profile) and ongoing authority building.

Can you build landing pages and websites for my brokerage?

Yes. We design and build conversion-focused landing pages and full websites tailored to asset finance. Every page is built to capture and qualify leads, not just look pretty — with clear calls to action, trust signals and mobile-first design.

Do you handle email marketing and CRM follow-up?

Yes. We set up email nurture sequences, lead follow-up automations and CRM integrations so no lead goes cold. This is critical in asset finance where decisions can take weeks or months — staying top-of-mind keeps you in the conversation.

Do you offer sales coaching as part of your services?

Yes. Sales coaching is core to what we do, not an add-on. We help brokers improve enquiry handling, qualification, objection handling, follow-up process and close rates. This is where most brokerages leave money on the table.

Can you help with my digital profile and online reputation?

Yes. We build and manage your Google Business Profile, online reviews, directory listings and brand consistency across the web. A strong digital profile builds trust before a prospect even speaks to you — essential in finance where credibility is everything.

Packages & Inclusions

Do you offer fixed packages or custom solutions?

Both. We offer structured growth partnership packages that combine the most effective services for brokerages at different stages — from solo brokers scaling up to established teams. We can also build custom solutions tailored to your specific goals, market and budget.

What's typically included in a growth partnership?

A growth partnership usually includes paid advertising (Google and/or Meta), landing pages, lead management and CRM setup, tracking and analytics, sales coaching, and ongoing strategy. The exact mix depends on your stage, goals and the partnership tier you choose.

Can I start with just one service instead of a full package?

Yes. Every service we offer — Google Ads, SEO, web design, sales coaching, etc. — can be engaged on its own. Many brokers start with one service, see the results, and then expand into a fuller growth partnership over time.

Is sales coaching included or charged separately?

Sales coaching is included in our growth partnerships because we believe marketing without sales doesn't grow a business. If you're engaging a standalone service (e.g. just Google Ads), coaching can be added as an optional module.

Do you provide the ad creative, copy and design?

Yes. All creative — ad copy, graphics, landing page design, email copy — is included as part of our campaigns. You don't need to supply your own assets, though we'll work with your branding, photos and messaging where you have them.

Is website hosting and maintenance included?

For websites we build, ongoing hosting, security updates and minor content changes are included in a monthly maintenance fee. Major redesigns or new feature builds are quoted separately. Full details are outlined in your engagement agreement.

Do you include reporting and dashboards?

Yes. Every package includes transparent reporting — leads, cost per lead, conversion metrics, ad spend and ROI. We set up dashboards so you can see exactly where your money is going and what it's producing, with no hidden numbers.

The Process & Timeframes

What's the process for getting started?

It starts with a free strategy session — a no-pressure conversation about your business, goals and gaps. From there, if we're a fit, we'll recommend a solution, send you a proposal, and on approval we kick off onboarding. The whole process typically takes 1–2 weeks from first chat to campaign launch.

How long does onboarding take?

Onboarding usually takes 5–10 business days depending on the scope. This includes goal-setting, access to your accounts, branding and asset collection, campaign build, landing page creation (if needed), and tracking setup. We keep it moving so you're not waiting around.

How quickly can my campaigns go live?

For most brokerages, paid campaigns (Google Ads / Meta Ads) can go live within 7–10 days of onboarding. SEO is a longer game — expect meaningful movement from 3–6 months. Web design projects typically run 2–4 weeks depending on complexity.

How long until I see leads coming in?

Paid advertising can start generating leads within days of going live. The volume and quality typically builds over the first 4–6 weeks as we optimise. SEO, content and organic social are longer-term plays — expect compounding results over months, not days.

What's involved in the strategy session?

The strategy session is a 30–45 minute conversation — by phone or video — where we learn about your brokerage, your current marketing and sales process, your goals, and where the gaps are. You'll walk away with insight and clarity even if we don't end up working together. No pitch deck, no pressure.

How often do we communicate once I'm a client?

You'll have a dedicated point of contact and regular check-ins — typically monthly strategy calls plus ad-hoc support as needed. We're not a 'set and forget' agency; we're actively managing and optimising your campaigns and checking in on your sales process too.

What do you need from me to get started?

We'll need access to your existing accounts (Google Ads, Meta, Google Analytics, website/CMS, CRM), your branding assets, and a short list of information about your services, target market and goals. We send a clear onboarding checklist so nothing falls through the cracks.

Pricing & Payment

How much do your services cost?

Pricing depends on the scope — whether you're engaging a single service or a full growth partnership, your ad spend level, and the complexity of your goals. We provide transparent, fixed monthly pricing in your proposal with no hidden fees. Get in touch for a quote tailored to your brokerage.

Is there a setup fee?

Some services include a one-off setup fee to cover campaign build, landing page design, tracking setup or website development. This is quoted upfront in your proposal. Ongoing management is then billed as a monthly retainer.

Is ad spend included in your fees?

No. Our fees cover strategy, campaign management, creative, optimisation and reporting. Your ad spend (paid to Google, Meta, etc.) is separate and billed directly to your own accounts so you keep full ownership and transparency of your ad spend.

Do you offer payment plans?

For larger one-off projects (like a full website build) we can split payment into milestones. Ongoing retainers are paid monthly. If cash flow is a concern, talk to us — we're business owners too and we'd rather work out a sensible arrangement than lose a good fit.

How are payments handled?

We invoice monthly in advance for retainer services, with payment due within 7 days via bank transfer or card. One-off projects (e.g. website builds) are typically split into a deposit and milestone payments. Full terms are in your engagement agreement.

Are there long-term contracts or lock-in periods?

Our growth partnerships are typically month-to-month after an initial commitment period (usually 3 months) — this gives campaigns enough time to optimise and produce results. We don't believe in locking brokers into long contracts they can't exit. If we're delivering, you'll stay.

What happens to my campaigns if I pause or cancel?

If you pause, we can hold campaigns and reactivate within an agreed window. If you cancel, you retain ownership of your ad accounts, analytics, website (if you've paid for it) and all the data — we don't hold your assets hostage. We'll hand over cleanly.

Do you offer a free trial?

We don't offer free campaign trials — running real campaigns requires real ad spend and real work. However, our free strategy session and free Business Health Check give you a genuine taste of our approach and value before you commit a dollar.

Campaigns & ROI

What ROI can I expect from my campaigns?

ROI depends on your service mix, ad spend, sales process and market. We don't promise specific numbers — any agency that does is lying. What we do promise is transparency: you'll see exactly what you're spending, what you're getting, and we'll work with you to improve conversion so your marketing actually pays for itself.

How do you measure success?

We measure success the way you should — by leads, settled deals and revenue, not vanity metrics. We track cost per lead, lead quality, conversion rate and return on ad spend. We also look at your sales process because the best marketing in the world won't work if leads aren't being followed up and closed.

How many leads can I expect per month?

Lead volume depends on your ad spend, your market, and the competitiveness of your niche. In competitive metro markets you'll typically see more volume at a higher cost per lead; in regional or niche markets, fewer leads but often higher quality. We'll set realistic expectations based on your situation.

What's a typical cost per lead for asset finance?

Cost per lead varies widely — anywhere from $20 for a broad local campaign to $150+ for highly competitive commercial finance keywords. We'll give you a realistic estimate based on your target market and loan types during your strategy session, then optimise to bring it down over time.

Do you optimise campaigns over time?

Yes — continuously. Campaigns aren't 'set and forget'. We monitor performance, pause underperforming ads, test new creatives and audiences, adjust bids and budgets, and double down on what's working. Most campaigns improve significantly over the first 2–3 months of optimisation.

What happens if a campaign isn't performing?

We flag it early and act fast. If a campaign isn't delivering, we diagnose the issue (targeting, creative, landing page, offer, or sales follow-up), make changes, and report transparently. We'd rather tell you the truth and pivot than hide behind pretty-looking dashboards.

Do you help improve my conversion rate, not just leads?

Yes — this is where we're different. We don't just hand you leads and walk away. We look at how enquiries are being handled, follow-up speed, qualification and close rate. Often the biggest ROI gains come from improving conversion, not just pumping more ad spend into a leaky funnel.

Engagement & Partnering With Us

How do I sign up or get started?

Simple — book a free strategy session via the contact page, by phone, or email. We'll have a proper conversation about your business, and if we're a fit, we'll send you a proposal and agreement. Once approved and the deposit is paid, onboarding kicks off.

Is there a minimum commitment to work with you?

For growth partnerships we ask for an initial 3-month commitment so campaigns have time to build, optimise and produce results. After that, most agreements are month-to-month. Standalone projects (e.g. a website) are quoted as one-off engagements.

Do you work with new or startup brokerages?

Yes. We work with brokers at every stage — from those just starting out to established multi-broker teams. For new brokerages, we typically recommend starting with a strong digital foundation (website, Google Business Profile, foundational ads) before scaling spend.

Do you work with established brokerages too?

Absolutely. For established brokerages, our focus is usually on scaling what's working, plugging gaps in lead generation and conversion, and building systems so growth doesn't depend entirely on you. This is where sales coaching and process really pay off.

Can you work with my existing marketing team or freelancer?

Yes. We're happy to collaborate with in-house staff, freelancers or other agencies you're already working with. We can take the lead on strategy and campaigns, or plug into specific areas where you need extra firepower. We're not precious — we focus on what's best for your business.

What if I'm already working with another agency?

No problem. Many of our clients came to us after a bad experience with a generic agency. We'll review what's currently in place, identify what's working and what isn't, and transition you across smoothly — including taking ownership of your accounts (you own them, not your old agency).

Do you offer referrals or partnerships with other brokers?

We're open to referral and strategic partnerships where it's a genuine fit and benefits both businesses. If you refer a brokerage that becomes a client, we'll look after you. Get in touch to discuss how a partnership could work.

Service Delivery

How is your service delivered — in person or remotely?

We deliver remotely across Australia — via phone, video, email and shared dashboards. This keeps things efficient and lets us work with brokers anywhere. For larger engagements we can arrange in-person sessions where it makes sense, particularly for sales coaching and team workshops.

Who will be my main point of contact?

You'll have a dedicated account lead who knows your business and is your go-to for everything. Behind them is a team handling campaign management, creative, analytics and coaching. You won't get bounced between junior account managers.

Do you do the work in-house or outsource overseas?

Campaign strategy, creative direction, sales coaching and account management are handled by our team locally. Some production tasks may be supported by trusted specialists, but the strategy and quality control always sit with us. You're not paying us to manage a faceless offshore team.

How do you handle urgent issues or out-of-hours support?

For campaign-critical issues (e.g. ads down, tracking broken) we respond within business hours, typically same-day. For genuine emergencies we have a direct line. We're not a 24/7 call centre, but we are responsive and we don't disappear when things matter.

Can you train my team on sales and lead handling?

Yes. Sales coaching can be delivered 1-on-1 or to your whole team. We cover enquiry handling, qualification, objection handling, follow-up process and pipeline management. This is one of the highest-leverage things you can do to grow a brokerage.

Do you provide all the tools and software, or do I need my own?

We work with your existing tools where you have them (CRM, website, email platform) and recommend/setup what's missing. For tracking and analytics we set up everything in your own accounts so you own the data. Any third-party software costs are passed through at cost — we don't mark them up.

What happens at the end of an engagement?

If you're finishing up, we'll hand over all assets, access and data cleanly — campaigns, creative, landing pages (if owned by you), analytics and reporting. We don't hold your assets hostage. Many clients stay with us long-term, but if you need to move on, you do so with everything intact.

Want more leads and better conversion?

The Digital Brokers works exclusively with Australian car and asset finance brokers — marketing, lead generation and sales coaching in one partnership.

Book a free strategy session →