30 Proven Real Estate Marketing Ideas to Convert Buyers

Aug 13, 2024 11:57:21 PM

The home-buying game has changed, so why is your real estate marketing still stuck in the past?

While real estate agents remain central to the home-buying process, buyers now do a lot more research online before reaching out. 

In fact, a study by the National Association of Realtors found that 92% of buyers start their home search on the Internet.

So, whether you’re a seasoned agent, broker, or real estate firm just starting out, if you’re not active and engaging online or where your potential clients are, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity!

Feeling overwhelmed about where to start? 

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. 

We’ve put together a list of fantastic real estate marketing ideas to help revamp your strategy and elevate your game.

Ready to boost your home sales? 

Dive in and start transforming your approach today!

  1. 30 Proven Real Estate Marketing Ideas
    1. Create a Website
    2. Optimize Your Website for Mobile
    3. Start a Blog
    4. Do Your SEO
    5. Do Video Marketing
    6. Go With Animated Videos
    7. Develop Email Marketing Campaigns
    8. Optimize Your Listings
    9. Maintain your Google Business Profile
    10. Employ Virtual Staging
    11. Try Experiential Marketing
    12. Partner with Local Businesses
    13. Run Paid Instagram Promotion
    14. Grow Your Social Media Presence
    15. Use Drone Photography
    16. Create a Zillow Profile
    17. Ask for Referrals
    18. Co-Host a Webinar
    19. Collect and Display Testimonials
    20. Leverage Traditional Advertising Media
    21. Create a Standout Business Card
    22. Film Video Walkthroughs
    23. Invest in Branded Swag
    24. Conduct Async Home Tours
    25. Create a City Guide
    26. Offer an Online Home Decor Guide
    27. Start a Real Estate Podcast
    28. Host Home-Buying Workshops
    29. Offer Free Home Valuations
    30. Consider Going Niche

30 Proven Real Estate Marketing Ideas

Starting off right is key to a successful marketing strategy. 

Knowing which ideas to choose and understanding what to include or tweak can really impact how you convert potential buyers.

Here’s a list of the best real estate advertising ideas to give your business the boost it needs and turn it into a lead conversion magnet.

1. Create a Website

real estate website example

Source: Cushman & Wakefield

Did you know that 73% of real estate agents already have their own websites?

If you don’t have one, you’re falling behind and missing out on valuable leads.

A website for your real estate business can be a powerful way to showcase everything you have to offer.

Whether you're part of a brokerage or running your own firm, this smart move can grow your personal brand, highlight positive client reviews, and attract more qualified leads.

So, create a website landing page and update property listings there regularly.

It will keep prospects coming back as they search for their dream home.

And to really stand out, consider adding something unique—like a mortgage calculator, just like Zillow did here.

zillow real estate mortgage calculator

Source: Zillow

Here are a few more tips you can follow–

  • Create a dedicated landing page that matches visitor intent and offers helpful content in exchange for contact information.
  • Display your listings and keep them up to date.
  • Include detailed bios for each agent to build a stronger connection with your audience.
  • Add automated answering services like chatbots, automatic Facebook messages, and triggered email responses. These tools can engage with potential clients 24/7, allowing them to set up appointments without needing to speak to you directly.

2. Optimize Your Website for Mobile

Gradient ui/ux background

Source: Freepik

This is something every business owner needs to think about, and real estate agents are no exception. 

You want your website to offer a smooth, hassle-free experience, especially since most people now start their property search online.

Given how many people use their phones to browse, your website absolutely needs to be mobile-friendly. 

A site that’s just a scaled-down version of the desktop experience isn’t going to cut it.

So, if you’re building a new site, go for a template that’s already optimized for mobile. 

It’s a game-changer!

Mobile optimization makes sure potential clients can easily view and navigate your listings from any device. 

Plus, Google likes mobile-friendly sites because they load faster.

This is why it is one of the best real estate marketing ideas to implement.

3. Start a Blog 

Source: Freepik

Starting a blog is a smart move for driving traffic to your website and boosting your SEO.

More visitors mean more potential clients. 

But it’s not just about posting content—you need to make sure it speaks to your audience. 

Think about your ideal clients: What are they dreaming about, worried about, or curious to know?

Answer those questions with valuable content, and you’ll quickly become a go-to expert in your field.

Need some topic ideas to get started? 

Try these–

  • How to invest in short-term rental properties
  • Home improvement tips before selling
  • How smart-home technology affects home values
  • Should I live in this area?
  • Is this neighborhood good for families?

Tools like Google Analytics and Ahrefs can help you discover the keywords your target audience is searching for.

Use them to keep getting fresh ideas to keep your content relevant.

Make sure your blog links back to your main website and your profiles on other real estate platforms so people can easily learn more about you and your business. 

And don’t forget to add eye-catching images—an infographic, for example, can really make your blog posts pop.

4. Do Your SEO

SEO analysis isometric composition with web optimization symbols

Source: Freepik

A gorgeous website won’t do you much good if people can’t find it! 

That’s where SEO steps in. 

It’s like a set of tricks to help your site rank higher on search engines. Here’s the lowdown:

  • On-page SEO: Sprinkle your target keywords into your page titles, meta descriptions, image names, and throughout your content. This helps search engines understand what your site is about.
  • Off-page SEO: Get other respected websites to link back to yours. This boosts your site’s authority and helps it rank better.
  • Technical SEO: Make sure your site works well on mobile, is secure, and loads quickly.

Using these strategies will help more people discover your site and keep it climbing up those search results.

5. Do Video Marketing

Video marketing is a game-changer for realtors, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Whether you're putting together a polished video with client testimonials or recording a quick message from your laptop, using video can really help you stand out.

It's a fantastic way to add some personality to your website, social media, and email campaigns.

Here’s a video marketing example from Keller Williams promoting one of their flagship real estate events using kinetic typography.

 

It makes it easier for your audience to connect with you on a personal level.

As you roll out your videos, keep an eye on your metrics. 

See what's working, and if you're getting traffic but not leads, tweak your strategy.

6. Go With Animated Videos

Thinking about adding some flair to your real estate business? 

How about outsourcing a custom animated video?

A short, high-quality animated video can showcase your brand and add a personal touch. 

To make it even more special, include local landmarks or sites in the animation to give it a unique, local feel.

Check out this video showcasing some amazing animated real estate videos for inspiration—you could create something just as impressive!

 

7. Develop Email Marketing Campaigns

Source: Salespanel

Email marketing is a tried-and-true strategy for nurturing leads, building brand recognition, driving traffic to your website, and boosting revenue. 

Did you know that for every $1 spent on email marketing, you can expect an average return of $36

That’s some serious ROI! 

But here’s the catch: the click rate for the real estate industry is just 1.41%—compared to the overall average of 2%. 

This means there’s a massive opportunity for growth. 

Here’s how you can tap into it–

1. Send Out a Regular Newsletter

Keeping in touch with potential clients through a newsletter is a great way to stay top-of-mind.

Share relevant content, local real estate updates, and new listings in their area.

Your newsletter doesn’t have to be long or complex—just enough to show you’re up-to-date with the local market.

Regular updates help build trust and keep your name fresh, whether clients are looking to buy or referring you to a friend.

In short, email newsletters are a cost-effective and powerful way to keep your clients informed and engaged.

2. Elevate Your Email Signature

Your email signature is more than just a sign-off—it’s a mini-marketing tool. 

Including your logo, contact details, and website link ensures potential clients have everything they need to follow up with you. 

It also adds a level of professionalism that helps build trust.

Want to stand out even more? 

Consider adding something unique like an animated GIF to your email signature. 

It’s a fun way to make sure potential clients remember you for being different from the rest.

3. Embrace Video Email Marketing

Videos in emails are game-changers. 

They help you stand out in crowded inboxes and can significantly boost open and click-through rates. 

Whether you’re explaining services, showcasing properties, or sharing client testimonials, videos make your message more compelling—especially in the real estate world, where decisions take time and require more information.

4. Optimize with Segmentation and Automation

Segmenting your email list allows you to send tailored content to specific groups, increasing relevance and conversion rates. 

With automation tools, you can manage your campaigns effortlessly, staying connected with your subscribers without all the manual work.

By implementing these strategies in your real estate advertising campaign, you’ll not only improve your email marketing efforts but also stand out in a competitive market.

8. Optimize Your Listings

If your listings don't have enough information, you could be turning away potential buyers and sellers.

Creating detailed and visually appealing listings not only attracts buyers but also shows home sellers that you put in the effort and care about quality.

Check all these boxes and make your listings stand out—

1. Write Clear and Detailed Descriptions

Don’t leave buyers guessing. 

A well-written description helps attract the right buyers who know what to expect before they even step inside.

2. Use High-Quality Photos

Great photos are a must if you want to catch a buyer’s eye. 

So, consider hiring a professional real estate photographer to really make the property shine with some high-quality pictures.

3. Offer Video Tours

Video tours have become the new standard, especially since lockdowns. 

They give buyers a feel for the home without having to visit in person and are especially helpful for out-of-town buyers.

4. Include a Neighborhood Map

Adding a map shows buyers what’s nearby, making the property even more appealing to those who value the location.

9. Maintain your Google Business Profile

google business profile landing page

Source: Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is the brief description that appears on Google Maps, showing your business’s reviews, location, and hours of operation.

It pops up in Google’s search results when it matches what someone’s looking for, making it a great way to attract local buyers and sellers.

If your profile isn’t polished and up-to-date, people might doubt your business’s credibility, which means you could be missing out on potential clients in a few ways—

  • If your business information is inconsistent across the web (like having different addresses or contact numbers on Facebook and another site), Google may rank you lower in search results.
  • Incomplete or outdated profiles can come across as untrustworthy to potential clients.

So, when you are setting up your Business Profile, include your logo, hours, contact details, and key info about your business. 

These details not only boost your visibility but also make your business appear more credible at first glance.

10. Employ Virtual Staging

real estate virtual staging example

Source: Redfin

Imagine giving your clients a sneak peek of what their future home could look like—before they even walk through the door. 

That’s the power of virtual staging!

It’s all about creating that initial connection, where a house starts to feel like home for a potential buyer.

Virtual staging simplifies the decoration process, letting buyers envision themselves living in the space. 

By showing a furnished, virtual version of the property, they get a better sense of how the space can be used and what it might look like if they were to move in.

In today’s post-pandemic world, this approach is especially valuable. 

Whether you’re working with buyers or sellers, virtual staging brings the open house experience online, making it a powerful tool in your real estate marketing toolkit.

And here’s the kicker—instead of spending time and money on physically staging a property, virtual staging offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative. 

A 2023 study even found that 85% of staged homes sold for 5-23% more than unstaged ones.

So why not give it a try? 

It might just be the edge you need!

Form CTA

11. Try Experiential Marketing

Where conventional fails, experiential excels!

Experiential marketing is all about getting your prospects involved and giving them a real-world experience of what you offer.

You could host a tour of the neighborhood, hold a home-buying workshop, or set up an open house. 

These kinds of events bring your real estate brand to life, making it more relatable and memorable for potential buyers.

When buyers can fully engage with the properties, they form deeper connections, which can lead to higher conversion rates.

With over 3 million active real estate agents in the U.S., standing out is crucial. 

Using unique marketing tactics like these helps you build personal connections within your community and makes you stand out from the crowd.

12. Partner with Local Businesses

Source: Dribble

Tap into your local network and team up with clothing boutiques, home decor showrooms, and coffee shops to promote your listings. 

You can even invite them to participate in an open house event, making it more engaging for everyone.

Looking for a unique twist? 

Set up pop-up shops in different rooms of the house to encourage prospects to explore the entire space.

But does this work?

Simple—local partnership popups get potential buyers moving through each room, and you can work with local businesses to offer special discounts to home buyers.

Plus, it’s a great way to highlight the neighborhood’s charm by showcasing popular local spots. 

Building relationships with well-known local businesses can also boost your brand recognition and generate more referrals through word-of-mouth.

13. Run Paid Instagram Promotion

With over two billion monthly active users, Instagram is a fantastic platform for connecting with home buyers, showcasing your listings, and growing your brand.

To make the most out of your presence here, you can use Instagram’s paid promotions.

You can customize your ads by choosing your target audience, setting a budget, picking the type of post (like images, videos, or carousels), and deciding how long the promotion runs.

Using targeted hashtags can also help ensure your posts reach the right people.

Instagram ads also let you fine-tune your audience, so your ads reach the most relevant viewers. 

Plus, video ads on Instagram or TikTok aren’t just great for showing off listings—they also let you share your personality and build trust with potential clients.

Check out our guides on Instagram ads to master your Insta marketing strategy.

14. Grow Your Social Media Presence

Social media marketing is key for boosting your brand. 

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok each have their unique ways to increase visibility and attract leads.

For instance, Facebook is great for creating a business page and targeting clients with ads. 

Instagram and TikTok thrive on trends and hashtags, using engaging posts with images and videos to attract followers. 

YouTube adds value through educational videos and virtual tours, with calls to action that lead back to your website. 

LinkedIn, on the other hand, is perfect for professional networking and expanding your industry connections.

To up your social media game, consider these ideas-

  • Run contests, polls, and AMAs (Ask Me Anything) to engage your audience and gather market insights.
  • Partner with influencers whose followers match your target audience to broaden your reach.
  • Invest in targeted ads on Facebook, YouTube, and Google to reach specific demographics, like young families with pets.
  • Add social sharing buttons to your listings to make it easy for people to share properties with their friends and family, boosting your presence.

By using these strategies, you can enhance your social media marketing efforts and connect with more potential clients.

Now, let’s see a more unique real estate marketing idea to connect with your clients.

15. Use Drone Photography

 

Drone shots are all the rage right now, and for good reason. 

They can really bring your property listings to life.

Imagine sweeping views of a home's exterior and its surroundings—drone photography adds that extra wow factor.

To get started, you can either invest in a drone yourself or hire a drone service like HouseLens or Sold by Air to capture those stunning shots.

Use these aerial images to spice up your listings and make them more engaging. 

Plus, you can complement your virtual tours or walkthroughs with video footage to highlight features like patios and pools.

Not confident with drone photography? 

No worries! 

There are plenty of companies with skilled photographers worldwide who specialize in capturing both residential and commercial real estate. Seek their expertise.

16. Create a Zillow Profile

zillow real estate website landing page

Source: Zillow

Zillow is a huge name in the real estate world, and for good reason. 

It’s a major platform where people go to buy, sell, rent, and finance homes, all through their website and app.

With an average of 231 million unique users each month, Zillow gives you access to a massive audience. 

So, setting up your profile here is a smart move to get your business in front of thousands of potential clients.

Your profile lets you share your listings with a wide audience and connect with potential buyers, boosting your chances of making a sale. 

Plus, creating a Zillow profile is free, making it a win-win for expanding your reach.

17. Ask for Referrals

Source: Woorise

Selling homes relies heavily on trust and referrals.

In fact, 39% of sellers find their real estate agent through referrals from friends or family.

So, if you’re not asking for referrals, you should be! 

Check in with buyers a few months after they’ve moved in, and ask if they know anyone looking to buy or sell.

Here’s a simple follow-up email you can send–

Subject: Is your new house starting to feel like home?

Hi [Buyer's Name],

I hope you're enjoying your new home! It was a pleasure helping you find the perfect place.

If you know anyone looking to buy or sell, I’d love the opportunity to assist them. 

I’m hosting a happy hour next week to discuss the current market, and I’d be thrilled if you could share the event with anyone who might be interested: [Insert event link].

Best,

[Your Name]

Another idea is to offer to host a housewarming party for your clients and use the guest list to meet potential buyers.

By asking clients for referrals, you're opening the door to high-quality leads who already trust you. 

Just remember to keep it friendly and not pushy. 

A thank-you gift for any referrals is a nice touch too!

18. Co-Host a Webinar

Source: Freepik

Looking to make it easier for potential buyers or sellers in your area to grasp the current market?

Consider teaming up with a local lender, title company, or your go-to staging service to host a webinar on a topic that resonates with those thinking about making a real estate move.

For example, you could partner with a home improvement service to present a webinar on the most valuable upgrades sellers can make to boost their home’s sale price. 

Preferences can vary by state, so this is the kind of useful information that sellers might not easily find online.

Your webinar hosts can share unique insights, drawing in a broader audience of potential clients. 

Plus, co-hosting gives you a chance to showcase your expertise and add a personal touch to your brand.

One helpful tip is to remember to ask attendees to opt in when they sign up. 

Gathering their names, email addresses, and contact info will make it easier for you to follow up with them afterward.

19. Collect and Display Testimonials

Source: Design Inc.

Happy clients are your best marketers!

Their testimonials can help you attract more clients and build trust.

When a sale goes well, check in with your clients and ask if they’d be willing to share a short blurb or video about their experience with you. 

With their okay, showcase these testimonials on your website so potential clients can see how you’ve helped others just like them.

Testimonials do wonders for building trust. 

They give prospects a peek into the positive experiences others have had with you, showing them what it’s like to work together.

20. Leverage Traditional Advertising Media

Even in this era of digital transformation, some old-school marketing tactics still have a place in an effective real estate strategy. 

Traditional media like print ads and billboards can complement your digital marketing efforts and boost your visibility.

These methods allow you to target specific local areas, making them ideal for promoting nearby property listings. 

When combined with digital marketing, they can significantly increase brand awareness.

In today’s digital world, using snail mail and other traditional advertising methods can actually help you stand out. 

21. Create a Standout Business Card

Source: Freepik

Business cards are still a fantastic tool for real estate professionals!

Well-designed, eye-catching business cards are a great way to promote your brand and showcase your professionalism.

They're easy to hand out and perfect for making a strong impression during face-to-face meetings. 

Think of them as mini-marketing tools that provide a direct call to action for potential clients.

Just a tip—keep your business cards simple and avoid cramming in too much information. 

Stick to a standard size with clear, concise messaging. 

Sometimes, less is more!

22. Film Video Walkthroughs

 

Modern buyers love immersive experiences, especially when checking out homes.

If you’re selling or leasing properties, offering detailed video tours can boost your real estate marketing. 

High-quality video tours help potential buyers get a real sense of a property's layout, size, and vibe.

These videos also save time for both you and your clients. 

Buyers can see if a property fits their needs without needing an in-person visit right away.

Here’s a tip—focus your video tours on the property itself and its features rather than on personal stories. 

This is the time to provide buyers with the information they need to make a decision.

23. Invest in Branded Swag

Everyone loves free stuff, from keychains and mugs to cool koozies. 

If you can offer branded swag like that, go for it! 

It’s a great way to keep your brand top of mind and attract potential clients.

Branded swag serves as a tangible reminder of your services even long after a client has used them. 

Plus, it boosts pride and loyalty among your team, making them feel more connected to the company.

One tip—skip the cheap items that are likely to be tossed and invest in something practical or eye-catching.

You can go for something like fun koozies, nice mugs, stylish tote bags, or quality pens. 

High-end swag can help you stand out and make a lasting impression.

24. Conduct Async Home Tours

 

The housing market has been buzzing since 2020, and both buyers and sellers want quick, easy access to information. 

Offering virtual home tours through live video lets buyers explore properties in-depth without needing to visit in person.

These virtual tours save time for everyone involved. 

Buyers can rule out homes that don’t fit their needs without stepping foot inside, while agents can show more properties to more people in less time.

25. Create a City Guide

Moving to a new city can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not familiar with the area.

As a real estate agent, you can ease this process by creating city guides that highlight the best neighborhoods, local attractions, and top schools.

This not only helps buyers make informed decisions but also positions you as the go-to local expert.

How does this benefit you?

It can lead to more referrals and new business—and who wouldn’t want that, right?

Just make sure to include your contact information throughout the guide, so when buyers find a city they love, they know exactly who to reach out to.

26. Offer an Online Home Decor Guide

When someone buys a home, they’ll likely want to decorate it too—so why not lend a hand?

Offering home decor tips and ideas, or showcasing different decor styles in your listings, can make a property more appealing to buyers.

These guides not only add value for your clients but also help establish you as a trusted advisor in the real estate world.

27. Start a Real Estate Podcast

Source: Freepik

Podcasts are a popular way for people to learn, stay informed, and be entertained. 

Starting a podcast on real estate topics—like market trends or tips for first-time buyers—can help you reach a wider audience and position yourself as an industry expert.

Why does this work?

Podcasts allow you to connect with potential clients on a personal level. 

By sharing your expertise in a casual, conversational way, you can build credibility and trust.

This can lead to new business opportunities and conversions!

28. Host Home-Buying Workshops

For first-time homebuyers, figuring out how to start the process can be overwhelming. 

Hosting workshops that walk them through the basics—like securing a mortgage, what to look for in a home, and more—can make a big difference.

These workshops allow real estate agents to connect with potential buyers on a deeper level, building trust and providing valuable insights that make buyers feel more confident. 

Plus, it’s a great way to establish a relationship that could lead to future business.

29. Offer Free Home Valuations

People love freebies, right? 

So why not use that to your advantage? 

Offering a free home valuation is a great way to attract potential clients and get them interested in what you have to offer.

You can easily add an online home valuation tool to your website. 

When visitors check out their home’s estimated value, they'll be prompted to share their email address and sign up for your newsletter.

This way, you’re not only giving them something of value but also building a list of potential leads. 

It’s a win-win: they get valuable insights, and you get to stay connected and nurture those relationships over time.

30. Consider Going Niche

Source: Freepik

Want to stand out in the crowded real estate market? 

Try niche marketing!

Zero in on a specific group, like dog owners, families with kids, or recently divorced individuals.

By focusing on a particular niche, you’ll not only set yourself apart but also become memorable, even in the most competitive areas.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—some fantastic real estate marketing ideas to give your business a big boost.

Start by crafting a clear vision statement to outline your short- and long-term goals. 

Next, figure out who your target audience is—whether they’re buyers, sellers, or renters—to tailor your marketing efforts.

Set specific goals and strategies, and make sure you highlight what makes you unique in the market. 

Be smart with your budget by choosing strategies and tools that fit your objectives, and keep an eye on your progress with key metrics.

A well-thought-out plan will help you stay on track, measure your success, and make adjustments as needed.

With so many ideas to explore, pick one to start with and see what works best for your business. 

You might discover that a mix of strategies works even better.

Form CTA

Subscribe by Email

No Comments Yet

Let us know what you think