28 Top Real Estate Marketing Ideas (The Only Ones That Matter)

28 Top Real Estate Marketing Ideas (The Only Ones That Matter)

Karol Andruszków
14-05-2024
Reading time: 11 minutes
Hands passing to each other bag with real estate property
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Forget the usual spiel on real estate marketing. In this no-fluff guide, you'll unlock the 28 most powerful, less-trodden paths to marketing success, tailor-made for today's market dynamics. Boost your visibility, close more deals, and earn trust faster and more effectively than ever before. Ready to see real results? Keep reading

28 unique real estate marketing ideas

In an industry as competitive as real estate, using standard marketing techniques can often leave you lost in the noise. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 28 unique, impactful marketing strategies tailored specifically for real estate professionals. These aren’t your everyday tips; these are game-changing tactics designed to propel your business forward, whether you're enhancing your online presence or engaging with your community in meaningful ways. 

 

From interactive digital business cards to augmented reality home tours, each idea is a step towards revolutionizing how you connect with clients and showcase properties. Ready to reshape your real estate marketing approach? Let’s get started with these top-notch ideas.

🏠Content creation and online presence

1. Develop a blog

Screenshot from blog "Zoocasa"

Example of real estate blog

One of the best ways to establish authority in the market is to develop a blog. By answering common buyer and seller questions and creating detailed guides, you can position yourself as an expert who not only sells homes but also educates and supports clients throughout their journey. Not to mention, a well-maintained blog boosts your real estate SEO, making you more visible on search engines.

 

Have you ever wanted to create your own blog? You can do it in BOWWE! You can set up a blog with us quickly and without using a code. Additionally, you will be able to freely use our specialized SEO modules to increase the reach of your posts!

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

Offer a behind-the-scenes look at your day-to-day operations. Whether it's detailing the process of listing a home or sharing stories from house showings, transparency builds trust and keeps your readers coming back for more. 

2. Create professional online business card

Mockup on mobile phone of digital business card of real estate agent by BOWWE

Example of digital business card for real estate agent created in BOWWE

Gone are the days of the stack of paper cards in your wallet. Now, you can create an interactive business card using BOWWE, which keeps you at the forefront of both innovation and your customers’ minds. This digital card allows you to stand out from the competition and build a strong personal brand. They're perfect for real estate marketing, where making a lasting impression is key. Here’s what you can include on your interactive real estate agent card:

 

  • Name and surname, along with a professional photo.
  • Direct links to your social media and real estate listings.
  • An "About Me" section that tells your story.
  • A simple contact form for easy communication, and options to call or email you directly from the card

 

Moreover, these cards are mobile-friendly—which is essential since 73% of homebuyers use a mobile device or tablet in their home search according to the NAR. With your interactive card, you generate more leads and ensure that clients can easily find and contact you, no matter where they are.

3. Create a real estate website for your business

Mockup of real estate website template on computer monitor

In 2021, 69% of sales agents reported having a website—it's essential. For 41% of new home buyers, the first step was to search online, and a staggering 95% used web tools to evaluate properties at some point in their journey. That’s why I recommend creating a professional real estate website for your business.

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to do this. Platforms like BOWWE offer no-code website builders specifically designed for real estate marketing. Using BOWWE, you can quickly and effortlessly set up a stunning website. In BOWWE you can find professionally made website templates for real estate, which are crafted after extensive industry analysis to ensure they meet all your needs. Whether you’re listing new properties or showcasing testimonials, a good website not only boosts your real estate marketing efforts but also acts as the central hub for your business online.

4. Feature top listings prominently on your media

Mockup on mobile phone of digital business card of real estate agent with listings by BOWWE

Example of real estate listing in real estate digital business card created in BOWWE

When it comes to real estate advertising ideas, visibility is key. Ensure your top listings are front and center across all your digital platforms. This isn't just about slapping up some photos; it's about crafting an engaging narrative for each property. Include high-quality, beautiful photos and write attractive descriptions that highlight unique features. Don’t forget about video—creating video presentations or walkthroughs can significantly enhance how you showcase properties.

 

Videos not only keep potential buyers engaged but also help your listings stand out in crowded marketplaces. Remember, a property with a video gets more views and higher engagement, which can translate to quicker sales and potentially higher offers.

5. Create video presentations and walkthroughs for listings

Screenshot with virtual tour for home

Example of virtual tour for listing

Real estate video marketing isn't just about adding flair; it's about creating a compelling, immersive experience that captures the essence of a property. With 74% of buyer's agents highlighting video tours as crucial for selling homes, and a staggering 403% increase in enquiries for listings with video on domain.com.au, the evidence is clear.

 

Video not only enhances online listing visibility but also improves real estate SEO. Considering that 44% of home buyers start their property search online, and 39% actively look for embedded video content, incorporating video presentations is a no-brainer. Video tours make listings stand out on crowded search pages, offering a dynamic way to showcase properties and allowing buyers to visualize themselves in the space, which is essential in today's market.

6. Employ virtual staging to enhance listing appeal

Virtual staging is a game-changer in real estate marketing. It's a cost-effective way to showcase a property's potential without the hefty price tag of traditional staging. Investing just 1% of the sale price into staging can yield a return of 5% to 15% over the asking price according to Real Estate Staging Association (RESA). What’s more, homes staged before listing sold 8 times faster than non-staged ones.

 

This approach not only accelerates the sale process but also increases the property's perceived value. Buyers are more inclined to visit a home they've seen attractively presented online. In fact, 20% of buyers' agents said that staging could increase the offered price by up to 5% compared to unstaged homes. Moreover, virtual staging allows potential buyers to visualize the property as their own, enhancing their emotional connection to the space.

 

By integrating these real estate marketing ideas, like video tours and virtual staging, you not only showcase properties in their best light but also significantly boost their marketability, ensuring they don't linger unsold for long.

7. Leverage augmented reality (AR) for virtual open houses

Augmented reality (AR) in real estate marketing is transforming how buyers interact with potential homes. AR allows prospective buyers to visualize property modifications directly on their devices—imagine changing wall colors or rearranging furniture with just a tap. This technology not only boosts the user experience but also enhances engagement, allowing buyers to see a property's potential without physical alterations. For an agent looking to provide a standout service, incorporating AR into your real estate marketing ideas can significantly differentiate you in a competitive market.

8. Create neighborhood spotlight videos and guides

Understanding a neighborhood is almost as important as understanding the property itself for many buyers. That's why you should invest time in creating detailed spotlight videos and guides that showcase the local area's amenities, such as schools, parks, and shopping centers. These resources help potential buyers get a real feel for the community, which is essential for those relocating from other areas. By presenting these aspects through engaging content, you not only enhance the attractiveness of your listings but also provide valuable information that can aid buyers in making informed decisions.

9. Present property through 3D floor plan images

Example of the 3D property plan

3D floor plan images offer a unique perspective that goes beyond traditional photography, providing potential buyers with a comprehensive view of the property's layout and potential. These plans are particularly useful for online listings, where giving viewers a sense of space and flow can be challenging. By integrating 3D floor plans into your real estate advertising ideas, you give buyers a better understanding of the property before they even step foot inside, which can save time and attract more qualified leads.

10. Use AI chatbots for instant communication

Trust me - today responsiveness can be the difference between closing a sale and losing a potential client. That's why it is worth integrating AI chatbots into both your website and digital business card. These AI-powered chatbots are fantastic for engaging visitors the moment they show interest. They can instantly answer common queries, schedule appointments, and even provide personalized property suggestions based on user inputs. This not only enhances customer service but also ensures that potential clients receive immediate attention, increasing the chances of capturing and converting leads.

11. Start a newsletter

Maintaining engagement with potential and past clients is crucial in real estate marketing. One effective way to stay on their radar is by starting a real estate newsletter. This tool will allow you to regularly notify subscribers about new listings, share real estate marketing tips, and offer special deals that are not available to the general public. It’s a great real estate marketing strategy to build loyalty and keep your audience informed and interested in your offerings.

12. Present your offer on Pinterest

Example of the Pinterest real estate marketing

Pinterest is an often-underutilized platform in real estate marketing, but it's a goldmine for visual engagement. Real estate agents create various Pinterest boards to showcase different aspects of their listings and services there. Each board is a collection of images, tips, and property highlights, categorized to appeal to different buyer interests—be it luxury homes, eco-friendly living, or urban apartments. This visual approach helps to attract and engage potential buyers who are visual planners and dreamers, making it easier for them to envision their future homes and connect with your listings.

13. Experiment with TikTok

Search for “real estate” on TikTok

As a real estate agent, embracing new platforms can provide a massive boost to your real estate marketing efforts. TikTok is a prime example. This platform has exploded in popularity, and real estate agents and agencies are finding incredible success. For instance, Heider Real Estate has amassed over 3.5 million followers! Imagine the visibility and reach when a single property listing can potentially reach millions.

 

Here’s how you can use TikTok to revolutionize yours real estate business:

 

  • Post video of the properties. 
  • Share quick, insightful tips about the real estate market. 
  • Conduct virtual tours of listed properties. 
  • Anything you post on TikTok share on other social media platforms like Instagram. 

 

Utilizing TikTok for real estate social media marketing not only enhances your digital presence but also attracts a younger demographic, who are increasingly becoming first-time homebuyers. If you're looking to capture this emerging market, starting a TikTok channel could be your next strategic move.

🏠 Client engagement and reviews

14. Collect testimonials from clients

Building trust in real estate is crucial, and there's no better way to do so than through the words of satisfied clients. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), in 2021, 47% of buyers used an agent referred to them by friends or family, and a staggering 90% would recommend their agent to others. This highlights the immense power of testimonials in building a real estate agent's reputation.

 

Include a dedicated section for clients to leave their testimonials on your website and real estate agent digital business card. This not only will make it easy for them to share their positive experiences but also will allow potential clients to read real stories of people like them.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

To encourage more clients to leave reviews, you can offer incentives such as a discount on future services or a small gift. This small token of appreciation can motivate clients to share their feedback, which in turn helps in attracting new clients.

15. Collect reviews on major real estate platforms

Beyond personal testimonials on your website or digital business card, it’s vital to establish a strong presence on major real estate platforms where potential buyers and sellers are actively searching for properties and agents. Platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and others are often the first stop for many in their home search journey.  

🏠 Marketing and advertising

16. Be on real estate sites

Example of real estate platform for listings

In real estate marketing, visibility is everything. That's why you should make it a point to list your services and properties on well-known real estate sites such as Zillow and your popular platform on your local market. 

 

Being active on these sites not only increases the visibility of your listings but also helps you connect with a broader audience, enhancing your chances of faster sales and more effective client acquisition.

17. Be visible on listings in local media

Local media remains a crucial component of effective real estate marketing. Whether it’s local newspapers, magazines, or community bulletins, these sources are often trusted by the local community and can significantly increase the visibility of your listings.

18. Use retargeting ads to engage leads

Retargeting ads are a powerful tool in real estate digital marketing. They allows to re-engage individuals who have visited your website but didn’t make an immediate inquiry. 

 

By using retargeting ads, you can keep your properties and services in front of potential buyers, increasing the likelihood of them returning to your site to make an inquiry.

19. Try out geo-targeting

Geo-targeting in advertising is particularly effective in real estate marketing. This strategy allows tailor advertising based on the geographical location of potential clients. 

 

Thanks to this ads can be customized to reflect local market conditions, events, or offerings, which significantly increases their relevance and appeal.

 

There is another good side of geo-targeting - it helps optimize advertising budgets by focusing efforts on areas with the highest potential for leads and sales, ensuring that you aren’t spending resources on less interested markets.

20. Distribute branded swag

In the real estate industry, building a brand that people recognize and trust is key. One fun and effective way to keep your name in front of potential clients is by distributing branded swag. 

 

These items can range from door hangers and keychains to more substantial pieces like branded home decor, which serve as constant reminders of your services. Might sound silly but items like custom door hangers or coasters in local cafes keep your brand visible in everyday situations!

🏠Local community engagement

21. Build great partnerships with local businesses

Strong community ties are invaluable, especially in real estate. By partnering with local businesses, you not only support the local economy but also create a network that can offer mutual referrals. 

 

Try to attend local events and join meetup groups and associations to keep yourself connected and relevant within the community. You can also cooperate in hosting joint events to offering exclusive deals for services related to home buying or selling (like moving services or home inspections).

22. Be active in local media

Staying active in local media is another powerful way to engage with the community. This involves contributing articles or insights on the real estate market to local newspapers and radio stations. Also participating in interviews or discussions on local TV or radio stations enhances  visibility and will establish you as a go-to expert in real estate.

23. Run open house to showcase your property

Open houses remain a cornerstone of effective real estate marketing. They provide a unique opportunity for potential buyers to explore properties in a low-pressure environment, which can greatly enhance their interest and emotional connection to a home. 

 

Before showcasing your property make sure the property is impeccably staged and that all information regarding the property is readily available to visitors. You can also utilize social media, real estate listings, and local advertising to draw a large crowd to your open houses, maximizing the property’s exposure.

🏠 Technical SEO and analytics

24. Set up a schema to better present your listing in search results

Example of search result with shema.org for real estate

To improve the visibility of your real estate listings in search results, try to utilize Schema markup. Schema is a type of structured data that helps search engines understand the content of your pages and provide more informative results to users. 

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

Implementing Schema can lead to rich snippets, which might include images, star ratings, price ranges, and more—making the listings more appealing and likely to be clicked.

25. Optimize your media for relevant keywords

SEO is not just about having content; it’s about having optimized content. It's a continuous effort to ensure that your website, digital business cards, and all real estate listings are optimized with relevant keywords to enhance their discoverability. 

 

Make sure to regularly research and update your keywords based on market trends and search data to ensure they align with what potential clients are searching for.

 

Remember that every piece of content, from blog posts to listings, should be carefully crafted to include these keywords in a natural and effective manner, improving search engine rankings and attracting more traffic to your site.

26. Set up a Google Business Profile to improve local search visibility

One effective way to boost local online presence is by setting up a Google Business Profile. This tool is essential for real estate agents looking to increase their local search visibility. 

 

A Google Business Profile allows potential clients to find your services easily when they search for real estate agents nearby. The profile provides crucial business information at a glance, including contact details, services offered, and more, making it easier for potential clients to reach out. What’s more, clients can leave reviews and ratings directly on your profile, which can significantly influence new clients' decisions.

🏠 Niche services

27. Find a niche market to specialize in

Example of niche website for real estate industry

Example of niche in real estate for LGBT+ community

Specializing in a niche market is a powerful strategy for real estate agents to differentiate themselves from the competition. Whether it's luxury homes, eco-friendly properties, or first-time homebuyers, focusing on a niche can help develop deeper knowledge and expertise, which attracts clients looking for specific types of properties. It allows for more focused and effective real estate marketing strategies, tailored to the specific needs and interests of your target audience.

28. Offer free home valuations to grabs attention

Offering free home valuations is an excellent way to capture the interest of potential sellers. This service not only provides value to clients but also helps in generating leads. 

 

Think about it - when homeowners consider selling, they are often curious about their home's value. Offering a free valuation can be the perfect way to engage them.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

You can also think about offering other services, such as pre-preparing a house for sale. How many people are willing to sell on their own to avoid costs and thinking they will be able to handle the whole process themselves? You can assist them in some part of this process, thus showing your knowledge and professionalism - even if they don't decide to use your services afterwards there is always a good chance that they will recommend you to someone else.

Real estate marketing ideas - Summary

Throughout this guide, we've explored a variety of innovative real estate marketing ideas designed to not only enhance your visibility but also establish you as a trusted real estate agent in today’s competitive market. From leveraging advanced digital tools like AI chatbots and augmented reality to optimizing your online presence through SEO and Google Business Profiles, each strategy is tailored to elevate your professional image and expand your client base.

 

Additionally, by engaging with your community through local media, partnering with businesses, and running open houses, you create meaningful connections that go beyond mere transactions. Specializing in niche markets and providing valuable services like free home valuations further differentiate you from the competition and attract a dedicated clientele.

 

Remember, in real estate marketing, consistency is key. Implementing these ideas consistently over time will not only increase your leads and sales but will also build lasting relationships with your clients, ensuring your business thrives in any market condition.

Article by
Karol Andruszków

Karol is a serial entrepreneur, e-commerce speaker m.in for the World Bank, and founder of 3 startups, as part of which he has advised several hundred companies. He was also responsible for projects of the largest financial institutions in Europe, with the smallest project being worth over €50 million.

 

He has two master's degrees, one in Computer Science and the other in Marketing Management, obtained during his studies in Poland and Portugal. He gained experience in Silicon Valley and while running companies in many countries, including Poland, Portugal, the United States, and Great Britain. For over ten years, he has been helping startups, financial institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises to improve their functioning through digitization.