Advertising as a real estate agent isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. The agents who consistently close deals aren’t just great negotiators with world-class customer service; they’re also masters at getting their name in front of the right people at the right time.
Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to boost your advertising skills, this quick guide will break down the essentials in a way that’s easy to implement.
Quick note: advertising is just one strategy for generating leads. If you’re looking for lots more lead-gen ideas, check out our list of 75 brilliant ideas for generating real estate leads!
Why Advertising as a Real Estate Agent is so Important
Advertising keeps you visible and builds credibility.
Here’s why it matters:
- More visibility = more clients. Buyers and sellers won’t magically find you. You have to put yourself in their path.
- Build trust. Regularly seeing your name and face reassures clients that you’re the go-to expert in your market.
- Competitive edge. The agents who invest in marketing consistently outperform those who rely on word-of-mouth alone.
5 Must-Have Advertising Channels for Real Estate Agents
Not all advertising methods are created equal. Here are the channels that work best for most real estate agents in 2025.
- Social media. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok let you target specific audiences, from first-time homebuyers to luxury sellers. You can publish posts, stories (like posts, but they disappear from your followers’ feeds in 24 hours), and reels (videos). You can even create affordable social media ads to increase your reach! Looking for inspiration? Check out 37 social media topics for real estate agents (with examples!). If social media feels overwhelming, consider an affordable subscription service that provides the graphics for you to post on your social channels.
- Google. First, optimize your Google Business Profile. This helps you show up in local search results—and it’s free! Then, leverage Google for free organic leads! If you publish blog posts on your website, Google can scan this content and recommend it to users searching for information online. You can even create Google ads to ensure that your content is on the first page of the user’s Google search results. These ads capture high-intent leads searching for “homes for sale in [your city]” or “best real estate agent near me.”
- Email marketing. A simple but powerful way to nurture leads and stay top of mind. Simply collect email addresses and send out relevant newsletters periodically.
- Direct print advertising. A well-designed postcard, flyer, door tag, or drop-by can grab attention in ways digital ads can’t. This is especially useful when farming a geographic area.
- Old-school billboards and signage. Old-school? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely! Especially in high-traffic areas.
Crafting an Irresistible Real Estate Ad
A good ad doesn’t just say, Hey, I’m a real estate agent. It makes people take action. Here’s what your ads need:
- Eye-catching visuals. High-quality photos and videos make all the difference.
- A clear differentiator. Highlight your unique value. If you’re not sure what your unique differentiator is, work through it by following our guide to real estate branding.
- A call-to-action (CTA). Examples: “Get a free home valuation today!” or “Message me for a free list of the best starter homes on the market!”
Budgeting for Real Estate Advertising
How much should you spend? Your real estate advertising budget depends on your market, but here’s a smart approach:
- Keep an ad fund. Set aside a portion of every compensation payment (10-20%) for future advertising.
- Start small. Test ads with $100-$500 before scaling up.
- Focus on high-ROI channels. If Facebook ads generate leads but billboards don’t, invest accordingly.
- Avoid waste. Targeted ads work better than generic “I’m a Realtor!” promotions.
Tracking Results
To make sure your real estate ad dollars are being used effectively, track the performance of your ads. Monitor the ROI by dividing the net profit from a marketing campaign by the cost of the campaign. For example, if you spend $500 to get a deal with a $10,000 commission, you have a 1,900% ROI (Net profit of $9,500 divided by the $500 ad investment).
When running online ads, consider using A/B testing. This is when you run two versions of an ad to see which one performs better. Then you can invest more money in the better-performing ad.
Advertising as a Real Estate Agent FAQs
Q: How much should I spend on advertising?
A: Most agents invest 10-20% of their commission income back into ads. Start with a small budget and scale based on results.
Q: What’s the best ad type for new agents?
A: Facebook and Instagram lead ads are affordable and effective. They let you build an email list quickly.
Q: How do I advertise with a small budget?
A: Leverage free methods like social media content, optimizing your Google Business Profile, and blogging for organic search engine leads.
Q: Should I run ads myself or hire an expert?
A: If you’re tech-savvy, start on your own. But if you’re struggling to get results, consider hiring a digital marketing expert.
The Bottom Line
Advertising doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive, It just needs to be strategic. Pick a few key channels, refine your messaging, and track what works. Over time, you’ll build a steady stream of leads and position yourself as the go-to agent in your market!
