39 cutting-edge real estate marketing ideas for 2024

16. Showcase your skills on YouTube 

Posting your videos to YouTube can give you a large audience to share your market knowledge and show off your skills. Here’s why: Unlike other social media platforms, many people use YouTube as a search engine. Even better, your videos have a chance of showing up in Google search results as well. Creating one video that resonates might mean getting views (and leads) for months or years.

Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas for videos that you can use to showcase your skills: 

• Video tours of hot or quirky listings — Who doesn’t love gawking at cool or weird properties? These videos are like catnip for anyone searching for a home.
• Neighborhood tours — These videos offer excellent value for people moving from other cities.
• Before and after renovations, decluttering, or staging — Channel your inner Marie Kondo and teach your audience new skills.
• Highlight a local business — Do a quick interview with a local real estate-related business.

Most people prefer authenticity over overproduced, slick videos, but remember that whichever option you choose, ensure that your audio quality is good. Your audience will likely forgive a shaky video but not garbled or static-filled audio.

17. Leverage predictive analytics

The old approach of casting a wide net is becoming obsolete. Now, real estate agents can leverage predictive analytics tools to market themselves to “hot” leads. Predictive analytics tools, as their name suggests, analyze a potential customer’s behaviors, credit card debt, and length of time in their home, for example, to determine if they might be ripe for a move.

This technology allows for a more tailored approach, enabling agents to anticipate and meet customer needs more effectively than ever before. Some predictive analytics models use artificial intelligence (AI), and predictive analytics are becoming indispensable tools for pinpointing local leads with precision.

SmartZip utilizes predictive analytics to identify potential sellers in your area before they’re ready to sell. This data-driven approach lets you target the right homeowners and turn them into leads.

18. Write (and share) educational blog posts 

Building a blog in your niche area is an excellent way to provide value to your potential clients. Educational content allows you to flex your muscles, so to speak, and showcase your knowledge in your niche. Taya DiCarlo might have 100,000+ followers across her social media channels, but her blog focuses almost entirely on educational content. Her social channels serve as distribution channels for her blog content, helping to drive potential leads to her website.

19. Use Instagram or Facebook Live to connect with your network.

Using Instagram Live or Facebook Live for marketing, you can catch people while they’re scrolling and engage with them on real estate topics. Timing is essential when hosting live video sessions through these sites. Try to find a time when you have a captive audience, perhaps in the afternoons or evenings rather than during the work day.

You can interview guests like mortgage brokers, attorneys, or other real estate-related professionals. You can even let your audience members join you live and ask questions. To attract viewers, schedule and promote your live event by posting about it beforehand, or you can pay to boost your livestream.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• An update about the market with an opportunity for the audience to ask questions in the chat that you answer live 
• Tour a home for potential buyers and point out unique features
• Behind-the-scenes tour of an open house
• Behind-the-scenes tour of a new listing 
• Visit a business in your local community and tell everyone why you love it 
• Chat with a local real estate professional – a home inspector or mortgage broker – and talk about issues they are currently experiencing in the market.

20. Engage in local Facebook groups

Being recognized in the community is a great way to show your credibility with your clients and potential clients. You can leverage this real estate marketing idea to provide many different services within the community. If you are building a large following, consider leveling up and creating a Facebook group or organizing other more organized events. By staying top-of-mind with people who live and work in your community on Facebook, you can ensure they’ll remember you when they have questions about buying or selling a home.

21. Offer advice in local Reddit groups 

Reddit isn’t just a platform for conspiracy theories and debates. It can be a sneaky tool for marketing your services — if you know where to post. Create an account, enter your town, city or state, and join a subreddit dedicated to your area. Some larger cities also have subreddits dedicated to real estate, similar to the one below. Once you join, answer questions and offer advice. If you provide a well-thought-out answer to a question, the original poster or commenters may direct message you to connect off the platform, and you can offer your services from there.

Here’s a post in a New York City apartments subreddit that’s perfect for offering your advice and expertise:

22. Share market trends or selling advice on Linkedin

LinkedIn is more than a social media platform for finding a job. As an agent, you can use the platform to post content without the hassle of designing your own website. Also, most LinkedIn users are professionals, unlike other social platforms designed for entertainment and engagement. As such, writing about market trends or providing selling advice on LinkedIn is a great way to connect with a larger audience of professionals and showcase your areas of expertise as an agent. From there, readers will want to communicate with you and learn more about the services that you offer.

Check out this LinkedIn post from Bay Area Realtor Bruno Versaci. He uses this post to share his market predictions, backing them up with research and statistics. There’s no doubt he spent time and effort writing this short article. What did Versaci get in return? Engagement and the chance to position himself as a subject matter expert. 

23. Claim and verify your Google Business Profile

A Google Business Profile is one of the most important (and free!) ways to market your real estate business online. Here’s why: According to Google, consumers think businesses with verified profiles are twice as likely to be reputable. More importantly, nearly everyone who wants to buy or sell a home uses Google early in their home search process. Google reviews also tie directly to your business profile, which can be a great way to build your name as a trusted resource. In addition, you can post photos of your newest listings or community information to point potential clients to your website.

Just remember to speak with your broker before adding your profile. They will let you know how they prefer you to list your business in the Google directory. 

24. Send out email or text drip campaigns 

A drip campaign is a series of automated emails used to nurture leads and stay top-of-mind with your sphere and former clients. They’re great for maintaining consistent communication over time. Your messages should offer value to your readers instead of merely advertising your services.

Here are a few content ideas for drip campaigns you can send via text or email:

• Send buyers leads on listings, market updates and other resources
• Offer real estate market reports
• Share tips on homeowner resources in the area
• Craft a welcome series for new contacts that showcase your local expertise

If you’d rather not write your own drip campaigns, you can use pre-written campaigns that are included with CRMs like Follow Up Boss.

25. Create listing alerts for buyers

The most effective real estate marketing ideas today are all about intelligent, automated lead nurturing. Listing alerts and drip campaigns are game-changers and can help you give prospective buyers precisely what they want. They send updates on new listings that align with what buyers are looking for — all on autopilot. This means better communication that keeps your leads warm while supplying information they actually care about. For agents, it’s a significant win and a big move toward more innovative, tailored ways of connecting with clients.

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Offline real estate marketing ideas

26. Offer a free class or seminar 

A great way to position yourself as a trusted advisor is to offer free classes or seminars in your community. Partner with other professionals like your favorite lender to defray the overhead costs, like renting a space or advertising your event. Also, partnerships allow you to provide more information from different perspectives in the housing industry. Some examples of classes or seminars that you could offer would be: 

• First-time homebuyer seminar – Explain the home buying process from pre-qualification to closing, and collect lead information for you and your preferred local lender.

• Downsizing or aging in place seminars for seniors – Supply seniors or their children with the information they need to navigate downsizing or aging in place.

• Market update seminars – Explain the issues surrounding the NAR commission settlement or current interest rates and how those may impact both buyers and sellers.

27. Send AI-powered handwritten cards

Who doesn’t love to receive a handwritten card in the mail? We are so used to receiving emails, texts, and junk mail that we actually get excited to receive something unique — like a handwritten card or note. A personalized note or card can be impactful for your sphere or potential clients and is a unique way to stay connected.

Don’t have time for all that? Handwrytten is a cutting-edge service that produces letters in different writing styles and mails them to contacts in your farm area. Simply order them online!

28. Hand-deliver pop-by gifts

Delivering pop-by gifts is a friendly way to connect with clients. As the name suggests, you just pop by your clients’ homes with small, considerate gifts. Pop-bys help you to reconnect with previous clients and strengthen those relationships. Even if they’re not in the market to buy or sell, they’ll remember your thoughtful pop-by gifts, and you can use the opportunity to ask clients for referrals.

You can find clever pop-by cards on Etsy or Market Dwellings. We especially love their “Thanks a whole latte for your referrals” cards. Who doesn’t love free coffee?

29. Write and rehearse your elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a quick way to introduce yourself, your services, and any relevant experience in 30 seconds or less. If you can’t pitch yourself and your services in that short timeframe, it’s time to return to the mirror and practice. Your elevator pitch is a quick and easy way to let potential clients know what you’re about while leaving just enough out to make them want to learn more.

An effective elevator pitch should explain who you are, your experience in your niche area, and, most importantly, how you can help buyers and sellers solve their problems.

30. Open a booth at the local market

Physical presence matters. Set up a booth at local markets or fairs to meet potential clients and distribute marketing materials such as business cards or brochures — or better yet, branded swag like keychains, calendars or pens. You could also consider offering a free home valuation or local market report to collect contact information from potential leads.

31. Wear your branded swag to local events

Wearing your brand on your sleeve is an excellent way to market yourself in your farm area. Everyone loves cool swag, and you’ll stand apart from suit-clad Realtors in the room. When a potential client approaches you, that’s a perfect opportunity to break out your elevator pitch. Here’s an example of a swag item offered by Etsy. This customizable tote bag has space for your name, phone number and email address. You can put it on a table at industry events, coffee shops or wherever you hang out.

Offering a few pieces of swag to people you meet may make them remember you. Consider carrying a few branded pens along your business cards to share with people you chat with throughout your day. Etsy and Amazon aren’t the only places that offer customizable real estate swag. All Things Real Estate offers customizable apparel, journals, home decor signs and more. You can also pick up pop-by gift sets and other popular items.

Hosting an impactful open house can draw a solid group of potential clients interested in your listing. Turning your open house into a community event would maximize your outreach beyond a small group of visitors. A big turnout can boost your reputation as an agent.

Here are a few ideas for open-house community events:

• Set up contests, giveaways or raffles to promote engagement
• Host an open house party with entertainment and catering
• Rent a food truck and host a block-party-style event
• Launch a bounce house, games or other outdoor activities to encourage clients to bring their kids

33. Organize a historic home walk

Organizing a tour of historic homes in your area can be a great way to build community and showcase your local knowledge. Attendees may look to you for homebuying services after the tour. Before you host the event, plan and prepare accordingly by identifying properties to visit, obtaining permissions, and creating a route. Try using flyers, brochures, or posters to get the word out. Social media is another valuable tool for marketing your event; you may even livestream your tour.

To find tour-worthy homes, visit the National Register of Historic Places, which has an official list of historic homes nationwide.

34. Use drone photography

OK, hear us out. Drone photography is not just a trend; it offers a new perspective. Aerial shots give potential clients a comprehensive view of a property, its surroundings and the neighborhood. This isn’t just about the wow factor; it’s about providing a complete visual experience — crucial in today’s market where online impressions count. Drones capture angles and views that ground-level photography simply can’t, making listings stand out. It’s a powerful way to attract more leads, offering them a unique look at their potential new home and setting you apart as an agent who leverages cutting-edge technology.

35. Send real estate postcards

Sending postcards is a classic yet effective real estate agent marketing idea. It’s more than just old-school charm; postcards are tangible reminders of your services in a digital-heavy world. They’re perfect for announcing new listings or recently sold properties, sharing market updates, or staying in touch through the seasons. Postcards can be targeted to specific neighborhoods or demographics. You can order real estate postcards online from providers like Wise Pelican.

36. Give seasonal gifts

Sending seasonal gifts is a creative, thoughtful strategy for real estate professionals looking to build lasting client relationships. Become known for always giving clients in your Rolodex a gift around a particular time of year, be it your birthday month (or theirs!), your brokerage’s business anniversary or a cultural holiday. These gifts show your clients they’re valued beyond the transaction, fostering loyalty and potentially leading to referrals. A well-chosen gift can be a meaningful touchpoint in a business built on trust and personal connections, setting you apart in the competitive real estate market. If they’ve recently bought or sold a home with you, your caring gesture might encourage clients to refer friends to you.

37. Engage with local networking groups or clubs

Joining a networking group or club where you’re doing something you love gives you a chance to be authentically you — while expanding your sphere of influence to grow your business. You can find networking groups and clubs that match your hobbies and interests on Facebook or Meetup.com.

Regularly engaging with people in your community who share your passions and interests is an excellent way to create personal connections. Having common interests and a friendly bond will make working together a breeze. Who doesn’t want to work with someone they know and like?

38. Connect with local business owners

Connecting with local business owners allows you to provide referrals to other businesses and have them do the same for you. Getting to know other business owners and having them rave about your services can boost your credibility and speed of trust with new clients. NAR statistics show that 43% of buyers used an agent who was referred to them, so networking with local business owners can have an excellent ROI.

39. Offer concierge-level service for buyers

Set yourself apart by offering concierge-level services to your buyer clients. Imagine how happy your client would be if you helped them set up their utilities or arranged for a cleaner to get their new home sparkling clean right before their move-in date. Sure, you’ve helped them close on a new home, but they’re more likely to send referrals your way if you go the extra mile.

Arrange to have someone cut their lawn or shovel the snow from their driveway on move-in day. Send over a pizza delivery on their first night in their new home. Once they get settled, drop by with an Amazon gift card and a housewarming plant or thoughtful closing gift. You get the idea!

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How to create a strategic real estate marketing plan 

A real estate marketing plan outlines your business strategy for carrying out your real estate marketing activities. You want to be sure to have a written marketing plan so that you can measure and track the results of your marketing activities. Some ideas will work great, and some may need to be abandoned or changed if they aren’t working as well as you’d like. Some key elements to consider when developing your plan include: 

• Identify your audience — Determine who your target clients are. Are they luxury condo buyers, downsizing seniors, Gen Z first-time homebuyers or real estate investors?

• Evaluate your competition — Check out the marketing initiatives of your competitors and evaluate what may or may not be working for them.

• Define your unique value proposition — Dig deep to figure out what makes you and your services and expertise special and unique. What differentiates you from other agents in your area?

• Develop your marketing message — Using the info you’ve gathered in the first three steps, create a core message that describes who you are, what makes you special and who you would like to serve.

• Establish your budget — The key to marketing is not stretching yourself too thin. Take things slow. Start small. When you are ready or your system functions well, you can level up to the next activity. Don’t try to do too many things at once—it may dilute your efforts and make you ineffective.

• Select your marketing activities — Choose small, manageable tasks to start. Once you have an activity that works for you, consider taking it to the next level or adding a different type of activity to target a different portion of your intended audience.

• Implement your plan — Follow your plan. Marketing takes time and does not often yield immediate results. You’re in a long game here. Give it appropriate time to work. If you feel you aren’t getting the results that you’d like, maybe try tweaking your plan or moving to a different marketing activity. 

For more on building your marketing plan in 2024 including a detailed worksheet and template, check out coach Ashley Hardwood’s article here:

Real estate marketing: The full picture

Hopefully, you’ve found ways to reconnect with your networks. We hope this list of real estate marketing ideas will help you make genuine connections (both online and offline) — the kind of connections that help clients view us as trusted advisors who are worth the commissions we work so hard for.

We curated this list of real estate marketing ideas to help you blend your creativity with technology to ensure your marketing is as unique as you are! Make a plan, take it slow, be patient with yourself, and watch your business soar.

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