11 Real Estate Marketing Strategies You Haven’t Tried Yet

Are your marketing efforts falling flat while competitors are racking up sales?

You’re not alone.

In order for your real estate marketing strategies to be successful, you have to spark curiosity, build confidence, and move clients toward action.

This article explores:

  • Why your marketing efforts may need a fresh approach
  • 11 real estate marketing strategies to inspire your next move
  • How to make these strategies work for your business
Written by: Deirdre Paige
Deirdre Paige

Deirdre Paige

Content Writer

Deirdre Paige is a content writer at Wise Pelican with nearly a decade of experience, specializing in data-driven content and social media campaigns for the real estate industry.

Published: August 15, 2023
real estate marketing strategies

FYI, this isn’t a cookie-cutter, run-of-the-mill blog about real estate marketing strategies.

I am not going to tell you the best times to post on Instagram or how long your YouTube video should be.

In fact, this article isn’t about Instagram or YouTube (don’t worry, I mention them – but this is not about them).

Since you can literally find hundreds of articles saying the same thing about social media and real estate marketing strategies, I thought I would give you a fresh perspective!

1. Pinterest: The Overlooked Tool for Real Estate Marketing

Pinterest is where buyers and sellers search for home inspiration, yet most agents skip it entirely.

That’s a mistake.

With creative ways to get real estate clients, like curating Pinterest boards tailored to local trends or unique property features, you can connect with your audience in a way that keeps them coming back for more—and drives them straight to your business.

How to Use Pinterest Effectively

  • Create Smart Boards: Some ideas are “Staging Secrets for a Fast Sale” or “Affordable Homes in [City].” These serve as long-lasting resources for your target audience.
  • Pin with Purpose: Use high-quality vertical images with captions like “How to Increase Your Home Value Before Listing.” Always include links to your blog or landing page.
  • Local Lifestyle Content: Highlight your area’s top restaurants, events, or parks to show off what makes your market special.
  • Experiment with Promoted Pins: For as little as $2 per click, you can reach buyers and sellers searching for home-related content in your market.

Cost: Budget-friendly. Organic pinning costs nothing but your time, while promoted pins offer a low-cost way to reach a targeted audience.

More than 40% of American females on Pinterest say they plan on purchasing a home in the next five years.

2. Blog Like a Thought Leader

Blogging isn’t new, but most real estate blogs miss the mark.

They either feel like dull market reports or recycled neighborhood guides.

Let’s leave that behind.

Your blog should make people think, “This agent knows their stuff!”

One of the best ways to market yourself in real estate is by positioning yourself as an authority through blogging. Whether you focus on niche content, answer real estate questions from platforms like Quora and Reddit, or share success stories, blogging builds credibility and attracts serious buyers and sellers.

What to Try:

  • Get Specific with Niche Content: Write for a niche audience, like investors looking for short-term rentals or retirees downsizing to a smaller home.
  • Answer Real Questions: Browse platforms like Quora or Reddit for trending real estate questions and turn them into blog posts. For example, “What to Know Before Buying a Condo in [City]” or “How to Decide Between Building or Buying a Home.”
  • Share Stories: Turn client wins into blog posts. Did you help a family secure their dream home for under the asking price after months of searching? Break down what made it happen—and how you can do the same for others.

Where to Publish:

  • Your Website: Make your blog easy to find on your home page or menu bar. A blog section labeled “Real Estate Insights” can entice visitors.
  • Social Media: Post snippets of your blog on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram, with a link leading back to the full article.
  • Community Forums: Share links in local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or even niche LinkedIn groups. Just make sure it’s helpful, not salesy.
  • Email Newsletters: Include a blog highlight in your monthly emails to past clients and prospects.

How People Find Your Blogs:

  • SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Using SEO best practices is the quickest way to be discovered. Use keywords like real estate trends in [City] and phrases buyers and sellers might search for, such as “best neighborhoods in [City].”
  • Promote It: Share each post multiple times across platforms, using different angles to spark interest.

Cost: Free if you write it yourself. Hiring a professional writer might cost anywhere from $100–$400 per post, depending on the writer’s experience, the complexity of the subject, and the word count.

Real estate websites that include a blog see 55% more traffic compared to those without one.

3. Tapping Into Quora and Reddit: Real Conversations, Real Connections

When used correctly, Quora and Reddit offer real estate agents opportunities to answer questions, connect with niche audiences, and drive traffic back to your website.

But these platforms are vastly different—understanding their unique cultures is key to tapping into their potential effectively.

Quora: The Answer Hub

Quora thrives on thoughtful responses to specific questions.

It’s a space where people seek reliable, detailed answers, often on topics like buying, selling, or investing in real estate.

How to use Quora effectively as a real estate marketing strategy:

  • Respond to Relevant Questions: Search for topics in your market, like “What’s it like living in [City]?” or “How do I choose the right real estate agent?” Provide detailed, helpful answers and include local insights. For example:
    • “In Washington, PA, utilities average around $300 a month, but this varies depending on the season. I always advise clients to factor this into their budget alongside taxes and HOA fees.”
  • Set Alerts: Subscribe to specific topics like your city or real estate trends. Use Quora’s email notifications to keep up with new questions, making it easy to reply consistently.
  • Post Mini-Blogs: Create detailed, stand-alone posts that answer FAQs for buyers or sellers. Treat these like a teaser for your expertise, with a subtle link back to your website or blog.

Reddit: The Community Hub

Reddit is a sprawling mix of niche communities called subreddits.

It’s conversational and informal, with users expecting authentic contributions rather than overt promotions.

How to use Reddit without annoying people:

  • Join Local Subreddits: Engage in subreddits like r/[CityName] or r/RealEstate. For example, answer questions like, “What are the best neighborhoods for families in [City]?” Include your local expertise without pushing your services.
  • Respect the Rules: Subreddits have specific guidelines about self-promotion. Read them carefully to avoid being flagged as spam. Focus on adding value, not just linking back to your content.
  • Host a Local AMA (Ask Me Anything): Announce yourself as a local agent and invite users to ask about housing trends, the best times to sell, or even how to get started as a first-time buyer. Use engaging anecdotes to keep it fun and relatable.

Quora and Reddit Chart

Both platforms value authentic engagement.

Don’t jump in trying to promote your business.

Instead, spend time understanding the tone and rules of each community.

Engage thoughtfully, and your expertise will naturally attract attention.

Cost: This platform is a free real estate marketing strategy, though the time investment is significant. Dedicate an hour a week to provide meaningful, well-researched responses.

Reddit and Quora are both excellent channels to distribute content and increase engagement with new audiences in your niche. The only catch to both is that excessively self-promotional content can be penalized.

Nicolas Straut

an SEO specialist from Fundera

4. Snapchat: Short Videos, Big Impact

Snapchat might seem a little strange when it comes to real estate marketing strategies, but it’s a smart way to connect with millennials, Gen Z, and renters.

The platform thrives on creativity and realness.

It is ideal for agents to engage their audience in a relatable way.

Short videos and interactive features let you bring energy and personality to your marketing efforts.

What to Post:

  • “First Look” Snaps: Record quick 10-second clips of homes before they hit the market. Add captions or stickers to highlight unique features.
  • Day-in-the-Life Videos: Share moments from your daily routine, such as setting up an open house or handing keys to a buyer. Even better, show your chaotic morning trying to get the keys to your buyer! Use music to enhance the experience and make it engaging.
  • Spotlight and Stories: Use longer formats, like three-minute videos, for home tours or tips for buyers and sellers. Break longer content into 10-second clips to match Snapchat’s format.

Use Geofilters:

Real estate marketing strategies that incorporate fun are always a win!

Snapchat’s geofilters let you brand your content in specific locations with custom digital stickers.

Users in the area can apply your filter to their snaps, spreading your name to their network in a fun, low-pressure way.

  • Neighborhood branding: Create a filter for a local area, like “[Neighborhood Name] Life.”
  • Event filters: Design one for open houses or community events, encouraging attendees to use and share your filter.

Filters can cover areas ranging from 5,000 square feet to 5,000,000 square feet, offering flexible options for local marketing.

Cost: Inexpensive to moderate. Creating organic content is free, while geo-filters start at $5 per event.

You can create a Snapchat geofilter with your brand to connect with local buyers and sellers. It’s a simple way to increase your presence in the market.

5. Facebook with a Twist: Private Groups

Using Facebook solely for listing ads is like opening a box of chocolates and only eating one.

Who does that?

While promoting your ads is wise (and can start at just $5/day), private Facebook groups give you a chance to connect with potential clients on a more personal level.

If knocking on someone’s door to talk about real estate makes you uncomfortable, a Facebook group offers the same opportunity to introduce yourself and meet people—but without the anxiety.

These groups allow you to build relationships in a setting where people want to learn more about a subject.

Ideas for Groups:

  • [City] Real Estate Myths Busted: Share fun, eye-opening content that clears up common misconceptions about buying, selling, or investing in real estate.
  • Hidden Gems of [Neighborhood]: Highlight lesser-known spots, like mom-and-pop shops, cozy cafes, or quiet parks that make your area special. Include posts about homes for sale nearby to tie it all together.
  • Moving to [City]? Here’s What You Need to Know: Focus on out-of-town buyers by sharing posts on everything from neighborhoods and schools to real estate tips for relocating.

Why Groups Work:

Private groups go deeper than listings.

They are spaces where people come to learn, ask questions, and connect.

Sharing local insights, engaging content, and actionable advice helps establish your presence as an agent – and when you are spitting so much knowledge, who else could they possibly want their agent to be when they are ready to make a move?

Cost: Free to set up. Running Facebook ads to promote your group or specific posts can start small and scale based on your budget.

Facebook groups have a targeted audience, which makes it easier to connect with potential leads. One real estate agent started the Leesburg Moms Facebook group, now with nearly 7,000 members who frequently seek real estate advice.

Source

6. Incorporate YouTube Videos Into Your Email Campaigns

Most people skim emails, but adding video stops them in their tracks.

If you don’t already have one, agents must have a YouTube channel.

These videos can be easily featured in your email campaigns.

A quick YouTube video lets recipients see your personality, hear your voice, and feel connected—whether they’re prospects, your farm area, or your sphere of influence.

Videos build a sense of familiarity that plain text can’t.

Why Video is One of the Best Real Estate Marketing Strategies

  • Video increases email open rates by 19% and click-through rates by 65%.
  • Including video grabs attention in crowded inboxes and keeps readers interested.
  • Seeing you on screen builds trust and helps your message feel more personal, especially when it has practical information like market updates or real estate tips.

Teaser Videos and Thumbnails

An engaging teaser video draws viewers in immediately and is one of the best marketing strategies for real estate because it creates curiosity.

Use a thumbnail that highlights your message—smile, hold a sign with a call to action, or include text like “What’s New in [City] Real Estate?”

These details encourage clicks.

  • Market insights video: “This month’s housing trends might surprise you. Watch my 60-second update!”
  • How-to guides: “Selling your home? Don’t miss these three essential prep tips.”

Other ideas for email campaigns:

  • Client spotlights: Share a quick clip of a client’s success story.
  • Behind-the-scenes content: Show snippets of your day.
  • Neighborhood highlights: Take viewers to a favorite spot or community event and explain why the area attracts buyers.
  • Seasonal updates: Share timely tips, such as preparing for winter or maximizing spring market opportunities.

Cost: Moderate. Platforms like BombBomb or Mailchimp with video integration typically cost $25–$100/month, making it an effective addition to your real estate marketing strategies

51% of home buyers turn to YouTube as their primary resource for researching homes.
Source

7. Host Free Seminars or Webinars

Generally, real estate marketing strategies that are free are successful.

Who doesn’t like free?

These seminars and webinars give you a chance to connect with your audience and share insights.

These events attract leads and highlight your expertise.

It can be in person or online.

A well-planned seminar can generate new opportunities while reinforcing your reputation.

Hosting free events not only positions you as an expert but also helps you build meaningful connections with clients. Adding small, thoughtful touches—like real estate closing gifts—at the right moment can further strengthen these relationships and leave a lasting impression.

Unique Topics to Explore

  • Transitioning from residential to commercial real estate:
    Offer practical advice on shifting focus from residential to commercial properties. Topics include zoning laws, building long-term relationships, and maximizing the earning potential of commercial real estate deals.
  • Secrets to selling smart:
    Help sellers feel confident with actionable advice. Share tips on staging, managing logistics during a move, and understanding legal requirements. Use examples of beautifully staged homes to illustrate your points.
  • Exploring [city] neighborhoods:
    Dive into what makes your market special by introducing local spots. Feature coffee shops, parks, or community events that draw buyers to specific areas. Include video tours or photos to bring the neighborhood to life.
  • Rental-friendly design tips:
    Teach tenants simple ways to personalize their spaces. Discuss reversible upgrades like removable wallpaper, clever storage ideas, and ways to make their homes a reflection of them without permanent changes.

Tips for Success

  • Make it interactive:
    Use polls, Q&A sessions, or live demonstrations to keep attendees engaged. For example, ask buyers what features they value most in a home and explain how to prioritize those during a search.
  • Repurpose your content:
    Record the session and create smaller clips to share on YouTube, social media, or your website. A staging webinar could become a series of short videos for IG or Facebook.
  • Collaborate with experts:
    Co-host with stagers, lenders, or other professionals to bring additional perspectives and expand your audience. A partnership also increases your credibility and makes your event more impactful.

Cost:

Webinars cost next to nothing using tools like Zoom. In-person

seminars may range from $100 to $500, depending on the venue and setup.

With the potential to gain new clients, these events are an excellent return on investment.

Use a QR code generator to create a scannable code for your webinar registration link—perfect for direct mail, letting people sign up with just a quick scan.

Explore Real Estate Postcards

8. Google My Business: Your Online First Impression

When prospective clients search for real estate agents, your Google My Business (GMB) profile often determines whether they contact you or move on.

Make it a hub of valuable, engaging information that piques interest at first glance.

What to Include

  • Detailed business information: Complete every section with accurate hours, contact details, and a clear business description. Use the “About” section to highlight what sets you apart, like your expertise in specific property types or your dedication to serving [City].
  • Professional photos: Add images of your team, properties you’ve sold, or neighborhood highlights. Use authentic visuals that reflect your unique approach, such as pictures from local events or open houses.
  • Weekly posts: Share city, neighborhood, or market updates to keep your profile fresh.
  • ALWAYS share your social media posts: Cross-post content from your social media channels is an easy way to make sure you are posting consistently.
  • Events: On the GMB updates, there is an event option. Use this free advertising for open houses or any other events you have.

Go Beyond the Basics

  • Add Services: Break down what you offer, like “First-Time Buyer Consultations,” “Relocation Assistance,” or “Investment Property Guidance.” This helps clients see how you can meet their needs.
  • Use Q&A Strategically: Add common questions and thoughtful answers to showcase your knowledge. Examples:
    • “What’s the best time of year to sell in [City]?”
    • “How do I prepare my home for sale?”
  • Highlight Local Expertise: Share mini guides about the area, such as “Top 3 Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in [City]” or “Best Coffee Shops Near [Neighborhood Name].”

Tips for Success:

  • Keep your content relevant and actionable. Show how your services make real estate less overwhelming.
  • Use data and stories to create posts that feel helpful rather than sales-focused. For example: “Homes in [City] are selling in 20 days on average—let me help you navigate this competitive market.”
  • Refresh your photos and posts regularly to maintain an active profile and stay visible in searches.

Cost: Free. The time you spend optimizing and updating your profile pays dividends in client engagement and leads.

Pro Tip: Google My Business allows 1,500 characters for updates—use them to share blog snippets that lead to your blog. Use 30-second YouTube teasers with links that drive traffic to your website or YouTube channel.

9. Direct Mail: Creative Ideas That Get Noticed

Direct mail still holds clout, especially when it surprises people with creativity and value.

You shouldn’t only use proof of production postcards (but you do want to use those as well)—these ideas will get people excited to hear from you and curious to learn more about your services.

Unique Ideas

  • Neighborhood trivia postcards:
    Share quirky or fascinating facts about the area, like a famous movie scene filmed nearby or the history of a local landmark. Add a QR code leading to a quiz on your website with a small prize for participants, creating a fun way to engage.
  • “Your Home’s Journey” timeline:
    Show how home values in the recipient’s neighborhood have evolved over the years. Include a QR code offering a free valuation tool so they can instantly check their own property’s worth.
  • “Missed Opportunities” market recap:
    Send a short report on recent deals that closed in their area, such as homes that sold quickly or above the asking price. Add a note: “Let me help you make the next opportunity yours!”
  • Seasonal tips on a magnet:
    Share practical advice on a fridge magnet, such as “Winter Prep Checklist for Your Home” or “Spring Cleaning Tips to Boost Curb Appeal.” This keeps your brand visible while offering something useful.
  • Investor starter kit:
    Mail a tri-fold brochure for new investors explaining the basics, like identifying profitable properties, calculating ROI, and avoiding common mistakes. Include a QR code linking to a free consultation or resource page.

Make Your Branding Memorable

  • Personal touch notes: Include a small handwritten-style message, such as: “Hi [Name], homes in your neighborhood are selling fast. Curious about your property’s value? Let’s talk!”
  • Interactive keepsakes: Add small items like seed packets with “Let’s grow your real estate future” or mini notepads branded with your name and contact info.
  • Market snapshots: Create a visually engaging brochure showing market trends in their area, such as average days on market or year-over-year price changes.

Cost: Moderate. Depending on the format and volume, direct mail pieces typically range from $0.50 to $3 each.

Explore Real Estate Postcards

10. Animated Videos That Actually Connect

Forget the cookie-cutter property tours.

Animated videos give you a chance to explain, entertain, and show clients why you’re the agent they’ll want on speed dial.

These videos can turn complicated ideas into something easy to understand while keeping it fresh and fun

Ideas That Break the Mold:

  • “Here’s Why I Do What I Do” Video:
    Share your story, but make it pop. Talk about your journey into real estate, your favorite part of the job, and the moments that make it all worthwhile. Add humor, a touch of nostalgia, or even quirky details like your first real estate deal disaster (every agent has one).
  • “How the Process Really Works” Explainer:
    Demystify the buying or selling process for your clients. Instead of drowning them in jargon, use animation to show how the steps unfold—and throw in some funny ‘what-not-to-do’ scenarios for good measure.
  • Local Insider Guides:
    Bring neighborhoods to life with a mini animated tour. Feature the best brunch spots, the go-to park for weekend picnics, or even where to get the strongest coffee for those 6 a.m. commutes.
  • Quick Home Tips:
    Create snappy videos like “3 Ways to Boost Your Home Value in a Weekend” or “Why Spring Cleaning Is Actually a Seller’s Secret Weapon.” Bonus points if you keep it under 60 seconds and pack it with energy.

Use Them Everywhere:

  • Post them in your private Facebook groups to spark conversations.
  • Use one as your YouTube introductory video (be different than everyone else!)
  • Add them to your emails to surprise and delight your clients.
  • Make them the star of your Instagram or TikTok, where personality rules the feed.

Cost: Moderate. DIY tools like Canva and Animaker make it easy on your budget.

Simplify complex real estate concepts with animated videos to help clients understand and engage more with your brand.

11. Branded Swag That People Will Actually Keep

Sorry, not sorry, no one’s life is changed by a cheap pen.

But give someone swag they’ll actually use, and you’ve found the sweet spot between practical and memorable.

Ideas That Actually Work:

  • Reusable Grocery Bags: These bags get carted everywhere, from Trader Joe’s to weekend soccer games. Add a clever message like, “Real estate moves made easy,” and you’ll be riding shotgun with their bananas and oat milk.
  • Portable Chargers: Phones die at the worst times. A branded charger keeps you at the top of clients’ minds—every time their phone runs low, they’ll remember who saved their day (and their battery).
  • Seasonal Swag: An insulated water bottle for summer or a cozy beanie for winter goes beyond basic branding—it makes people think, “This agent gets it.”

Where to Order:

  • 4imprint: Find high-quality bags, tech gear, and seasonal items with custom branding options.
  • AnyPromo: A go-to for affordable, useful swag like drinkware, tote bags, and tech gadgets.
About 85% of people remember the business that gave them a promotional branded item.
Source

The Bottom Line

Real estate marketing strategies work best when they are fresh and enjoyable.

Trying new ideas and connecting with your audience in meaningful ways keeps the process exciting while helping you grow your business.

With the right mindset and a willingness to explore, success is closer than you think.

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