What Type of Marketing Is Best for Real Estate?
If your real estate marketing still leans only on yard signs, postcards, or local ads, you’re leaving deals on the table. These tools are still helpful, but they’re no longer sufficient. Almost every homebuyer, around 97%, now starts their search online. 51% of all buyers found the home they purchased online. However, here’s the thing: local ads, open houses, and referrals still play a crucial role in building trust and getting people through the door.
The smartest agents and agencies today don’t choose between digital and conventional marketing. They combine both. On average, real estate professionals who achieve the best results allocate approximately 70-80% of their marketing budget to digital efforts, including social media, Google Ads, and email. The remaining 20-30% is allocated to tried-and-true tactics, such as direct mail, print ads, and community events.
In this blog, we’ll break down what’s working right now:
- Which mix of digital and conventional marketing delivers the best results for real estate
- 10 digital marketing agencies that are already helping real estate businesses succeed at this on a large scale
If you want more leads, more showings, and more closed deals, this is where to start.
Top Real Estate Marketing Methods (with Creative Ideas for Each)
Here are the top real estate marketing methods, each packed with creative ideas to help you stand out and close more deals:
Local SEO + Google Business Profile
Show up where buyers and sellers are searching on Google. This means more than just having a profile. You need to claim it, fill it out entirely, and keep it active. Make sure your business name, address, phone number, and website match across every platform (your site, Zillow, directories, social pages). Get reviews from happy clients, they help you rank higher. On your website, create pages that mention the neighborhoods and cities you serve so that Google can connect your site with local searches.
Creative Ideas:
Add FAQ sections on your site targeting local searches (e.g., “What’s the average home price in [Neighborhood]?”).
Post Google Business updates with photos from open houses, recent sales, or local events.
Use neighborhood names in photo file names and alt text so they appear in image search results.
Social Media Marketing
Be where buyers, sellers, and even casual browsers spend time daily: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn. Don’t just post listings; aim to start conversations. Use a mix of photos, videos, stories, and posts that highlight both properties and the lifestyle that comes with them. Respond to comments, messages, and shares quickly; real engagement matters more than just likes. Keep your profiles up to date with current contact information and links to your listings.
Creative Ideas:
Run polls or quizzes (e.g., “Which backyard would you choose?”) to boost interaction.
Share time-lapse videos of home staging or renovation before-and-afters.
Use Instagram Stories for mini-tours of listings or behind-the-scenes at showings.
Email Marketing
Keep your name in front of leads and past clients with emails that are worth opening. Don’t blast the same message to everyone. Build lists based on the needs of specific groups, such as buyers, sellers, or investors, so you can send targeted updates that matter to them. Ensure every email looks good on mobile and includes one clear action, such as “View Listing” or “Get Your Home’s Value.” Utilize tools like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or your CRM to schedule and track your email campaigns.
Creative Ideas:
Send a monthly “local deals + listings” email featuring both your new listings and local business offers (partner with coffee shops, movers, etc.).
Create segmented lists (e.g., investors, first-time buyers) and tailor emails for each group.
Include short, personal video messages in emails — quick market updates or listing walk-throughs.
Google Ads + Paid Search
Reach buyers who are already searching for homes or real estate services. Set up search ads that show when people type in terms like “homes for sale in [City]” or “best realtor near me.” Focus on specific locations and property types; broad ads are a waste of money. Write ad copy that speaks directly to what buyers want. Utilize Google Ads tools, such as location extensions, to ensure your business information appears clearly, and always link to a page that matches the ad (not just your homepage).
Creative Ideas:
Run ads targeting out-of-town buyers looking to relocate.
Use ad copy that highlights unique property features (e.g., “Homes with backyard pools in [City]”).
Set up location extensions so that your office address appears in the ad itself, building trust.
Direct Mail
Printed mail still gets noticed, especially when it’s personal and valuable. Don’t waste money on generic flyers. Focus on homeowners in the neighborhoods where you want to list or attract buyers. Send pieces that tell a story, share real data, or offer something of value. Always include clear contact info and a simple way for them to take the next step (call, visit a site, scan a code).
Creative Ideas:
Send “just sold” postcards with a short story of how you helped a recent client — real examples help build trust.
Use fold-out postcards with a QR code linking to a virtual tour or video message.
Mail hyper-local market reports personalized for specific streets or neighborhoods.
Open Houses + In-Person Events
Open houses and local events offer a chance for people to connect with you and the property genuinely. Don’t just unlock the door and hope for visitors, plan events that make people want to stop by. Promote them in advance on social media, your website, and via email. Make the experience easy: use clear signage, provide information sheets, and offer simple ways for guests to follow up (such as a QR code, sign-in sheet, or digital form).
Creative Ideas:
Offer a neighborhood walking tour as part of your open house event.
Partner with local artists or businesses to co-host pop-up displays during open houses.
Run a raffle for attendees (e.g., gift card to a popular local restaurant).
Content Marketing (Blogs + Videos)
Show buyers and sellers that you understand the market by sharing content they find valuable. Focus on topics people search for, like home prices, neighborhoods, or what it’s like to live in certain areas. Keep your content real: use numbers, examples, and local details. Post it on your site, share it on social media, and ensure it’s easily accessible through search. Aim for steady updates to keep your site active and helpful.
Creative Ideas:
Create short “cost of living in [City]” videos or blog posts with real numbers and examples.
Write or film “Day in the Life of a [Neighborhood] Resident” content.
Make list-style content like “Top 5 Dog-Friendly Communities in [City].”
YouTube + Video Marketing
Video gives buyers a better feel for properties and neighborhoods before they ever visit. Go beyond basic listing tours. Post videos that answer real questions buyers have, what’s in their price range, what’s the area like, and what’s nearby. Keep videos short, clear, and consistent. Add relevant titles, descriptions, and location tags so they’re easy to find in search results.
Creative Ideas:
Create a video series comparing price points: “What $300k / $500k / $1M gets you in [City].”
Post neighborhood spotlight videos showing parks, schools, and local shops.
Interview local business owners or residents to add a community flavor.
Referral Marketing
Referrals work because people trust the opinions of friends and family. The goal is to stay connected with past clients and give them a reason to recommend you. Make your referral process visible and straightforward, mention it in emails, on social media, and during conversations. Always follow up and show appreciation when someone sends a referral your way.
Creative Ideas:
Set up a client appreciation program — small gifts or exclusive invites for referrals that result in a sale.
Highlight client success stories in your marketing, and tag them (with permission) on social media.
Send handwritten thank-you notes accompanied by a small gift card when someone refers you to a business.
Community Sponsorships + Partnerships
Get your name in front of people where it counts, in the community you serve. Support local causes, team up with nearby businesses, and participate in community events that matter to you. This builds trust and keeps you visible in a way ads alone can’t. Ensure your involvement is genuine, and always provide a way for people to connect with you.
Creative Ideas:
Sponsor local youth sports teams or charity runs and include your info on banners or shirts.
Partner with local businesses for cross-promotion (e.g., feature their service in your newsletter in exchange for them promoting your listings).
Offer free workshops for first-time buyers at the local library or community center.
CRM + Marketing Automation
A good CRM helps you keep track of leads, clients, and follow-ups, ensuring that no opportunity slips through the cracks. Use it to stay in touch without having to do everything by hand. Set up simple automations, like follow-ups after showings, reminders for important dates, and updates based on client activity. This keeps your outreach consistent and focused on the people most likely to work with you.
Creative Ideas:
Set up automatic birthday or home anniversary greetings for past clients.
Utilize automation to send follow-up reminders after open-house sign-ins.
Track and score leads based on their activity (e.g., who opens emails, visits listings) so you can focus on the most engaged prospects.
Print + Local Media Advertising
Local newspapers, magazines, and community newsletters continue to receive attention, particularly among older buyers and sellers. Don’t waste space on generic ads. Share something that shows your expertise or tells a real story. Make it easy for readers to take action by adding a phone number, web link, or QR code that directs them directly to your listings or contact page.
Creative Ideas:
Place ads that focus on recent client success stories or unique listings, rather than generic “Realtor Available” messaging.
Offer guest columns in local papers—tips on selling, buying, or market updates.
Use QR codes in ads linking directly to property tours or your latest listings.
Top 10 Agencies Helping Real Estate Pros Market Smarter in 2025
If you’re looking for a marketing partner that knows how to get you more leads, more visibility, and more closed deals, here’s a list of the top 10 real estate agencies doing just that in 2025:
1. INSIDEA
INSIDEA is a full-service digital marketing and HubSpot solutions partner, known for helping businesses scale efficiently across industries. With a global team and a client-first mindset, INSIDEA blends strategy, technology, and creativity to deliver marketing that fuels measurable growth. They’re exceptionally skilled at integrating into clients’ operations, serving as an extension of their team, and making them a trusted partner for companies seeking sustainable success.
Why It’s a Great Choice for Real Estate Professionals
INSIDEA offers customized digital marketing, lead generation, and CRM solutions that help real estate professionals attract, engage, and convert the right audience. Their expertise in SEO, social media, email marketing, and performance campaigns ensures your listings and services are visible to high-intent buyers and sellers. Their proficiency with HubSpot makes them ideal for agents or brokerages looking to build automated, scalable sales and marketing workflows.
Services
- Lead Generation:Attract qualified prospects and build predictable pipelines
- SEO & Content Marketing:Improve search rankings and showcase your properties
- Social Media & LinkedIn Marketing:Strengthen visibility and generate interest
- Email Marketing:Nurture leads and keep your brand top of mind
- Website Development & Design:Create conversion-focused, beautiful websites
- HubSpot Services:Full-funnel CRM setup, automation, and optimization
2. Chatter Buzz Media
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Chatter Buzz Media is a full-service digital marketing agency with over 50 team members spread across the U.S. and Canada. Known for its data-driven mindset, Chatter Buzz focuses on helping businesses grow through customized marketing strategies. The agency has worked with over 400 clients across various industries, including real estate, managing more than $70 million in advertising spend.
Why It’s a Great Choice for Real Estate Agents
Chatter Buzz offers real estate professionals a whole team of specialists, including strategists, designers, developers, and media buyers, without the cost of building that team in-house. Their flexible packages (starting at $ 5,000 per month) are designed to support agents at every stage, from driving website traffic to converting leads and enhancing retention. What stands out is their deep focus on measurable results and transparency, featuring tools such as live analytics dashboards, detailed playbooks, and regular performance reviews.
Services
- Integrated Digital Marketing:Full-funnel marketing plans tailored to revenue goals
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO):Local and national strategies to boost visibility
- Paid Ads:Google Ads, social media ads, programmatic, and geofencing
- Content Creation & Marketing:Blog writing, social content, video production, and press releases
- Web Development:Custom websites, landing pages, CRO audits, and ADA compliance
- CRM & Sales Enablement:HubSpot setup, sales workflows, and reporting
- Account-Based Marketing (ABM):Focused strategies to reach high-value prospects
- Email & Influencer Marketing:Campaign creation, automation, and outreach
3. Brolik
Founded in 2004 in Philadelphia, Brolik is a growth-focused marketing agency that partners with small and service-based businesses, including those in home services, consumer services, and real estate-related industries. With over 20 years of experience and a track record of helping companies achieve $10M+ in revenue, Brolik offers more than just campaigns. They act as a fractional marketing department, blending business strategy, marketing, and tech support to drive sustainable growth.
Why It’s a Great Choice for Real Estate Agents
Brolik’s strength lies in building predictable lead generation systems, not one-off campaigns.
They work as an extension of your team, offering CMO-level guidance, as well as day-to-day ad management and web development. For agents and brokerages ready to move beyond word-of-mouth and referrals, Brolik helps create an inbound marketing engine that brings in a steady flow of qualified leads while supporting sales efforts with data and creative assets.
Services
- Digital Marketing:Integrated strategies combining paid ads, SEO, content marketing, and social media
- Web Design & Development:Scalable websites built for lead generation and user experience
- Branding:Full identity development, messaging, and positioning
- Video Production:Story-driven video and animation for web and campaigns
- Inbound Marketing:Development of systems that consistently attract and convert prospects
4. Titan Growth
Based in San Diego, Titan Growth has built a reputation as a performance-driven digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, paid media, and conversion-focused strategies. Backed by over a decade of experience, the team is known for combining hands-on expertise with its patented TitanBOT® technology. This search engine spider helps predict how search engines will respond to changes on a site. Titan Growth is a Google Premier Partner, a Google All-Star agency, and recognized as one of Clutch’s Top 100 Companies.
Why It’s a Great Choice for Real Estate Agents
Titan Growth is a solid fit for real estate professionals who want more than surface-level digital marketing. Their team focuses on measurable results, helping agents and brokerages capture local search market share, generate qualified leads, and improve ROI on ad spend. What sets them apart is their use of TitanBOT® to identify technical SEO issues and opportunities before they impact rankings, giving clients a competitive edge in crowded markets.
Services
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO):Advanced strategies for stronger search rankings and visibility
- Paid Media Management:Campaigns across Google, Bing, and social platforms focused on conversions
- Web Design & Development:Custom websites designed for performance and user experience
- Content Marketing & PR:Build authority, drive traffic, and support SEO goals
- Link Acquisition:Custom link-building strategies to grow domain authority
- Social Media Management:Audience engagement and brand-building across key platforms
- Video Production:Creative content to enhance digital campaigns
- Amazon & Marketplace Marketing:For agents with branded merchandise or real estate-related retail
- Email Prospecting:Targeted outreach to nurture leads
5. Proven Partners
Proven Partners is a real estate marketing and advisory agency with a sharp focus on luxury developments. With offices in New York and Dublin, they work globally, helping high-end real estate and hospitality projects, from Tuscany to Vail, stand out and succeed. What makes Proven unique is that its team has direct experience as developers and owners. This means they understand both the creative and financial sides of bringing a complex real estate project to market.
Why It’s a Great Choice for Real Estate Agents and Developers
Proven Partners goes beyond marketing; they act as true partners in every phase of a project. From feasibility studies and brand design to lead generation and sales activation, they help developers create compelling brands and drive real results. Their strength lies in uniting strategy, creativity, and execution to help high-value projects connect with buyers and investors worldwide.
Services
- Development Advisory:Feasibility analysis, capital planning, financial modeling
- Brand Design & Development:Concept creation, brand identity, collateral design
- Real Estate Marketing:Digital marketing, content marketing, social media strategy
- Sales Strategy & Management:Ad campaigns, lead generation, sales team support
6. REQ
REQ is a full-service digital marketing and brand management agency with a strong focus on helping businesses build, protect, and grow their presence. With offices in major U.S. cities, REQ serves a wide range of industries, including real estate, technology, and consumer brands. They are known for blending strategy, creativity, media, and technology to deliver results that go beyond clicks and impressions, helping clients achieve measurable business growth.
Why It’s a Great Choice for Real Estate Agents and Developers
REQ stands out for its ability to manage the full scope of a brand’s reputation and visibility, encompassing digital advertising, SEO, public relations, and online reputation management. For real estate professionals, this means more than just generating leads; it means building trust, controlling your narrative, and creating a brand that buyers, sellers, and investors will remember. REQ’s experience with high-profile clients and partnerships with platforms like Google, HubSpot, and Amazon Ads gives them an edge in delivering innovative, well-rounded campaigns.
Services
- Brand Strategy & Design:Create a distinct identity that sets your business apart
- Advertising & Media:Paid campaigns across platforms tailored to your goals
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO):Holistic strategies to boost search rankings
- Public Relations & Reputation Management:Shape your public image and manage your brand story
- Content Creation:Messaging that connects with your audience
- Social Media Strategy:Channel-specific plans and content that drive engagement
- Analytics & Data:Reporting and insights that guide smarter decisions
7. Ardor SEO
Ardor SEO is a digital marketing agency specializing in helping businesses, particularly those in real estate, generate organic leads through search engine optimization. With a focus on predictable, long-term growth, Ardor SEO is dedicated to positioning your website in front of the right audience and transforming it into a steady source of qualified leads. Their team works closely with clients to transform underperforming websites into powerful marketing tools that consistently generate new business every month.
Why It’s a Great Choice for Real Estate Agents and Investors
Ardor SEO stands out for its laser focus on real estate SEO and proven track record. They’ve helped clients scale from modest sales numbers to hundreds of millions in transactions. Their approach isn’t about chasing quick wins; they build lasting visibility that continues to work for you. From local SEO strategies to advanced on-page optimization and backlink building, they cover what matters most for agents and investors who want to dominate search results and generate direct leads without constant ad spend.
Services
- Real Estate SEO:Targeted strategies to rank higher for property and location-specific searches
- Website Audits & Technical SEO:Identify what’s holding your site back and fix i
- Local SEO:Get found by buyers and sellers in your area
- Content & On-Page Optimization:Build authority with optimized pages and smart keyword use
- Link Building:Grow your site’s credibility with high-quality backlinks
- SEO Consulting:Custom plans to fit your growth goals
8. Zerotrillion
Zerotrillion is a global creative agency with offices in New York, Toronto, and Amsterdam. Known for pushing boundaries, they help brands tackle tough growth challenges through bold, standout ideas in branding, advertising, and PR. Their approach focuses on big, impactful creativity rather than playing it safe, and it has won them recognition, such as Best New Agency of the Year at the New York Festivals.
Why It’s a Great Choice for Real Estate and Development Brands
If you’re looking for a partner that will go beyond the usual marketing playbook, Zerotrillion is worth considering. They specialize in helping brands stand out in crowded markets, ideal for luxury real estate, large-scale developments, and destination marketing. With experience working with top-tier names like Emirates, Airbnb, Rolls-Royce, and Canada Soccer, they know how to build powerful, memorable brands that connect with buyers on an emotional level.
Services
- Brand Strategy & Development:Crafting unique identities that capture attention
- Creative Campaigns:Fresh advertising ideas that cut through the noise
- Public Relations:Shaping and managing brand reputation
- Global Advertising:Reaching audiences across markets with consistent messagin
- Content Creation:Engaging storytelling through film, digital, and print
9. WebFX
WebFX is a powerhouse in digital marketing, boasting over 25 years of experience and generating more than $10 billion in revenue for its clients. With a team of over 500 specialists, they combine marketing expertise with in-house technology to help businesses not only attract visitors but also convert them into customers. WebFX is recognized for delivering measurable results across various industries, making it a strong choice for real estate firms seeking data-driven growth.
Why It’s a Great Choice for Real Estate Professionals
WebFX offers comprehensive full-funnel marketing solutions that extend beyond simply driving traffic. They focus on increasing qualified leads and sales, which is exactly what real estate businesses need. Their custom strategies help agents, brokers, and developers improve visibility in local searches, manage paid campaigns, and optimize websites for conversions. The agency’s proprietary tools, such as RevenueCloudFX, provide clients with clear insight into how marketing efforts directly impact revenue.
Services
- SEO & Local SEO:Get your listings in front of high-intent searchers
- PPC & Paid Media:Drive targeted traffic with paid search and social ads
- Content Marketing:Build authority and attract leads with helpful content
- Web Design & CRO:Create sites that engage and convert
- Social Media Management:Strengthen your brand presence across platforms
- Analytics & Reporting:Track what’s working and adjust with precision
10. SmartSites
SmartSites is a highly rated digital marketing agency trusted by over 1,000 businesses across various industries. With a strong focus on results, they’ve helped clients generate more than $100 million in revenue. From website design to SEO, PPC, email, and social media marketing, their services are designed to help businesses capture leads, boost visibility, and drive measurable growth. SmartSites stands out for its blend of performance, customer service, and transparency.
Why It’s a Great Choice for Real Estate Professionals
SmartSites offers tailored digital marketing strategies that help real estate businesses stand out online and connect with motivated buyers and sellers. Whether you’re looking to rank higher on Google, run cost-effective paid campaigns, or strengthen your brand’s presence on social media, SmartSites delivers. Their team combines technical expertise with creative execution, making it easier for real estate professionals to generate qualified leads and close more deals.
Services
- Website Design & Development:Modern, mobile-friendly websites built to convert visitors into clients
- SEO (Local & National):Increase search visibility for your listings and service
- PPC Marketing:Drive targeted traffic with Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and remarketing
- Email & SMS Marketing:Stay connected with leads and past clients to boost engagement
- Social Media Management:Share your listings, success stories, and updates to build trust and awareness
The right digital marketing agency is about finding a team that truly understands your business, your market, and your goals. The agencies we’ve highlighted here have a track record of helping real estate professionals like you generate real leads, build trust with buyers, and grow in a way that feels sustainable.
No matter where you are in your journey, whether you’re a solo agent looking to break through or a large brokerage ready to scale, there’s a partner on this list that can help. Take your time, ask the right questions, and choose a team that feels like a valid extension of your business. Because in real estate, marketing isn’t just about listings. It’s about building relationships, and that starts with finding the right people to help tell your story.