Navigating the world of real estate marketing can feel like you’re facing endless competition, with countless others vying for the attention of potential buyers or tenants.
How can you launch real estate advertising campaigns that stand out from the crowd? Take your ad outdoors!
Real estate billboard advertising gives you the opportunity to be more strategic with your ad dollars. Instead of investing tons of your budget into pay-per-click ads, social media ads, or e-blasts, you can rest assured knowing how many impressions your billboard gets on a regular basis.
Think of it this way: users can’t scroll past, use an ad blocker, or move your ad to their junk folder. With a static billboard, your ad is on view 24/7.
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Facts & Figures: Real Estate Billboards
A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that the typical first-time buyer was 35 years old. Another survey found that 71% of people between the ages of 35 to 54 say they trust digital out-of-home (DOOH) as much as online and traditional media channels.
What does that tell us? People who are most likely ready to purchase a home tend to have high levels of trust in outdoor advertising. Buying a home is a substantial investment. Any real estate company or agent knows that establishing trust is essential for making that sale. That’s why it’s important to start off on the right foot with ads that prospective home-buyers trust.
For more facts about advertising (and why you can’t overlook the power of OOH), check out our recent blog post.
What Makes Real Estate Advertising Unique?
One thing that stands out about real estate ads when compared to other products or services is the hyperlocal nature. You don’t want to waste your ad dollars targeting people who aren’t interested in properties in that area. Likewise, you don’t want too many folks contacting you about markets you don’t cover.
The real estate adage “location, location, location” is true for billboards too!
Empowered with data about estimated impression count and other demographic insights, you can launch a campaign that targets the right people. OOH takes the guesswork out of identifying areas where prospective buyers and tenants frequent. With 24/7 exposure, you can ensure that your ad is visible no matter what time people are passing by.
Ready to bring your brand outdoors?
Connect with an outdoor media expert and get a free custom proposal.
How to Design Compelling Billboard Ads
The principles for designing an effective ad remain constant for real estate professionals. A quick rundown:
- 7-10 words
- 1 headline
- 1 image
- 1 logo
- Contact info (e.g., website)
- Contrasting colors
Remember, less is more! Avoid cramming too many words or images onto the board. You only have a few seconds (or maybe closer to a minute depending on traffic or location near an intersection) to leave a lasting impression.
Consider your key selling points and what you want to convey to a prospective buyer. Does a headshot emphasize your professionalism and friendliness? Does a picture of available properties instill a desire to learn more?
One great thing about renting a digital billboard is that you may have the ability to request a creative change free of charge. That is, your ad can be swapped during your campaign so you can see which visuals/text receive more engagement.
Examples of Effective Real Estate Advertising
We’ve helped real estate agents all over the country launch eye-catching boards. With complementary graphic design services, we help ensure that you’re launching an ad that you’re proud to call your own. Receive a custom interactive proposal by filling out our online form.
Here are some examples of outdoor real estate ads to help inspire you:
FAQs
How do I choose the right billboard location for my listings?
Think hyperlocal. Ideally, your board should sit along major commuter routes, near the neighborhood you represent, or in areas where your target demographic regularly travels. Your proposal will include impression counts and demographic insights, helping you avoid wasting budget on audiences outside your market. In real estate, the maxim really is true: location, location, location.
What should a real estate billboard include?
Keep it clean and concise. The most effective real estate ads typically include:
One compelling image (property photo or your headshot)
A short headline or value statement
Your logo
Clear contact info (website or phone number)
Remember, drivers only have a few seconds—your billboard’s job is to spark interest, not tell the whole story.
Should I choose a static or digital billboard for real estate?
Both work, but digital offers more flexibility. Digital billboards allow you to update your creative during your campaign—perfect if you want to rotate new listings, test headlines, or highlight seasonal market trends. Static boards, meanwhile, deliver continuous 24/7 visibility and often feel more permanent. The best choice depends on your goals, budget, and how often you plan to update your ad.