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Google or Social Media: What’s the Best Digital Advertising for Realtors in 2025?

Realtors in 2025 can maximize their marketing efforts by leveraging paid social media ads for engagement and Google Ads for high-intent leads. Discover how these advertising platforms can work together to attract clients and boost real estate sales.
A real estate agent comparing analytics for social ads and Google Ads

In the competitive arena of real estate marketing and digital advertising like Google, Facebook, or other social media, every dollar counts for Realtors. So, as you map out your advertising strategy for 2025, you may find yourself asking: Are paid social media ads or Google Ads more effective for reaching buyers and sellers? While both digital ad platforms offer unique benefits, the right choice often depends on your goals, budget, and target audience as a real estate agent. Let’s dive into the strengths of each and determine which might work best for you this year.

Social Media Real Estate Ads: Building Awareness and Engagement

Paid social media ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are excellent for building brand awareness and engaging with potential real estate clients. These platforms allow for precise audience targeting based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. Social ads also excel at creating visually appealing campaigns with photos, videos, and carousel posts that showcase your listings or highlight your expertise.

In 2025, short-form video ads are especially effective for grabbing attention on Instagram and TikTok, while LinkedIn ads work well for targeting professional networks. However, the downside of social ads is that their success often relies on ongoing engagement and the quality of your creative content.

Realtor running a paid ad campaign on Facebook.
Use paid social ads to increase awareness and engagement with your audience.

Google Ads: Capturing High-Intent Real Estate Leads

Google Ads shine when it comes to targeting users with high intent. Unlike social media ads, Google Ads place your business in front of users who are actively searching for real estate agent services or listings in your area. Whether through search ads, display ads, or YouTube ads, Google’s platform offers unmatched visibility for realtors aiming to attract ready-to-act clients.

For example, a search ad targeting keywords like “homes for sale in [city]” can direct leads to your website at the exact moment they’re looking to buy. Google Ads, however, tend to have a steeper learning curve and may require a higher budget to compete effectively in crowded markets.

A realtor reviewing Google Ads analytics for a campaign.
Use Google Ads to reach clients actively searching for real estate services.

Which Advertising Platform Should Realtors Choose in 2025?

When it comes to real estate, the choice between paid social media ads and Google Ads depends largely on your marketing goals:

  • Choose paid social ads if your focus is on branding, audience engagement, and showcasing visual content like listings or market updates. These are particularly effective for long-term brand building and reaching a wide audience.
  • Opt for Google Ads if you want to target high-intent leads actively searching for real estate services. These ads are ideal for driving immediate traffic and conversions.

For the best results in 2025, many Realtors are finding success by combining both marketing strategies. Use social ads to build awareness and nurture relationships, while leveraging Google Ads to capture high-intent leads and drive traffic directly to your website.

Realtor planning a dual advertising strategy.
A balanced approach can maximize your advertising ROI.

Balance Is Key to Real Estate Advertising Success

In 2025, both paid social media ads and Google Ads offer powerful tools for real estate marketing. Understanding their strengths and aligning them with your goals can help you maximize your return on investment. By combining the broad reach of social media with the targeted precision of Google Ads, you can create a marketing strategy that attracts new leads and keeps your business top of mind.

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