How Realtors Can Run Ads on a Budget Without a Digital Marketing Agency

Running ads on a limited budget can feel overwhelming, especially for realtors managing everything themselves. Hiring a digital marketing agency can be expensive, so many realtors turn to DIY solutions. However, without experience in advertising, these DIY approaches often fall short. The complex dashboards can be hard to navigate and frustrating. Trying to figure out targeting, budgets, and performance metrics can lead to wasted time, money, and ultimately, disappointing results.

Because we understand exactly what small businesses are struggling with, we created Roya. Roya is here to help you run efficient, optimized ad campaigns without needing an in-depth understanding of marketing strategies. Roya simplifies the ad process so you can focus on what you do best—helping people buy and sell their houses.

Everything we’re sharing is incredibly doable, regardless of your budget. Let’s walk through the most effective ways to run ads on a budget and how Roya can make it easier.

Why Running Ads on a Budget Is More Accessible Than Ever

Years ago, advertising meant big billboards, expensive TV spots, or print ads that only large companies could afford. But today, digital advertising platforms like Facebook, Google, and even LinkedIn have made it possible for realtors to reach highly specific audiences with even the smallest budgets.

However, while ad platforms are accessible, getting them to perform well can be time-consuming. So, how can you make sure your ads actually work?

1. Focus on One Platform to Start

If you’re new to running ads on a limited budget, don’t try to be everywhere at once. Choose one platform and focus your efforts there until you feel comfortable expanding. For most realtors, Facebook or Google Ads are ideal starting points. Why? Because they offer precise targeting options, allowing you to focus only on the people who matter—like your local community or a specific group of professionals.

Facebook Ads can be ideal because of the platform’s ability to target users by location, interests, and behavior, while Google Ads are perfect for realtors that rely on search traffic. Not sure which platform is best for you? Check out our detailed guide on Facebook Ads vs. Google Ads to help you decide which one suits your real estate business the best for the current stage you are at.

Quick Tip: Instead of navigating complex analytics dashboards and manually tracking key metrics like click-through rates (CTR) and conversions, let Roya handle it for you. Roya automatically analyzes your data and adjusts your campaign in real-time, ensuring your budget delivers the best possible results.

2. Set Clear, Measurable Goals

Before creating ads, take a moment to define what success looks like for you. Do you want more people visiting your website? More leads or get them to sign up for your newsletter and download a free guide? Having clear goals means your budget will be spend more effectively and will help you create real, meaningful ad results.

If you’re a real estate agent aiming to generate seller leads, your goal could be to secure 20 home valuation requests over the next month. To achieve this, you might run a targeted Facebook ad campaign offering a “Free Home Valuation—Find Out What Your Property is Worth Today!” Having a specific, measurable target helps you stay focused and ensures your budget is working efficiently.

3. Use Targeting Wisely to Avoid Wasting Budget

One of the biggest advantages of digital advertising is its powerful targeting options. You don’t need a massive budget if you’re reaching the right audience from the start. Platforms like Facebook and Google allow you to define your audience by location, demographics, and interests, ensuring that your ads are seen by the people most likely to engage.

But how do you make sure you are targeting the right people? That where Roya’s AI Targeting will simplify the process for you. Roya automatically analyzes your ideal audience and refines targeting for you, so you don’t have to guess which group to focus on.

4. Retarget Potential Customers to Boost Conversions

Retargeting is one of the most powerful ways to increase conversions. It allows you to reconnect with people who have already engaged with your business—whether they visited your website, followed you on social media, or interacted with your brand in some other way. Since these people are already familiar with what you as a realtor, they’re far more likely to take action when they see your ads again.

Example for Real Estate:

If someone visits your website to view a property listing but doesn’t schedule a viewing, you can retarget them with a compelling ad:

• ‍“Still Searching? Schedule a Tour of Your Dream Home in [City] Today!”
• “Don’t Miss Out—Homes in [Neighborhood] Are Selling Fast. Book Your Consultation Now!”

How to Increase Conversions:

• Add a sense of urgency, such as limited-time offers (“Get a Free Home Valuation This Week Only!”).
• Use dynamic ads to display properties or listings they’ve already viewed, keeping the content relevant.
• Combine retargeting with lead magnets, like downloadable buyer’s guides or personalized property alerts.

Retargeting works because it focuses on people who’ve already shown interest in your services, making them much more likely to convert into leads or clients.

5. Maximize Your Results with Roya

As we know, managing your own ads can become overwhelming and time-consuming. How can Roya help you exactly and help you save time and money?

• ‍Instant Ad Creation: Forget the stress of designing ads or writing copy. Roya generates high-quality ads for you in minutes. This means less time worrying about creative tasks and more time focusing on your business.
• ‍Smart Targeting: Roya’s AI automatically pinpoints the audience that matters most to your business, ensuring your budget works harder and smarter - no guesswork involved. ‍
• Automated Optimization: No need to constantly adjust your campaigns. Roya monitors your ads in real-time, making tweaks to targeting and budget allocation as needed to maximize your results.
  

Conclusion

Running ads with a small budget is possible, and you don’t need to rely on a digital marketing agency as a realtor to make it happen. By focusing on one platform, setting clear goals, targeting the right audience, and using tools like Roya, realtors can run highly effective ad campaigns that deliver results.

With Roya, you get the advantage of AI-powered optimization, making it easy to run ads without needing expert-level marketing knowledge.