Introduction to YouTube Ads for Realtors
If you’re in the real estate game and not leveraging YouTube, you’re missing out. Seriously, it’s like being a chef who doesn’t use salt. YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, right behind Google, and it’s where your future clients are spending their time. Why not meet them where they’re already hanging out?
With YouTube Ads for Realtors, you’re not just throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. You’re strategically placing your content right in front of the people who need it most. Whether they’re searching for webinars on VA loans, real estate investment tips, or that perfect property listing in their dream neighborhood, your ads can pop up and grab their attention.
But here’s the kicker: It’s not just about being seen. It’s about being seen by the right people at the right time. And that’s where targeting comes in. Learn how to set up a YouTube ad in less than 10 minutes, and watch your real estate business grow. Let’s dive in!
Setting Up Your Google Ad Account
Before you can start creating those killer ads, you need to set up your Google Ad account. Don’t worry, it’s easier than finding a parking spot at a real estate convention (trust me, I’ve been there). Just head over to ads.google.com and create an account.
Now, here’s a pro tip: If you already have a YouTube account, use the same email. This automatically links your accounts, saving you a ton of time and hassle later on. Plus, it ensures your YouTube channel is all set up for success.
Linking Your YouTube Account
After creating your Google Ad account, the next step is linking it to your YouTube account. Why is this important? Because this little link is like the handshake between two seasoned business pros who don’t have time to mess around.
By connecting these accounts, you’re allowing Google to pull in information from your YouTube channel, making the setup process a breeze. Just ensure your Google business profile is also set up and your business address is correct. Why? Because we all know that 99.9% of all real estate inquiries start online. Don’t risk losing potential clients because your information is off by a single postal code.
Once you’ve linked everything up, let’s talk strategy.
Creating a YouTube Video Ad
Now that your accounts are linked, it’s time to create the actual content of your ads. First things first, you need a killer video. If you haven’t created a video yet, don’t stress. Head over to my previous article on 3 Real Estate Video Ideas to Create Your First YouTube Video for some great tips.
Already have a video and just need to post it? Great! Upload it to your YouTube channel and set it up with a compelling title and description. Now, before you hit publish, take a moment to think about who you’re speaking to. Are you trying to reach first-time homebuyers? Or maybe seasoned investors looking for their next big project? Tailor your content to your audience.
Once your video is ready, it’s time to decide on its visibility. For standard ads, keep your videos unlisted. But, if you’re creating something specific like home tours or informational content, consider making them public.
Why? Because your potential clients will want to check you out before they pick up the phone. They’re looking for assurance that you know what you’re talking about. Your unlisted videos will still be available for ads, but now you can encourage people to view your public home tours from your unlisted property tour videos. See what I did there?
Video Selection
Now that you’ve got your video ready to go, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of selecting it for your ad campaign. Go back to your YouTube Studio and click on the little icon with the squares up top. This will open a menu where you can manage and link your videos for ad use.
Here’s something to consider: not all videos are created equal, at least not for ads. When it comes to YouTube ads, shorter videos tend to perform better. Aim for a video length of around 60 seconds. Why? Because you want to capture attention, not give people a reason to click away. Keep it tight, keep it engaging, and make every second count.
Got it? Good. Now, let’s move on to the fun part—targeting your audience.
Targeting Your Audience
Okay, so you’ve got a killer video. But what good is that video if it’s not being seen by the right people? Targeting is where the magic happens. This is how you ensure your ads are being shown to the people who need to see them.
Start by focusing on specific geographic areas. For me, I target people who are 20 miles around where I live. Why?
Because that’s where the majority of my clients come from. You’ll want to select the specific county and zip code to zero in on your target audience.
Geographic and Demographic Targeting
When setting up your YouTube ad, you’ll need to get really specific about who you want to target. Start by picking the geographic area where you want your ads to show up. For instance, if you’re a realtor in Austin, TX, you might target specific counties like Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Caldwell.
But don’t stop there! Dig deeper into the zip codes that matter most to you, like 78701 and 78704, for a hyper-targeted approach. You can also refine your audience by adjusting demographics like language, gender, age, or parental status. Want to target middle-aged moms looking for a bigger house for their growing family? Easy! Just adjust the settings to focus on the demographic you’re after.
Interest-Based Targeting
Now, let’s talk about interest-based targeting. You’ll find this option under the ‘Detailed Targeting’ section when setting up your ad campaign. Here’s where things get fun. Choose from a variety of interests to target the most relevant audience. Are you focusing on clients interested in homes for sale in San Diego, CA? Or maybe you’re targeting people browsing real estate investment tips?
The great thing about interest-based targeting is that it’s highly specific. You can even target people who are actively searching for a home to buy or rent. How cool is that? And the best part? Your targeting will automatically adjust based on how people engage with your ads. This means your targeting gets better over time, making your ads more effective.
Performance Metrics
Now, let’s take a minute to talk about performance metrics. Once your ad is live, you’ll want to keep an eye on how it’s doing. Start by checking the number of impressions and views your ad is getting. Remember, you only pay for views that last longer than 30 seconds.
But don’t just look at the numbers. Analyze the data to understand how well your ad is performing. Is your ad reaching the right people? Are they engaging with it the way you hoped? Use this information to tweak your strategy and get the most bang for your buck.
Budgeting and Scheduling
Ah, the million-dollar question—literally! How much should you spend on your YouTube ads? Here’s the thing: YouTube ads can be incredibly cost-effective, with some users reporting costs as low as one to three cents per view. For real! That’s some serious savings compared to Facebook ads, which can run you upwards of $10 per view.
When setting your budget, think about what you’re comfortable spending. For instance, a $10 daily budget would give you $300 a month to work with. Not sure where to start? Try allocating 10% of your overall ad spend to YouTube for a well-rounded approach.
Setting a Budget
Deciding on a budget for your YouTube ads can feel a bit like trying to guess how many jellybeans are in a jar at a carnival game—do you go high and risk losing it all, or do you play it safe and miss out on potential gains?
Start by deciding how much you’re comfortable spending daily. For example, let’s say you spend $10 a day. That gives you about $300 a month to work with. It’s not about spending a fortune; it’s about making your marketing dollars work smarter, not harder. Once you’ve set a budget, you’ll have the option to run your ads continuously or set an end date.
Pro tip: running ads continuously can be more effective. It gives your ad the chance to gain traction and reach a wider audience over time. But if you’re looking for a short-term boost, setting an end date can create a sense of urgency and encourage action.
Cost Efficiency
Why are YouTube ads a must-consider option for realtors? Simple: cost efficiency. I’m sure you’re already familiar with the 10x rule for every $1 spent on marketing, you can expect a $10 return on investment. Now, let’s break that down in terms of real estate leads. A $300 a month budget means you can expect a $3,000 return.
How is that possible? First off, YouTube ads can start as low as one to three cents per view, which is way more affordable than $10 per view on Facebook ads. That’s a serious savings you can put back into your business.
But it gets better. With YouTube ads, you only pay for views that last longer than 30 seconds. This ensures you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Plus, with the ability to target specific geographic areas, demographics, and interests, your ads are reaching the people who need to see them most. It’s like having a magic wand that brings the right clients to you.
Finalizing and Running Your Ad
After completing all the fun bits of your YouTube ad setup, you’ll need to finalize everything to start getting those sweet, sweet views. Take a moment to review your campaign settings, targeting, and budget. Make sure everything looks good and aligns with your goals.
Once you’re satisfied, it’s time to run your ad. You’ll need to enter your billing information to get things rolling. But don’t worry, this is a one-time deal. After you set it up, your campaign will run smoothly, bringing in the leads while you focus on closing deals. And if you ever need a hand optimizing your campaigns, Google Ads experts offer free chats to help you get the most out of your ads.
And there you have it! Setting up YouTube ads for real estate doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. With the right strategy, you can use YouTube ads to reach your audience where they’re already spending their time, generate leads, and grow your real estate business.
But don’t stop here. The world of digital marketing is always evolving, and staying informed is key.
Remember, the only bad ad is the one you never put out there. So go ahead, take the plunge, and watch your real estate business soar!
