Why Your Social Media Ads Aren’t Working (and How to Fix Them)

aka: How to Use Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn Ads to Actually Attract Buyers and Sellers

Let’s get one thing straight:Running a real estate ad on Instagram with a nice photo and the word “JUST LISTED” is not a strategy.

It’s background noise.

And buyers? Scrolling past it. Sellers? Already swiping on someone else.

So, let’s talk about what actually works when it comes to social media advertising in real estate, especially if your goal is to attract serious leads—not just “likes.

1. Stop selling. Start solving.

If your ad sounds like it was written by a real estate bot from 2013, you’re already losing.

❌Bad:
“Stunning 2BR/2BA with city views. Message me for a tour!”

✔️Better:
“Wish your rent went toward a down payment instead of your landlord’s next boat? Same. Here’s what you could actually buy right now in [neighborhood] for under $650K.”

That second one? It speaks to a problem your audience is already thinking about. And it makes them stop scrolling.

We build every Snaplistings campaign with this in mind: Buyer-first messaging that meets people where they are mentally—not where you are in your pipeline.

2. Facebook + Instagram = Your Deal Flow Engine

Yes, people still scroll Facebook. Especially buyers and sellers. Especially over 30. Especially during lunch.

The secret sauce?
🧠 Smart targeting
🎯 Hyper-local radius ads
🔄 Lead forms that don’t make people work too hard

You don’t need 100 clicks. You need 10 good ones.

We’ve run campaigns where a $500 budget turned into six figures in commission because the copy was right, the audience was dialed in, and the listing was promoted like a product—not a flyer.

3. LinkedIn Ads: The Most Slept-On Tool in the Game

LinkedIn isn’t just for job hunters—it’s where serious money is lurking.

We use LinkedIn to target investors, landlords, and decision-makers—not tire-kickers. And the ROI? Wildly underrated.Think: Sponsored posts about off-market opportunitiesThink: Retargeting people who viewed your leasing contentThink: DMs that don’t suckIf your marketing budget doesn’t include LinkedIn yet, you’re playing the game without one of the best pieces on the board.

4. Video or die.

Static images still work... kinda.
But short-form video is king—and no, it doesn’t need to be polished.

Some of our highest-performing content is just a vertical phone video of someone saying something real.

Hot take: If you’re not a little embarrassed to post it, it’s probably too safe to convert.

5. Retarget like a pro

Not everyone will convert the first time. Most won’t.
That’s why retargeting is your best friend.

Someone clicked your ad for that new condo building? Hit them again next week with a testimonial. Then a tour video. Then a “final units remaining” ad. You’re not being annoying. You’re being smart.

We build retargeting funnels that feel like a digital conversation—not a sales pitch.

Final Thought:

Ads Don’t Sell Real Estate. Strategy Does.Most real estate ads are forgettable because they’re made to check a box—not to convert a person.

At Snaplistings, we build ad campaigns that think like your buyers and sellers do, because let’s be honest: the bar is low, and that’s your opportunity.

Want better leads from your ad budget? Start with messaging that actually matters to the people you're trying to reach. Then build a funnel that doesn’t fall apart after the click.