
Running Google Ads but not sure if they’re working? Or maybe you’ve heard they’re “too expensive” for real estate.
The truth is - Google PPC (Pay-Per-Click) is still one of the most effective ways to generate high-quality real estate leads. But only if you manage your campaigns with the right strategy.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about running smarter, more profitable PPC campaigns that actually convert.
With 90% of online searches happening on Google, your future clients are already there - looking for homes, agents, and answers. Google PPC lets you show up at the exact moment someone’s searching.
And with targeting options like zip codes, income brackets, and even device type, it’s not just about traffic - it’s about the right traffic.
Plus, you only pay when someone clicks. So every dollar counts.
Instant Visibility
Show up at the top of search results - even if your SEO game isn’t strong yet.
Hyper-Targeted Ads
Reach luxury buyers, downsizers, or first-time homeowners based on zip code, search intent, or even lifestyle.
Faster ROI
Unlike SEO, PPC can start generating leads today. Turn ads on, and the traffic starts flowing.
Total Control
Adjust your budget, pause campaigns, A/B test ad copy - all in real time.
44% of buyers begin their home search online (NAR)
+250% growth in real estate searches on Google in the past 4 years
3.7% average CTR (click-through rate) for real estate PPC ads
2.4% average conversion rate (clicks to contact/form submission)
👉 Translation: Even small improvements in your setup can lead to big wins.
Here’s what goes into a winning strategy:
Leads? Calls? Listings? Pick one.
Don’t just “run ads” - build around your objective.
Are you targeting:
First-time buyers in a specific city?
Relocation clients moving from out of state?
Luxury buyers looking for new construction?
Build your targeting, messaging, and keywords around that.
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find:
High-intent long-tail keywords (e.g. “homes with pools in Scottsdale under $1M”)
Location-based terms (e.g. “Newport Beach condos for sale”)
Negative keywords (to block low-quality clicks)
Include:
A clear headline (e.g. “New Listings in [City] This Week”)
Benefits (“No HOA”, “Private Backyard”, “Close to Schools”)
A direct CTA (“Browse Listings” or “See Photos”)
Don’t send traffic to your homepage. Instead:
Create property-type-specific or area-specific pages
Include a search bar, lead form, and recent listings
Load fast. Look great on mobile. Keep it simple.
Use conversion tracking for:
Lead form fills
Calls from ads
Page visits
If you’re not tracking conversions, you’re flying blind.
Pause underperforming ads
Add negative keywords
Double down on what’s working
Don’t overspend upfront. Start with $10–$30/day, then scale based on performance.
Use ad extensions (location, sitelinks, callouts) to boost visibility
Segment ad groups by property type or area for better performance
Google PPC isn’t a magic wand - but with the right setup, it is one of the fastest ways to drive quality real estate leads consistently.
If you’ve been running ads and feel like your budget is disappearing without results, it’s probably not the platform - it’s the plan.
If you're a real estate agent or team ready to get more from your Google PPC campaigns, we offer full setup, optimization, and monthly management. Whether you’re using Sierra, Lofty, or Follow Up Boss - we build campaigns that work with your CRM.