Marketing
How to Effectively Use Custom Yard Signs in Real Estate Marketing
  by:  |  Aug 15, 2023
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Last updated on December 12th, 2023 at 04:54 am

Yard signs are one of the most popular advertising methods for real estate. It’s affordable, increases your visibility to potential clients, and generates leads. But are you using yard signs to their full potential? In this article, we go over the best ways to maximize your real estate marketing through custom yard signs.

Real Estate Yard Sign - first time home buyer ads

Why Use Yard Signs for Real Estate Marketing

Simply put, yard signs work. In a profile of home buyers and sellers, 91% of buyers indicated a yard sign was a useful source of information. Nearly half of buyers (48%) used home for sale yard signs as a source of information they used in their home buying process, and 9% of buyers ultimately found the home they purchased from a for sale or open house sign.

Why do yard signs continue to be relevant in the internet-era? There are three contributing factors:

  • Portability – Since yard signs are lightweight, you can easily transport them around and put them up in key, high-traffic, high-visibility areas. They can be placed directly in front of the property for sale, attracting the attention of passersby and potential buyers who may not have seen the property online.
  • Affordability – Traditional advertising methods are expensive. Yard signs offer a cost-effective way for real estate agents and homeowners to promote their properties or services without breaking the bank. For small-scale real estate businesses or individual sellers, yard signs offer a budget-friendly marketing tool that can yield significant returns on investment.
  • Long-lasting – Since yard signs are made of high-quality, durable corrugated plastic, they can stand the rigors of the outdoors without breaking a sweat. They can be reused for multiple properties or events, making them a sustainable and long-lasting marketing tool. Even when potential buyers see a property online, the physical presence of a yard sign can reinforce the property’s availability and create a sense of credibility.

How to Maximize the Impact of Yard Signs

  • Use high-quality images – Using low quality images on your yard signs do you no favors. It’s sloppy and can turn off potential clients. Use high-quality photos of the property (or yourself) and make sure the fonts are nice and crisp. Everything in your design should be visible and legible even from afar.
  • Include a strong call-to-action – Don’t forget to use persuasive language and a clear call-to-action on your yard signs. CTAs help with decision fatigue and help guide your audience on the next steps after consuming your content. Encourage viewers to take specific actions, such as “Call Now for a Viewing” or “Visit our Website for More Information.”
  • Provide contact information – Ensure that your yard sign prominently displays your contact information, such as a phone number, email address, socials, or website. Add QR codes if you can. Make it easy for interested buyers to reach out to you for inquiries or property showings.
  • Use every tool at your disposal – Nowadays, you can’t rely on a single avenue anymore. You have to spread your wings and use different channels and media to spread awareness for your listings. The internet is a huge boon for realtors. In fact, according to the 2022 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the majority of buyers found their homes on the internet. This doesn’t mean that you ignore other channels, though! The more visible you are across different platforms, the better.
  • Change the sign regularly – To maintain freshness and capture attention, consider periodically changing the design or message on your yard sign. This can pique curiosity even with people who frequently pass by the sign.
  • Use seasonal designs – Tailor your yard sign designs to reflect the current season or relevant holidays. This can help your signs stand out and create a sense of timeliness and relevance.

Strategic Yard Sign Placement

Why location matters – Location plays a significant role in the visibility and reach of your yard signs. Placing them in high-traffic areas increases the likelihood of attracting potential buyers and generating leads. Consider the angle and field of vision of potential viewers. Are you banking on generating leads through foot traffic or is the area better suited for drivers?

How to choose the best location for your signs

  • If possible, place yard signs in front of the property being advertised. This way, everyone can immediately see that the house or property is on the market and up for grabs. The sign can also help potential buyers locate it when they visit.
  • Look for areas with high foot traffic, such as near shopping centers, popular restaurants, or busy intersections. High visibility locations expose your signs to a larger audience and widen the reach of your listing.
  • Seek permission from businesses, homeowners, or the local government to place signs on properties, especially if they are located in high-visibility areas. For public property, look into city, county, state and federal guidelines and laws since these vary per location. For private property, ask for permission from the owner.

Real estate yard sign placement best practices

  • Is the property inside a gated community? Place signs at the entrance of the neighborhood or subdivision where the property is located to attract the attention of local residents and potential buyers who are specifically interested in that area.
  • Position yard signs near major roadways or intersections, ensuring they are visible to passing vehicles.
  • Utilize directional signs to guide potential buyers to the property, especially if it is tucked away or not easily visible from the main road.
  • Consider placing signs in areas where people typically stop or slow down, such as near stop signs, traffic lights, or busy intersections.
  • Collaborate with local businesses nearby the property. Ask for permission to display your signs on their premises to reach a wider audience.

Get a Solid Lead With Real Estate Yard Signs

While the internet has transformed real estate marketing, yard signs offer unique benefits. They provide a tangible and localized advertising approach that reaches potential buyers in the immediate vicinity of the property. By combining the power of online and offline marketing,you can maximize the reach of your real estate yard signs and increase the chances of attracting interested buyers.


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