Although digital marketing has had significant impacts on marketing, physical real estate signs are still one of the most effective strategies for real estate agents. These signs do more than just inform passersby about available listings and open houses—they also strengthen brand presence and establish credibility.
In this guide, we’ll explore the value of real estate signage and share innovative ideas and best practices for optimizing their effectiveness. Learn how compelling designs can incorporate the latest technology, boost brand recognition, and generate more inquiries.
Why Are Real Estate Signs Effective?
There are numerous reasons real estate agents should incorporate traditional "For Sale" and "Open House" signs into their marketing strategy. These listing signs play a key role in all areas of your real estate marketing. Let’s take a closer look at each individual benefit and why it’s important.
High Visibility
These signs provide a direct and impactful way to capture attention, increasing the property's visibility to potential buyers who might not be browsing online. This can spark spontaneous interest and prompt unplanned visits.
Professionalism
Well-designed and strategically placed signs enhance the credibility of both the listing agent and the brokerage. They demonstrate the agent's commitment to marketing the property and their dedication to reaching a broad pool of potential buyers.
Local Targeting
The majority of buyers focus on finding homes in specific neighborhoods. Signs capture the attention of local residents, frequent passersby, and neighbors who may know someone looking to move into the area. This approach is compelling in sought-after neighborhoods where word-of-mouth travels fast.
Types Of Real Estate Signs
Here’s a list of common real estate sign types and when and why you may want to use them:
- For Sale Signs: Traditional yard signs indicate a property is for sale.
- Open House Signs: Signs that are used to promote open house events, often with directional arrows.
- Directional Signs: Arrow signs placed at intersections to guide potential buyers to the property.
- Rider Signs: Small add-ons for existing signs displaying specific information (e.g., "Pending," "Just Listed").
- Coming Soon Signs: Used to build anticipation for properties that aren’t on the market yet.
- For Rent Signs: Indicates that a property is available for rent.
- Sold Signs: Displayed on properties that have been sold to showcase the agent's success.
- Brokerage/Agent Signs: Signs promoting the real estate agent or brokerage that are often placed in high-traffic areas.
- Custom Feather Flags: Tall, eye-catching flags that can be used to attract attention from a distance.
- Post-and-Panel Signs: Larger, sturdy signs often used for commercial real estate listings.
- Hanging Signs: Suspended from posts, these signs are often used for luxury listings to create a distinctive look.
- A-Frame/Sandwich Board Signs: Portable signs placed on sidewalks or at intersections to capture foot traffic. A-frame signs are often used to announce open houses or provide directions.
- Banner Signs: Large, flexible banners are ideal for new developments or open houses.
- Window/Building Signs: Placed in windows or attached to buildings to market properties.
What Size Should My Real Estate Signs Be?
Signs for real estate can come in a wide range of sizes. However, many real estate sign dimensions are well known, so every agent should keep these sizes in mind as they create their listing signs.
When you’re selecting the best real estate yard sign dimensions for your application, the first decision is whether your sign should be vertical or horizontal.
- Standard vertical yard sign sizes include 30 inches by 24 inches, 36 inches by 18 inches, and 24 inches by 18 inches.
- Standard horizontal real estate sign sizes include 24 inches by 36 inches, 24 inches by 30 inches, and 18 inches by 24 inches.
Real estate sign size is important because you need to make sure you have enough room for your message. If you have a lot of information to put on the sign, your text will need to be smaller, which could make it harder to see.
Another element that should be considered when trying to find the perfect size for your sign is placement. Where will you be placing your signs? If you need to place a sign 50 feet from the street, you’ll need a larger sign to maintain good visibility.
You may also want to consider Sign Riders, which run either above or below the main real estate sign. These are generally 8 inches high and as wide as the sign, leaving enough room for a simple message like "open house" or "renovated kitchen."
Real Estate Signs Technology
These days, your physical real estate sign can incorporate technology and digital marketing to increase its effectiveness. Here are some tactics real estate professionals use to generate farther-reaching interest.
Single Property Websites
How It Works: Single-property websites are dedicated microsites designed to highlight a specific property listing. These websites feature detailed descriptions, high-quality images, virtual tours, and contact information. When yard signs direct traffic to these sites, potential buyers gain a more immersive and comprehensive view of the property.
Benefits:
- Offers a professional and targeted marketing strategy that feels like a high-level experience
- Provides a deeper understanding of the property that goes beyond a traditional yard sign
- Helps buyers focus on that property with fewer distractions
Social Media
How It Works: Social media is a powerful tool. Add your social media handles and hashtags to your yard signs. You can even invite viewers to share their experiences or photos of the property on social media platforms.
Benefits:
- Helps you build additional reach through social media sharing
- Gives you additional channels to build leads
- Helps you create community-driven results
QR Codes
How It Works: Prospective buyers can use their smartphones to scan QR codes for instant access to detailed property information, virtual tours, and agent contact details. Adding QR codes to your yard signs simplifies the process of exploring listings, potentially converting casual onlookers into serious leads.
Benefits:
- Presents a great experience for buyers to instantly get property information
- You can easily add new property updates as needed
- Allows potential buyers to get information if printed brochures are gone
NFC Technology
How It Works: NFC technology enables smartphones to interact with yard signs by simply tapping the phone against the sign. This offers a smoother and more intuitive experience compared to QR codes while delivering similar information.
Benefits:
- Easier and faster than scanning QR codes
- More interactive experience for tech-savvy buyers
- Can track the number of interactions for analytics purposes
GPS And Geotargeting
How It Works: Geotargeting technology uses a user-location app to send notifications to smartphones when potential buyers are near your real estate sign.
Benefits:
- Allows you to effortlessly direct potential buyers to the property
- Can be used in many scenarios, like open houses or property events
- Helps you capture buyer attention even though they may not have seen your signs
SMS
How It Works: SMS, or Short Message Service, is a text messaging service that allows users to send short text messages (typically up to 160 characters) between mobile devices. Once a user texts the specific code, you have permission to communicate with them in real time on the device they spend the most time on.
Benefits:
- Allows for an immediate immersive experience
- SMS has great response rates compared to other forms of marketing
- Helps you easily capture new leads
Augmented Reality (AR)
How It Works: AR apps can enhance yard signs by displaying additional information when viewed through a smartphone camera. For example, a potential buyer can point their phone at the sign to access virtual tours, photos, or other multimedia content directly on their screen.
Benefits:
- Very engaging and immersive
- Helps buyers visualize the experience
- Users experience house features in a unique, exciting way
SOULO Can Help with Real Estate Signs
While there are different ways to create your real estate signage, we recommend working with a professional signage company. Real estate signs can be tricky, and the last thing you want to do is spend money and end up with a sign that falls short of your goals.
SOULO offers a wide range of permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary sign solutions. We can help you with content development, and design a sign that ensure your real estate signs are attractive and professional.
SOULO can also help with surveying and permits, which is a huge benefit in itself. We work with government entities and zoning regulations to ensure you won’t encounter any issues putting up your signage.
With decades of experience, SOULO can help you through each stage of the process to ensure you create custom real estate signs that will perform at a high level.
SOULO is a full-service marketing and communications agency that helps client partners get the most from their projects through signage, printing, and digital marketing. Ready to get started? Contact us today!
