Why Retargeting Ads Are Essential for Real Estate Agents and Local Businesses: Overcoming the Top 3 Mistakes in Capturing Leads

In today’s competitive market, both real estate agents and local businesses face the challenge of standing out and staying top-of-mind with their target audience. Simply posting on social media once isn’t enough. To capture and convert leads effectively, retargeting ads are a must. Let’s explore why retargeting ads are so impactful and identify the top three reasons many fail to capitalize on their potential.

1. Not Running Retargeting Ads

The biggest mistake agents and businesses make is not utilizing retargeting ads at all. One-time posts might get a few likes or clicks, but they lack the consistency and precision needed to turn interest into action.

The Power of Retargeting Ads

  • Retargeting ads are 70% more likely to convert compared to standard posts because they reach people who are already familiar with your brand.
  • A study found that users who are retargeted are 43% more likely to engage with an ad compared to first-time viewers.

What Makes Retargeting So Effective?

  • Reinforces Trust: Multiple touch points build familiarity and credibility.
  • Maximizes ROI: Targets warm leads—those who’ve already shown interest.
  • Improves Conversion Rates: Repeated exposure nudges leads to take action.

For Real Estate Agents

Retargeting ensures you’re reaching buyers and sellers who’ve interacted with your property listings or landing pages.

👉 Solution for Real Estate Agents: Learn how FirstWalk runs retargeting ads for agents.
Ready to get started? Create your FirstWalk profile here.

For Local Businesses

Whether you’re a vendor, contractor, or service provider, retargeting keeps you in front of customers who have browsed your services.

👉 Solution for Businesses: See how FirstWalk helps businesses with retargeting ads.
Want to grow your business? Click here to create your FirstWalk profile.

2. Lack of Knowledge on Running Retargeting Ads on Facebook

Another major reason for failure is not knowing how to set up and manage retargeting ads, particularly on platforms like Facebook—the top-performing platform for targeted advertising.

Why Facebook?

  • Massive Reach: With over 2.8 billion users, Facebook allows you to target precisely the right audience.
  • Advanced Tools: Features like the Facebook Pixel enable you to retarget people who’ve clicked your links or visited your website.
  • Cost-Effective Marketing: Retargeting ads are more affordable and impactful than broad audience campaigns.

For Agents

Running retargeting ads on Facebook allows you to focus on buyers and sellers in your neighborhood.

For Businesses

You can target local homeowners or service seekers who’ve already interacted with your business.

👉 Not sure how to do it? Let FirstWalk handle it for you:

3. Not Running Retargeting Ads Long Enough

The third pitfall is giving up on retargeting ads too soon. Many agents and businesses expect immediate results, but retargeting works by building momentum over time.

Patience Is Key

  • Studies show it takes 7–13 touchpoints for a prospect to feel comfortable enough to take action.
  • Longer campaigns provide better data optimization, which refines targeting and improves results over time.

Why Timing Matters

  • Retargeting isn’t just about getting clicks—it’s about staying visible and reinforcing your brand until the prospect is ready to make a decision.
  • Cutting campaigns short often means missing out on conversions that would happen after repeated exposure.

Conclusion: Success with Retargeting Ads

Whether you’re a real estate agent or a local business, the path to capturing leads and building relationships is clear:

  1. Run retargeting ads consistently.
  2. Partner with experts to leverage platforms like Facebook.
  3. Be patient and allow your campaigns to optimize and deliver results.

Ready to take your marketing to the next level?

Invest in retargeting, give it time, and watch your leads turn into loyal clients. Don’t let the competition outshine you—start retargeting today!