As we head into 2026, digital marketing is moving full speed ahead and the agents who keep up are the ones who win. More listings, stronger relationships, better visibility… it’s all possible when you know what’s working and what’s not. The truth is, some strategies had their moment in 2025, but it’s officially time to let them go.
So, let’s take a look at what needs to stay in 2025 and what smarter moves you can make instead. Ready to start fresh? Let’s dive in!
Posting Just to Stay Active
Posting every day with no strategy is like talking just to hear your own voice. Algorithms are smarter now, and audiences scroll past generic content instantly.
A better approach? Share content that solves real problems. Think: “What $700K buys today versus last year” or “Three signs the market is shifting.” Educate and engage rather than just exist online.
Overly Polished, Perfect Branding
The picture-perfect grid had its moment. Now people want connection. They want to know the person behind the sign.
In 2026, you need to show personality. Share the showing that almost went sideways. Talk about the inspection negotiation that saved your buyers thousands. Real stories build real trust and make you more memorable. People hire humans, not highlight reels, so let them see the real you.
Relying on Boosted Posts Alone
Boosting a post is easy, but easy doesn’t always convert. It often reaches people who aren’t serious. Instead, use targeted ad campaigns with intent. Focus on people searching for “homes for sale in [your city]” or “how to sell my house fast.” Ads should guide someone to a landing page with one clear call to action.
Using the Same Script as Every Other Agent
“Local real estate expert” is no longer a differentiator. Buyers and sellers want perspective. They want to know what you really think.
Want to stand out in 2026? Pick a positioning and own it. First time buyers. High end listings. Relocations. Downsizers. When your message is clear, referrals come faster. People remember specialists far more than generalists, and specificity makes your marketing easier to create and easier to recognize.
Listing Descriptions Filled With Buzzwords
“Stunning. Breathtaking. Must see.” These words are overused and underperforming. Buyers don’t want adjectives, they want to feel the space before they ever step foot inside. Vague phrases get scrolled past quickly.
What works instead is turning features into stories. Instead of “luxury kitchen,” try “a six-burner gas stove and a hidden pantry perfect for hosting.” Instead of “spacious backyard,” go with “a fenced yard big enough for weekend barbecues or a future pool.” Paint the picture. Don’t just label it. The more you help buyers imagine their life there, the more your listings stand out.
Delaying Video Because It Feels Scary
Video is no longer optional. It is how buyers discover agents and how sellers decide who to trust. And no, it does not have to be perfect.
Quick video ideas that perform well:
- What $500K buys in our area right now
- Three mistakes buyers make during showings
- Market update for this week in under 60 seconds
Treating Your Website Like a Brochure
A static site that lists your services isn’t enough anymore. If it doesn’t capture leads, provide value, or keep people browsing, it needs a refresh.
For your website to stand out, you need to turn it into a resource hub. Local guides, moving checklists, mortgage calculators, first-time buyer FAQs. If your website helps people, they’ll come back.
Letting Leads Go Cold
You can get leads all day, but if you’re slow to follow up, the opportunity vanishes. In a busy market, speed isn’t optional; it’s your competitive edge.
In 2026, set up automated follow-up systems. Trigger a text when someone downloads a guide. Start a nurture sequence for colder leads. Timing matters more than ever, and consistency builds trust faster than the perfect sales pitch. The agents who follow up first are usually the ones who win.
Final Thoughts
The tools are changing, but real estate is still a relationship business. The agents who combine authenticity with strategy will lead the pack next year. That means letting go of old tactics and stepping into what actually works now.
If you start by leaving these outdated trends behind, 2026 won’t just be a new year. It’ll be your strongest one yet.
