Local real estate businesses are always bustling. When they’re not scheduling viewings, planning open houses or listing properties, they have to constantly be thinking of ways to market themselves to grow their business. Most importantly, they have to market themselves in a way that won’t cost them a lot of time and money. So how should you get started? By looking into guerilla marketing tactics for small businesses. 

This starts with a little out-of-the-box thinking to find ways that will make you stand out from your competition and take your business to the next level. Here are five tips, that won’t cost you a fortune or 24-hour work days, to get you started:

1. Maximize Your YouTube Presence

YouTube has become an invaluable resource for real estate businesses. To make the most of it, Nobu Hata, Director of Digital Engagement at the National Association of Realtors, stresses that you need to differentiate yourself. Make your listing videos unique. Hata says that, for example, “I’ve seen a lot of people get their clients involved and starring in listing videos.” But he also stresses that it’s vital to go beyond showing your properties. Show off restaurant openings, your favorite farmer’s market and more. “Showing through video what is in the neighborhood, other than the listing that you put on the market, is huge for marketing,” advises Hata.

2. Host Twitter Q&As

People want their realtor to be accessible, personable, and knowledgeable. Prove that you are by hosting a Twitter Q&A. Regularly schedule a one-hour period where you make your know-how available, and encourage your followers to ask you anything about buying, owning, or selling a house. Then answer every question. This way you’ll guarantee you cover what Hata says is a key first step of guerilla marketing: “make sure you’re talking about something that’s worth talking about.” Be sure to also create a hashtag for the Q&A. That way people can easily have access to all the answers you’re giving, as you prove you’re exactly the kind of realtor they’re looking for.

3. Sponsor Local Events in Your Community

“I think the more folks are in tune with their neighborhood, the better they’ll do,” says Hata. He urges real estate businesses to sponsor local events—a neighborhood night out, a car wash, a church event. It’s important, he says, to “get out of your comfort zone. Get involved in neighborhood groups where you’re going to do a lot of business.” Make sure you have some signage with your website or email on it, and you’ll get a lot of business in return.

4. Give Away Goodies (With No Strings Attached)

Is there a youth league soccer game, farmer’s market or fair happening nearby? Try this: head over to a Costco. Pick up some ice cream sandwiches, candy, or cold drinks in bulk. Then hand them out for free at the event. It requires little time or money, and you’ll make a big impression on members of the community. After all, the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach.

5. Use Pinterest. A lot.

Pinterest is one of the fastest growing social media platforms right now, and it’s an increasingly vital marketing resource for real estate businesses. Like with YouTube, don’t just use it for your listings though. Create lots of boards that catch the eye with beautiful interior design and landscaping examples, or highlight your favorite neighborhood gardens, restaurants and more. Provide valuable info and visuals to the people you’re marketing to, and in no time you’ll not only be a top Pinterest user, but see your business prosper.

Are you a real estate agent? Learn about risk management for real estate firms in the Business Owner’s Playbook. And check out the guide to Business Insurance for Real Estate Agents to make sure you have the right protection for your business.

These are just a sampling of guerilla marketing possibilities that will help your business expand. As you sit down to brainstorm more ideas for DIY marketing, it’s worth remembering some key advice Nobu Hata emphasized: It’s all about “figuring out what makes you unique to you, and then touting that in a very social way.” Do that and your DIY-marketing efforts will see your business growing in no time.

Next Steps: You’re busy. We get it. So why not let us do some work for you? By signing up for the weekly Small Biz Ahead Newsletter, you’ll receive hand-picked articles, How-Tos and videos covering the latest in small biz tools and trends. We’ll do the research while you spend your time where it counts: managing and growing your business.