Which Marketing Strategies Work Best on the Gold Coast?
To stand out in the competitive Gold Coast market, consider a multifaceted marketing approach. High-quality photography and virtual tours are essential, as they showcase your property’s best features and offer an immersive experience for online viewers.
Here are a few recommended marketing strategies:
Professional Photography and Virtual Tours
High-quality photography and virtual tours are the cornerstone of any successful property marketing campaign. The visual appeal of your property can make or break a buyer’s first impression, especially when most buyers start their search online.
Common Challenge: Poor-quality photos or a lack of a virtual tour can result in your listing being overlooked.
Solution: Invest in professional photography to capture your property’s best features. A virtual tour allows potential buyers to explore your home from the comfort of their own space, making it more likely they’ll consider a physical visit.
Comprehensive Online Listings
Listing your property on major real estate websites is essential to reaching a broad audience. Sites like realestate.com.au, domain.com.au, and your agency’s own platform are key channels for attracting potential buyers.
Common Challenge: Incomplete or inaccurate listings can deter interested buyers and damage your property’s credibility.
Solution: Ensure your online listings are detailed, accurate, and include high-quality images and videos. Highlight unique features and provide a clear, compelling description of the property and its location.
Social Media Marketing
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn provide powerful tools for marketing your property. These platforms allow you to reach a vast audience quickly and can be tailored to target specific demographics.
Common Challenge: Ineffective or generic social media posts can fail to engage potential buyers.
Solution: Use visually appealing images and videos, paired with engaging captions that highlight your property’s key selling points. Paid advertising on these platforms can also increase your reach to targeted buyers.
Targeted Email Marketing
Email marketing allows you to reach potential buyers directly, providing them with personalised information about your property. This method is particularly effective if your agent has a well-maintained database of interested buyers.
Common Challenge: Generic emails may be ignored or marked as spam.
Solution: Craft targeted email campaigns with compelling subject lines, high-quality images, and detailed property descriptions. Personalised emails based on the recipient’s preferences or previous interactions to increase engagement.
Print Advertising
While digital marketing is essential, traditional print advertising remains valuable, particularly for high-value properties. Newspapers, magazines, and property brochures can help you reach buyers who prefer or supplement their online search with print media.
Common Challenge: Print advertising can be costly and may not always reach your target audience.
Solution: Focus on placing ads in reputable local publications that have a strong readership among potential buyers. Include high-quality images and a concise, attention-grabbing description of your property.
Property Signage
Place a “For Sale” sign outside the property. Even though many buyers start their search online, they often drive around neighbourhoods to see what’s available. Not having a sign out front can significantly reduce the number of people who see your property and could be interested in buying it.
Common Challenge: Failing to use signage can result in missed opportunities from local buyers.
Solution: Place a prominent and professionally designed “For Sale” sign outside your property. Ensure the sign includes your real estate agent’s contact details and any unique selling points of the property.
Open Homes and Private Viewings
Hold regular open homes or private viewings to allow potential buyers to experience the property first-hand.
Common Challenge: Poorly attended open houses can be a waste of time and resources.
Solution: Schedule open homes at optimal times, such as weekends, and advertise them extensively across multiple channels. Ensure the property is clean, well-presented, and staged to impress. Private showings can also be scheduled for serious buyers who prefer a more personalised experience.
Direct Mail
Direct mail is a targeted way to inform potential buyers in specific neighbourhoods about your property. Postcards or brochures delivered to nearby residents can generate local interest, especially among those considering a move within the area.
Common Challenge: Direct mail can be expensive and may not always yield a high response rate.
Solution: Use high-quality postcards or brochures with professional photography and concise messaging. Target neighbourhoods where residents might be looking to upgrade or downsize within the area.
Video Marketing
Video content is becoming increasingly important in property marketing. A well-produced video tour can showcase your property’s best features and provide a more engaging experience for potential buyers.
Common Challenge: Low-quality videos can harm your property’s image rather than help it.
Solution: Invest in professional videography to create a polished, high-definition video tour. Consider adding drone footage to showcase the property’s location and surroundings. Share the video across all your online platforms, including social media and email.
Staging and Presentation
Put your property in the best light by professionally staging it. Staging your property is about creating an environment that appeals to buyers’ emotions, helping them visualise themselves living there. A well-staged home can sell faster and for a higher price.
Common Challenge: Homes that are poorly staged can appear cluttered, outdated, or uninviting.
Solution: Hire a professional stager who can arrange furniture, decor, and lighting to highlight your property’s strengths. Focus on neutral tones and declutter the space to appeal to the widest audience possible.
Utilising Paid Advertising
Investing in paid advertising can significantly boost your property’s visibility, particularly in highly competitive markets like the Gold Coast. Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and promoted listings on real estate websites can drive more traffic to your property.
Common Challenge: Organic reach may not be sufficient to generate the desired level of interest.
Solution: Work with a digital marketing expert to create targeted ad campaigns that reach your ideal buyer demographic. Monitor and adjust your campaigns as needed to maximise ROI and ensure your property gets the exposure it deserves.
Creating a Dedicated Property Website
For a luxury property, a dedicated website can serve as a central hub for all marketing efforts. It enables you to present detailed information, high-quality images, videos, and downloadable brochures in one convenient location.
Common Challenge: General real estate listings often lack sufficient space to thoroughly showcase your property.
Solution: Create a simple, user-friendly website specifically for your property. Include SEO-optimised content, easy navigation, and clear calls to action to encourage potential buyers to schedule a viewing or contact your agent.
Common Marketing Mistakes Gold Coast Sellers Regret
Even in a strong market, the wrong marketing choices can cost you thousands, and create unnecessary stress.
Here are the pitfalls I see time and time again:
1. Setting the wrong price
Price too high, and serious buyers don’t even enquire. Price too low, and you leave money on the table. Either way, the result is regret.
2. Poor listing photos or online presentation
Dark, blurry, or rushed photos send the wrong message. Today’s buyers decide in seconds whether to click or keep scrolling — first impressions matter.
3. Skipping property prep
Unfinished repairs, clutter, or a lack of staging can make it harder for buyers to picture themselves living there. The little details often add up to a higher offer.
4. Narrow marketing reach
Advertising in only one or two places means missing out on large pools of potential buyers. A mix of online, social, local, and targeted campaigns works best.
5. Ignoring market research
Failing to look at comparable sales or local demand trends can lead to unrealistic expectations and missed opportunities.
6. Rushed or incomplete listings
Listings without strong descriptions, clear floor plans, or key details can confuse buyers and damage trust.
7. Hiding known issues
Avoiding disclosure can backfire, leading to legal disputes, failed contracts, or reputational damage. Transparency builds confidence.
8. Limited buyer access
Restricting inspection times or being inflexible with showings can result in missing genuine buyers.
9. Cutting corners on marketing materials
Cheap signage, low-quality copywriting, or missing floor plans all undermine the value you’re trying to showcase.
10. Choosing the wrong agent
Rushing to sign with an agent without checking their track record, marketing approach, or local knowledge can lead to disappointment and a weaker sale outcome.
Avoiding these mistakes isn’t about spending more; it’s about making smarter, well-informed choices from the start. The right strategy, presentation, and advice can mean the difference between a frustrating sale and a result you’re proud of.
How Can I Fund Marketing for Selling My Gold Coast Property?
If you’d rather not pay upfront for your property’s marketing, one solution is to use vendor-paid advertising finance through a business such as Property Credit. This flexible option covers your marketing costs now, like professional photos, online listings, and signage, and you simply pay it back later, usually at settlement.
It means you can market your home properly without dipping into savings first, giving you the best chance to attract strong offers without the stress of upfront expenses. I have a detailed page about vendor-paid advertising finance.
Several Critical Steps
Selling a house on the Gold Coast involves several critical steps, and being prepared at each stage can make all the difference. By following this guide, ranging from choosing the right agent to understanding market trends and preparing your property, you’ll be well-equipped to maximise your home’s value and ensure a smooth, efficient sale.
Remember, professional guidance combined with thorough preparation is key to a successful outcome. Stay informed, plan ahead, and trust in the process for the best results.
THIS IS HOW YOUR JOURNEY TO A SUCCESSFUL GOLD COAST PROPERTY SALE STARTS
My simplified guide below will take you through a 20-step process for selling your property anywhere on the Gold Coast;
I proudly sell homes across the entire coast.
1. PREPARING YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY FOR SALE + SOME OF THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
- Tidying gardens and decluttering everything inside and out.
- All homes for sale, are legally required to have hardwired photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms.
Non-removable 10-year battery smoke alarms can be installed as an alternative.
- By law, you are required to complete a pre-contractual seller’s disclosure statement: generally related to limitations, restraints, or defects in the property title, such as easements, covenants, leasing, zoning, etc.
- A pool safety certificate is also required if you have a swimming pool or if the property has a shared swimming pool (Body Corporate).
2. COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS REPORT FOR YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY
After showing me around your property, I will provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report. This is a detailed, legally required analysis of your home’s market value.
The CMA is based on recently sold and for-sale properties similar to yours in the immediate area. I will need to view your home to prepare this report.
3. SETTING A MARKETING BUDGET FOR YOUR GOLD COAST HOME
The third step in selling your home is to create a marketing budget.
By law, this must be based on actual costs.
There are various marketing options to consider, such as:
– Internal, External and Drone Photography.
– Property and House Plans show potential buyers the exact layout of your home and property.
– Internet Advertising on platforms such as RealEstate.com.au, Domain.com.au, Facebook.com, Instagram.com, etc.
– For Sale Sign on the street is still essential to attracting potential buyers. Even though many buyers start their search online, they often drive around neighbourhoods to see what’s available.
A simple fact: Not having a For Sale sign can significantly reduce the number of people who see your property and may be interested in buying it.
4. PREPARING AND APPROVING THE FORM 6 AGREEMENT WHEN SELLING A GOLD COAST PROPERTY
A Form 6 Agreement is a document provided by the Queensland State Government. It outlines all relevant details of the property sale, including the marketing budget.
Our administration team will prepare this form for you and send it for your review and approval.
5. PAYING THE MARKETING BUDGET FOR YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY
Once you have approved the Form 6 Agreement, the next step is to pay for the marketing budget that you have chosen.
6. STARTING THE ADVERTISING PROCESS
Once your payment is received, the advertising campaign will commence.
Advertising strategies will align with the choices you made within your marketing budget.
7. MONITORING MARKET RESPONSE
If your property hasn’t received offers within 30 days, don’t assume there’s no interest.
It often means the price isn’t aligned with what buyers are willing to pay at this time.
This is your signal to review and adjust your pricing strategy so your home remains competitive and receives the attention it deserves.
8. ARRANGING BUYER VIEWINGS
When buyers express interest in your property, viewings will be arranged to allow them to see your home in person; you need to be away from the property during these viewings.
This helps potential buyers feel relaxed and visualise themselves as the new owners, thereby forming a deeper connection with your property.
9. CONSIDERING A BUYER’S OFFER
When you receive an offer on your home, it means a buyer is serious and ready to move forward at a certain price.
This is a key moment in your selling journey. Take the time to go over the offer carefully.
Look beyond the price; check the terms, conditions, and settlement timeframes. Make sure it works for you before accepting, countering, or declining.
10. ACCEPT, COUNTER, REJECT
When an offer is presented, you will need to respond by accepting, countering, or rejecting it.
Accepting locks in the agreed-upon price and terms.
Countering proposes changes and initiates further negotiations. If countering, present revised terms clearly; open, respectful communication is key for a smooth sale.
Rejecting means the offer is unacceptable; in this case, respond promptly and professionally, explaining your reasoning for the decision.
11. YOUR LEGALITIES
When you finally accept an offer, you will engage your conveyancer or solicitor to facilitate the legal requirements to complete the sale.
If you are part of a Body Corporate, you will need to provide a Disclosure Statement from them.
Your solicitor will use PEXA to settle your property. Part of the process requires Verification of Identity. Also, anyone selling a property must complete an ATO Clearance Certificate.
12. BUYER’S DEPOSIT
The buyer’s deposit is a crucial step in the property purchase process; it will be held in the agency’s Trust account.
This is a tangible expression of the buyer’s commitment to purchase your property.
13. BUILDING AND PEST INSPECTIONS
Typically, a buyer will arrange for a building and pest inspection report to be completed, usually within 14 days of the contract date.
Additionally, they may have the contract subject to finance, which is generally applicable for 21 days from the contract date.
14. COMPLETING YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY SALE
Based on the outcome of the building and pest inspection report, as well as any finance being sought, the buyer will proceed with their offer or withdraw it.
At this point, the sale either falls through or becomes unconditional.
15. LOOKING FOR YOUR NEW PROPERTY
If the sale becomes unconditional, it is time to start looking for a new property. Remember, there is no need to rush.
It is essential that you take your time, as this needs to be a very considered purchase.
Your new home is of substantial value and can be costly if you change your mind. Something you may want to investigate is Short-Term Bridging Loans.
16. ALTERNATIVES YOU SHOULD CONSIDER
An alternative to seriously consider when deciding where to live between selling and buying is renting while you look for a new property.
Renting for a short period gives you breathing room; it allows you time to clear your head, make a confident, considered decision, and ultimately buy where you truly want to live, with no pressure or panic.
17. TIME FOR YOU TO MOVE
Leaving your home opens doors to a new chapter full of new beginnings. Embrace the excitement of a fresh start and cherish the memories you’ve made.
Every box you pack brings you one step closer to a new adventure full of possibilities that lie ahead.
18. YOUR SALE CONCLUDES
The culmination of the property sale is settlement; it marks the transfer of the property to the new buyer.
As the final chapter concludes, this marks a sense of achievement: your property has now SOLD.
19. YOUR FUTURE OPTIONS
If you have chosen to rent, you will continue to look for and eventually purchase a property, apartment, or perhaps even buy land and build; now there’s something to consider.
20. TIME TO UNWIND AND MAKE YOUR NEW HOME YOUR OWN
As you unpack and furnish your new home, embrace the gradual process of creating your haven.
Enjoy the transformation, one room at a time.
Relax in the tranquillity of your surroundings and immerse yourself in the gentle sounds of your new neighbourhood.
Explore the nearby parks and cafes; enjoy the unique charm of your new community.
Remember, settling in is a journey in itself; it’s not a race. Embrace the process of creating a home that reflects your unique style and personality.
Whether you’re downsizing, relocating or just ready to move on, I’ll guide you through every step of selling your Gold Coast home with confidence and ease.
Navigating the intricacies of selling your property can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be.
My 20-step guide provides a simplified general overview; as you would naturally expect, your steps may vary.
Author – Craig Douglas
Are you ready for a conversation about selling your Gold Coast home?
Let’s get you Selling
LET’S GET YOU SOLD
Craig Douglas 0418 189 963
Professional | Knowledgeable | Experienced
You can find me working at a Boutique Real Estate Agency
These are just some of the suburbs that I proudly sell homes in:
Sovereign Islands
Please Note: The information contained in this document is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The laws and regulations governing property sales in Queensland are complex and subject to frequent changes. It is important to seek the advice of a qualified property lawyer or conveyancer before making any decisions about the sale of your property. This document does not take into account your individual circumstances and may not apply to your situation. By reading this document, you agree that you have not relied on the information contained herein and that you will seek independent legal advice before taking any action.
This page was proudly created by Craig Douglas, your local independent Gold Coast real estate agent, working for a Boutique Real Estate Agency. Selling residential and commercial properties, from those that are awe-inspiring, through to a diamond-in-the-rough, otherwise known as a “renovator’s delight“.
I negotiate and sell on behalf of property owners who want to get the best possible price, with the least amount of hassle. Let’s talk about the process of selling your property over a coffee to get you started – 0418 189 963
