6 Commercial Real Estate Marketing Trends To Expect In 2024

From building an integrated marketing stack to embracing the accelerated uptake of interactive tools, digital marketing materials, and AI, several trends have begun to establish themselves that will influence how companies approach commercial real estate marketing in 2024.

In this article, we’ll cover six of the most significant marketing trends that will impact the commercial real estate industry and how CRE firms operate as we continue through 2024 and the following years.

Here are 6 marketing trends happening right now that all commercial real estate teams need to consider:

1. Print Collateral Continues to Phase Out

The trajectory is clear: the digital wave is reshaping CRE marketing. Embracing this shift toward digital platforms allows for a more dynamic, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious approach to property promotion. As the industry evolves, the dominance of digital marketing over print collateral in real estate marketing seems inevitable.

The creation of digital assets is now simplified and different marketing platforms allow for fast set up and publishing of high quality property websites, digital presentations, virtual tours and other assets that keep potential clients engaged.

Print collateral, once the cornerstone of property promotion, is steadily making way for its digital counterpart. Here’s why:

• Instant Accessibility: Digital platforms offer instant access to information. Property listings, high-resolution images, virtual tours, and comprehensive details are available at the click of a button. Unlike print materials, which have limitations in space and time, digital avenues allow potential buyers or tenants to explore properties at their convenience, from anywhere in the world.
• Cost-Efficiency: Printing and distributing physical brochures, flyers, or catalogs incur significant costs. On the contrary, digital marketing significantly reduces these expenses. With the proliferation of social media, email marketing, and dedicated property websites, the cost-effectiveness of digital marketing surpasses that of print collateral.
• Enhanced Engagement and Interactivity: Digital marketing allows for dynamic and interactive content. High-quality videos, virtual tours, 3D renderings, and immersive experiences captivate audiences far more effectively than static print materials. The ability to engage potential buyers or tenants on a more personal level amplifies the impact of digital marketing strategies.
• Measurable Analytics and Targeting: Digital platforms provide robust analytics and targeting capabilities. Real-time data on user engagement, website traffic, click-through rates, and demographic information enable marketers to refine strategies, target specific audiences, and optimize marketing campaigns for better results—a feature print collateral cannot offer.
• Environmental Impact: As sustainability becomes a focal point across industries, the reduction in printed materials aligns with eco-friendly practices. Embracing digital platforms minimizes paper usage, reducing the environmental footprint associated with print production and distribution.

2. AI Becomes a Dominant Force

As AI (artificial intelligence) continues to evolve, its role in reshaping the commercial real estate marketing landscape will become increasingly significant. Embracing this technological shift is crucial for industry players aiming to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market environment. AI is not just a trend; it’s a transformative force that will redefine how commercial real estate is marketed, bought, and sold in the years to come.

AI will revolutionize the way commercial properties are marketed, creating efficiencies, enhancing decision-making, and providing a competitive edge. Here are a few use cases:

• Data-Driven Insights: AI algorithms can process vast amounts of data and generate actionable insights. By analyzing market trends, demographics, consumer behavior, and property-specific data, AI empowers marketers to make informed decisions. This data-driven approach enables more targeted and personalized marketing strategies, optimizing the reach and impact of campaigns.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are reshaping customer interactions in real estate. These intelligent systems can engage with potential tenants or buyers, providing instant responses to queries, scheduling property viewings, and offering personalized recommendations based on preferences. This not only streamlines the customer experience but also frees up human resources for more complex tasks.
• Predictive Analytics: AI algorithms can forecast market trends and property demand with remarkable accuracy. By analyzing historical data and identifying patterns, AI can predict future property hotspots, investment opportunities, and potential risks. This empowers real estate professionals to make proactive decisions and adapt their strategies accordingly.
• Optimized Marketing Campaigns:  Machine learning algorithms can analyze audience behavior and preferences, optimizing ad placements and content delivery for maximum impact.

3. Further Integration of VR/AR

As we progress through 2024, the prominence of virtual tours and augmented reality in commercial real estate marketing continues to grow.

Their ability to provide immersive experiences, accessibility, and efficiency in property exploration positions them as a transformative tool, shaping the future of how properties are marketed and experienced in the industry.

Here’s why virtual tours continue to become a cornerstone of commercial real estate marketing:

• Immersive Property Exploration: Virtual tours offer a fully immersive experience, allowing potential buyers or tenants to explore properties remotely. From office spaces to retail outlets and industrial complexes, these tours provide a comprehensive view, replicating an on-site visit without physical presence.
• 24/7 Accessibility: Unlike traditional property viewings constrained by time and location, virtual tours are available round the clock. Prospects can access tours at their convenience, eliminating scheduling conflicts and enabling global audiences to explore properties without constraints.
• Enhanced Engagement and Interaction: Interactive elements within virtual tours provide a dynamic experience. Users can navigate through spaces, zoom in on details, and interact with specific features, creating a personalized exploration tailored to their interests.
• Adaptability to Tech-Savvy Audiences: In an era driven by technology, virtual tours cater to the preferences of tech-savvy audiences. They showcase a forward-thinking approach in marketing properties, appealing to a digitally immersed clientele.

4. Adoption of Fully-Integrated Marketing Software

Another trend that commercial real estate is experiencing is the increased use of specialized “all in one” commercial real estate marketing tools and its integration with other tech tools, creating an API-driven tech stack that helps you optimize the marketing processes throughout the property lifecycle.

The ability of integrating distinct technology into one stack has allowed for a streamlined flow of listing data from a CRM to content management systems, enabling listings to be published in seconds, syndicated to listing portals with a click of a button and sent out as an email campaign to clients.

What’s more important this synergy has greatly accelerated the speed of dissemination, ensuring up-to-date information is available 24/7.

Tips:

• Consider adopting marketing tools that offer open integrations with other technology
• Reevaluate your current tech stack considering inefficiencies and tools that don’t play well together
• Improve workflows and processes that work, making your efforts repeatable and scalable

5. Rise of Interactive Tools

The ability to engage, empower, and facilitate informed decision-making through interactive tools will not only enhance the customer experience but also set forward-thinking CRE firms apart in a competitive market. As technology continues to evolve, embracing these interactive tools will be pivotal in shaping the future of commercial real estate marketing.

As we continue through 2024, the integration of interactive tools into marketing strategies is poised to reshape the industry.

There are a range of interactive tools that commercial real estate firms are incorporating into their daily marketing schemes:

• Interactive Property Sites – Replacing brochures and flyers, teams can build interactive listing presentations created for the optimal client digital experience. These sites allow user tracking and visitor reporting as part of a digital suite and can be easily shared on other digital channels to generate visibility.
• Interactive Maps – Instead of visiting a site in person, a client will be able to interact with a base map of the property, exploring and gaining insight without having to leave their home.
• Virtual Tours – Long gone are the days of scheduled tours. Now, a client can navigate through a property on a virtual tour, gaining all the information they need through this digital platform.
• Document Portals – All the information a client will need is in one, easy-to-find location, this interactive element allowing clients to download any documents they may need right onto their device.

The movement to these digital futures is a shift that underpins the majority of commercial real estate marketing trends, allowing clients to access information faster than ever before, browse in their own time, and for CRE firms to streamline virtual communication by using interactive elements.

6. Emphasis on Data Privacy and Security

As the digital landscape continues to expand in the realm of commercial real estate, a trend set to dominate strategies in 2024 is the prioritization of data privacy and security. With increasing reliance on digital tools and data-driven decision-making, safeguarding sensitive information has become paramount for establishing trust and credibility in the industry.

Here’s why data privacy and security will shape marketing endeavors in commercial real estate in the coming year:

1. Evolving Regulatory Landscape: Regulatory frameworks around data protection are continually evolving. Compliance with standards such as GDPR, CCPA, and emerging local regulations is imperative. Marketing strategies will emphasize adherence to these guidelines to build trust among clients and stakeholders.
2. Consumer Expectations: Clients and tenants are becoming more conscious of how their data is handled. They expect transparency, ethical data practices, and assurances of data security. Real estate firms that prioritize and communicate robust data protection measures will gain a competitive edge.
3. Risk Mitigation and Reputation Management: Data breaches and mishandling of sensitive information pose significant risks. Real estate marketers will focus on showcasing stringent security protocols, encryption measures, and data handling procedures to mitigate these risks and safeguard their reputation.
4. Trust as a Competitive Advantage: Trust is a cornerstone of successful business relationships. Highlighting strong data privacy and security measures will be a key differentiator, fostering trust among clients and setting businesses apart in a crowded market.
5. Investment in Cybersecurity Infrastructure: Real estate firms will allocate resources towards robust cybersecurity infrastructure. From encrypted communication channels to secure databases, these investments will not only protect sensitive data but also serve as a marketing point of assurance.

Final Thoughts

As we navigate through 2024 and beyond, the commercial real estate landscape is undergoing significant transformations driven by digital innovation and evolving consumer expectations. From the gradual phasing out of print collateral to the emergence of AI as a dominant force and the integration of interactive tools, the marketing strategies employed by CRE firms are evolving rapidly.

By understanding and focusing on complying with marketing trends, commercial real estate firms are able to deliver exactly what their clients are seeking – no matter how complex.