Overcoming Challenges for Buyers Agents in Google Search Ads in Australia
- Isuru De Silva

- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 12
Buyers agents in Australia face a distinct set of challenges when running Google Search ads. These challenges stem from both the competitive landscape and the unique aspects of their industry.
Rising Competition and Crowded Market
The number of buyers agents has increased rapidly in recent years. This surge has led to a more crowded digital advertising space. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult for individual agents to stand out. The increased competition drives up the cost per click (CPC), making it more challenging to achieve strong ad visibility without a significant investment.
Additionally, many buyers agents, particularly those who are new to the field, lack a strong SEO-optimised online presence. This deficiency further compounds their struggle to generate leads effectively through paid search.
Keyword Selection and Targeting Issues

Choosing the right keywords is critical for buyers agents. They must differentiate between keywords that target buyers (their actual audience) and those that attract sellers, which drive irrelevant traffic. It’s equally important to distinguish between high-intent and generic searches.
Poor keyword targeting can lead to wasted ad spend on irrelevant clicks. This waste occurs especially if negative keywords are not properly set up to filter out non-buyer traffic. Buyers agents need to prioritize keyword research and optimization to achieve better results in their campaigns.
Location-Based Targeting Complexity

Real estate is inherently local. As such, buyers agents must ensure their ads are displayed only to users searching in relevant suburbs or regions. Efficient location targeting is essential for maximizing conversion rates.
Inefficient targeting can result in ads being shown to users outside the agent’s service area. This misalignment can reduce conversion rates and unnecessarily increase advertising costs.
Ad Scheduling and Timing
Running ads 24/7 can waste a significant budget. Not every hour yields the same conversion rates. For example, ads shown during commuting hours may attract clicks from users who are not ready to engage, leading to a lower return on investment (ROI).
Optimizing ad schedules is crucial. Agents should schedule ads based on when potential clients are most likely to convert. Ignoring this aspect can lead to missed opportunities and increased costs.
Conversion Tracking and Landing Page Optimisation

Many buyers agents struggle with improper or incomplete conversion tracking. This oversight makes it challenging to measure which ads are effectively generating leads. Tracking performance accurately allows agents to refine their strategies for better outcomes.
Furthermore, directing ad traffic to generic homepages instead of targeted, high-converting landing pages reduces lead capture effectiveness. A well-optimized landing page specifically designed to convert visitors can significantly impact lead generation.
Regulatory and Compliance Constraints
Real estate advertising in Australia is heavily regulated. Ads must avoid misleading or deceptive language to comply with both industry regulations and Google’s advertising rules. Navigating these regulations can be daunting for buyers agents.
Failure to adhere to these regulations may lead to ad disapprovals or legal repercussions. This adds another layer of complexity to managing advertising campaigns. Agents must stay informed about compliance requirements to avoid pitfalls.
Inexperience and Lack of Digital Marketing Skills
Many new entrants to the buyers agent industry lack digital marketing expertise. This gap often results in poorly structured campaigns, leading to inefficient ad spend. Inexperience can also hinder the effective use of advanced Google Ads features.
Advanced features, such as ad extensions, audience targeting, and remarketing, can significantly enhance campaign performance. However, failing to utilize these tools may limit the effectiveness of advertising efforts.
A Call to Action for Buyers Agents
Buyers agents in Australia face unique challenges when it comes to digital advertising. From navigating a crowded market to mastering regulatory compliance, the hurdles are significant. However, opportunities do exist for those willing to adapt and innovate.
By enhancing their digital marketing skills and utilizing proper strategies, buyers agents can effectively overcome these challenges. This includes focusing on SEO optimization, precise keyword targeting, and efficient ad management.
To remain competitive, buyers agents must continually educate themselves and seek assistance when needed.
Conclusion
Navigating the complex digital advertising environment requires ongoing optimization and strategic budgeting. By embracing digital marketing and seeking professional support, buyers agents can ensure that their Google Search ads deliver a strong return on investment.
Sources
SearchT.au Analysis of Google Ads competition for real estate agents
Merge.com.au - Competitor bidding strategies for real estate PPC
Digital Autopilot - Common Google Ads mistakes (2025)
Allens - ACCC litigation insights on misleading Google Ads
Melanie Hoole.co - Digital marketing strategies for buyers agents
ACCC Advertising Guide - Compliance requirements for Australian businesses
NSW Fair Trading - Real estate advertising regulations
Maddocks - Legal analysis of Employsure’s misleading ads case
ACCC Real Estate Guidance - Consumer protection in real estate
10. LegalVision - Real estate advertising obligations under Australian law


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