Do your business cards make a solid first impression?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In an increasingly online world, it can be easy to think that physical business cards are an outdated medium of communication. However, when you\u2019re meeting prospective clients face-to-face\u2014at networking events, client consultations or open houses\u2014it\u2019s still helpful to have something tangible for them to take home. Your business card is a physical reminder of who you are and how interested leads can contact you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start by checking that your cards are up to date with your most current contact information. Do you have a new phone number, email or office address? Have your social media handles changed? These details might seem small, but outdated information can make you look careless, and worse, it can lead to missed opportunities. Additionally, consider creating QR codes for your cards that lead to either your website or social accounts\u2014prospects will be grateful for the convenience, and this addition can help set you apart from other agents. Your card is also a great place to feature your brand-new headshot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are your templates top notch?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While there\u2019s something to be said for establishing a consistent look for your real estate marketing materials, you may want to avoid settling into a design rut when it comes to your templates\u2014both print and digital. It\u2019s also important to periodically evaluate whether or not your templates still resonate with your target audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t have access to brokerage-supplied templates for things like signage, flyers, brochures, email newsletters, postcards, videos, etc., you may need to do some of the heavy lifting on your own or hire a consultant to help you create or refresh them. There are a variety of free online templates and design tools that can help you make your own real estate marketing materials. However, keep in mind that your end result should stand out from other agents\u2019 branding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take some time to look around at what your competitors are doing and see what\u2019s trending in similar industries, like interior design and home furnishings. Make a list of what you like and don\u2019t like about their advertising pieces, then take a fresh look at your own materials. Some factors to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Are your templates missing types of info that should be included?<\/strong> This could be as simple as adding your social media handle or as sophisticated as inserting a QR code so potential clients can get more info on your website, blog, custom landing page or home listing. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are you trying to cram in too many details?<\/strong> Too much text could be a turnoff. Keep your messaging short and sweet, so interested leads will come to you for more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Is there a clear call to action for your audience?<\/strong> Let potential clients know what they should do next! <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are any of your design elements or colors outdated?<\/strong> Choosing timeless color schemes may prolong the life of your real estate marketing materials, but it\u2019s still a good idea to reassess from time to time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Is the info current?<\/strong> It\u2019s easy to overlook things that don\u2019t change often, so take a moment to double check your details, including any landing page URLs that have the potential to fail.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You may find that small changes can make a big difference in the success of your marketing materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note: This is also a great time to evaluate whether you have enough templates to cover your needs. If there\u2019s a type of information you often have to type out in an email or text, it may be something that needs a template.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is your email marketing relevant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Email marketing is an excellent way to engage with your contacts, from long-time clients to new leads you\u2019d like to nurture. You may find yourself scratching your head though, wondering what kind of content to include in your emails. To achieve successful results from this channel of marketing, it\u2019s important to only send what\u2019s relevant to your audience (and not bombard them with too many emails).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One strategy you could incorporate is to segment your contact lists into smaller groups based on certain criteria, such as their geographic area, which price range they\u2019re looking at or whether they\u2019re a buyer or seller. This targeted approach can help ensure that the content you send is tailored to the needs and interests of each segmented audience. For example, you may send buyers updates on new listings, market trends or house hunting tips. Sellers, on the other hand, may benefit from advice on preparing for a sale or insights into the local real estate market. Overall, this tactic can potentially lead to an improved user experience and better relationships with your customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, don\u2019t forget to clean up your contact list! Remove any inactive subscribers, double check for invalid or duplicate email addresses and be sure your list is properly organized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s new (or should be new) on your website?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whether you have your own website or a profile on a larger broker website, it\u2019s important to confirm the content is up to date\u2014especially vital info, like your contact information. It\u2019s a good idea to read through your webpage info periodically to ensure everything is accurate and make improvements as needed. You should also test the site for functionality. Follow external links to confirm that they\u2019re unbroken and lead to their intended destinations, and play any embedded videos to make sure they\u2019re in working order, too. Time-sensitive info, like upcoming events and available listings, should always be current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For agents with a blog associated with their site, this may be a good time to review last year\u2019s articles and their performance. You can use insights from the previous year’s data to plan for the next 12 months of blog content. If you have a niche<\/a>, such as multigenerational households or luxury buyers, your blog is an excellent opportunity to cater to that target audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are your social media accounts active?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Social media can be an effective tool for attracting interest, but stale profiles will do you no favors. If you\u2019re on a platform, you should verify that your bio is up to date, your contact info is correct, your profile photos are current and your latest posts aren\u2019t so old they\u2019re off-putting. A successful social media presence takes time and effort, so if you\u2019re finding you don\u2019t have the resources to keep multiple profiles moving, you may want to narrow your focus to only one or two that yield the best results for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may also consider diversifying the type of content you publish on your social channels. If static, image-based posts have been your go-to for a while, maybe try your hand at video marketing<\/a>. Looking for more sharable content to round out your social media schedule? Check out our suggested reads<\/a> for some inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bottom line\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your real estate marketing materials are not just promotional tools\u2014they\u2019re also the face of your business. Whether your materials are seen online or in person, they\u2019re working for you around the clock, helping you make connections, build relationships and ultimately close deals. With spring on the horizon, now is the perfect time to ensure your marketing assets are as polished, effective and informative as they can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By reviewing and refreshing the previously mentioned items, along with any other relevant materials, you can help make sure you\u2019re putting your best foot forward this season. After all, the success of your business relies in part on how well you connect with potential clients! Great marketing materials can help strengthen those connections and turn them into lasting relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n - Are you trying to cram in too many details?<\/strong> Too much text could be a turnoff. Keep your messaging short and sweet, so interested leads will come to you for more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
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