After earning your real estate license, you will have a lot to do to get started. One of the first things on your list should be marketing. Obviously online searching, mobile apps, and a Real Estate Agent Marketing Service expert can offer opportunities to be found digitally. However, just because people search online for real estate doesn’t mean there you should discount direct mail marketing. Postcards are one of the most effective and economical means of real estate marketing that agents can use to help attract new clients. Here are some ideas for using postcards that will help you with your marketing efforts.
Postcard Design is Important
Remember that what you are designing or having designed to send out is a direct representation of you. The piece should be eye-catching and unique, but also informative. Rather than a traditional 4” x 6” postcard, opt for one that’s much larger-perhaps around 6” x 9” or even 6” x 11”. This will help prevent it from getting buried underneath the recipient’s other mail. Be sure to use high quality cardstock with at least 13-point gloss. A larger postcard will allow you to add news stories to help show off your accomplishments. Consider putting two short stories on the back of the card detailing how you helped a family sell a distressed home or assisted a single parent in purchasing a home with little or no money down. On the front of your postcard, add a short bio along with your picture. This will help you stand out as an expert in your field, and will go a long way toward establishing trust with potential clients.
Target your Mailings
Rather than sending out general mass mailings, target your postcards to a particular demographic. For example, you may want one postcard for empty nesters looking to downsize, and another for individuals looking for investment property. As a new agent it can be easy to be overwhelmed by the possibilities for finding new clients. As you are obtaining your real estate license you will learn about the importance of working within a specific area. Just as you will focus your efforts for maximum impact to this area, targeting your postcards to certain groups within your chosen market will offer the greatest returns.
Convert to Website Traffic
Just listing your website on the postcard is not enough to get people to visit. Instead, encourage them to sign up for your newsletter or new listing updates. You could also offer free e-books on buying and selling real estate, a free home inspection or market analysis as an incentive. Once they have chosen to visit your site, it is important that they are directed to a site whose style closely matches that of the postcard you have designed. Creating a personal brand, both online and in marketing materials, will be important to help set you apart to potential and existing clients.
These are just a few tips that may help to increase your client base through postcard marketing. Try them on your next campaign and see what a tremendous difference these simple suggestions can make. Learn more about becoming a successful agent as you earn your real estate license at the Chicago Real Estate Institute. We offer classes and training that will help you with everything from postcards to passing your real estate exams. If you are ready to become a licensed agent or if you need to renew your license, contact CREI for the best real estate training, available in class or online.
