Winter is a notoriously slower time for real estate agents. People are busy with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, so less buying and selling takes place.
Even so, your real estate marketing doesn’t have to slow down. In fact, increasing your marketing efforts now can help you start off the new year with leads and listing appointments. To help find the momentum you need, check out these six winter marketing ideas.
1. Volunteer
It’s always the right time to volunteer and give back to your community. Winter brings unique needs, and it’s not hard to find people and programs asking for volunteers. Check out Volunteer Match to find opportunities at inspiring organizations in your community.
For example, soup kitchens, winter coat collections, gift drives, and community events are all popular during the winter. Try to commit to at least one volunteer opportunity this winter or even consistently as volunteering is a great way to meet new people and get involved with your community.
If you work on a real estate team, consider volunteering as a group as a team building activity and a way to connect with your local community.
2. New year, new calendar
Real estate agents have been mailing calendars for years, but consider creating one with a unique twist like a:
Local Favorites Calendar featuring:
- community events
- places to shop
- restaurant suggestions.
Or a Home Maintenance Calendar with timely reminders to:
- changing smoke alarm batteries
- blowing out sprinklers
- fertilizing the grass
Whatever you choose, make it helpful. People are more likely to keep your calendar on the fridge if they have valuable information to look forward to.
3. Plan a social media giveaway
Everyone loves a good giveaway! It seems simple, but giveaways are a great way to boost your social media engagement and following.
Try putting together a basket of a few items you enjoy! In addition to your business card and marketing materials, you can include:
- gift cards to local shops and restaurants
- tumblers
- mugs
- favorite home décor item
- Christmas tree ornament
4. Express your gratitude
Let your clients know how much you appreciate them with a personal note on each card.
Here are some of our favorite design and postcard platforms:
- Canva is a graphic design platform with accessible drag-and-drop features. Canva offers hundreds of free elements, graphics, and fonts. They also have a pro version available.
- Vistaprint is a design and mailing platform. Search their template database to find your perfect postcard and mail it directly from the website.
- Moo is a design and mailing platform. They offer free full-color printing and have a robust template database.
If you’re feeling extra giving, you can deliver your cards door-to-door with a warm treat from a local bakery. You’ll be supporting other local businesses while giving clients a sweet surprise.
5. Create a neighborhood guide
The new year is a great time to refresh guides and marketing materials. People look for a local expert in a real estate agent.
Share your area knowledge and include information on HOAs, property taxes, amenities, and proximity to shopping, dining, and medical offices.
6. Host a playdate for busy parents
Winter can be tough on parents looking for ways to entertain their children. Whether you are a parent or not, bringing parents together in your community for an indoor playdate is a great way to make connections. Plus, they will be grateful for an opportunity to socialize and keep their kiddos busy.
Not sure where to start? Consider renting an indoor playroom or inviting parents to a local community center. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be fun.
Scale your marketing strategy with Virtuance
If you loved these winter marketing tips, consider working with Virtuance to make your listings shine. Virtuance offers virtual tours, aerial photos, and professional photography, all of which are excellent marketing materials.
Help potential buyers imagine themselves in a beautiful home, and share quality photos every chance you get.
FAQ
Yes! Timeliness and relevance are essential in marketing. Meet people where they are and stay in touch with what is happening in your community seasonally. Also, when it comes to online marketing, you want your content to be what people are currently searching for and interested in.
There is never a bad time to try a new marketing idea. Experimenting creates space for new successes. You may have more time on your hands in the winter months, so it may be easier to take time for marketing.
An easy way to make connections over the holidays is to create Christmas cards featuring a personal touch, such as a photo, contact information, and a quote from a favorite Christmas song or movie. You can individually drop these cards at neighborhoods’ mailboxes or doors or send digital copies to email contacts.
