In the fast-paced world of real estate, where digital platforms dominate marketing strategies, real estate agents are finding a timeless and effective ally in direct mail campaigns. This blog sheds light on the pivotal role of real estate direct mailers and articulates why savvy agents should integrate this traditional approach into their modern marketing arsenal.
Do Real Estate Direct Mailers Work in a Digital Age?
Simply: Yes! Many consumers have gone “blind” to online ads and use filters to remove marketing messages from their email. But a postcard in the mailbox is welcome, engaging, and trusted. It’s a tangible connection to the recipient and this sets it apart from other forms of marketing.
Real Estate direct mail campaigns build lasting impressions, offer targeted outreach and help real estate agents showcase properties, data, knowledge and more. They keep agents top of mind with regular, consistent touch points.
By constantly and consistently marketing to a targeted list of home buyers and sellers, real estate agents stay competitive and relevant.
Direct Mail Campaign Ideas for Realtors
Neighborhood Newsletter – Building a Lasting Impression
Staying top of mind in a specific neighborhood is easily done with this type of direct mail. Including sales data and market trends for the area help homeowners make decisions about staying or listing.
The newsletter can include community highlights and events, or even coupons for favorite local spots.
Personal Letter – Targeted Outreach
Build a specific and targeted list to prospects with predetermined criteria such as:
- Homes with out of state landlords
- Probate / inheritances
- Pre-foreclosures
- Expired listings
- Neighborhood specific
- Renters looking to finally own
When people receive relevant and personalized mail, they are more likely to interact with it. Using specific and targeted lists does that. To reach these groups, consider a personalized letter that gives them a sense of urgency to work with you. Consider sharing marketing data and neighborhood information that could motivate them to list or move.
While it may be a form letter, it should have a local, personal feel, including a signature that looks handwritten, such as a graphic version of your signature.
Testimonial Flyer – Showcase Properties
Showcase homes in the area by creating contests for best decorations or curb appeal. Make it personal and relevant with a photo of a family you helped and the home they bought or sold.
Include testimonials for customers who have worked with you to help build rapport and referrals.
Partnership Postcard – Build Connections
Whether a postcard, letter, or newsletter, reaching prospective clients by introducing them to a power partner is a way to build a lasting relationship by providing a valuable service. Consider home service providers who want to reach the same market and build a direct mail campaign with them.
Find a local shop or restaurant and see if they’d like to partner by offering a discount or cross-marketing. Sending a gift card for a beloved neighborhood spot is a win-win.
High Value Information Mailers
Postcards with market insights, cleaning checklists, or even recipes can create touchpoints with homeowners to build relevant connections that keep your name in their mind.
Additionally, simple promotional products can be a high value item that sticks around. Magnets, kitchen tools, picture holders and more can all be used to keep your brand in front of them year-round.
5 Tips to Keep Your Direct Mail Campaigns Fresh
Mix It Up!
Consider a mix of postcards, flyers, and sealed envelopes. Postcard sizes and weights can change, and envelopes can vary in size, color, and texture to create interest.
Increase engagement with QR codes that direct people to virtual tours or online listings. Consider mailers with fold-outs, scratchers, pull tabs or other interactive components.
Keep It Consistent
This isn’t to contradict the first point because mixing up the tangible experience keeps it fresh, but consistency in messaging and branding is critical. By using the same logo, colors, and fonts in alignment with your brand reduces brand confusion and creates loyalty.
Also, keeping a consistent communication cadence is important. Potential customers can start to expect to get your newsletter, checklist, valuable offering, (etc.) on a regular basis. This builds trust along with brand recognition.
Test And Measure
To keep your message relevant, test and measure your results. A/B testing your message, evaluating your list, and using retargeting methods can support your successful Return on Investment.
Technology advancements have brought direct mail into the digital age allowing real time tracking and providing better data. If you haven’t seen today’s direct mail capabilities, now is the time.
Be Professional
Lousy design hurts results. Not only should your mail pieces be on brand, they should reflect professionalism in their design. This includes using a clear, concise message and strong call to action.
Make it Urgent
Create a sense of urgency for prospects to perform your call to action. This could be visiting a website to get a free downloadable, limited time offers, or free gifts within a time bound window.
About Plumb Marketing
Ready to work with a team who can print your mailers, door hangers, yard signs and run your entire direct mail campaign? Look no further than Plumb Marketing. Our years of experience and direct mail expertise, along with our large suite of printing and fulfillment services makes us a one-stop shop for real estate professionals looking to grow and improve their ROI.
Contact us today for a demonstration and quote.
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