People are busy with shopping, family gatherings, parties and traveling during the holidays. They might not be thinking much about their real estate agent right now. Therefore, you might find yourself in a bit of a lull this time of year.
Does that mean an agent like yourself should stop communicating with past clients and prospects until the holidays are over? No. Consistent communication is key to remaining top-of-mind, and the holidays are the perfect time to be thoughtful and provide extra value to clients and prospects.
Here are some simple tactics that can help keep you top-of-mind during the holidays:
1. Send new homeowners a thoughtful gift
If you recently sold a property to a client, don’t let the opportunity to send them a thoughtful gift pass you by. You should be doing this no matter what time of year it is.
Some generic, year-round gift ideas include a welcome mat for the front door, an Angie’s list subscription or even a sturdy key ring. If you’re feeling festive, opt for a holiday-themed gift like a holiday wreath for the front door, a beautiful holiday table runner or others. Use your imagination and be creative.
2. Try Giftagram
If you’re a technology-savvy agent and you have an iPhone, try Giftagram. Giftagram is a free app for iPhones that make it easy to send quality gifts to your clients.
It’s as easy as three simple clicks. The best part about Giftagram is that once you click send, you don’t have to worry about anything. Giftagram will notify your client, confirm the address and make sure the gift arrives on time. You don’t even have to step foot in a store — you can do everything straight from your smartphone.
3. Be extra helpful
When you provide helpful information to your clients and prospects, you’re increasing the chances that they’ll refer you to someone else. This should always be a to-do when you’re communicating with your audience. Here are some ideas to be helpful during the holidays:
- Customize your direct mail newsletters with a list of caterers, event rental places, family photographers or other services that busy families might benefit from for their own holiday parties
- Offer tips on how to make small homes feel bigger for holiday parties
- Present the best ways to decorate a home for sale during the holidays
- Advise on home safety tips for the winter season
4. Join in the festivity
Get jolly with the information you send. It’s a special time, and you can only take advantage of it once per year. Don’t stick to your usual, generic content. Make it timely, merry and bright. Here are a couple of ideas:
- Provide a list of the best area holiday light displays to check out
- Donate on behalf of a client to a volunteer organization, such as Toys for Tots. In your next direct mailing or email newsletter, let your clients know you donated on their behalf.
The holidays are busy for everyone, but you can show you go above and beyond by taking extra care to let clients and prospects know you’re thinking about them.
Even if they’re not thinking about you right now, send them a thoughtful gift, join in the festivities or be helpful. You will stay top-of-mind, and who knows, it could spur referrals during holiday parties and gatherings.
Lina Poka is a senior marketing executive for the Marketing Department of MorrisMarketingGroup.com. Follow her on Twitter @MrktgRealEstate or on Facebook.
