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5 Unique Ideas & Examples to Engage Your Real Estate Database

author: aaron hodson marketing real estate tips Jun 07, 2024

Ask any real estate agent worth their salt and they’d agree that staying connected with database contacts is crucial.

Yet, traditional methods for reaching out and cheesy scripts fall flat. Worse even, many agents bypass keeping in touch altogether. Not for lack of caring — but for lack of time.

The problem is that when enough time passes, it can feel awkward and uncomfortable to try to re-engage your database. Don’t let that stop you. With the right approach, and authentic talking points, you can easily reignite a relationship and start creating business through the people who already know and like you.

Three keys to communication success

Before we get into the nitty gritty ideas and examples, let's consider the basic elements that will make your communication efforts successful. Every time you communicate with your database, you should be asking yourself these three things:

  1. Can I do this consistently? If you are communicating to nurture a relationship, it’s not a one-and-done task. Make sure that you can commit to making the calls or sending the emails about every two weeks moving forward.
  2. Am I being authentic? Communicating for the sake of communicating is a dead-end street. Before you move forward with a campaign, make sure it sounds and feels like YOU. Remember: you separate yourself in this business by connecting with people human-to-human. You won’t form a connection by copying someone else’s business verbatim.
  3. Do I have a call to action? You need to give your clients a reason to respond. If you send an amazingly detailed market update, leaving no question unanswered, why would they call you? They would simply take that knowledge and call up another agent they know. Leave space for questions, and always be forthcoming about your intention to follow up.

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Great — so now you know what makes a communication campaign successful. But how do you come up with a reason to get in touch that offers value and stands out from the crowd? In this blog post, we’ll explore five innovative ideas to help you effectively engage your real estate database, ensuring your communications are both memorable and impactful. Whether you’re a seasoned Realtor or just starting out, these tips will provide fresh inspiration to elevate your communication game. 

1. Run a giveaway or contest

What if instead of sounding like every other cheesy Realtor, you tried something totally different? Take for example. a giveaway or contest. From raffles to competitions to giveaways — I tried a wide variety of campaigns all with the goal of getting engagement and learning more about my clients (birthdays, anniversaries, favorite foods, etc.). The below example is a great starting point for a seasonal giveaway. Remember: spending a small amount on a giveaway to engage people who already know you is typically a lot more affordable and effective than buying leads and marketing.

Hello!

I hope your summer is off to a great start. In celebration of the season, I’ve decided to do a little something different — and fun! I’m launching a special summer giveaway for your little ones.

Entering is easy. Simply reply to this email with your birthday MONTH + DAY. I’m going to pick one lucky winner to receive a $100 Amazon gift card. My suggestion: you fill your cart with summer fun like popsicles, water toys, and crafts.

No other stipulations or requirements, this is just a fun way to get to know my community better and hopefully make a summer day as fun as it should be.

Thanks for being here!

Your Name

2. Share updates about a community event(s)

Your knowledge of your community is one of your strongest assets. Why not share some of your favorite community events with your database? Anything from a bulk trash or electronic recycling day to a community fair or library event might be of interest. Better yet, let them know you’ll be there and would love to connect.

Hello!

One of my favorite community events is coming out, and I’m spreading the word: Bulk Trash Day is ENTER DATE.

I know it’s easy to miss it, so here’s your friendly reminder to mark your calendar. I’ll be heading over there at 10 AM with snacks and water in tow. I’d love to say hello if you’re planning to attend.

Either way, I hope your summer is off to a great start. Is there any way I can be a resource to you with regards to the current market or exploring your options? I would love to help. I’ll be sure to follow you up tomorrow in case.

Thanks so much, 

Your Name

Another tip: Make these emails personal to you and your personality! This only works if they sound authentic to you.

3. Share a news update

A relevant news story can also be a good excuse to contact your database. You might consider sharing a reputable story on market trends or your local housing market. If you know a certain client base is interested in interior decor or architecture, share an article on one of those topics instead. Steer clear of anything controversial, political, or too commonplace. If you’re going to go this route, make it's something you genuinely find interesting and want to share.

Hello!

I came across an interesting article on market trends in our community, and thought of you. As you can see, there are some really promising notes here for sellers. The interest in this area is only growing, which is putting sellers in a really great spot.

Last we spoke, you were interested in learning more about the market so I hope you don’t mind me sharing this today. Would you be interested in doing just a five minute informational call to talk about what this means more specifically for your home? No pressure — but please know I’m happy to help.

Thanks so much,

Your Name

4. Share a big “win”

Although you won’t want to send these types of updates too often, don’t be afraid to share some exciting news with your community. This could be a real estate award you’ve won, a change in brokerage, or a recent milestone. It’s a great opportunity to thank your database for supporting a local business.

Hello!

I hope your fall is off to a great start, and the kids are settling in back at school. I know we are taking a deep breath after a hectic summer and are happy to be back in a routine!

I’ve finally had a moment to pause and wanted to share some news on the business front. I was recently awarded Sellwell’s Top Producer Award for 2024! I’m so thankful to have received this award and owe it all to people like you.

Thank you so much for your support. As a small, local business, I wouldn’t be here without my amazing community. 

As a gesture of thanks, I’d love to treat you to a cup of coffee. Are you free to catch up some time this week? I’ll give you a call later today and see if we can nail down a time.

Thanks so much,

Your Name

5. Let them know you’ll be in the area

One of my favorite ways to get back in touch with past clients and contacts is to reach out when I know I’ll be in the area for a listing appointment. It’s worth asking if you could stop by for five minutes and share some information on your listing. Remember: nosy neighbor syndrome is your friend! 

Hello!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. I’m reaching out because I have a new listing in your area, and you immediately came to mind. 

I’m going to be in your neighborhood for an appointment with the sellers next Tuesday evening. If you want to know a little more about the property and the buyer demand in the area, I could definitely stop by for 5 minutes to chat. Are you interested? I’ll be sure to give you a call later today and check in.

Thanks,

Your Name

Aaron Hodson

Aaron Hodson is a keynote speaker, business strategist, and CEO of SellWell. He’s spent 25+ years in the real estate industry in various capacities — from selling homes, to becoming CEO of one of the fastest growing real estate companies in the world, to coaching high-level sales agents and executives. Fair warning: Aaron originally hails from New Zealand, so Kiwi-isms are to be expected.

 

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