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How to Design a Business Card: Tips for Making Successful First Impressions

8/27/2021

 
Designing a business card can be a challenge if you don’t know where to start. While we make it easy to create custom business cards using our effortless Build-It software, there are still some important considerations to keep in mind. Whether you’re crafting this important marketing tool from scratch, or using pre-designed elements, this post covers everything you need to know to complete a successful design.
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Why Are Business Cards Important?

To run a successful business, potential customers need to know how to contact you. While prospects commonly search websites and social media to discover more information about products and services offered, business cards continue to be an important tool when it comes to marketing.
 
Here are some of the reasons why always having business cards on hand is an important part of your marketing strategy:

  • They ensure that prospective clients remember you and know exactly how to get in touch.
  • A business card makes that initial introduction for you, while also providing additional tools to find out more information.
  • They explain who you are and what products or services you offer.
  • Business cards are an easy way to help you stay at the front of clients’ minds. This is especially true when you add a magnet onto your cards for magnetic marketing.
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What Details Should Be on a Business Card?

Business cards are a simple, yet effective way to gain brand exposure and share your contact information. Not only are they easy to distribute, they’re also something of a necessity. But what information should you include when designing these cards?
 
You should always include your branding and contact information on the cards you create. However, don’t be afraid to add a fun graphic or image to make your cards eye-catching.
 
Here are the details you should definitely incorporate when planning your business card design:
 
  • Business logo
  • Company name
  • Tagline or slogan
  • Your Name
  • Job Title
  • Website link
  • Contact details, such as your phone number, address, or email
  • While optional, many companies also now include a QR code

What Should You Not Put on a Business Card?

While we know what information we need to include on business cards, there are a few things that you should also take care to omit. These include:
 
  • Outdated information
  • Misspelled words or poor grammar
  • Illegible or small print
  • An overload of visual clutter
  • Poor quality card stock
  • Clashing color combos or bad clipart
  • Lack of branding
  • Unbalanced design elements
  • Inappropriate imagery
  • Not representing the value of your services
  • Details outside of the cut line, bleed, and safe area
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Things to Consider When You Design a Business Card

There are several things to take into account when you design a business card. Here are some key points to consider when designing cards that represent your business:
 
  • Typography and wording
  • How the design reflects on your professional image
  • Overall color scheme
  • How easy is it to read? You should consider font type, size, and colors carefully to improve legibility.
  • Shape and size of the cards
  • Texture or finish
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Tips for Creating a Business Card Design

Once you’ve determined the fonts, colors and other key elements that best represent your branding, here are some additional tips to help you design a successful business card:

  • Us the logo as the focus element. Your logo should stand out or be the largest component of the layout.
  • Keep the design as simple as possible. Including too much information will leave the space on your cards feeling cluttered. When this happens, your information gets lost in the jumble.
  • Don’t forget to include all ESSENTIAL information related to your business or service.
  • Choose a typeface that’s easy to read. Also keep in mind that smaller fonts can be challenging for some clients to make out.
  • Unless your logo or image is full color, stick to one or two major colors for your design.
  • Use basic design principles. This means making sure images are 300 DPI for quality reproduction. Keep copy 5mm from the trim edge. Use typography that’s large enough to be legible (for those of us with bifocals. 😉) Design your business cards in CMYK.
  • Consider special finishes as part of your design element. (Our PLUSH™ paper finish, for example, is velvety smooth and makes a huge impression on customers.)
  • Make your business cards useful by adding a magnetic back to the design or choosing a magnetic business card.
  • Only list professional social media accounts on your cards.
  • Always use new stock to produce your cards to present a professional image. (No one wants a dirty, smudge or wrinkled card.)
  • Reinforce your brand by using your logo within the design as well as the same colors you use throughout your branding.

Ways to Upgrade Your Business Cards

In order to really stand out from the crowd and remain competitive, there are several business card upgrades you can make. Here are the options we offer when you design your cards using our service.
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Magnetic Business Cards

It’s not uncommon for traditional business cards to get lost in the bottom of a purse. Or find that you accidentally tossed someone’s contact info when you cleaned out your wallet last year. This is where magnetic business cards make a difference.
 
Most of use magnets on a regular basis. Whether it’s to hang a photo of a grandchild or to display your son’s artwork. By turning your business cards into magnets, you offer a functional tool that not only increases exposure, but also ensures your contact information is always handy.
 
If you already have business cards on hand, you can easily upgrade them with a magnet by purchasing adhesive magnets. These magnets are the same size and shape of standard cards. Simply remove the backing and apply your business card to the adhesive.

Plastic Business Cards

Using plastic, rather than paper, to create your cards is another great design option. Our plastic business cards are durable, tear-proof and waterproof.
 
Personalize this upgrade with your custom design and contact information to make a bold statement. Then use the writable surface on the reverse side to make notes, relay a custom message, or include a one-time coupon code offer.

Plush™ Paper Finish

Have you ever touched something so soft and divine that you actually found it comforting? This is exactly how I feel about our Plush™ paper finish! This unique paper finish is like that first taste of ice cream on a hot summer day. It’s smooth and velvety. But, more importantly, it’s also addictive and fun!
 
If texture is an important part of your business card design, then this finish should top your list. Our Plush™ business cards feel soft, like suede, and are as luxurious as satin. So, they make a bold statement for a solid and polished first impression.
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Get Creative with Shapes

Just because business cards are traditionally a rectangle doesn’t mean you can’t deviate from the norm. For real estate agents and other industries related to home and housing, we offer house-shaped business cards. Or try one of our attractive fancy, wave, tooth-shaped, or square-shaped cards. You can even print your information vertically rather than horizontally on our traditionally shaped card designs. Or opt for sleek round corners.
 
Be sure to check out our website to view the full range of shapes and designs we have to offer.

Take Advantage of Both Sides

Trying to shove as much information as possible onto your business cards can lead to a poor design. Too much information in a small space can feel cluttered. Where do you focus? What’s important?
 
If you need more room to get your message across, then take advantage of the space on BOTH sides of the card with our double-sided business cards. We love using one side for just a photo, QR code or logo. While the opposite side contains pertinent information customers need to get in touch.
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Use Other Products

The thing about business cards is that they don’t necessarily have to be plain, card stock products that fit inside your wallet. To fill your need to reach customers in new and exciting ways, we created two spin-off bookmark products – MagMarks™ and BusinessMarks™.
 
These products serve the same purpose as business cards; however, they are also dual use. As they serve a purpose for the customer, they have greater impact than traditional options.
 
MagMarks™ are a two-in-one writable magnetic bookmark and business card. This keepsake bookmark makes a useful gift that clients love. They feature fun designs on the outside, and your business message or information on the inside.
 
Our BusinessMarks™ are an alternative option to our magnetic bookmarks. These don’t have a magnet, but rather are more like traditional bookmarks. The front of these marketing tools display fun graphics, a message, a quote or your real estate logo. Whereas the back contains the same information you’d include on a traditional business card.
 
Both of these quality marketing materials are also sold in a jumbo size for greater impact.
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Add Tools to Build Referrals

If your business relies on referrals, then consider adding referral builder envelopes to your purchase. They make it easy for friends and past clients to tell others about your business. By keeping your cards together and clean, your business shines. In addition, using envelopes for your business cards adds a level of class to your referral marketing.
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How to Distribute Business Cards

Once you design and print your business cards, you’ll need to distribute them to customers and prospects. Here are some easy ways to get your information into the hands of clients:

  • Hand out multiples so recipients can share the extra cards with friends, family, and coworkers.
  • Consider an upgrade, such as our business card magnets, to increase function and visibility and encourage sharing.
  • Send out cards with all your direct mail marketing.
  • Keep them on hand at all times so you never miss an opportunity.
 
For more ways to market your business, as well as information on new product launches and special offers, please subscribe to our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Ways to Use Promotional Calendars for Your Business Marketing

8/25/2021

 
Promotional calendars are an affordable and effective, year-round marketing tool for your business. Learn why custom calendars work. Plus, discover ways to use them to retain current customers, gain new clients and generate leads and referrals.
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Why are Calendars an Effective Marketing Tool?

With the digital age constantly bringing new challenges and innovations, you may be wondering if physical products are still a good way to advertise your business.
 
Are calendars really an effective marketing tool? The short answer is yes. In fact, marketing with calendars has the potential to be both more productive and cost-effective than advertising through email or digital ads.
 
Here are the top reasons you should consider marketing with custom promotional calendars:

Calendars get year-round visibility. After all, practically everyone uses a calendar to keep up with important dates and appointments. Including your logo and contact information on a business calendar increases brand awareness and ensures prospects always know how to get in touch.
 
They are an affordable form of advertising. When compared to pay-per-click campaigns on social media and through search engines, you pay a significantly less for engagement; pennies compared to dollars.
 
It makes it easy to reach your target audience. Some forms of advertising can feel like a long shot. Ad placements in print media reach a lot of people, but not necessarily those with whom you want to connect. However, getting your branded merchandise directly in the hands of your current customer base helps you retain their business, so you’re always their first call.
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Ways to Use Business Promotional Calendars for Marketing

You should focus your marketing campaign on three types of people: customers, prospects, and business associates. Here are some ways to use promotional calendars to target those groups:
 
Use GiftNotes™ to offer a personalized message to customers. You can also include a coupon code or other offer for your products or services on these cards. We can then send these custom inserts with your calendars as part of your marketing campaign to help you track conversions. Or you can hand them out yourself!
 
Keep the calendars out of sight. This allows you to offer them as a thank you gift, thereby giving them more impact.
 
Devise a yearly calendar exchange whereby customers bring in last year’s calendar to receive a new one. You can also include additional incentives upon pickup to further push your goals.
 
Offer additional calendars to clients to share with friends, family, and neighbors. This is an easy way to increase distribution without taking on additional work.
 
Display your calendars in places they’ll be seen. Getting permission to hang them in high traffic areas like coffee shops and waiting rooms makes these tools more likely to be noticed thereby increasing brand recognition.
 
Distribute them at trade shows. Even if your shows don’t fall toward the end of the year, you can still score with our mid-year or quarterly calendars.
 
Donate any leftover calendars to those in need. Nursing and senior homes always appreciate a useful gift.
 
Gift your promotional business calendars with a personalized pen. Adding a pen or magnetic notepad creates a complete gift that’s perfect for generating leads at open houses. Or use them to make swag bag favors for events or trade shows.
 
The academic market is another great way to reach potential clients. So don’t be afraid to target schools and related services. People in this field are regularly in need of calendars for planning. Therefore, you know you’ll stay at the top of their minds.
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What are the Different Types of Promotional Calendars?

At Magnets USA® we offer a wide selection of promotional calendars for your business. These include the following:
 
  • Magnetic Tear-Off
  • Peel and Stick
  • Year-at-a-Glance
  • Jumbo Magnetic Tear-Off
  • Econo-Lite Tear-Off
  • Mid-Year
 
All our calendars come with optional upgrades as well as bulk quantity discounts. Of these, our magnetic tear-off calendars are the most in demand.
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Why Magnetic Tear-Off Calendars are So Popular

Our magnetic tear-off calendars are our most popular calendar style among our own customers. Here are some of the reasons why we recommend this product so highly:
 
You can customize our tear-off calendars with your complete information – including your photo, logo, and contact details. So, it doubles as a business card, but better.
 
They are an economical way to market your products or services. We combine quality and affordability so you can be certain you are getting the best product for the money while impressing clients in the process.
 
The magnetic back on our branded calendars increase engagement. Customers are very likely to display these gifts where they’ll be seen every day – the refrigerator, a filing cabinet, or a locker. So, they quickly build brand awareness and provide your information at their fingertips.
 
While many people associate our calendars with real estate marketing, they also work for most other industries as well. Whether you’re a manufacturer, contractor, grocer or in hospitality, these products are a must for any marketing strategy.
 
All our calendar magnets are made in the USA. From production to printing, we handle your order from start to finish in-house with a 100% quality guarantee.
 
You can personalize your message further with our exclusive business building GiftNote™. These lightweight, greeting style notes are a great way to introduce yourself and connect with prospective clients.
 
We offer a peel and stick option for our magnetic toppers. This budget-friendly variation helps you save even more by allowing you to attach your business card to the top yourself. So, it’s perfect if you’re just starting out.
 
We don’t just print your custom calendars and call it quits. Here at Magnets USA® we also offer full mailing services to save you time and reduce expenses.
 
You can learn more about our promotional tear-off calendars here (link back to tear off calendar post) along with testimonials about our products.

Where Can I Buy Custom Promotional Calendars?

If you are looking for American made promotional calendars for your business promotions, then Magnets USA® is the best choice for your purchase. We are home to the ORIGINAL magnetic tear-off calendar and have been helping REALTORS®, mortgage agents, healthcare providers, sales professionals, and other related industries with their marketing since 1990.
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For more tips and promotional product ideas to keep you at the top of your marketing game, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Tear-Off Calendars: An Affordable Year-Round Marketing Solution

8/25/2021

 
Learn how to incorporate tear off calendars into your marketing strategy for affordable year-round marketing. Whether you need to marketing ideas for real estate or another consumer or service-based industry, magnetic tear off calendars are an easy way to create relationships that produce results. Connect with your clients, generate leads, and gain referrals with this top marketing solution that’s designed to fit your budget!
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Why Choose Tear-Off Calendars for Marketing?

Promotional calendars are a highly effective tool in marketing. As they provide year-long visibility for your brand, they are one of the BEST ways to spend your advertising dollars. When compared to cost per click on ad campaigns and other forms of digital advertising, you get a full year’s worth of ads for an incredibly low investment.
 
Here are some of the top reasons to choose tear-off calendars for your next marketing campaign:

  • They allow you to engage with your customers on a daily basis, even when you aren’t present, for cost-effective year-round exposure.
  • Themed calendars help you connect with those with similar interests. So, they’re more often to think of you first when they need services you offer.
  • Beautiful designs and functionality ensure this marketing tool is prominently displayed and stays in regular use.
  • Customization ensures your contact information is always at their fingertips.
  • They make a fantastic tool for small businesses that don’t have a big marketing budget like the major corporations.
  • Customers absolutely LOVE receiving calendars from businesses. They garner a positive response as well as generate leads and referrals both in the short term as well as for years to come.
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What Makes Our Magnetic Tear Off Calendars the Best Choice?

Obviously, there are lots of ways to market to your clientele and generate leads. However, you may be wondering, what exactly makes our calendars such a great option?
 
Here are the top reasons why Magnets USA® is the best choice for your calendar marketing:

  • We never outsource production of our magnetic calendars. They are always 100% produced and printed on location in Vinton, VA with on-site customer support ready to assist you.
  • We offer professional design services to help you create the perfect calendar magnets for your marketing strategy – so you can make an impact even if you’re technically challenged.
  • We don’t just print your custom calendars and call it quits. Here at Magnets USA® we also offer full mailing services to save you time and reduce expenses. Plus, the more you buy, the more you’ll save!
  • We offer tear off calendars in a variety of cover themes and options. So, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your clients regardless of the industry. Some of the theme options include recipes, quotes, and real estate tips.
  • As a small business ourselves, we recognize the challenges you face. Therefore, we always offer the best quality products at fair and competitive pricing.
  • These pad calendars not only have monthly tear off pages, but they also feature a magnetic topper that highlights your contact information.
  • We offer a peel and stick option for our magnet calendar toppers. This budget-friendly variation helps you save even more by allowing you to attach your business card to the top yourself. So, it’s perfect if you’re just starting out.
  • Our non-toxic, magnetic tops can be die cut into house-shaped designs or with rounded corners for extra flare.
  • The magnet means this product attaches easily to a home refrigerator or office filing cabinet where it will be regularly noticed and utilized, giving it increased visibility.
  • The Magnets USA® exclusive card stock backer includes a handy kitchen conversions table and home account info write in chart.
  • Each calendar features 13 full months of calendar pages with before, current and after months on the back of each page. While our recipe calendars feature a recipe card on the back of each calendar page for delicious, home cooked meal ideas.
  • We offer the option to send out a personalized, business building GiftNote™ with your magnetic calendar purchase. These lightweight, greeting style notes are a great way to introduce yourself to prospective clients and can also be customized with your photo and contact information.
  • Our extensive line of custom calendars is updated yearly. So, there’s always a fresh advertising tool to entice new customers.
  • Every one of the tear-off calendars from our regular line features a beautiful, full-color card stock cover. This makes them a more sturdy and durable option that our own customers love.
  • We 100% guarantee the quality of our products. So, you can rest assured that if a mistake occurs, we’ll take care of it!
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Jumbo Tear Off Calendars

Our jumbo tear off calendars are more popular than ever! Make a larger impact and stand out from the competition with this amazing upgrade.
 
Produced and printed right here in the USA, the same as our other magnetic calendar products, our jumbo versions can be mailed for 2 oz. postage. Or let us send them directly to your customer list for less to save you both time and money!
 
In addition to the same features as our standard size tear off calendars, here are some of the other amazing highlights our jumbo calendar pads offer:

  • They double as mini yearly planners with room to mark doctor’s appointments or dates to remember.
  • Our regular jumbo version features room for important notes. While the back side of the calendar pages on our jumbo recipe calendars tear off and fold in half to create 5.125” x 3.375” keepsake recipe cards.
  • They have a die-cut magnetic topper with rounded corners for a sleek design.
  • The size is more than double that of our standard magnetic calendar pads.
  • You can upgrade your purchase with a premium GiftNote™ that’s specially designed for the larger size. These business builders afford greater impact to your marketing campaign and give them a personal touch.
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When Is the Best Time to Order?

Planning ahead is crucial for making that first of the year impact. So, when is the best time to order?
 
Our promotional tear-off calendars are popular throughout the year. We even have some clients that gift them after the New Year. However, we typically find that mailing out your calendars so they are received between the week after Thanksgiving and just before Christmas has the biggest effect. Early delivery also gives you a chance to connect with potential clients before anyone else has the opportunity.
 
To ensure timely in-house production of your marketing materials, and to account for unpredictable mail delivery, we recommend that you place your order with us by the end of October for the best customer experience.
 
Did you miss your marketing deadline to send out a full year calendar? No problem! We also offer mid-year calendars so you can still come out ahead!

How Else Can I Use Calendars for Marketing?

While direct mail is a great way to get our tear off calendar magnets into the hands of customers, it’s not always an option when trying to reach prospective clients for whom you don’t have contact information. If you’re looking to advertise your services in person, then here are some great ideas for distribution:

  • Let’s face it. Business cards, like email, tend to get easily lost in the shuffle of day-to-day life. Rather than hand out business cards at your open house to generate leads, gift these calendars instead. They also make a great handout at a front reception desk as well as at conventions and trade shows.
  • Network with other local businesses for increased exposure to more people. Ask your community coffee shop, gym, or barber shop if they’re willing to set out your marketing materials for their customers. You can also offer them to people you may interact with in these areas on a regular basis.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you know personally. While your mail carrier or children’s soccer coach may not be current clients, you won’t know if they’re interested if you don’t ask! Give them a themed tear off calendar for their enjoyment and see where it takes you.
  • Keep extras in your car. Just like a business card, these products contain all your contact information – but with a bonus! Having additional calendars on hand are a great way to make a first impression with those you may randomly meet while conducting day-to-day business or shopping for groceries.
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What Our Customers Are Saying

Still not sure about ordering? Here’s just a small sample of some of the positive feedback we’ve received on using promotional calendars as a marketing tool:

  • For the past three years, with so tough a market, I would not have done as well as I have without the Refrigerator Calendars. Thank you Magnets USA for such innovative Calendars. They make my job as a Realtor, easier and more profitable. – Nanci W.
  • I was starting to wonder if all the Magnetic Calendars I had been giving out each year were worth the effort. I recently closed a property and afterward the client said, ‘see what 15 years of sending someone a calendar can do?’ I guess that answers my question closing just one house pays for many, many years of sending Calendars. – Doug B.
  • I anticipate eight to 10 listings from our mail-out over the year. From experience, we know not all calendars are the same quality. Yours are the best. For the money, this is the most effective marketing tool we use. – David R.
  • These calendars really work! I recently received an email from a young man requesting my assistance in finding his first home. When I asked if someone had referred him to me, his reply was, 'I know who you are, because your picture and calendar have been on my mom and dad's fridge since I was a little kid!' This same scenario has repeated itself over the past few years.  After sending out calendars for over 20 years to my sphere of influence, they have been my best spent dollars in advertising and keeping in touch. – Pam S.
  • Our real estate company has been ordering magnetic holiday calendars from Magnets USA for over 21 years. Each year the process gets easier because our representative is so helpful and completely knows her products and her clients' needs. If I have a question or a late order, our representative just handles it. – Karen D.
  • I send or hand out 400 pieces every year, and get calls and sales from my calendar mailings.  I use them to keep in touch with clients and friends, but mostly I farm certain neighborhoods.  I have received many calls from these calendars and have people come up and talk to me because they want to thank me for the calendar and the recipes.  What an easy and efficient marketing tool! – Fred L.
  • I have been a Realtor for over 40 years in the Colorado Springs area. I have always used Magnets USA products to keep in touch with my client base. My husband and I relocated to the Durango, CO area in 2009 and I put my Real Estate license on ice for 2.5 years. Upon returning to the area, I took the required courses to activate my license and started selling again in the area. I had little success the first few months. Then I received my personalized magnetic calendars from your company in December of 2014. I sent out 150-200 to my past clients and personal contacts. I actually mailed them on Christmas eve, December 24th. I received a phone call the first week of January from a previous client that had done several transactions in the past and he said: " I'm SO GLAD you're back. I started doing Fix and Flips 2 years ago, and I do not care for the Realtor I have been using. Will you please work with me to acquire distressed properties and then sell them for me?" I have been back in business for 7 years and received recognition in my office this January for the most listings by a Single Agent in our office of around 50 agents! I typically order Calendars, Baseball Schedules and Football Schedules. It's advertising money well spent. - Jackie Pierce Eaton
  • I have been ordering from Magnets USA for as long as I have been in the business, and I will continue to do so until I retire. My clients love the tear-off calendars that I send out every year, when it gets close to the holidays, I start receiving calls inquiring about whether I will send them each year, and I always say yes! The covers are beautiful, and the quality is excellent. I recently ordered the Learn, Live, Hope notepads and have gotten an extremely positive response from them, more so than I was expecting. These are definitely a winner. - Nina Cimini
As always, if you have questions, we are ready to assist you! You can order our marketing calendars online or give us a call at (800) 869-7562.
 
For more tips and products to keep you at the top of your marketing game, as well as ideas on how to market yourself as a REALTOR®, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Marketing Merchandise + Ideas

8/23/2021

 
Highlight your commitment to raising breast cancer awareness with our promotional pink ribbon merchandise. These items make a great addition to your regular marketing materials to help generate leads and gain referrals.
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The Fight to Find a Cure

Many of us know someone personally who has been affected by breast cancer. As the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, the fight against breast cancer is a movement we can all get behind.
 
Ensuring women get annual health screenings is an important step for early detection. Give your clients a gentle reminder to schedule their yearly mammogram, and help spread awareness, with our line of pink ribbon themed products.
 
Our pink hope ribbon line of merchandise is a creative way to emphasize your stance, while also promoting your business. Use these marketing materials for promotional mailers, real estate open houses, networking gifts, community events, and swag bag favors.
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What month is breast cancer awareness?

October is breast cancer awareness month. This yearly campaign begins on the first day of October and extends through the end of the month.
 
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to spread awareness as part of your seasonal marketing campaigns!
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Breast Cancer Awareness Merchandise + Products

Magnets USA® is a great place to buy merchandise for your October campaigns. We make it easy to promote breast cancer awareness while also marketing your business! In addition to relaying a positive message of hope, most of our products can also be customized with your business logo and contact information. So, clients and leads can easily stay in touch.
 
Following are some of the great ideas for custom breast cancer awareness items that you can buy from our family-owned business.

Pink Breast Cancer Ribbon Bottle Opener

This personalized fridge magnet bottle opener is a great way to bring awareness and show support for breast cancer survivors. Hand out these stainless-steel bottle openers in October to remind customers of the importance you place on women’s health.

Business Card Bookmarks

These business card bookmarks are a handy and economical marketing gift. Our conversation starting BusinessMarks™ feature seven inspirational breast cancer awareness designs. Simply add your marketing message and contact information to the backside to distribute at local events.

Pink Ribbon Kitchen Scrapers

Our kitchen super scrapers are a favorite client gift among women. Decorated with a pink ribbon and awareness verbiage, our original kitchen scrapers have vibrant, full color printing and are designed to handle the toughest residue. While our XL super scrapers also remove ice from windshields, clean cast iron and tackle other tough jobs in the kitchen.

Hope Ribbon Plush MagMarks™

These magnetic bookmarks are an undeniably useful tool for readers. Another custom product, these writable bookmarks serve as a unique way to promote your cause or services.

Find the Cure Car Magnet

Show your support to find a cure with these beautiful, die-cut pink ribbon car magnets. Created with bold, full-color printing, a laminated finish and an 18-month colorfast warranty, these magnets are a great way for you and your clients get behind this important cause.

Breast Cancer Awareness Magnetic Calendars

Relay your hope for a cure with our line of year-at-a-glance calendar magnets. Featuring a yearly calendar view along with a pink ribbon in a variety of designs, these products are easy to personalize with your photo, logo, and contact details.

Hope Ribbon GiftNotes™

Upgrade any of these amazing marketing materials with a breast cancer awareness gift note. Our custom GiftNotes™ are easy to personalize. Include a personal message in a hand-written font of your choice along with your name and photo to create the perfect accompaniment for your client gifts.
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We hope these tools give you everything you need to launch a successful promotional campaign. However, should you need additional assistance, you can discover more ways to market your business here.
 
Also be sure to check out our client gift guide for the upcoming holiday season. You’ll find lots of great ideas for branded gifts to help build relationships and generate referrals.
 
You can also subscribe to our newsletter as well as follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Real Estate Marketing Ideas: Easy and Effective Strategies for Success

8/23/2021

 
Real estate marketing isn’t about marketing as much as possible. Rather, it’s about marketing more effectively to generate the results you want. This post covers easy ways to market yourself as a REALTOR® with a comprehensive list of real estate marketing ideas and strategies proven to work.
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Easy and Effective Real Estate Marketing Ideas

Most home buyers are looking for a home that’s the perfect fit for their family or lifestyle. Therefore, it’s important that real estate agents show clients they are great at matching prospective clients with their dream home.
 
The following real estate marketing ideas for agents will assist you in laying a solid foundation for success. Not only will these strategies help you market your business, but they will also aid you in establishing credibility and relationships with customers.
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Create a Business Website

Now more than ever it’s important to have a website for your brand. As real estate agents, your real estate website is a home base for your business and contact information. In addition to providing details on how to get in touch, your business website also provides a space to:

  • Provide details about yourself and your qualifications through real estate bio.
  • Share customer testimonials and experiences.
  • Encourage email signups for direct communication.
  • Offer information on open houses or upcoming events.
  • Showcase new listings.
  • Utilize a lead generation tool for home appraisals, or other similar subject matter, in which a customer enters their email address for results.
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Develop Video Content

One of my favorite modern ideas for real estate marketing involves video. This form of marketing is especially appealing to the Instagram and TikTok generation. However, it is also helpful for older clients who may have mobility issues or health concerns about in person meetings or walkthroughs. Or, if children are assisting parents with the process of finding a multi-generational home.
 
Producing videos is incredibly easy and affordable thanks to today’s smartphones. There are lots of great photo and video-editing apps available for both mobile phones and desktop computers. Apps such as Canva provide simple editing tools that allow you to create professional looking videos by simply dragging and dropping video clips and images into place. There are even tools for adding text and music for a polished presentation.
 
Video marketing is also more effective than other types of media. Not only are video messages 40% more likely to be opened, but they are also three times as likely to garner a response.
 
You can use videos to:
 
  • Film walkthroughs of new real estate on the market.
  • Create post-closing client testimonials that highlight your strengths as a real estate professional.
  • Produce cold outreach videos introducing yourself and the services you provide.
  • Make day-in-the-life video posts to connect on a personal level with prospects.
  • Conduct a video tour of the property.
  • Offer educational real estate videos for first time home buyers that covers pertinent information they need to know as they navigate the process.
  • Capture the neighborhood with a neighborhood video tour to show how it appears when the park is full of children. Or highlight local activities such as couples grabbing dinner at a food truck or shopping at the local farmer’s market.
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Build an Email List

Unlike social media marketing, where you are dependent on the platform algorithms that determine engagement, direct email marketing is a great way to connect directly with potential leads and clients. But what should you write about? Here are some ideas for creating emails that help you connect with real estate customers, keep them informed and build relationships that drive conversations:
 
  • Keep potential clients engaged and up to date with what’s new by sharing new listing and open houses.
  • Use your email to share personal or relatable events or milestones to build trust and relationships that lead to future sales or referrals. Share your grandmother’s favorite fall recipe. Or send a photo of those gorgeous tomatoes you grew in your garden.
  • Send customer testimonials and announce new closings. After all, excitement is contagious! When people see you’re performing well, it also reassures them that you’re up to the task when it’s time for them to recruit you.
  • Share information that’s helpful or relevant to home ownership. We can always use tips for home maintenance, ides for staging a home to sell and other resources related to buying, selling, or maintaining a home.
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Utilize Social Media

Much like a personalized email list for your real estate business, social media is another easy way to stay in touch and connect with your target market.
 
It’s important to stay active on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to build meaningful connections that later convert into business opportunities. Therefore, don’t be afraid to share more intimate details about your life to increase engagement.
 
All the top REALTORS® I’ve considered through my own searches strive to make a personal connection with me online. I get to see photo highlights from their vacation, prize garden crops, unique meals, and even pictures of their kids on the first day of school.
 
If you need real estate social media post ideas, here are some ideas of things you can share on social media to help boost your real estate marketing:

  • Share personal aspects of your life, including fun stories or photographs. You aren’t just selling your services, but also yourself. People want to know you are relatable and enjoyable to work with, and that you are someone they can trust.
  • Tell stories about the homes you are selling. Photos and descriptions of a home’s features are obviously important to the sale. However, by sharing stories around other people’s experiences living there helps to romanticize the listing so clients can envision their future life there.
  • Post new listings. As real estate is the core of your business, social media is a great opportunity to share new listings. This is an easy way to reach a wide range of people, including those you may not have interacted with previously. Encourage others to tag their friends on these posts, for example, if this listing would make their perfect dream home.
  • Create video walkthroughs. Seeing photos of a house is one thing. Feeling like you’re actually there is a totally different experience. Video walkthroughs are an innovative and easy way to help prospective clients save time and get excited about a new home.
Don’t forget to engage with potential clients on your posts and interact in relevant groups. There are algorithms in place across every social media platform that reward engagement. By responding to comments, sharing posts, and interacting with other pages or within groups, you ensure your messages are seen by as many eyes as possible.
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Make a Local Business Page on Google

Google serves as a phonebook for the new generations. While most of us no longer use the local white or yellow pages to find companies, we are no strangers to google search.
 
Therefore, building a local business page is a quick way to be discovered. While soliciting reviews helps lend credibility to your profile and springboard your real estate marketing efforts without investing any additional funds.
 
You can visit google.com/business to create an account.

Create a Profile on Zillow

Zillow has grown to become a primary resource for market research when customers want to buy or sell a home. Therefore, like Google, it’s imperative to create a Zillow profile.
 
Not only is it free to create, but Zillow also gives real estate professionals top placement as the listing agent for all your active listings. You can also ask for customer reviews to help increase traffic and build a successful profile for generating new leads.
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Send Custom Mailers and Personalized Note Cards

Despite the growth of the digital age, direct mail isn’t dead. In fact, direct mail yields a higher response rate from customers than online ads and email.
 
There are several reasons why direct mail still works for real estate marketing:
 
  • There is less competition. On average, consumers receive just two pieces of mail a day. When compared to email, there’s an obvious advantage.
  • Response from direct mail is higher than both email and online ads. Promotional emails have an expected return of 1%, while online ads have only 0.3% engagement. Direct mail, on the other hand, has a response rate of 4.4% on average across every industry.
  • It takes an average of five follow ups to close a sale. Direct mail is more personal than an email and saves time over a phone call. It’s also a great way to sweeten the pot without flooding in boxes with yet another message.
  • As the landscape of the world changes, and events and activities remain in flux, direct mail has become more effective. A recent survey from the American Association of Advertising Agencies indicated 43% of consumers are reassured by hearing from brands they know and trust. Direct mail offers the opportunity to maintain a personal touch without having to meet in person.
  • Unlike email marketing, direct mail marketing doesn’t require that recipients opt in to receive messages. Your marketing materials will also never end up in a spam folder, completely unseen.
  • It’s more effective than email. Whereas emails are quickly deleted or forgotten, thank you notes, and other forms of direct mail tend to stick around longer. Often mail will sit on a desk or counter for weeks, reminding them to take action at a later date.
  • Direct mail can support your social media and mobile real estate marketing strategies.
 
Here at Magnets USA®, we make it easy to incorporate direct mail into your marketing plan. We offer direct mail real estate marketing materials such as small custom client gifts, self-mailers and personalized note cards to help further establish and secure business relationships.
 
Likewise, our custom gift notes are also a useful solution for direct mail marketing. These essential business builders ensure you connect with leads on a personal level when sending out a thank you or a prospective client gift. Start with our pre-written content, then personalize it as much as you like to target your unique customer base.
 
In addition to thank you notes, some other ideas for marketing by mail include sending out postcards highlighting homes just listed or just sold or with helpful home maintenance tips. You can also mail out inspirational contact cards or magnetic mailers with sports schedules or calendars.
 
Make sure prospective clients can easily find you by listing your website, phone number and email on all real estate promotional materials.
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Hand Out Promotional Gifts

Promotional gifts are key to any real estate marketing strategy – especially when it comes to referrals. Some of the top promotional gift ideas for real estate agents include:
 
  • Calendars with Recipe Cards
  • Year-at-a-Glance Fridge Calendar Magnets
  • Sports Schedules
  • School Schedules
  • Kitchen Scrapers
  • Personalized Note Pads
  • Magnetic Bottle Openers
  • Custom Fridge Magnets
  • Personalized Key Rings

Create a Buzz

Keeping up with the Jones’ is more than just a saying. The reality is that most people want what they can’t have. You can create a buzz around a listing by making it seem more exclusive than it really is.
 
Price a home slightly under market value to expose the property to a larger number of clients to create hype and start a bidding war
Limit showings to a single open house to get as many eyes as possible within one time frame
Create a deadline to receive offers so buyers come prepared and have a sense of urgency to act now
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Special Events

Events are another great way to reach clients. Social gatherings not only get people interested, but they also help to create a buzz around a home. Stage a home for more than an open house with food, drinks, raffles, and live entertainment to really get folks excited about buying.
 
You can advertise your event free though social media channels such as Facebook events or Instagram. By placing significant value on an open house and making into an event, you are setting the stage for a successful showing with plenty of buzz around your value as a real estate agent.
 
Client appreciation events are another great networking opportunity to gain referrals. You can easily strengthen “top of mind presence” by hosting events for past clients in addition to lenders, inspectors, title officers and home warranty reps all in the same setting. I recommend piggybacking off a community event for greater impact, while offering free food and real estate marketing materials that clients will use every day.
 
Other worthwhile event ideas for real estate marketing include first-time home buyer workshops, seminars on renting versus buying, and community volunteer opportunities in which you can become a sponsoring partner.
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Network with Local Businesses

Team up with other local businesses to help build referrals and generate new leads through networking. Profile local artists or coffee shops, florists or downtown businesses in your emails or social media in exchange for their help sharing your custom real estate marketing materials.
 
You can also include coupons to their business or other promotional materials at open houses. Or use them as additional swag bag favors at events. You can also include them as part of a gift basket filled with REALTOR® client gifts. Or connect with other businesses for raffle donations for a cross-promotional giveaway campaign.
 
Additionally, you can also co-market with other professionals related to your industry such as home warranty companies, financial lenders, or home inspectors. This can help to exponentially increase your exposure.
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Ask for Referrals

Another great way to build your business as a real estate professional is to ask for referrals. While it’s easy to obtain leads via word of mouth from friends and family, you can easily expand these opportunities by networking with people you interact with on a regular basis.
 
Whether it’s opening dialogue with your local barista or the teachers at your child’s daycare, asking general questions about family, jobs, and dreams is an easy lead into home buying and ownership.
 
Networking gifts that remind clients that you love referrals are another great marketing tool. They can easily be customized with your contact information; and unlike business cards, these items are used on a regular basis.
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Build a Blog

Building a blog is great for content marketing. It’s also an easy way to expand on information you share through emails or social media.
 
There are, however, a number of ins and outs to blogging. Not only do you need strong writing skills, but it also helps immensely to be knowledgeable in search engine information and have a strong social media profile. Consistency is also key.
 
While blogs can and do generate leads, it does require some dedication. Without consistent, quality material, you won’t get much traction with a blog. For this reason, they can be time consuming. Therefore, this route isn’t for everyone.
 
However, if your budget allows, you can hire a real estate VA (virtual assistant) who has the expertise to create results. Outsourcing blog content is commonplace and a great way to save time and forego mistakes when getting started. A typical real estate VA can collaborate with you on ideas for articles, research and write the posts, as well as make certain your content is optimized for search engine rankings.

Retarget Potential Real Estate Clients

Both buying and selling a house are huge decisions for consumers. Most people deliberate purchasing real estate over the course of several months to years. Therefore, reminding potential customers you are here for them is a great way to finally snag clients once they’re ready to make the leap.
 
Retargeting prospects you’ve contacted prior is another great marketing strategy. You can easily reconnect with clients through your website, social media, and custom mailers. However, targeted emails and Facebook ads are also highly effective at reaching interested customers.
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Gain Referrals through REALTOR® Closing Gifts

Closing gifts are common among real estate agents as well as a highly recommended business strategy. REALTOR® closing gifts let customers know you are grateful for the opportunity to work with them. However, they can also help you gain referrals down the road.
 
In general, you don’t want to spend too little on a closing gift. This makes the gift feel like an afterthought. However, you also want to keep the gift appropriate for the situation. As a good rule of thumb, closing gifts should cost around $50-$100.

LifeLong Gifts

In order assist you in selecting quality client gifts, we created LifeLong Gifts™.
 
All the merchandise offered through LifeLong Gifts™ are heirloom worthy products. They are designed for practical use with a nod to unique, customizable designs that you and your customers will love. They’re a great way to not only show your appreciation, but also to be remembered!
 
Choose from a wide array of memorable real estate client gift ideas including:
 
  • Professional Knives and Sets
  • Premium Cutlery Sets
  • Ulu Knives with Board Bowls
  • Engraved Wine Boxes and Accessories
  • Wooden Cutting Boards and Serving Trays
  • Personalized Serving Ware
  • Custom Hunting Knife
  • Personalized Grilling Set
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Also be sure to check out holiday client gift guide for more great ideas!

Other Considerations for Real Estate Marketing

When you’re primarily in business for yourself, it can be challenging to pull everything off by yourself. While it may cost you less up front to handle all the aspects of real estate marketing yourself, it could also hurt you in the long run.
 
Listings that don’t entice customers or poorly photographed spaces won’t just fail to gain momentum; they can also turn prospective clients off. Therefore, consider outsourcing work for which you aren’t qualified. This may include hiring a writer, photographer, or a videographer to guarantee professional results that put you ahead of the competition.
 
Homes that are professionally photographed sell 32% faster than those that aren’t. Often, buyers also pay 10-20% more for these properties. Thus, proving that presentation is key to a successful listing.
We hope that you find these real estate marketing ideas helpful as you plan your promotional strategy for success. For more great ideas to help you stay at the top of your marketing game, as well as information on new product launches and special offers, please subscribe to our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
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