Generating real estate leads doesn't have to a marketing hurdle. If your open houses are starting to feel a little bland, we have a couple of ideas to spice things up! This post covers easy ways to generate leads when you're feeling stuck.

Let's face it. Between helping customers find their dream home, the paperwork and the travel, your marketing strategy can take a hit. Where do you find the time to obtain new customers?

Striking a balance between selling and lead generation isn't always easy. However, these creative marketing ideas will not only help to ensure your success, but also lead to new referrals. Following are some of the easiest ways to get people excited about your open house!

Give your guests what they want — free stuff! Place a basket on the kitchen counter that's filled with small, useful gifts, like our stainless steel Box & Bottle Openers or our SuperScraper XL. They’re both extremely handy, high-quality freebies that your guests will appreciate and use every day. Plus your business gets repeated exposure in the process! 

Another useful strategy for lead generation is to host a giveaway. Have visitors sign up for your email or mailing list for a chance to win an eye-catching gift, like our LifeLong Gifts Cheese Knife or Keepsake Wine Box. (Each of these client gift ideas can be engraved with your business information). Display the giveaway piece next to tasty snack items, like cheese, crackers and fruit. 

For more great ways to grow your real estate business, be sure to check out these other real estate marketing ideas. Or browse our full line of custom promotional products at Magnets USA.

We believe our Personalized Inserts are a critical part of your marketing mail-out. Whether you're sending out calendars (all of our calendars have a matching insert!), sports schedules or notepads, including an insert is an amazing way to put a face — and a personality — to your name.

But they can also do so much more.

When done right, Personalized Inserts can connect with recipients, turn prospects into paying clients and encourage referrals. Here are a few tips to get you started: 

• Make our pre-written text your own. All of our inserts come loaded with a pre-written letter. You're more than welcome to use it, but we strongly encourage you to switch things up and let your personality shine. 
• Mention something specific to your community. You know your neighborhood better than anyone, so show it! Mention your high school rivalries, your favorite local festival, or your favorite spot to have fun with the family. When prospects relate, or get a better sense of who you are, they're more likely to reach out when they need your services.
• Let them know why you've sent this gift. This is your chance to encourage them to hang their magnetic gift on the fridge or in the office as a way to keep everyone organized and on track.
• Tell them how the local market is. The goal here is to show that you're an expert. Mentioning whether it's a buyer's or seller's market boosts credibility and may create urgency to get their home listed with you.
• Close with a friendly reminder that your small business thrives on referrals. Even if your recipient isn't ready for your services, they probably know several friends who are. You can't afford not to mention this!

Here at Magnets USA, we don't believe in just selling products. We strive to educate our customers on why and how to use them to generate more leads and foster client loyalty. In other words, we want our products to help grow your business! 

Here are a few resources to help you get the most from your Magnets USA sports schedules, calendars and more: 

Does the thought of coming up with a yearly marketing plan make your head spin? This one is for you: 
Suggested Yearly Marketing Plan

​Want to see how our Magnetic Football Schedules can boost your business? Learn more, and see which type of football schedule is right for you: 
Football Schedules 101

If you recently ordered a sports schedule from us, here are nine creative ways to get them out in your community:
Sports Schedule Marketing 101

When you're ready to design your Magnets USA product, our photo tips guide is a must-read: 
Photo Tips

It's June, which means our famous Tear-Off Magnetic Calendars are coming soon! Be ready for launch with this helpful guide: 
Calendar Marketing 101 

Have a custom design in mind? Avoid these common design mistakes: 
Common Design Mistakes

FROM WORST SEAT TO BEST
Way in the back, behind a pole, sat Donnie Martin, Magnets USA chief operating officer. It was the middle of a long day at the SuiteWorld Convention in Las Vegas, and he was exhausted. 

But then he received a text that turned things around. It was from Jay Forrester, Magnets USA IT director, who was also at the convention.

"I have a surprise for you," the text read. "Tomorrow Magnets USA will be announced as the winner of the YourSuite Award." 

The YourSuite Award recognizes a company with "the most innovative and impactful solution using the SuiteCloud platform," according to Evan Goldberg, executive vice president of development for Oracle NetSuite. 

Donnie couldn't believe it. After months of transitioning Magnets USA to NetSuite, a cloud-based business management software by Oracle, the hard work was paying off.  

The following day, Donnie and Jay had front-row seats in the 4,500-person audience. 

"I guess that's what was so funny to me," Donnie says. "[Going from the worst seat to the best] was what much of this project has been like — full of highs and lows."

​DRIVEN BY INNOVATION
As Magnets USA was named the winner ahead of Uruguay company UES, Donnie and Jay took the stage to receive the award. 

"Being recognized by NetSuite against some of the best companies out there lets us know we are heading in the right direction," Jay says. "We've led the way in marketing innovation for the real estate industry since the 1990s, and now we're extending that energy into technology. Not only will we continue to to be the leader in product innovations, but also customer service and manufacturing efficiency."

A TEAM EFFORT
Donnie and Jay will be the first to tell you they can't take credit for the award. This was a team effort. Every department has had to drastically alter what "business as usual" means to them. 

"I am incredibly proud of the work that everyone has done to implement and start using this software," says Jennifer Beishir, Magnets USA programs manager. "Change can be trying, but everyone has stepped up their game and worked so hard to make it happen."

When Donnie looks at the award, he doesn't gawk at the crystal or nice etching. 

"I see the sacrifices so many on our team have made — time away from their families — to make this transition happen."

GOING FORWARD
Earning the YourSuite award isn't an end result for Magnets USA — it is motivation to keep improving.

"The capabilities for growth ... will change the nature of our business," Beishir says. "It’s exciting to think about, and I can’t wait to see what happens."

Donnie presents the YourSuite award to the company earlier this week. 

Score a front-row seat on every fridge in your area by sending out our famous Magnetic Football Schedules. With millions of Americans following a college, pro or high school team, football schedules cater to a supportive and appreciative audience. In turn, this creates a sense of community, as well as loyalty toward your brand.

​Pro tip: Complete your mailing with a football-themed insert (in the photo above) and a football envelope for ultimate impact. 

Open up the conversation with Magnetic Box & Bottle Openers. Here's what you need to know about this handy gift: It's a high-quality stainless steel bottle opener that also opens boxes, and each one is personalized with your branding, so recipients always know who to call. 

Pro tip: Pass them out at tailgates and local games, or use them as fun referral gifts. 

Rack up new leads by hosting a giveaway for our LifeLong Gifts Gourmet Grilling Set. This incredible gift features a heavy-gauge stainless steel tongs, spatula (with a built-in bottle opener) and fork. It's also engraved with your name and logo. 

Pro tip: Display one at your next open house for even more entries.