Spread marketing cheer this holiday

It’s that time of year again for spreading warmth and showing your customers, prospects, and community how much you care. Yes, the holidays are a perfect time to create one final, festively driven marketing push before the year ends. It’s a golden opportunity for you, your agents, and your business to shine as bright as the twinkling lights wrapped around lamp posts down at town center.

So, in the spirit of the season, Weichert® has seven holiday marketing ideas for you to consider. They’re all joyful, easy to implement, and, of course, strategic.

1. Send handwritten holiday cards. The holidays are an ideal time to show your existing customers that you value their business (no matter how many years it goes back). Nothing says, “I appreciate you” more than a personalized message penned on a sweet paper card that actually goes into an envelope, with a stamp, to arrive in their mailbox. Be sure to reference something specific, from addressing them by their first names to making a statement about your history together. For example, “Happy first holiday in your new home! I hope this is the beginning of making many beautiful memories there this time of year!” or “Happy holidays to you both! I hope the season is not too snowy. Keep me posted if you decide that next year needs to be somewhere that doesn’t require a shovel!”

2. Offer homeowner holiday tips. Send an email that offers real value this time of year. Choose from a host of themes that customers will appreciate, from tips for winterizing to holiday-specific tips for safety. Make it a checklist format to help customers take action. It can include tips for exterior maintenance (e.g., clean gutters, winterize outdoor furniture and fixtures); HVAC systems (e.g., replace furnace filters); energy efficiencies (e.g., seal leaks around windows and doors); and holiday-specific tasks (e.g., check circuits for holiday lights, keep burning candles away from children and pets).

3. Host a toy drive. This is a great community builder. Tell people about your toy drive through social media, email, and in-person efforts. You can also create flyers and post them in visible places, such as the library. Be sure to also share the outcome of your toy drive, which gives this marketing idea a one-two punch for engagement. Weichert Companies has been sponsoring a toy drive for over 40 years!

4. Drop a gift at customers’ doors. This is another ideal opportunity to personalize your marketing. If the family has young children, drop off a gift card to the local ice cream shop. Sometimes something even as small as a few packets of hot cocoa with a bag of marshmallows can create a warm and fuzzy message that people appreciate—and that casts a positive halo around your brand that will carry over to the new year. And if they are home when you drop by, it’s a great way to have a face-to-face conversation and catch up. Weichert keeps a list of month-by-month pop-by ideas available just for the occasion.

5. Hang festive door hangers. Door hangers are a tried-and-true marketing tactic for our industry. Make yours extra special this time of year by really tapping into the spirit of the season. Be sure to still spotlight your brand, but then add an extra something that is sure to make someone smile. This way it’s not the typical “Looking to sell your home?” message. It’s more about meeting the customer where they are—and that is likely in the holiday frenzy and spirit.

6. Create a recipe exchange. Send recipe postcards with seasonal dishes. You can also distribute them at local events, farmer’s markets, or open houses. Or start a recipe exchange social media campaign. Start the party with one of your own favorite recipes or a recipe that comes from a local restaurant. This can be a great way to co-promote with establishments within the community.

7. Use holiday trends to engage your audience. Instagram and TikTok are filled with trends this time of year. Tap into them! You can try something fun or share a relaxing video featuring a scenic view around the fireplace and with a positive message. Try creating short-form videos to get yourself in the mix in a relevant way.

We hope these tips inspire you to get out there with some marketing strategies that make the most of the holidays. Use this time of year to stand out. Take action now and tap into this short and focused holiday window.

Reach out to us to learn more about how Weichert can support your business during the holiday season and all year long.