Four unique real estate marketing ideas for the holiday season

The leaves are falling, the lattes are spiced, and another holiday season is almost here.

While the thought of lively celebrations may be a welcome idea, some parts of the country are still coping with last-minute closings and ever-changing restrictions.

Don’t let that stop you from showing clients how much you appreciate their business and the referrals they’ve shared throughout the year.

No matter what kind of hurdles you faced in recent months, you found creative ways to continue serving your clients’ needs. From Facetime house tours to contactless inspections, you helped buyers and sellers find new ways of living, working, and staying connected through tough times.

In the spirit of low-stress holiday festivities, here are four ways to spread cheer this holiday season.

Social media surprises

As a busy agent, your social platforms are likely full of listings and recent sales –– super! If you’ve also established yourself as the local real estate guru, your followers have surely come to appreciate your knowledge and insights.

The holidays are a nice time to add some unexpected content to your real estate marketing mix. Create posts that will delight the homeowners (and seekers) you cater to. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Go live: Sharing short videos of all of the wonderful things you’re experiencing this season is a great way to bond with others over the community you share. Maybe it’s a one-day sale on the year’s most popular gift, a gingerbread display, or a magnificent holiday light tour. Share the fun with followers and friends so they don’t miss out!

Make ‘em laugh: With so much of the world working remotely, we’ve come to treasure the moments of comic relief that stream through our laptops. From silly memes to National Ugly Sweater Day (that’s December 17, btw), don’t be afraid to throw humor into your marketing matrix. For inspiration from brands mastering funny (while reminding us of their value), check out this piece from Hubspot.

Inspire engagement: Asking for someone’s opinion is flattering, even in a Facebook feed. Found a scrumptious cookie recipe? Ask followers to share theirs. Looking for local, kid-friendly events? Invite readers to make suggestions. Engagement creates a stronger impression than a passive glance at your posts. It builds rapport and forges lasting connections.

Drive-by giving

In the age of Amazon, porch packages don’t quite elicit the delight they once did. Here’s where you can make an impression by leaving a gift that stands out among a sea of brown boxes.

How about a gorgeous holiday wreath, specially made to complement your client’s unique house color or decor? Or a beautifully framed photo of a newly acquired home along with an inscription of their closing date? Perhaps a personalized welcome mat that speaks to their hobbies, heritage, or favorite team?

The options for contactless tokens and appreciation are endless. If you need more ideas, head over to Etsy or Pinterest for some buzz-worthy gifts that are likely to be shared among your followers, friends, and family.

Whiskers and wet noses

Pair holiday cheer with beloved pets and your animal-loving clients are sure to bite. Whether you’re posting photos of your own pup in an elf hat, letting followers know when Santa’s open for pet photos, or asking for holiday-themed snapshots of their cats, dogs, and hamsters, be prepared to bond with your online community.

Better yet, ask clients to share photos of their pets basking in the glory of the homes you helped them find. Is it the labradoodle’s first backyard? A kitten’s first attempt at stairs? A garden tub where the Chihuahua can do laps?

Best of all, make it a contest and give away prizes! Invite followers to share photos and videos that meet certain criteria (funniest, most adorable, most inappropriate) and award gift cards to online pet shops. To keep things fair, put it to a public vote.

Goodwill gestures

We can’t forget the joy of giving back during the holidays. In an industry that revolves around community, there are certainly causes near and dear to your clients’ hearts.

You can base your charitable giving ideas around special days, including:

• World Kindness Day: Celebrated on November 13, this is a wonderful opportunity to get your clients, followers, and fans to share how they spread cheer throughout your town. Toy drives? Senior gift trees? Animal shelter donations? Acknowledge your contacts for their good deeds, share their stories, and be sure to post photos and videos of your own team at fundraisers and volunteer events.
• National Roof Over Your Head Day: On December 3, you might ask clients to share why they’re grateful for the home they live in, share a photo of a favorite room in your home, or invite others to volunteer at a local shelter. For contactless giving, ask for donations on behalf of a local housing nonprofit. Ask the organization to send a note of thanks to those who contribute.

You can also ask clients to leave gently used coats and jackets on their porches. Offer to pick them up on a certain day and deliver them to the dry cleaners and other businesses that collect these much-needed items each year. Leaving a personalized note of thanks is a great idea too.

For much of the year, real estate marketing involves lots of specs, stats, and digital prowess. During the holidays, just have fun! While industry experience is key, what people really value is your integrity and values. The winter season is the perfect time to show your compassion, humor, and genuine care for your community.

Check out this inspiring story about Kathy Lawrence, a Weichert affiliate in Huntsville, and the recognition she received for being a good neighbor in her local community. We’ll be sure to share uplifting stories as we learn of them in the coming months. Until then, stay warm, be safe, and enjoy this special season.