Sending cards is such an important, yet overlooked approach to building relationships outside of the real estate transaction with your clients. Realtors who send cards to their clients are on the right track and value the importance of standing out against the crowd.
We all have busy lives where time is of the essence. By sending out a greeting card to your client, you are opening yourself up to an opportunity to slow down, acknowledge and celebrate important events with your clients in a sincere and meaningful way that will allow for lasting relationships.
So, exactly at what occasion should you send a greeting card to your client?
The first step in creating consistency around sending client cards is to determine exactly when you want to send them out to your database. Here are just a few to get you started:
- Welcome New Client Card
- Birthday Cards
- Anniversary Cards
- Thanksgiving Holiday Cards
- Thank You for the Referral Cards
The Welcome New Client Card sends welcoming personal message to your clients. This reinforces they have made the right decision to move forward and work with you. It should be hand-written and personally signed - DO NOT pre-print your labels and use a signature stamp.
Birthdays are a special day for most individuals. Make your clients feel special by sending them a card that they would enjoy receiving. I like to add in a $20 gift certificate for a local bakery or cafe in their neighbourhood. It's the little things that matter in our business.
One of my absolute favourite card to send out it is the Thanksgiving Card instead of the traditional December Holiday Card. Holiday cards can come off as fake and insincere. In other words, it looks like another company going through the motion of getting their holiday communication out so they can 'check it off their list’.
Remember, it’s not just about making contact with your clients – it’s about making a positive impact on them and about building relationships. To stand out from the rest, send a Thanksgiving Card and include a quote to say thanks. Not only will your Thanksgiving card be unique, but it can cause your clients to reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving - which is important. That alone, can have a significant impact on your clients.
Last, but certainly not least, each time you receive a referral from a client, you should send a “Thank You” Card. The key to a successful card in this case is that it goes out immediately - before you’ve even determined if the introduction will become a client. It’s about your client trusting you enough to share their experience with someone they know and ultimately introduce you to that individual. This is the highest compliment you can receive. Thank your client immediately for their continued trust and confidence in you as a Realtor, because that’s exactly what they are demonstrating.
My biggest guide for sending out greeting cards to your clients is to ensure that all of your envelopes are hand-written with their address and you return address, as well as using an actual stamp. Nothing screams ‘mass mailing’ like a postage meter stamp across the top right corner of an envelope. You’ve come this far, so make sure the last few details continue to exude the personal touch intended.
With Love | Nikki xo