Print newsletters still have a place in today’s digital world.
You can mail them out to your sphere to stay in touch, send it to your farming neighborhoods, or ask to leave glossy copies at local businesses.
The real problem with print newsletters is the amount of time it takes. It can be a struggle to come up with interesting content. On top of that, you need to make it to look professional and appealing.
The good news? You CAN create an engaging, beautiful newsletter to help grow your business - in 30 minutes or less.
Step 1: Choose Your Content
Brainstorm what’s important to your audience. Think about what you could share -preferably Real Estate related - that people would find valuable. Visit your local chamber or Economic Development Commission’s websites to learn what new projects or opportunities might be affecting your area.
Stay involved in these projects and initiatives by speaking to local experts or attending open meetings. Think about popular questions people ask you about Real Estate, and write up an interesting response.
Hmm…You might be thinking that I lied to you. That sounds like it will take way longer than 30 minutes.
It does.
It’s time consuming, and it can be expensive to create high-quality content. The good news? If you’re an ERA Grizzard agent, we do this all for you!
Each month we write hyper-local blog posts for each of our offices. They’re focused on our communities, Real Estate, and what’s important to homebuyers and sellers in our areas. All you have to do as an ERA Grizzard agent, is copy and paste.
Step 2: Put It On Paper
There are many websites where you can easily create a professional looking newsletter.
In fact, I created the newsletter above using Canva.com. I selected their magazine templates and simply pasted my text and photos into their template. It was free(!) and took less than ten minutes.
If you'd like me to send you the editable version of the newsletter above, let me know in the comments below. Be sure to include your email.
Step 3: Extra Credit
Go above and beyond by showing off your personality, demonstrating your local Real Estate knowledge, and providing a lead capture. I copied all of the text for “The Clermont Master Plan” newsletter from our blog post, and I added a section “Q&A with Rachel Realtor” for "extra credit".
I quickly pulled up stats in MLS and wrote a section to demonstrate local market knowledge and explain why now is a great time to sell -
“The Clermont Real Estate market is heating up! From our beautiful lakes, parks, and neighborhoods, it's easy to see why so many are choosing to call Clermont home.
In fact, over the last 2 months, homes are selling, on average, in less than 66 days. That's 20 days faster than last year!
If you're thinking about selling your home, people from all over are looking to move to our wonderful "Choice of Champions!"
I then added 2 lead capture opportunities at the bottom of the newsletter. To learn more about lead capture techniques in print Real Estate marketing, check out my post - Direct Mail Remix: Leveraging Online Marketing in Your Traditional Farming.
Step 4: Distribute Your Newsletter
Ordering your newsletter from an online print site is a great option. They can print your newsletter for a reasonable price and many offer mailing services as well. I personally use OvernightPrints and always Google to see if there’s a coupon code.
Step 4: Repurpose Your Newsletter
Once you’ve mailed out your newsletter, think of other ways you can distribute it. Take them to your open houses or leave them at your listings. Use it in your listing presentations to demonstrate your local marketing.
Tip: If you have a listing in the area that you’re farming, include that as a featured home in your newsletter as well.
Email out a copy to leads that you’re nurturing. Upload it to Facebook on your community page or personal profile. Get creative!
Step 6: Repeat
Make sure that you keep up with creating and mailing out your newsletter. It may take a couple of months before you start seeing results. And remember, the best marketing - is consistent marketing!
Print newsletters are tangible. People can hold it in their hands and engage with your Real Estate marketing. Just keep in mind who you’re sending it to, what they’d like to read, and how you can - subtly and strategically - promote yourself.
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Do you send out a print newsletter? Are you going to try Canva to create your own? Let me know in the comments below!