Does Direct Mail Real Estate Marketing Work

The truth is that any marketing can work it’s just a matter of how effective it is. As it relates to direct mail, it’s hard to envision a world where the volume of mail is dropped to absolute zero. As a consequence, direct mail marketing should be here for a good while.

The question really comes down to what are some best practices to succeed in making connections that start at the mailbox.

1. Test the Market

It may take a few tries to get your target market down. But don’t give up — once you figure out what works, it will be so much easier to continue. Every real estate market has different types of clients, different price points and potential clients with varying needs. Consider creative approaches like sending direct mailers to those living in apartment complexes to convert them to buyers. Consider sending mailers to a down market on an up market listing and aim for two transactions from one mailer.

As an example, let’s say you have a $900,000 listing. Consider sending information on that $900,000 listing to a $650,000 neighborhood encouraging them to sell their smaller house and upgrade to a larger one.

To this end, A/B testing is absolutely critical. Keep track of what you are sending and to who you are sending it and note the response rates. Pour resources into it.

You never know who is thinking about buying real estate and if they see your marketing materials, you’re going to get the call.

2. Point Your Direct Mail To Your Web Presence

The world of print should always point to easy-to-find information about how to contact you on social media or online. People want to see that their potential agent is relevant online and has a web presence. By checking you out online, potential clients get a feel for whether you're a good fit. If they find you easily accessible and active, they’re likely to refer you to friends after you work together — or even call you again if they make another big decision!

Consider linking all your social media channels on your postcard or letter to make it easy for leads to connect with you. Folks tend to lose interest if they have to search high and low to find you.

3. Be Personal

Ever get mail that just reads “current resident” with your address? How impersonal does that feel? Include the person’s name, because a personal detail goes a very long way. If this person gets two mailers, the one that has their name will likely stick around awhile — at least longer than the one they received that could have gone to anybody.

Most title companies will pass this information to you in the .csv file for your farm mailers.

4. Speak Highly of Yourself

Include ratings, success stories or testimonials if possible. You could even center your whole campaign around a few happy customers in your target market. Hesitancy will decrease significantly if someone sees that other people have been happy with a service.

5. Make It a Keeper

When considering USPS mail, consider adding features that will make your information less likely to go in the trash. As it relates to real estate, this means market data that is hyper local and relevant to the area you are mailing to is less likely to be thrown away.

6. Focus on Cohesive Horizontal Design

Picture your client walking up the steps from their mailbox, likely at the end of the day, fumbling with groceries, keys or even more. Most of their mail, envelopes, postcards and menus will have a horizontal orientation. Don’t be an outlier, or you’ll likely get tossed. Design your mailer to be cohesive and not intrusive. Make sure they don’t have to turn it every which way to get your message. Make it easy for them.

Direct mail is a great way to get exposure. It’s often less expensive than billboards or other advertising methods and it can be passed around and seen by many sets of eyes. Figure out what works for you, and you'll see success.

Whatever the marketing channel, remember that consistency always beats out creativity so just keep going!