If you are just getting started in your real estate career, quality business cards are the best investment you can make. Business cards are an inexpensive, effective way to get your information into the hands of existing and potential clients. They also offer an easy way for clients to refer you and your services to others
Of course, if you have been in business for some time, you already know how effective these little cards can be, don’t you?
One of the biggest “rookie” real estate agent mistakes is to stuff your business card full of information, contact numbers, acronyms and anything to help compensate for your lack of experience. People who are established, who are secure in their role in their business and careers, tend to have sparse cards. They don’t feel the need to justify their worth on a business card.
Either way, here’s a quick list of what you should include and what you should avoid when designing your real estate business cards:
Minimum Requirements:
- Your name
- Your title (what you do/your area of specialization)
- Your preferred phone number
- Your email address
- Your website
Optional:
- A physical address
- A tagline
- A photo of you (for face recognition)
- A logo (this may be required by your brokerage)
- Brokerage information (check to see what’s required by your company)
What to Avoid:
- Too many phone numbers
- A string of acronyms your clients won’t understand
- A cluttered card
- “Cutsie” graphics
- Any unnecessary information
A business card has one goal: To encourage people to contact you. Offering too many phone numbers will only overwhelm your potential client. Don’t make them decide which number is the best one to reach you… include only the best way. Avoid visual clutter and make it simple to glance at your card and see who you are, what you do, and how to reach you. Unnecessary information, acronyms, and too many graphics will make achieving your goal more difficult. Less is more.
If you want to include additional information, consider using the backside of the card to expand, but keep the front clean and simple.
When you work with a client, don’t forget to ASK them to refer you to their friends and be sure to offer them 4-5 of your business cards when you make the ask. The ask is easy, so don’t be shy: “I enjoy working with you and would be honored to help any of your family or friends who are interested in buying or selling their home. Here are a couple of my cards, in case know of anyone now or in the future. I would appreciate any referrals.”
Keep these tips in mind when you design your real estate business card and you will reap the benefits of a professional, confident image from the first contact.