It’s a thought we’ve all had at one time or another. “Do business cards even work anymore? Does anyone really use them?” Handing out a real estate business card can sometimes feel like an act of faith. And when it’s done badly – passing out business cards at random, or to people who don’t want them – it can be no better than tossing them in the trash.
But the truth is, a well-designed card in the right hand can still do wonders for your real estate business. Entrepreneur.com calls the business card “an integral part of any good marketing plan.” The key to successful marketing with a business card relies on a well-designed card and a smart approach.
Real estate agents in particular can be very tempted to make do with generic, cookie-cutter cards. While it is important to have some branding behind you when you’re working with a large agency, it can’t stop there. If your name is the only difference between your real estate agent business card and the cards of everyone else in your office, why should potential clients care which of you they get when they call for you?
When you look at your current business card, what does it say about you? Does it say that you’re easy to get in touch with? Does it say that you keep up with evolving trends in the marketplace? Does it say that you take your profession seriously? If you’re handing out a perforated card that you printed on your home computer with nothing but your name, the corporate logo, and the office phone number on it, you can go ahead and answer “no” to all of those questions.
Before you design your real estate business card, take some time to think about the message you want to send. Set yourself apart with a friendly photo, and let potential clients know if there is something you do particularly well (“The military relocation specialist” or “A friendly face for first-time homebuyers”). Then make sure people can get in touch with you easily, whether it’s with a phone call, an email, or a Facebook message.
Finally, make every card count by making a connection with the people you’re handing them to. A real estate business card handed to someone you haven’t even spoken to is almost guaranteed to end up in the trash bin. But a card delivered with a smile, after a good conversation and a firm handshake? That’s the kind of card that should be an integral part of your marketing plan.