Launch a festive digital campaign.
- A holiday inspired content campaign: Share local holiday events, decorating tips or even your favorite seasonal recipes. A “12 Days of Real Estate Tips” echoes the festive “12 Days of Christmas” song. This type of campaign can add value while building holiday excitement. Knowing your audience is key to this strategy’s success.
- Run a holiday contest: Engage your followers by hosting a photo contest, like “Best Holiday Home Décor,” “Ugliest Holiday Sweater” or “Favourite Holiday Tradition”. Offer a prize like a holiday-themed gift basket. Pro tip: check with your broker for approvals on incentives and inducements and adhere to any other contest regulations to run a successful contest.
- The holiday email newsletter: I love a good year in review. Wrap up the year with things like an annual market recap, tips for winter home maintenance, or upcoming holiday events your network may enjoy. Make this issue a blend of personal warmth, actionable advice and professional expertise.
Host a seasonal giveaway.
Who doesn’t love a little holiday cheer? Hosting a giveaway is the perfect way to spread joy, show your appreciation, and sprinkle a little extra magic on your brand.
- Partner with local businesses: Local businesses are the heart of any neighborhood. Consider supporting small businesses by purchasing gift cards or products to give away. Cross promotions are mutually beneficial for you and the local business in your community.
- Raffle off a bigger prize: Encourage engagement by raffling off a larger prize, such as a smart home device, or even a donation to a local charity in the winner’s name.
Send thoughtful seasonal cards.
One of my favourite ways to engage with past clients is a handwritten card. Handwritten cards remain a timeless and powerful way to stay in touch with your clients because they offer that personal touch that digital communication can’t replicate.
- Include a small gift: Add a little extra cheer with a gift card from a local cafe, something thoughtful and unexpected. One of my favourite holiday drop-offs was an outdoor holiday rug. Every year, they’ll think of you when they roll it out.
- Opt for eco-friendly options: If you want to save on paper, create a festive video message wishing your clients a happy holiday season.
- Deliver holiday treats: Collaborate with a local cookie shop and drop off gingerbread house cookies and poinsettias to your clients, referral partners or local businesses you work with regularly.
Host a holiday event.
An in-person event provides a relaxed and welcoming environment where clients, prospects, and local partners can connect personally with you outside the pressures of any transaction.
- Host a client appreciation party: Celebrate the season with a casual get-together. Some great examples I’ve seen done well in the industry are a family skating day, holiday movie night, and even a DIY ornament making event.
- Collaborate with a community photographer: Offer mini photo sessions for families or pets. This thoughtful gesture is always a hit and creates a memorable experience tied to your brand. Get your clients to share their photos on social media and tag you in the post for extra exposure.
Give back to your community.
The holidays are about giving, and making a difference in your community shows that you care about more than just transactions. I know several of our partners support local charities and organizations which have a wonderfully positive impact on the community they serve.
- Support a local charity: Organize a toy drive or food donation event. Use this as an opportunity to bring your clients together for a good cause. If you go down the food donation route, food banks don’t often get items like coffee or tea; or if you give lots of canned goods, include can openers, too.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that when you give, you end up receiving more back when you least expect it. Whatever holiday you celebrate, it’s an opportunity to deepen your connections, build goodwill and show your clients that you’re more than just their real estate agent – you’re someone who cares about their community.
The evolution of the realtor.
Real estate agents don’t just show properties and close deals these days, they act as trusted advisors. Erin Best explains how the agent’s role will continue to change as technology becomes an even more integral part of the process.
