How to Start a Real Estate Newsletter

A regular newsletter is an effective marketing tool for real estate agents. Newsletters can establish you as a market expert, give you ongoing communication with potential clients and give you an advertising edge with a targeted audience. Here's how to start one.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newsletter template
• Distribution lists
• Photographs, graphics, charts and other visuals

1. Identify your audience. This is a golden rule of any marketing project, and a real estate newsletter is no different. Write down a list of the kind of people you want to reach: retirees or people getting ready to retire, first-time homebuyers or people using real estate as an investment vehicle.

2. Write down information that the audience will want. People getting ready to retire will want to know if market prices are going up or down, as it could affect their decision on when to buy. First-time homebuyers will want to know information about new schools or shopping areas.

3. Make a list of ideas for newsletter topics that fit the audience you are targeting. Keep adding to the list since your newsletter will go out on a regular basis, and it will always need content. Search through local newspapers, publications from local chambers of commerce and other sources for ideas for inspiration.

4. Schedule regular delivery, and stick to the timetable. Once your audience gets used to seeing the newsletter, they will come to expect it. If you decide distribution takes place on the first of the month, then stick to the first of the month.

5. Determine your delivery channels. Email newsletters are good for buyers while direct mail is better for sellers. Mailing addresses can be bought from list brokers, but know the spam rules. Also, always clearly identify yourself with full contact information.

6. Get interactive. Establish a dialogue with your prospective customers. Use a self-addressed, stamped reply card that asks a few easy questions for mailback or a link to an email in an electronic newsletter.

7. Do the design! There are plenty of websites that offer templates and newsletter ideas for a reasonable fee, or use a local design company and get a template made. Brand your agency with a logo, slogan and pictures.

Tips & Warnings

• Content interests the customer and shows the benefit of using you as an agent.
• Keep your copy brief so articles and information can be quickly scanned.
• Make sure your local knowledge is front and center.

[mpodlesny]

on 1/27/2009 Constant contact is an excellent newsletter service as well. If you know HTML you can really create some robust newsletters and they allow you to automate the process of building your newsletter email list.

[geri40]

on 5/10/2008 I found it easy and effective to use a realtor program that provided me with update and unique newsletters. If interested I would recommend http://www.greenandsave.com/registered_agents.html

[kqmsradioman]

on 4/14/2008 Good and good; How bout some pics?

[eNewsletter]

on 4/12/2008 Good, solid ideas. I also suggest including something interesting and fun. I find quotes and trivia are popular. You do need to be consistent. It may be time-consuming, so consider a service like www.eNewsletterSolutions.com.