As real estate agents, we’re always on the lookout for innovative marketing strategies to stand out. Yet, some of the most effective methods are the tried-and-true, old-school real estate tactics. One such strategy is the “pop-by” gift, a thoughtful and personal way to remind clients of your value.
Our friend Delaney Burgess from Maryland recently executed this strategy brilliantly. She delivered personalized gifts to her VIP and top clients just in time for the 4th of July.
The timing was perfect, as it coincided with a period when many people are busy with mid-summer activities. This thoughtful gesture not only made her clients feel appreciated but also reinforced her presence as a reliable real estate professional.
The Power of Personal Touch
A personal touch can make all the difference. Pop-bys do just that, while skipping the usual bland emails and social media posts around the holidays.
Delaney opted for a tangible, timely gift that celebrated the holiday and showed her clients how much she values them. This kind of personal touch not only strengthens client relationships but also encourages word-of-mouth referrals.
Her 4th of July gift included a bottle of La Marca Prosecco, sparklers, and a personalized note, which delighted her clients and ensured they thought of her when discussing real estate with their friends.
In addition, her clients were quick to share the photos of the gifts and tag Delaney on social media, getting her in front of new audiences:
Tips for Effective Pop-By Gifts
To make the most of your pop-by gifts, put some time and effort into making them memorable. This ensures your clients will appreciate the gesture, and it gives you the opportunity to ask for their help, too.
- Timeliness: Choose a holiday or seasonal theme to make your gesture more memorable.
- Thoughtfulness: Select gifts that are meaningful and relevant to the recipient.
- Personal Touch: Include a handwritten note to show your appreciation.
- Subtle Reminder: Gently remind your clients to refer you to their friends and family. This is often something agents avoid doing, but sometimes people need that extra reminder!
10 Pop-By Gift Ideas for Summer and Early Fall
Here are some pop-by ideas you can use for the rest of the summer and into early fall:
- Beat the Heat Treats: Drop off a cooler bag filled with bottled water, sunscreen, and maybe some popsicles for the kids.
- Backyard BBQ Bonanza: Deliver a basket with grilling essentials like an apron, gourmet burger patties, buns, and a bag of chips.
- Ice Cream Social: A gift certificate to a local ice cream shop or a container of gourmet ice cream with toppings allows them to enjoy a sweet summer treat.
- Backyard Fun: A set of colorful outdoor string lights or a citronella candle for keeping bugs at bay allows them to extend their outdoor enjoyment. For clients with a pool, you can include an inflatable float or pool toy.
- Beach Day Essentials: A beach bag filled with sunscreen, a beach towel, and a small beach ball lets them know you’re thinking of their summer plans.
- Movie Night In: Put together a basket with popcorn (consider flavored options from a gourmet store!), candy, and a gift card to a streaming service.
- Tailgating Essentials: For those into fall sports, a set of collapsible stadium chairs or a cooler bag filled with tailgating snacks and beverages.
- Back to School Photo Sign: For clients with school-aged children, drop off a version of a “First Day of School” sign with their name and grade, perfect for capturing a back-to-school photo.
- Harvest Dinner Party: A bottle of fall-themed wine (like a pinot noir) or a gourmet cheese selection with crackers is a perfect gift for entertaining during fall gatherings.
- Farmers Market Bounty: A basket with jams, jellies, or other locally-made summer or fall treats from a farmers market is a unique and flavorful option.
By choosing timely, thoughtful, and personal gifts, you can create memorable moments for your clients. This approach not only strengthens existing relationships but also opens doors for new business opportunities. So, don’t hesitate to add a personal touch to your marketing strategy and watch your client connections grow stronger.
