Perhaps more than any other business, a real estate professional needs a high quality, eye catching business card to attract customers and referrals. For a realtor, business cards provide potential clients with a first glance impression of the agent and the company they represent.
Do Not Cut Corners
A successful realtor will develop numerous relationships over time. It is a job that essentially defines networking. In many cases, real estate will be the largest purchase a buyer ever makes, and the process is usually lengthy. The first meeting between a realtor and client almost always serves as an opportunity to evaluate the realtor. A well crafted business card can serve to convey a positive image and inspire confidence.
The worst mistake a realtor can make is looking for cheap alternatives in business card design and printing. This means avoiding the use of prepackaged software as well as print shops that offer “free” business cards in exchange for placing their own logo on the card. A layout that is created with the assistance of a graphic design consultant will provide a finished business card that will draw attention while maintaining professionalism.
For business cards, realtors should refrain from the overuse of colors which tends to date the card into the 1990’s. Business cards that are overloaded with information and visually scream at customers can often be counterproductive to their intended purpose. Instead, consider a simple color scheme that conveys warmth and optimism. In addition to contact information and the company logo, an inspiring quotation or a “thank you for the opportunity” tends to instill confidence in prospective buyers and sellers.
Always use high quality full color offset prints which are sharper, clearer and more vivid. Using digital prints can result in fuzzy images and washed out color. Offset prints have a higher cost, but convey a more successful image.
Marketing Ideas for Business Cards
When engaging in business card marketing, realtors must constantly look for opportunities to put their card in places where it will be visible to prospective clients. There are a variety of potential targets including:
- Open houses
- Conventions
- Showing houses
- Restaurants
- Airports
- Hair Salons
- Grocery stores
Wherever there is a public bulletin board, the realtor should take the opportunity to attach a business card. Grocery carts, rental cars and other places where equipment and merchandise changes hands quickly can also be effective marketing vehicles.
Like all forms of advertising, it is critical that a business card compels the potential customer to engage in further conversation. The development of a successful business card marketing plan always revolves around the creation of a convincing call to action.