How to Get Business in the Fall and Winter Months
Once the school year starts, the mad dash for a house in that perfect neighborhood suddenly slows down to a walk. Before we know it, the holidays come around - one after another, and the housing market loses that sparkle in its eye. And as if that weren’t enough, the winter weather moves in and decides to really take the hop out of the housing market’s step.
So what’s an agent to do? (Don’t worry, it’s not a rhetorical question.) The trick is to not slow down. Take advantage of this time to put a little more oomph into your marketing and lead generation while you have a little extra time. This not only keeps leads coming in during the slower parts of the year, but is setting yourself up for extra success come next spring!
Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite, tips, tricks and ideas:
Give That Individual Attention.
Perhaps most wholesomely, take advantage of the slower seasons with less clients to really pour on that customer service. Do everything you wish you could do during the spring and summer months to make a client happy … and then add a little extra. By taking their experience above and beyond (more than you usually do!) you’re not only marketing that you’re best agent out there, but you are! Word of mouth spreads fast and your happy clients will be marketing for you!
Do a Little Fallanthropy.
Do something good for the community and for your business. Set up a drop off area for a canned food drive or coat drive in a popular public spot. Set up information about you as an agent along with festive apple cider or hot chocolate to encourage people to stay for a minute and talk.
Host a Fall Themed Event (or Activity).
Take advantage of people’s absolute, die-hard love of fall, and host a fall event in the community. Sound daunting? It’s not. Picture a bare bones tailgate themed cookout at a local popular park where someone just has to drop a business card for a delicious hamburger or hot dog form your grill. Not into food? Try setting up a carving table at a local pumpkin patch. Free carving tools and the works, sponsored by you. The best part? Conversation will certainly be had in the time it takes to carve that perfect jack-o-lantern.
Be the Source for “Winter Ready” News.
Keep audience you already have (via email list or social media) engaged by being their most helpful source when it comes to getting their home ready for winter. You can even provide lists of trusted vendors for different services with the promise that those vendors share your articles, as well.
Sponsor a Winter Event.
While sponsoring an event is always a good way to get your name out there, they can often be way more money than you’re looking to pay. Thankfully, the market for sponsorships gets a little more competitive around the holidays when there’s a huge influx of holiday events. Negotiate your way to a sponsorship or two, and be strategic about what types of audiences you’re going for!
Anything with a Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Think about what people go absolutely nuts for during the season, and work with it. In the fall, think - Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Host a no-extra-work-required social media contest for a free Pumpkin Spice Latte. Think: $5 Starbucks gift card for however many leads. The odds are in your favor! Do the same when winter is in full swing, only mix it up with the favorite hot chocolate spot in your town. Have fun with it!