Thanksgiving Marketing Ideas for REALTORS® that Give Back
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All year long, you hear how important it is to stay in touch with those you know and brand yourself in real estate. And when the holidays come around, it might be easy to simply send out "happy halloween," "happy thanksgiving" and "happy holidays" messages and call it a day.
However, instead of sending out generic greetings just to tic holiday marketing off your to-do list, I encourage you to think about the holidays a little bit differently. This time of year is an opportunity to reach out authentically and foster relationships - especially during Thanksgiving.
As a REALTOR®, you have access to a variety of marketing channels, including your social media networks, database, and even website. While we usually discuss how you can leverage these channels to grow your own business, they can be used for more than that.
Just think about all of the followers you have on social or people you know on your email list. You have the ability to connect and share messages with so many people. So, instead of simply wishing the people you know a Happy Thanksgiving, let's take time this holiday season to use those channels for good.
Idea 1: Promote Someone Else's Local Business
The first way you can give back with your marketing is to promote someone else's business. Whether it's a local business or industry partner you work with, I'm sure they would more than appreciate a shout-out this time of year.
A simple framework you can follow is to share:
who they are
what they do
why you recommend them
and how people can buy from them or work with them
Once you have this info, you can easily create a social media post, add them to an email newsletter, or even film a quick video.
For a small business, this might mean more customers in their door or sales through online orders. Likewise, if you choose to spotlight an industry partner, this could further strengthen your professional relationship and be a meaningful gesture.
While this promotion is good for the businesses you're highlighting, it can be beneficial for you as well. By supporting local businesses, you're further branding yourself in your local community. You have insider knowledge on the very best of your local community and are an expert in the area. While if you shout out an industry partner, this naturally relates back to real estate as a subtle reminder of your profession during the holiday season. So, it's a win-win for everybody!
Idea 2: Highlight a Local Organization
One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is how people take the time to give back. If you're passionate about a local organization or believe in the work they do, help spread the word!
Similar to the local business shout-out, there's a simple framework you can follow to highlight an organization.
Share:
who they are
what they do
why their work is important to you
and how people can help or get involved
This time of year, you might invite people to participate in a food drive with you, donate toys, or even volunteer time. You can share this information in a social post, in your traditional marketing, or in your email marketing.
For example, instead of sending out a "Happy Thanksgiving" e-blast to your database, share how you're giving back this fall and how other people can get involved as well. I've done this for many years, and every year, I'm happy to see how people get involved as well - just from a simple email.
Just remember to keep it about the organization and the good work that they're doing.
Idea 3: Incorporate Giving Back into Your Events
Lastly, I'm sure you are planning or attending holiday parties. See if you can't incorporate a way to give back into your event.
For example, if you're hosting a potluck at your office, ask people to bring non-perishable food items or new toys as donations when attending. Or you could charge a small "entry ticket" to your event and donate the money earned back to the organization you're giving back to.
If it's a larger event, such as a sit-down dinner, see if you can't invite a representative of the organization to the event and give them a couple of minutes to speak on stage. Giving back doesn't always have to be through donations - awareness can go a long way as well. You could also partner with an organization and co-host an event you have planned.
Take a look at your calendar, and see if you can't easily incorporate opportunities for giving back into the events you have planned or are attending (reach out to the organizers with your ideas). Then, once you have everything worked out, share the message on social, to your database, in email, or even text message marketing to spread the word.
All 3 of these ideas don't take much time but can make a major impact! So, let's recap:
Idea 1: Promote Someone Else's Local Business
Idea 2: Highlight a Local Organization
Idea 3: Incorporate Giving Back into Your Events
While all of these ideas incorporate the spirit of Thanksgiving and being grateful, you can use them all year long! Sometimes we just need to stop and reflect on what matters and recognize how we can use our own talents and networks for good as well.
So, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving here in the U.S., and I look forward to learning more about what's important to you in your communities.
UP NEXT:
It's time for seasonal marketing! Fall-themed real estate content and marketing on social media is not only trending, it also works in your Instagram Reels, posts, carousels, and more. The secret is to customize this content with photos and videos of you. So, in today's episode, let's plan an easy fall content shoot for you as a REALTOR to use in your marketing strategies this season!