Automated monthly newsletter to clients?

Question

Dear fellow realtors,

Can anyone recommend a monthly newsletter provider?

I'd like to start sending newsletters to my clients as a way to stay in touch with them, and I understand that there are a lot of companies who offer this service in a "set it and forget it" fashion, but can anyone recommend a specific provider that they like?

Thanks very much for your feedback.

Dan

Eleena de Lisser · Answer

@Dan MacDonald  Are you looking for a company to both create the newsletter content and handle the email distribution? Or a company just to  handle the automated email outreach of content that you will provide?

If you will provide the content and just need a company to handle the automated emails, AWeber is one possibility. Constant Contact is another.

Patricia Joseph · Answer

@Dan MacDonald - my brokerage team lead told me he got good results from using The Personal Marketing Company. I haven't used them, but have checked out their website and like their product offerings.

Kelly Fleming · Answer

Another advantage to a 'mailed' newsletter, is the option to include other items.  Now, if the newsletter is printed and mailed via a third party vendor, you won't be able to do this.  But, if you have your newsletters printed, and you mail them, you could include a refrigerator magnet printed with a sports schedule, tips for baby sitters, or a local shopping directory of websites.

Dan MacDonald · Answer

Lynn, that's exactly the service I'm looking for. One of my colleagues uses them and she showed me one of her recent pieces yesterday -- that's when I came on here to find out if anyone knew of other providers. GoBig would get the job done, but I don't love their stuff.

Kris and Bill, I agree wholeheartedly with the benefits of email marketing. With that said, I also agree with Patrick that a hard copy piece leaves a longer lasting and more valuable impression with the recipient.

I wouldn't send this newsletter to anyone who gives me a business card, but I would send it to my sphere of influence and to a select group of past/present/potential clients. For a group of people whose referrals are worth 10s - 100s of thousands to me annually, I'm happy to spend a few extra hundred per month to help me stay top of mind.

Patrick, thanks for sending the link to that magazine. I haven't had a chance to look at it closely yet but I will this week.

I've also sent some inquiries around my office. I'll let you all know if I hear of anything else that looks worth considering.

Account Closed · Answer

There is a lot less competition in the mail box (and a much higher perceived value) than an email.

Kris Taylor · Answer

I suggest email marketing as well. It gives you much more detailed info such as who is reading your info, what content they are clicking, on etc. Most people today rely on getting info from their mobile device anyway. You can also segment the audience based on location of property, type of dwelling, etc.

Bill Gulley · Answer

Dan, why would you go with snail mail? I can see where you might have more "control" as a hard copy needs to be copied to be redistributed as opposed to e-mail that could just be forwarded, I can see that if it was a paid newsletter thing, but if that's not a concern what would be the advantages by regular mail?

It may seem more personal, but at what cost? :)

Lynn Knolls · Answer

I found a company for my letters and postcards for my Investor business.  While on there I saw an ad for newsletters. You can see it here. www.gobignewsletter.com - I'm not sure it is what you are looking for, but I did like their service so far.

Account Closed · Answer

Hey Dan,

Here is the link: http://remindermedia.com/tour-american-lifestyle/

I have no affiliation with them but other agents from the office have used it and said their clients thought it was great.

100 is good especially in Northern VA where the price of real estate is higher.

Minimum order was 250 I think, so maybe you can send the rest to a high end neighborhood or something. I haven't done it yet but I think it would complement direct mail well.

Dan MacDonald · Answer

Hey Patrick,

If you think it was a good piece, I'd be interested in talking with the guy. Please do send me the name if you can find it.

I've got about 100 people I'd like to send the newsletters to each month. I'm figuring this will cost me a couple hundred a month.

Do you have any cost-effective strategies for staying in front of your past clients? Ones that you think might be better than newsletters?

Automated monthly newsletter to clients?

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