Leveraging the Holidays
With the season of gatherings approaching, it’s the perfect time for referrals! People will be sharing things like food, memories and professional recommendations, so leverage your database and digital tools to stay memorable. This will make it easier for your contacts to refer you to others.
Scroll down to see examples of how our Ylopo Users are leveraging their databases and marketing tools.
Chris Phares
Ylopo Coach
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I’m thrilled to share a working strategy from my personal day to day business with you—a Holiday Cookbook Project! At first glance, it might seem like a simple holiday gift, but this cookbook is a powerful tool to reconnect with your clients in a way that feels genuine and non-salesy, all while setting up a strong start for the new year.
Don't stress these timelines, just make it your own and work with the timelines you are working with.
View on LoomStep 1: Recipe Collection
How We’re Reaching Out: Our team is reaching out to clients and friends via text and calls to gather family recipes, seasonal favorites, and any dishes you’d love to share.
How to Share: When we contact you, feel free to share your recipe directly over the phone or, if you prefer, use the link we’ll provide to submit it through a quick online form. You’re also welcome to add a short story or memory related to the recipe—this is optional but adds a wonderful personal touch!
Step 2: Organizing Recipes
Curating the Cookbook: As the recipes come in, our team is organizing them into categories like appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. We’re adding a few festive design elements to give it a cozy, holiday feel.
Including Your Story: For those who add a memory or story, we’ll incorporate these into the cookbook next to your recipe to make it feel even more personal and community-centered.
Step 3: Creating the Cookbook
Putting It All Together: Our team is working on creating a user-friendly, printable digital cookbook that everyone can enjoy. This version will be sent to all participants and clients in early December, so you’ll have it just in time for the holidays!
Printed Copies: For a select group of clients, we’re also creating printed, bound copies as a holiday gift to show our appreciation. If you’d love a printed copy, please let us know when we reach out!
Step 4: Distribution and Enjoyment
Digital Release: Around December 10th, we’ll email the digital cookbook to everyone who participated, filled with delicious recipes from across our community.
Printed Copies: For those receiving a printed copy, we’ll arrange delivery or a special handoff to make sure it reaches you by mid-December.
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TEXT TEMPLATE: “%greeting_time% %contact_first_name%, Just wanted to say hey and let you know I'm thinking about you. Hope you have a good holiday this week! Just in case you need a reminder, don't forget to thaw that turkey!”
Why? Our goal here isn’t to drive to an appointment but to stay top of mind and be super engaging. The likelihood of my name coming up at a Thanksgiving table goes up.
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TEXT TEMPLATE: “%greeting_time% %contact_first_name%, Just wanted to say hey and let you know I'm thinking about you. Hope you have a good holiday this week! Just in case you need a reminder, don't forget to thaw that turkey!”
Why? Our goal here isn’t to drive to an appointment but to stay top of mind and be super engaging. The likelihood of my name coming up at a Thanksgiving table goes up.
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Your Zoodealio + Ylopo account includes ready-to-use Canva templates designed for email campaigns and social media, helping you stay relevant and top of mind.
Adam Powers
Ylopo Client Success Manager
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Who doesn’t love a good pie for the holidays? This idea takes some manual labor but is sure to leave your past clients with a smile on their face!
Process:
Purchase pies in bulk from your local grocery store.
Customize the tag – utilize free resources in Canva, which offers a multitude of free holiday themed stickers/labels.
Print completed tags on label paper, apply to the top of the pie box.
Let your database know you have a pie for them! Have them come into your office between certain time frames to pick up their pie!
Outreach:
“%greeting_time% %contact_first_name%, as a special thank you, we’re inviting you to stop by and pick up a free pie on us – just in time for the season of gratitude and good food! No strings attached; just swing by anytime between [Date and Time Range] to pick up your treat, reconnect, and say hi. It’s our small way of saying thank you for always thinking of us for your real estate needs!”
Utilize this time to reconnect with your past clients – this valuable time with past clients is a great way to keep you top of mind as the local real estate professional.
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Not everyone is able to have a full meal during the holiday season and hosting a food drive is a wonderful way to do something amazing for your local community as well as engaging with your past clients.
“%greeting_time% %contact_first_name%, as the holiday season approaches, we at [Company Name] are coming together to support our local community. We’re collecting food donations to help those in need and we’d love for you to join us in spreading a little holiday cheer!
If you have any non-perishable items you’d like to donate, simply drop them off at our office anytime between [Date and Time Range]. Every donation goes directly to our local food pantry to make a difference for families this season.
Thank you for being part of our extended family, and for any help you’re able to give. Together, we can make a positive impact!”
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A Holiday social media contest is a fantastic way to engage your followers, boost your online presence with positive feedback, and spread holiday cheer! There are a number of ways to run a holiday contest, but here is a simple breakdown of how I have run these personally.
There will be a number of tasks your followers/database can complete in order to be entered into winning a prize, each action item is fully customizable to fit your personal business goals.
Here is a breakdown of rules/setup processes to get you started!
“1 entry” – Like this post.
“2 entries” – Tag a friend on this post.
“5 Entries” – Write us a review on Yelp.
“10 Entries” – Write us a review on Zillow.
“15 Entries” – Write us a review on Google.
Prize: The winner should receive something holiday themed – I have personally put together holiday gift baskets with household items, gift card(s), etc. This is totally open for your imagination to run wild with!
Selecting a winner: This takes a bit of manual work – you will need to calculate the number of entries per person and use a random wheel spin (like www.wheelofnames.com) to randomly pick a winner. This should be done via Instagram/Facebook LIVE so everyone can watch the wheel spin.
Social media post – utilize free resources within Canva for Facebook/Instagram post ideas. Below is a copy of text you can use:
🎄 Home for the Holidays Giveaway 🎄
🌟 Enter for a chance to win [PRIZE] 🌟
To participate:
✅ “1 entry” – Like this post.
✅ “2 entries” – Tag a friend on this post.
✅ “5 Entries” – Write us a review on Yelp.
✅ “10 Entries” – Write us a review on Zillow.
✅ “15 Entries” – Write us a review on Google.
Our team will select one winner at random via [FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM LIVE] on [DAY AND TIME]
Good luck!
Gabie Godina
Ylopo Client Training Specialist
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Seasonal marketing helps your brand stay relevant by connecting with your audience during key moments throughout the year. Here’s a step-by-step guide to create a seasonal marketing plan:
Identify Key Seasonal Opportunities: Map out major seasons, holidays, or events that resonate with your audience. Think beyond traditional holidays to include industry-specific events or even seasonal trends (e.g., back-to-school, summer, or tax season).
Set Clear Goals for Each Season: Determine what you aim to achieve during each season, such as boosting sales, growing engagement, or increasing brand visibility. Each goal will shape the focus and messaging of your seasonal campaigns.
Tailor Your Messaging: Create seasonal messaging that highlights the unique aspects of your brand in relation to the event. Craft a story that feels relevant—like emphasizing warmth and coziness during winter or energizing freshness for spring.
Plan Your Content: Develop a content plan for each season, covering various formats (e.g., social media, emails, blog posts, or videos). Ensure the visuals, colors, and tone of your content align with the season’s theme.
Incorporate Special Offers or Promotions: Consider seasonal incentives, like limited-time discounts, giveaways, or bundles. These add value and urgency to your campaigns, encouraging customers to take advantage of the seasonal offerings.
Choose the Right Channels: Identify the best channels for each campaign based on your audience’s behavior and where you get the highest engagement. For example, social media might be ideal for showcasing holiday visuals, while email is effective for promoting seasonal discounts.
Schedule Your Campaigns: Map out the exact timing for each campaign, from pre-season teasers to final calls. Make sure to start planning early to catch peak interest and maximize exposure.
Analyze and Adjust: After each seasonal campaign, review performance metrics like engagement rates, conversions, and revenue. Use these insights to improve your approach for the next season.
Following these steps will help you create a well-structured seasonal marketing plan that keeps your brand in sync with your customers’ needs and the time of year.
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Send emails to your database based on the seasons to use as a relevant touchpoint that is useful for homeowners. Bonus points for leveraging your contacts to provide lists of service providers you recommend.
WINTER:
Subject: WINTER IS COMING! Prepare Your Home 🏠 – Quick Tips Inside!
Hi %contact_first_name%,
As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, now’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the winter season. A few simple steps can help you save on energy costs, prevent costly repairs, and keep your home cozy all season long!
Here are some tips to get started:
1. Seal Up Drafts
Check windows and doors for drafts, and consider adding weatherstripping or caulking to keep the cold air out and warm air in.
2. Service Your Furnace
Schedule an HVAC tune-up to make sure your heating system is running efficiently. Changing filters can also improve airflow and save energy.
3. Insulate Pipes
Protect your pipes from freezing by adding insulation to exposed pipes in unheated areas. This can help avoid potential burst pipes during deep freezes.
4. Clean Gutters & Downspouts
Clear out any leaves and debris from gutters to prevent ice dams that can damage your roof and walls.
5. Test Alarms
Ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order, as more time indoors means increased use of fireplaces, stoves, and heaters.
Taking a little time now to prepare can make a huge difference in the comfort and safety of your home this winter.
If you have any questions or would like recommendations for trusted professionals, feel free to reach out!
Stay warm and safe,
%agent_first_name%
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Send emails to your database based on the seasons to use as a relevant touchpoint that is useful for homeowners. Bonus points for leveraging your contacts for home cleaning service providers you recommend.
Subject: 🌸 Spring Cleaning Checklist
Hi %contact_first_name%,
Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your home! A good deep clean can make your space feel brighter, healthier, and ready for the new season.
To help you get started, we’ve put together an easy-to-follow checklist. You can tackle it all at once or a little at a time – either way, you’ll be spring-ready in no time!
1. Declutter Each Room
Donate or discard items you no longer use. Less clutter makes cleaning easier and your space more open!2. Dust Everything
Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and high shelves first, and work your way down. Don't forget window sills, blinds, and baseboards.3. Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs
Consider renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional to remove any winter grime. Shake out or vacuum rugs, too!4. Wipe Down Walls and Doors
Use a mild cleaner to freshen up walls, doors, and door frames. This can make a big difference, especially in high-traffic areas.5. Clean Windows Inside and Out
Let the sunshine in by washing windows and cleaning out window tracks. Fresh air and natural light make your home feel great!6. Refresh Upholstery
Vacuum sofas, chairs, and other upholstered items to remove dust and allergens. Launder or spot-clean cushion covers as needed.7. Organize Closets and Drawers
Switch out winter clothes for spring wear, and consider donating items you no longer need. Tidy up drawers for easier access.8. Kitchen Deep Clean
Empty and wipe down cabinets, clean the fridge and freezer, and descale your coffee maker. A fresh kitchen makes cooking more enjoyable!9. Bathroom Refresh
Scrub grout, wash shower curtains, and empty out the medicine cabinet of any expired items. Your bathroom will sparkle!10. Check Smoke Alarms
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed.A clean and organized home feels amazing and can help create a calm, welcoming space. Feel free to reach out if you need any recommendations on cleaning services or tools!
Happy Cleaning,
Jim Hill
Ylopo Coach
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Title: Wishing you all the best %contact_first_name%
Body: Hoping you have the happiest of Holidays %contact_first_name%!
... and a prosperous new year filled with joy, success and endless possibilities!
In Carolina's charm, holiday cheer,
Where pines stand tall, skies clear, homes hold dear.
Snow or not, festive light,
Warm wishes in the Southern night.
Old year bows, new one near,
Success ahead, have no fear.
Carolina homes, hold them dear,
Cheers to joy and love, sincere.
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Title: Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours %contact_first_name%!
Body:
We are both grateful for all the people whose life we have been able to touch over the last year %contact_first_name%.
From our family to yours, we wish you the best always!
So very grateful for you. Thank you for everything!
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Title: Happy New Year %contact_first_name%! Let's Make 2024 Even Better Together!
Body:
Hi %contact_first_name%,
We hope this email finds you well and that you had a fantastic holiday season. As we dive into the new year, we wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support and trust in helping us assist 30 families in making their moves last year. Your referrals and encouragement mean the world to us, and we couldn't have achieved this milestone without you.
Looking ahead, we're excited to share our goal for 2024: to help an additional 50 families find their dream homes. Whether it's buying, selling, or even just providing a contractor referral, we want to be your go-to resource for all things real estate. Our commitment to providing exceptional service remains steadfast, and we're always here to support you.
Now, as we embark on this new chapter together, we'd love to hear about what you're thankful for from the past year and your goals for 2024. Is there anything specific you'd like assistance with or any dreams you want to achieve? Your input allows us to understand your needs better to tailor our services accordingly.
Thank you once again for being an integral part of our journey. Please feel free to reach out anytime—we're here for you. Let's make 2024 an incredible year filled with success and happiness!
Warmest regards,
Ylopo Tools for Database Engagement
Remarketing Branded Videos
Head to your Mission Control and visit the remarketing section to view and download branded, seasonal, and special holiday videos you can repurpose every year. Save them and use on social media posts, upload them on youtube, and include in your Holiday outreach campaigns.
Home Search Site Listings for the Seasons
Search a popular area on your home search site (make sure not to be logged in). Search for homes with specific amenities like “fireplace” for a post/email during the winter, homes with a “pool” for the hot months. Use this as a way to bring in new leads, keep your database engaged on your home search site! Here’s an example post below.
🔥 Cozy Up This Winter with a Fireplace! 🔥
Looking for a home that brings warmth and charm to your winter nights? ❄️ Check out our latest listings featuring beautiful fireplaces! 🏡✨ Whether you’re dreaming of crackling wood or the convenience of gas, these homes offer the perfect spot to relax, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy the season in comfort.
Visit our home search site to browse for homes with fireplaces or click the link in our bio to explore the full list! 👀🏠
Ready to find your dream home with a fireplace? Let’s make it happen! 🔥 #FireplaceHomes #HomeSweetHome #BetterHomesandGardens
Seasonal Blogs
Did you know your branded site with Ylopo has a blog section where we post home owner, seller, and buyer related blogs that you can share with your database?
Here are some examples of blogs that aren’t right in your face about real estate and provide value to it’s readers while keeping your brand top of mind. Leverage your website and blogs in your outreach to keep your database engaged!
Training and Coaching
Join us on Coaches Office Hours to learn more and ask questions about best practices with utilizing your Ylopo websites and tools.