Real Estate Business Card Tips for Success

In this article:

• Do agents need real estate business cards?
• What should you include on your real estate business cards?
• What makes a great real estate business card?
• Real estate business card mistakes to avoid
• Tips for the best real estate agent business cards
• Where should you hand out real estate agent business cards?

Real estate business cards might be the tiniest piece of marketing collateral in your arsenal, but they pack a powerful punch when a contact needs your services. How you design your business card — as well as how you use it — can help you stay top of mind with potential clients.

Do agents need real estate business cards?

Every real estate agent needs a business card. In a world that's increasingly digital, real estate business cards are still relevant. They’re inexpensive, portable and packed with information that a potential client needs.

Designed well and used wisely, your business card is a way for you to stay with contacts when the conversation is over. Our director of industry outreach, Bret Calltharp, says that while business cards are still widely used, many people are starting to prefer electronic formats. 'You should also have a digital business card to be able to share,' he says.

When it comes to managing your new leads, you can use the Zillow Premier Agent CRM to keep track of your connections and stay two steps ahead, whether you're at your desk or on the go.

What should you include on your real estate business cards?

According to the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2018, 79% of home buyers shop online, so be sure your website and email address are prominently displayed on your business card, in addition to your cell phone number. Also, remember any copyright and trademark symbols and licensing information that you might be required by law to include on your card.

If you're planning on networking, you may consider making business cards specifically for handing to other industry professionals. Bret recommends putting your personal information on networking business cards, instead of using your brokerage's information. 'If you decide to move on, you won't get any reward for keeping their logo on your card,' he says. He's also a fan of including a headshot on business cards, since other professionals can meet dozens of contacts each day.

If you're active on social media, meaning you consistently offer content that consumers value and comment on, it's a good idea to include your social media handles on the back of your card.

What makes a great real estate business card?

Font, color, shape and design speak volumes about a real estate business card. You've got 7 square inches to make an impact on a potential client, so make the most of them. Consider ordering just a few real estate business card samples before placing a large order, so you can ensure they turn out how you want them to. Here are some of the top qualities of an effective business card:

1. Readability

Less is more. White space sets apart the most important information and makes it easier to read. It also leaves space if you or your potential client need to jot down a note or reminder. Since many professionals use apps to scan contact information directly into their phones, Bret recommends a legible font that isn't too small.

2. Consistent branding

Stick with the colors and fonts identified with your corporate brand so that your business card looks like it’s part of your real estate marketing materials. If you have a short tagline or logo, consider adding it. But remember to check with your brokerage to see what you can and can't use. 'Each major franchise brand has their own marketing standards and guidelines,' says Bret.

3. Multiple methods of contact

You don’t want to miss out on a potential client or job opportunity because you weren't convenient to get hold of. Not everyone prefers to communicate using the same channel, so consider including your:

• Office phone
• Cell phone (for calls and texts)
• Business email
• Website or social media information

4. Quality card stock

Typical real estate business cards are printed on 12-pt. cardstock. Consider upping the quality to give yours a distinct feel and make them more durable. Bret recommends always using professionally printed cards on heavy cardstock. 'Moo.com has a lot of fun ideas — custom finishes will help you to stand out,' he says. Many websites provide real estate business card ideas, and have a design tool so you can preview a sample before you purchase them.

Real estate business card mistakes to avoid

Every agent wants to stand out. Just make sure your real estate business cards — and you — are being remembered for the right reasons. Here are some things to avoid:

1. Over-cluttering

There are many trendy colors and typefaces that you can use on your card to make it stand out — and there's nothing wrong with that, as long as your card doesn't look like a circus ad. Don't cover every millimeter of the card with text or graphics, or you run the risk of overwhelming contacts, who won't know what to retain.

2. Using clip art or stock photos

Avoid generic, pre-made symbols or pictures you've found online. A picture of a house with a for sale sign isn't unique. Instead, consider working with a professional to design a personal logo or graphic.

3. Adding sales declarations

Don't include cheesy declarations about how much you love selling houses. They don't add value. If you’re set on differentiating yourself this way, consider adding a tagline or quote.

4. Altering the shape or size

Off-sized business cards sure do grab attention — just not always in a good way. While rounding corners is perfectly acceptable, don't alter the card size or shape. Most card holders in wallets and purses are made to hold standard 3.5 x 2 cards.

5. Using nontraditional material

When it comes to your real estate agent card, stick to cardstock. Think about who you're giving your cards to and what purpose you want them to serve. Will a thicker material like wood or plastic make the cards difficult to carry? Will a connection be able to write information on a metal card?

Tips for the best real estate agent business cards

With the bad stuff out of the way, here are some of our tips for creating the best real estate business cards:

• Hire a professional designer to create your business cards.
• If you use any graphics other than a logo, stick to a professional (and recent) headshot.
• Ask someone to edit or proof your card for typos.
• Use a commercial printer who offers high-quality cardstock.
• Store your cards in a hard case to prevent them from getting bent or stained.

Where should you hand out real estate agent business cards?

There's no prize for handing out the most real estate agent business cards. Consider reserving business cards for one-on-one conversations like you’d have at networking events and open houses, or when you know offering one is the next natural step in a conversation.

Keep your real estate agent cards on hand wherever you go, because you never know where you’ll run into a potential client or business partner. But be selective. Your goal is to establish meaningful relationships and gain clients. You can use your website and social media to push a message out to the masses.