Not all professionals use business cards, but real estate agents are an important exception. A real estate agent must look for ways to deliver a powerful first impression. Wondering how to keep your name in others' minds, even if they're not in the market for months?

One reason why Homesale Realty is so effective is that our agents use many different methods to reach would-be clients and maintain their attention. By pairing sophisticated digital marketing with proven methods like a good business card, you can become your area's go-to real estate agent.

Of course, not all business cards are created equal. There's a good reason so many people get a glazed look in their eyes when given a business card. Since these cards are much rarer today, yours has an even better opportunity to stand out.

Here's what to include to make your business card shine:

• Multiple Contact Methods
  Research shows that you're most likely to convert a lead into a client if you respond to their initial query in five minutes or less. That doesn't leave much margin for error, so make sure every contact method is something where you receive an instant notification and can react right away.
  
  
• Your Headshot
  A headshot isn't allowed on a resume, but it makes perfect sense on a business card. A professional yet approachable headshot is one of the best ways to stand out from the crowd and be remembered. It may help to use the same headshot on your website and LinkedIn, strengthening the association.
  
  
• Your (or Your Brokerage's) NAR Logo
  Logos from trusted industry associations are important "trust markers." They work across all kinds of collateral, from business cards to websites and beyond. Of these, the National Association of Realtors logo is widely recognized, so be sure to use it wherever you qualify to do so.
  
  
• Your License or MLS Number
  Many people looking for a real estate agent are keen on doing their own research before they sit down to chat. They may want to check out your licensure and make sure you are on the up and up. Make it as easy for them as possible by providing the information they need on your card.
  
  
• Your Social Media
  Lots of your future clients already use social media to explore properties. Instagram is the most popular platform for this, followed by Twitter. Include your relevant social media handles. If you use a branded hashtag for your real estate practice, be sure to add it as well.
  
  
• Your Specialty or Niche
  By the time you start passing out your business card, you should have a clear vision in mind of who your ideal customer is. When you narrow your focus to your ideal customer, not just anyone, it makes all your marketing more powerful, including your business card.
  
  
• Quality Cardstock
  People perceive a document that's heavier as more valuable. A business card is just a few ounces of paper, yet quality cardstock adds an undeniable air of quality. Most printers offer 14pt cardstock by default, but you may be able to upgrade to 16pt or even more if you use a specialty print service.
  
  
• Use the Back Too
  If you want to share lots of information, don't risk a cluttered presentation by putting it all on one side. A double-sided business card is more effective because having one side blank doesn't look very professional. It's also the perfect spot for a QR code for your business website.

Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to learn more about marketing for agents.