5 Ways to Promote Your Open House in 2024

Hosting an open house is a time-tested method for drawing potential buyers to a property, but it takes more than putting a sign on the lawn to make one a success.

With the growing importance of digital marketing and community engagement, real estate professionals must think creatively and strategically about how to attract the right visitors. A well-promoted open house can generate buzz, spark interest, and lead to quicker sales, but it requires a thoughtful blend of both online and offline tactics. From leveraging your website as a central hub of information to collaborating with local businesses for wider reach, promoting your open house effectively involves tapping into a variety of marketing channels.

By utilizing these five proven strategies, you can ensure that your open house stands out in a crowded market, making it a must-see listing.

1. Use Your Website to Highlight the Open House

Your website is the central hub for your real estate business. It’s where potential buyers go to learn about your listings and services. To promote your open house, start by featuring the event details prominently on the property’s listing page.

Create a dedicated section that includes the open house date, time, and location. Add high-quality photos, videos, and interactive tours to give visitors a sneak peek. It’s also wise to include POI maps and neighborhood insights to help potential buyers get a feel for the area.

To go a step further, create a dedicated landing page just for the open house. This page should include a catchy headline, a brief description of the property’s unique selling points, and a clear call-to-action inviting visitors to attend the open house.

On the landing page, provide a registration form for visitors to RSVP, which helps you capture leads and gauge interest. You can also offer exclusive content, like a downloadable property brochure or a virtual tour, to encourage visitors to engage more with your site.

2. Leverage Social Media for Wider Reach

Social media is an excellent tool for spreading the word about your open house to a broader audience. By using various platforms, you can connect with potential buyers where they spend most of their time online.

Create visually appealing posts that showcase the unique features of the property. Include high-quality images and engaging videos to provide followers with a virtual tour of the home. Ensure that all key details, such as the open house date, time, and location, are clearly stated in your posts.

To build excitement and urgency, consider using countdown graphics or sneak peeks. Platforms like Instagram Stories or Facebook Live are perfect for giving followers a preview of the property in the days leading up to the open house.

Choose the Best Platforms

Not all social media platforms work equally well for promoting an open house. Focus on the ones where your target audience is most active.

For instance, Instagram and TikTok are great for sharing stunning property photos and short, engaging videos, making them ideal for younger homebuyers. On the other hand, LinkedIn is better for reaching your peers so that you can invite them and their prospective buyers to check out the property.

Interact with Your Followers

Engagement is crucial on social media. Encourage your followers to interact with your open house posts by asking/answering questions and engaging with polls about their favorite features.

Plan Your Posts

To keep your open house top of mind, plan and schedule your social media posts in advance. This ensures consistent promotion leading up to the event.

Use a social media management tool like Buffer or Canva to plan and schedule posts across different platforms. These tools also offer useful analytics to help you track how your posts are doing and adjust your strategy as needed.

3. Email Marketing Campaigns

Email marketing offers a direct and personalized way to reach potential buyers, making it an effective tool for promoting your open house. By segmenting your email list and crafting targeted messages, you can significantly increase interest and attendance.

Start by organizing your email list into specific groups based on factors like geographic location, budget, or property preferences. This allows you to send targeted emails that cater to each group’s unique interests.

For example, if you’re showcasing a luxury property, you could send one email to high-net-worth individuals and another to first-time homebuyers interested in upscale living. If your open house is in a specific neighborhood, target buyers who have shown interest in that area.

Craft Compelling Email Content

When creating your email content, highlight the property’s standout features and benefits. Use engaging subject lines that create a sense of urgency or exclusivity, such as “Join Us for an Exclusive Open House in [Neighborhood]” or “Find Your Dream Home at Our Open House.”

In the email body, include high-resolution photos and a concise, appealing description of the property. Highlight any recent renovations, attractive amenities, or unique architectural elements.

Make sure the open house details—date, time, and location—are easy to find. Include a clear call-to-action, such as “RSVP Today” or “Reserve Your Spot,” and link to your open house landing page for more information and registration.

Provide Value with Exclusive Content

To make your email stand out and encourage recipients to attend, offer exclusive content or incentives. This could be a behind-the-scenes video tour of the property, a downloadable guide to the neighborhood, or a special giveaway for attendees, like a local business gift card.

By offering added value beyond the open house invitation, you show your commitment to helping buyers find their ideal home and create a positive impression of your brand.

Optimize Your Email Timing and Frequency

Timing is key for the success of your email marketing. Send your first open house email about one week before the event, followed by a reminder one or two days before. This keeps the event fresh in recipients’ minds without flooding their inboxes.

Aim to send your emails during weekdays, as people are more likely to check and respond to emails during the workweek. Avoid sending emails too early in the morning or too late at night to ensure they aren’t overlooked.

To make sure your emails look good on any device, use a responsive email template that adjusts to different screen sizes. Test your emails before sending to catch any errors or formatting issues that could affect deliverability or engagement.

4. Collaborate with Local Influencers and Businesses

Find Unique Advertising Opportunities

Advertising with local influencers can greatly increase the visibility of your open house and draw a larger crowd of potential buyers. These partnerships can help you reach new audiences and build your reputation as a well-connected local expert.

Start by identifying influencers in your area whose followers match your target audience. These might include popular bloggers, Instagram personalities, or community leaders known for their local influence.

Host Joint Events with Local Businesses

Another effective approach is to collaborate with local businesses to host joint events that align with your open house. Partner with a nearby café, restaurant, or boutique to create an event that draws more visitors.

For example, you might team up with a local coffee shop to offer attendees free beverages or pastries. Alternatively, you could collaborate with a home décor store to stage the property with their products and offer discounts to open house attendees.

These joint events benefit both your open house and the partnering business by exposing each to new potential customers. They also add an extra layer of attraction for attendees, making the open house a more memorable experience.

5. Use Traditional Marketing Methods

Traditional marketing methods are still very effective for promoting your open house. They can work well alongside your online efforts to reach more local people.

Create Engaging Print Materials

Flyers and brochures are great for marketing your open house. Design these materials to look good and provide useful information, highlighting the property’s best features like layout, amenities, and recent upgrades.

Distribute these print materials in smart locations:

• Local businesses: Leave flyers at coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques to connect with the local community.
• Community centers: Post on bulletin boards in libraries, recreation centers, and other community spots
• Neighboring properties: Hand out door hangers or flyers in the nearby neighborhood to attract residents who might know potential buyers.
• Yard Signs: Place your signs in spots where many people will see them. Make sure the signs have clear and simple information about the event. Use bright colors, big letters, and QR codes so the details are easily accessible.

Make sure your print materials have a strong call-to-action and your contact information, encouraging interested people to reach out for more details or to RSVP.

Leverage Local Media Outlets

Local newspapers and community bulletins can really help get the word out about your open house. Many people still look at these sources for local news and events, making them useful for promotion.

Consider placing an ad in the real estate section of your local newspaper. Highlight the open house and the property’s unique features. You can also submit a press release to local media outlets, especially if the property has a unique story or notable aspects.

Engage with local online forums or community Facebook groups focused on neighborhood news and events. Share your open house details and interact with members who show interest or have questions.

By combining these traditional marketing methods with your online strategies, you can create a well-rounded promotional plan that effectively reaches potential buyers and brings more people to your open house.

If you’re looking to take your open house marketing to the next level, we can help. Our team at AgentFire specializes in creating high-converting real estate websites that will make your open houses stand out. Book a demo with us today and see how we can help you attract more buyers and sell properties faster.