If you’re in a referral-based business, one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay top of mind is through email video marketing.
We’ve seen open rates increase by over 300% when switching from traditional text-based emails to personalized video emails. In this post, we’ll break down how video email marketing works, why it’s so powerful, and how you can use it to generate more referrals and repeat business.
Why Most Email Marketing Fails
Let’s be honest — most people are frustrated with email marketing because they aren’t getting results. But it’s not that email doesn’t work; it’s how it’s being used.
Sending generic, templated emails that no one opens or cares about is a waste of time. If you want your database to engage with your emails again, you need to change your approach — and email video marketing is the best way to do that.
What Is Email Video Marketing?
Email video marketing is simply incorporating short, personalized videos into your email messages. You can use tools like Referral Sweet, BombBomb, or similar platforms to embed or link your videos directly inside emails.
The goal is to make your communication more personal, human, and memorable. Instead of being another text-heavy email in someone’s inbox, your message stands out — because people see you.
Video bridges the gap that plain text never can.
Why Email Video Marketing Works So Well
When you rely only on text, you lose the emotional impact of real communication. Studies show that:
- 60% of communication impact comes from tone and voice,
- 30% from body language,
- and only 10% from the actual words.
That means people remember how you say things far more than what you say.
Video allows you to show authenticity, confidence, and warmth — the same things that build trust in person. That’s why email video marketing is such a powerful referral marketing tool.
People might forget what you said, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.
How Often Should You Send Video Emails?
After sending thousands of video emails for our clients over the last few years, we’ve found that the sweet spot is 1–2 emails per month.
That’s enough to stay visible without overwhelming your audience. The key is consistency — showing up regularly so your name and face remain familiar.
Each video email should have a clear purpose: to remind people you’re available for their real estate or referral needs without constantly talking about business.
Remember this:
“10–15% of your email list will move this year, but 100% of them know someone who will.”
So ask yourself — who’s more likely to get those referrals?
- The agent sending 1–2 personalized video emails a month?
- The one sending templated, text-only newsletters?
- Or the one not emailing at all?
Exactly. Email video marketing wins every time because it captures attention — and attention is everything in marketing.
What Kind of Video Content Should You Send?
Let’s start with what not to send.
Don’t constantly talk about yourself or your business unless there’s actual news worth sharing — like a major market shift or a big industry change that affects your audience.
If you talk about real estate nonstop, people will tune you out. Just like you wouldn’t talk about work all day with your significant other, your audience doesn’t want to hear sales pitches every week.
Your email video marketing should be about connection, not conversion.
Here are some ideas that work great:
- Holiday greetings – Quick, upbeat videos for major holidays keep your outreach warm and natural.
- Local community updates – Highlight local events, new restaurants, or neighborhood changes.
- Homeowner tips – Short videos with value, like “3 ways to boost curb appeal” or “How to prep your home for storm season.”
- Thank-you messages – A personal video to clients after closing goes a long way in nurturing future referrals.
The goal is simple: remind your audience you’re around, helpful, and relatable — not just another salesperson.
Keep It Simple and Consistent
You don’t need fancy equipment or long videos. A short, genuine message filmed on your phone works perfectly.
Invest just 30–60 minutes each month to plan and record your video emails. You’ll be amazed how quickly consistency pays off.
Remember — 90% of what you say will be forgotten in 24 hours, but 100% of people will remember how you said it. That’s why video makes such a difference.
The impact of your tone, expression, and authenticity cannot be replicated in text.
Why Email Video Marketing Is a Game-Changer for Referrals
When you send regular, engaging video emails to your database, you’re building familiarity and trust — two key ingredients for referrals.
You’re also showing up in a way that competitors aren’t. While others are spamming inboxes with newsletters or promotional flyers, your face and voice remind people of who you are and why they like working with you.
Over time, you stop chasing business and start attracting it.
Final Thoughts
In a referral-based business, your relationships are your greatest asset. But relationships fade when there’s no consistent communication. That’s why email video marketing is so powerful — it helps you stay connected in a way that’s personal, memorable, and scalable.
Don’t overthink it. Just start with one video a month. Smile, be yourself, and provide a little value. Before long, you’ll see your engagement — and referrals — climb.
Remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s to be present.
