“Do letterbox drops even work anymore?” It’s a question agents often ask, especially in an age dominated by Facebook ads, Google campaigns, and endless digital noise.

Picture this: a homeowner collects the mail on their way inside. Among the bills and catalogues, there’s a flyer with your name, your face, and a clear message about the market. They may glance at it for just a few seconds, but over time those seconds add up. Week after week, month after month, they see you as the agent who’s active, consistent, and everywhere.

That’s the power of letterbox drops. Not a quick fix, but a steady, reliable way to build trust and presence in your local area—something every agent needs in today’s competitive market.

Digital marketing is often positioned as an easier, faster, and cheaper alternative to print. There’s no doubt that platforms like Facebook and Google Ads can generate instant leads. But they also come with hidden costs—over-reliance on algorithms, escalating ad spend, and often, a lack of personal connection.

Letterbox drops, on the other hand, are tactile. Homeowners physically engage with your material, even if only for a few seconds on their walk from the letterbox to the front door. That moment is a powerful branding opportunity, especially when repeated consistently.

The best strategy? Integrating both. Digital builds reach and immediacy, while print builds familiarity, trust, and longevity. Together, they deliver a consistent, multi-channel message that no single approach can achieve on its own.

Real estate agents always use prospecting. In fact, it’s one of the most important non-negotiables of their careers.

Leading agents have a consistent prospecting strategy, and letterbox drops remain central to their approach. Take Mat Steinwede from McGrath—one of Australia’s most successful agents. His number one appointment in the diary each day is prospecting.

His strategy includes:

• Daily prospecting calls

• Weekly DL letterbox drops

• Monthly letters

• Six-monthly CMAs (Comparative Market Analyses)

This rhythm keeps him front of mind, builds trust, and positions him as the busiest, most knowledgeable agent in his area. The lesson? Consistency beats occasional bursts every time.

1. “Letterbox drops don’t work anymore.”  

It’s true that the way people consume information has changed, but physical marketing still makes an impact. The key is consistency. A mapped-out farming area of around 1,000 homes, dropped regularly, creates brand recognition that grows stronger over time.

2. “Everyone just throws them in the bin.”  

Some will, but not before they’ve seen your name and face. Those few seconds on the walk from the letterbox to the front door create an impression. Keep your design simple, sharp, and memorable—so even if the flyer gets recycled, the message sticks.

3. “They’re more expensive than digital marketing.”  

Letterbox drops are actually one of the most affordable long-term strategies available. With campaigns starting from under $100 for 1,000 homes, the real question isn’t cost—it’s how consistently you’re using them to compound results.

4. “They don’t generate leads.”  

Leads don’t always appear overnight, but consistent drops build trust and familiarity. Over weeks and months, homeowners start to see you as the active, reliable agent in the area—which naturally leads to more calls and more listings.

5. “They’re not targeted enough.”  

Targeting doesn’t just happen online. A well-chosen farm area becomes your hyper-targeted audience. The message matters most: short, clear, and direct. Spread different messages over time, and you’ll cover everything without overwhelming people.

6. “It’s a waste of time.”  

On the contrary, walking your farm area is an investment in both your business and your local knowledge. You’ll notice changes—new renovations, fresh landscaping, for-sale signs—that spark natural conversations and deepen community connections.

7. “They take too much time to manage.”  

Prospecting takes time, but it’s the highest-value activity an agent can do. By making drops part of your weekly or fortnightly routine, you’ll not only market yourself—you’ll also get to know your neighbourhood inside and out. Alternatively, there are distribution options available if you don’t want to drop them yourself.

8. “Digital has replaced print.”  

Digital and print don’t compete—they complement each other. The best agents combine the two, using QR codes on flyers to drive traffic online, or reinforcing social media campaigns with letterbox drops for added visibility.

9. “The same flyer design will always work.”  

Variety is important. Changing layouts, messages, or calls-to-action keeps your drops fresh and engaging. Different types of flyers—market updates, just listed, just sold—tell different parts of your story.

10. “People don’t trust flyers.”  

What people trust is quality. Properly designed, targeted communication and professionally printed materials build credibility and position you as the expert. Consistency reinforces that trust, showing you’re serious about your brand and your community.

Believing these misconceptions can limit your success. The reality is that letterbox drops are one of the most effective tools in a balanced prospecting plan—especially when paired with strong digital marketing.