☕ Retention in Action
You’ve probably seen it — the “monthly market update” email that reads like an obituary.
“Average home prices are up 3%. Inventory is down 4%.” Snooze.
Meanwhile, your clients scroll past it faster than spam about car warranties.
Sarah was tired of her newsletter being ignored. She decided to swap her bullet points for a story — it was about how she helped a young couple find their dream home after losing three bidding wars. That email didn’t just get opened — it got replied to by past clients saying, “This reminded me of when you helped us!”
Here’s what happened:
Instead of leading with numbers, she started with emotion. She told a short, 3-part story:
The Hook — the couple’s frustration after losing out again.
The Struggle — her creative solution (pre-inspections + heartfelt letter).
The Win — closing day tears and champagne.
Same data. Different delivery. Her open rates tripled, replies doubled, and she booked two new listings that month — all from a simple story.
Lesson/Takeaway: People don’t remember stats — they remember stories. Every client success, challenge, or weird showing is a story waiting to become your next retention email.
⚡ Action Tip
Tip: Use the “3-Part Story” Framework in Your Next Email
What it is: A simple formula for turning dry updates into stories that connect.
Why it works: Stories trigger emotion and memory — data doesn’t.
How to do it:
Start with a Relatable Moment (“Ever had a buyer lose 3 offers in a row?”)
Show the Challenge + Solution (what you did or learned)
End with the Win or Lesson (“They finally got the keys — and here’s what I took away from it.”)
You’ll be shocked how much more engagement (and referrals) you get when your readers see themselves in your stories.
📚 Worth a Look
Resource of the Week: Start Rocking Your Email Newsletter — Story Envelope
This article nails what most agents miss — your newsletter isn’t a data dump, it’s a conversation. The author breaks down why stories (not stats) build trust, create emotion, and make clients actually look forward to your emails.
Here’s the key takeaway:
Treat every send like a one-on-one chat, not a broadcast.
Before you hit “send,” ask yourself — would I tell this story over coffee? If not, rework it until you would. That’s how you go from inbox filler to inbox favorite.
🔮 Coming Next Week..
“The Secret to Staying Top-of-Mind Without Feeling Salesy” — how to make clients look forward to hearing from you (even when you’re not selling them anything).
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Disclaimer:
The Grind Works newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only. The strategies, tools, and resources shared are general in nature and may not be suitable for every business or situation. Nothing in this newsletter should be interpreted as legal, financial, or professional advice. Results from client retention and referral strategies will vary based on market conditions, execution, and other factors outside our control. Before implementing any tactic, you should evaluate it in light of your own business circumstances and, where appropriate, consult with qualified professionals. The Grind Works makes no guarantees regarding outcomes, income, or results.