Update Your Database with a Holiday Card Strategy
- Leslie Don Wilson
- Nov 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 16
November is more than just the start of the holiday season—it's the perfect opportunity to refresh your contact database while spreading some seasonal cheer. Today, I'm going to show you how to kill two birds with one stone: updating your client information and expanding your holiday card list, all through a simple Google Form.
Why November is Perfect for Database Updates
Let's be honest—asking people for their contact information out of the blue can feel awkward. But when you frame it as "I'd love to send you a holiday card," suddenly you're not just collecting data; you're offering something warm and meaningful. People are happy to share their updated information when there's a thoughtful gesture attached to it.
Setting Up Your Google Form
The beauty of using Google Forms is that it's free (if you have a Gmail account), easy to share, and automatically organizes responses for you. Here's how to set it up:
Step 1: Create Your Form
Head to Google Forms in your Google Workspace and start a new form. Title it something inviting like "Please Send Me a Holiday Card!"
The form will automatically ask for an email address, which is great. Now add these essential fields:
Names - Use a long answer/paragraph format since you want to address everyone in the household, not just one person.
Home Address - Again, use a long answer format so people can easily type out their full address.
Phone Number - Here's an important tip: don't make this field required. Not everyone wants to share their phone number, and that's okay. Make everything else required, but keep the phone number optional.
Step 2: Style Your Form
Don't leave your form looking boring and generic! Take a few minutes to make it visually appealing:
Change the font to something warm and readable (I prefer Georgia)
Upload a custom header image—I recommend creating one in Canva with your company logo
Choose a color scheme that gives off those cozy holiday vibes
Step 3: Configure Your Settings
Click on Settings and adjust these options:
Responses: Don't send a copy to respondents, and limit responses to one per person
Presentation: Create a custom confirmation message. Mine says: "Thanks so much for providing your info! Can't wait to send you some holiday cheer. Wishing you a truly wonderful and joyful holiday season."
This personal touch makes people feel good about submitting their information.
Where Does the Data Go?
Here's where the magic happens. Click on "Responses" and then "Link to Sheets." Name your spreadsheet something clear like "2025 Holiday Card Responses" and create it.
Now every time someone submits your form, their information automatically populates in your Google Sheet with:
Timestamp
Email address
Names
Home address
Phone number
Sharing Your Form
Once your form is ready, click "Publish" and copy the link. You can even shorten the URL for easier sharing. Now distribute this link:
Post it on social media
Send it via text message
Include it in your email newsletter
Anyone who clicks the link can fill out your form in seconds.
The Real Strategy: Beyond Holiday Cards
Here's where you transform a simple holiday gesture into a powerful business tool. Once you receive submissions:
Add them to your holiday card list (obviously!)
Verify homeownership - Look up the home address in tax records or use Realtor RPR to see if they own the property
If they own the home - Start sending them a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) every 90 days to keep them informed about their home's value
If they're in another market area - Add them to HomeBot, which will automatically send monthly market updates
Build your referral network - Even if someone lives in another state, when they're ready to sell, you'll be top of mind for that referral
The Bottom Line
This simple holiday card strategy does more than just update your database—it strengthens relationships, positions you as thoughtful and organized, and creates multiple touchpoints throughout the year. You're not just collecting addresses; you're building a system that keeps you connected to past, present, and future clients.
So don't wait. Set up your Google Form today, share it across your networks, and watch your database grow while spreading holiday cheer. It's a win-win for everyone.
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