Elevate Your Communication with Google Layouts

If you're a small business owner or solopreneur looking to send beautifully designed emails without paying for an additional service, Google Layouts might be your new best friend. This feature, available in Gmail for Google Workspace users, allows you to create professional-looking emails directly within your inbox. Let's look at how can it be especially helpful for real estate agents juggling multiple clients and transactions at once.

(PS I only share about companies that I truly believe in, and some of the links in this content are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them.)

Why real estate agents should be using email templates

If you’re a real estate agent, you already know how much of your job relies on clear, timely communication. But here’s the thing: much of that communication is the same for every client. From offer acceptance to closing day, each transaction follows a predictable rhythm — and you’re likely typing out the same explanation about inspections, contingencies, and what to bring to closing. Every time.

Google Layouts let you build an email once, brand it, polish it, and then reuse it for every transaction. You still get the personal touch by customizing names and details, but the core content? Done. Ready to go. That means less time in your inbox and more time focusing on actually serving your clients (or finally taking that lunch break you’ve been skipping).

You want to provide top-tier service. That doesn’t mean you need to spend hours writing the same email twenty different ways.

Stand out from the crowd by personalizing your email layouts with Google.

Google Layouts offer a set of customizable email layouts that include images, text blocks, and buttons just like Flodesk and Mailchimp do. You can personalize these templates with your own branding — think logos, brand colors, and tone — and send them right from your Gmail inbox. However, while Flodesk and Mailchimp are designed to send emails in bulk, Google Layouts works better for sending emails to individuals or a few people at a time. That makes it ideal for sending emails related to a transaction!

(If you are looking for a site to send bulk emails I enjoy using Flodesk! And I recently learned about a platform called Kit.)

But what if you want to save time on emails but don't have a paid Google workspace account?

If you're not using a paid Google account, don't worry — Gmail still has a fantastic time-saving option: Templates.

Once enabled (via Gmail Settings → Advanced → Templates), you can save frequently used email messages and insert them with just a few clicks. These templates don’t offer the same visual design as Layouts — no banners or branded formatting — but they’re still a game-changer when you’re sending the same information to every buyer, seller, or vendor. Even without design flair, these text-based templates help you show up consistently and professionally. And honestly, that’s half the battle.

So what is the difference between Layouts and Templates?

Your time and communication are both important.

As a real estate agent, your time is better spent guiding your clients through the process, not rewriting the same email about earnest money or walkthrough checklists. With the right template in place, you’ll be able to provide excellent service without burning out on repetitive tasks.

If you love the idea of templates but don't know where to start, below get my free list of templates I recommend every realtor have on hand. And if you want templates but don't have the time or desire to make them yourself, I can help! Send me a message to get started.