5 PR Hacks to Boost Your Brand and Your Business
Do you ever wonder why the same real estate agents in your market are quoted in the local news every time? Do you want to learn how that agent can be you? Kevin Hawkins, an award-winning communications consultant specializing in PR and media relations for the real estate industry, shares the power of PR in five PR hacks you can use immediately to help you grow your brand and your real estate business. Understanding Public Relations and Its Value Public relations, or PR, in its simplest form, is about storytelling and relationship-building. It's the art of communicating your brand's narrative to the right people at the right time, creating a rapport with your audience. For you, as a real estate agent, it's a pathway to position yourself as the local authority in your market and the go-to agent in your community. The true value of PR lies in its ability to create credibility and trust with your target audience. Unlike paid advertising, PR offers a third-party endorsement that can be far more powerful in attracting and engaging potential clients. Think of PR as your personal megaphone, not merely to amplify your voice but to fine-tune the message reaching your audience. Its value lies in its ability to shape perceptions, manage reputations, and cultivate a community presence that resonates with your client base. Leverage local media Local media outlets, such as newspapers, radio stations, and TV stations, are often interested in stories about real estate and typically seek out a real estate expert for their coverage. You can use PR to pitch your expertise or local market knowledge to media outlets and potentially secure coverage to reach a large and targeted audience. Moreover, you can establish yourself as a go-to expert in your area by providing valuable insights and commentary on the local real estate market. When crafting your pitch to reporters, consider the unique aspects of your local market and how your expertise can provide value to the media outlet's audience. For example, if your area is experiencing a surge in home sales, you could offer to give commentary on the factors driving this trend and what it means for buyers and sellers. Or, if you specialize in a particular type of property, such as luxury homes or eco-friendly buildings, you could pitch a story idea focused on that niche. Consider what you can offer, such as insight on market trends, housing advice, or community insights. What are the local trends? What is happening with property values, a trend towards home improvements, or a new development proposed that will impact your community? Become the voice the media turns to when a housing story calls for a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and local expert. Pro Tip: When pitching to local media, success requires a compelling story angle that offers unique insights that will capture the attention of journalists and their audience. Be prepared to offer statistics, anecdotes, and examples to support your news angle and demonstrate your expertise. Utilizing social media Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, can be powerful tools for sharing your knowledge and expertise with a wider audience. By regularly posting valuable content, such as market updates, home buying tips, and insight on local real estate trends, you can establish yourself as a thought leader in your market – and that can attract the attention of reporters who cover real estate. To maximize the impact of your social media efforts, develop a content strategy that aligns with your brand and target audience. Test the types of content that will resonate with your followers, such as educational blog posts, inspiring success stories, or fun and engaging short videos. Use eye-catching visuals, such as high-quality photos and infographics, to make your posts more shareable and increase their reach. Remember to share any news coverage you are included in on all your social channels, as media coverage often begets more media coverage. Pro Tip: Remember to track your social media posts closely and engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages. Boost your most successful post, as a small ad spend of $50 to $100 can help attract a few thousand more eyeballs. Networking with other professionals Good PR isn't limited to creating publicity. Use the principles of good PR to build relationships with other professionals, such as mortgage brokers, investment planners, and attorneys, who can refer business to you. Networking and building mutually beneficial relationships can increase your exposure and reach new potential clients. Attend industry events, join local business associations, and consider hosting your own networking events to connect with other professionals in your area. When attending networking events, come prepared with a clear and concise elevator pitch highlighting your unique value proposition and the types of clients you serve. Be genuinely interested in the people you meet and look for ways to add value to their businesses. Follow up with the contacts you make after the event to continue building those relationships and explore potential partnership opportunities. Pro Tip: When networking, focus on building genuine relationships rather than simply trying to secure referrals. Establishing trust and credibility with other professionals will make you more likely to receive high-quality referrals in the long run. Consider offering reciprocal referrals to professionals who complement your services and share your commitment to excellent client service. Participating in community events Attending community events, such as charity fundraisers or local festivals, can be an excellent way to increase your visibility and build relationships with potential clients. You can demonstrate your commitment to the area and attract new business by getting involved in your community. Consider sponsoring a local event, volunteering your time, or hosting a booth to showcase your services and connect with potential clients. Keep in mind that many high-profile events will earn media coverage. If you are involved in the event's organization, offer to support its PR outreach and act as one of its spokespersons. When selecting community events, look for opportunities that align with your brand and target audience. For example, consider sponsoring a school-related event or team if you work with many families. If you focus on luxury properties, look for events that cater to high-net-worth individuals, such as charity auctions or golf tournaments. Pro Tip: When participating in community events, have plenty of business cards. Better yet, learn how to share your contact information with your smartphone. Offer to email them your newsletter or monthly local market report: it's a great way to grow your sphere. Utilizing online reviews and ratings Online reviews and ratings can be a powerful source of PR for you, as powerful client endorsements can be priceless. As a service-centric agent, you must leverage your success by encouraging satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Facebook, Google, Zillow – and even Yelp. These reviews can help you establish a positive online footprint and attract new business when others search online for local, reputable agents. Provide satisfied clients with direct links to your profiles on various review platforms to make it easy for them to leave reviews. A best practice is to send a follow-up email immediately after closing a transaction to thank them for their business and request a review. You can even share examples of what others have said to help them get started. To encourage them to participate, offer to make a small donation to a local nonprofit in their honor to show your appreciation for their feedback. Pro Tip: Be sure to monitor your online reviews regularly and respond to any negative feedback in a professional and constructive manner. This will demonstrate that you value your clients' feedback and are committed to providing excellent service. Unlock the secret power of PR The hidden power of public relations can amplify your brand – an essential addition to your promotional activities. By engaging with local media, you can be the sage voice of your local housing market. On the digital front, your social media can help showcase your local expertise and build trust with your followers. Networking—online or offline—isn't about handshakes or drive-by "liking" but connecting to create strategic alliances with like-minded professionals to extend your reach. Contact Tech Helpline for assistance if you have general questions about social media or any tech devices questions. Participating in community events can help you deepen your local roots, showcasing a commitment that transcends transactions. Client reviews online provide concrete examples of why people like to work with you. Each of these takeaways doesn't just add a layer to your brand—they fortify it by strengthening your visibility, credibility, and genuine connection that only PR can provide. By incorporating these PR strategies into your marketing activities, you can help grow your business and establish yourself as "the" trusted authority in your local real estate market. To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog. Related reading What Is Public Relations? Collaborating with Media and Reporters for Brand Awareness in Real Estate 5 Surefire Ways to Keep Your News Releases from Being Used

Second Century Ventures Announces Eight Companies for REACH LATAM 2024 Cohort
MEXICO CITY (May 15, 2024) – Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors®, has announced the selection of eight companies for the second annual REACH Latin America (LATAM) cohort. Those selected for the 2024 program will join a portfolio of more than 250 technology companies across six major markets worldwide. The acclaimed REACH program aids in launching and accelerating companies with high-growth potential in the real estate, construction, financial services, banking, home services, and insurance sectors. "The 2024 REACH LATAM cohort is at the forefront of a technological revolution in the real estate and construction industries," said Carlos Rousseau, managing partner of REACH LATAM. "These eight innovative startups harness AI and blockchain to reshape how we invest, build and manage properties. We are excited to support their growth and witness their impact on the industry and people across Latin America." The companies selected include: WBuild optimizes the investing and asset management processes through advanced legal frameworks, blockchain and AI. This enables investors to access and build personalized portfolios while allowing developers and asset managers to better service their customers. Propi accelerates the sales and rental of residential real estate in Central America, making the process easier for buyers, landlords and tenants. HippoBuild provides construction companies with a comprehensive platform to optimize procurement and supply chain processes using real-time data. Mica improves the renting process for all parties involved through its underwriting risk model and provision of financial tools. Viventa assists Latin American migrants to purchase homes in their countries of origin, providing expert legal and financial guidance throughout the process. Neo is an AI-enhanced platform connecting developers, agents, home buyers and international investors, addressing market needs in pre- and under-construction real estate. Cuid offers reliable AI security for homes and businesses. Alterhome is a Platform as a Service (PaaS) model launching vacation rental businesses worldwide. "The diversity of solutions within this group is truly remarkable," said Dave Garland, managing partner, Second Century Ventures. "We’re thrilled to support their growth and witness the synergies that will emerge as they collaborate and innovate together." REACH LATAM provides an extensive curriculum, including education, mentorship, exclusive networking opportunities and substantial exposure to the global real estate marketplace. To learn more about REACH LATAM and how you can get involved, please visit nar-reach.com/latam. About REACH REACH is a unique technology scale-up program created by Second Century Ventures, the most active global fund in real estate technology. Backed by the National Association of Realtors®, REACH leverages the association’s 1.5 million members and an unparalleled network of executives within real estate and adjacent industries. The REACH program helps technology companies scale across the real estate vertical and its adjacent markets through education, mentorship, and market exposure. About the National Association of Realtors® The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. The term Realtor® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.