Use PR Power to Big Up your Agency
One of the most common misconceptions about public relations is it’s only big chains and sprawling corporations that can benefit from it or indeed have the budget for it.
Wrong. There is absolutely no reason why savvy smaller estate agency owners can’t use PR effectively and affordably.
I won’t work with chains or corporates for two reasons. Getting a decision made takes longer than an oil tanker doing a three point turn in rough seas.
Also I’m genuinely baffled by the ‘game changing’, ‘going forward’ and ‘bar raising’ jargon that bounces around corporate PR and marketing offices.
As one of my former news editors taught me: ‘When people are talking jargon push for a simple explanation. Nine times out of ten they don’t really know what they’re talking about.’ Wise words.
I attended a conference last year where an American PR guru (god, I hate that term) with a very shiny happy face blessed us with a rather boring speech.
I asked him what PR meant to him hoping for an insight into his ‘guruness.’ His response left me feeling a bit short changed. ‘Well it’s more than words can say.’ Nonsense.
PR is often labelled, not always unfairly, as being all smoke and mirrors. However, when it’s done well PR can set you apart from the competition and get customers knowing, liking and trusting your agency ultimately leading to instructions.
There are lots of areas PR covers including Blogging, Social Media, Reputation Management, Publicity Raising and Press Relations.
Here are five simple PR ideas your estate agency can use.
NEW is NEWS
Local papers are often interested in new office openings especially if there’s a good human story behind the business.
AWARDS:
I’ve mentioned these recently. If you have won a business award or been shortlisted for one the local media, and maybe even the industry press could very well be interested. You’ve got to be in it to win it though.
GET INVOLVED LOCALLY:
If your agency has raised money for a local charity or project the press are worth contacting. If you have donated, sponsored or volunteered for a local cause this may also be of media interest.
PROPERTY PORN:
If you have got an interesting property or something with a wow factor on your books it may well be worth approaching the media. Everyone likes a look at amazing properties for sale and thinking ‘if only.’ A client of mine received loads of national and local coverage when they sold Sir Elton John’s childhood home within just 72 hours.
BLOG
One of the newest kids on the PR block but for me and my clients it’s a winner. It’s pure PR as you are communicating with your target audience and over the course of time building up a positive relationship with your readers. Too often overlooked.
To have a complimentary 20 minute chat about your PR situation call me on 01323 360 773 or drop me a line at Jerry@propertyprexpert.co.uk.
Good luck and here’s to your next instruction.
Jerry
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