Publicity Tips for Real Estate Agents
If you have tried you hand at getting publicity through the media but really haven't gotten anywhere then maybe you are not taking the right approach. There are ways to get free media publicity, you just need to know how to do it. The trick is to let the media know what you can do for them instead of trying to get them to help you. Be helpful, offer yourself as a resource that reporters can come to if they need background information, commentary, or story ideas about the real estate business.
One of the first things that you must do is to create a relationship with reporters. Call reporters and invite them to lunch. Let them know your areas of expertise and encourage them to call you. Once you have established a working relationship with reporters keep them informed about the real estate industry by supplying them with industry reports, articles, tips and trends that you are seeing, this will keep your name in their minds so that they will call you when they have a need.
Offer to help the media by keeping them informed about the biggest problems that buyers and sellers are having and offer ways to solve the problems. Offer your opinions on legislation that deals with the real estate business. Reporters are always looking for tips on a story, keep yourself in the media's mind by supplying them with tips and potential story ideas.
The radio is a valuable resource that you should not overlook. Talk radio hosts need hours of interviews to fill their time slots. When you contact a station let them know what you can offer them that will serve their listeners. An interview with a radio station will cost you nothing but will give you positive publicity to radio listeners.
Establish yourself as an expert via printed publications. Through writing you can establish yourself as an expert in your field. You can write for local, regional, and even national publications. Writing letters to the editor of the local newspaper and submitting columns are two more ways to get your name in the public's eye. When writing to the editor of a newspaper write about a story that has already been printed. When submitting a column you may want to contact the editor first and find out the guidelines such as deadlines and the length of the article. You may even want to include a photo of yourself. Newsletters, electronic newsletters, and real estate magazine publications are all other sources that you could write for. By having the editorial calendar for your local business journal you can see who and when to contact the editor to pitch a story idea about real estate. Be creative, readers want to get the information that they are looking for in a format that is fun to read.
Public speaking is another way to get free publicity. There are many events that you could offer your services to, such as the chamber of commerce, rotary clubs, business groups, and local community events. Becoming know as someone who loves to speak in public is a great way to get noticed, not only by the agency that invited you but also the people in the audience who are interested in your subject. Public speaking also includes teaching classed. Seek out opportunities to conduct a class through the local college. When you write articles for publications mention that you are available for speaking engagements
As you can see there are many different ways to get publicity. You just need to act on these tips and be creative, before you know it you will become widely know in the circles that you target.
