Want to Know More about Public Relations?

Do you have questions about public relations for the home building industry? Well help is here! Now you can Ask Carol all of those burning questions.

Carol Flammer and Carol Ruiz have joined forces with NHDBuzz.com to offer Ask Carol, an Ask the Expert service that provides answers to all the burning real estate public relations and social media questions of home builders, developers, real estate agents and their marketers.

Flammer, owner of Atlanta-based Flammer Relations and managing partner of mRELEVANCE, and Ruiz, principal of Los Angeles-based red rocket LA, each bring 20 years of professional experience, and will each provide their advice on trade questions on the new home news site.

Despite the fact that they live and work on opposite sides of the country, the duo's partnership seemed destined. Their similarities don't stop with their first name. The two blondes are Libras and middle children that run their own public relations shops and live by the “play hard, work hard” philosophy. More importantly, they are also both extremely active in the real estate industry on both local and national levels, and incredibly passionate about their work.

Ask Carol will combine Flammer's Southern charm with Ruiz's West Coast flair. “Collaborating on a project like this is something that we have wanted to do for a long time, and Ask Carol is a perfect way to do that,” says Flammer. “Because we represent different regions of the country, we can bring different ideas and suggestions based on what we have seen work in our distinct experiences with our clients.”

Three Reasons you Should Avoid Online Public Relations

The heavy influence of the Internet has changed the way public relations professionals conduct business. Now, blogging is just as important as press releases and getting print online can even be more impressive that print in a traditional publication. And, many people have even begun utilizing online press release distribution sites to further increase exposure for their clients. However, for those that are still resisting the online influence, we want you to know that there are three great reasons not to bother with online PR.

1. If you are targeting old-fashioned journalists, there is not need to bother with the Internet. Without a doubt, there are probably still some old-school journalists that wait for stories to come to them through snail mail or similar means, and spending time putting your releases online will definitely not catch their attention. Of course, 70 to 75% of journalists do conduct researches for press releases online and you will be missing those opportunities, but, hey 30% is good enough, right?
2. If you want the decision of whether or not your content gets published to be in the hands of the media, then the Internet is not for you. Prior to online news sites, tradition journalists served as a gatekeeper for what was considered newsworthy. Now, you can decide whether your content is worthy of publishing. Of course, if you do not want that responsibility, then stick with traditional public relations. We have a great real estate public relations example of this. Atlanta home builder Bowen Family Homes recently launched a huge promotion in which they are giving away a new home for only a penny. Title the Penny Power Promotion, traditional publications were not interested because they considered it to be an advertising promotion. Well, Bowen Family Homes went around these gatekeepers to publish many news stories about the promotion online and get the word out anyway.
   
3. If you think Google results are randomly determined, the online public relations is definitely not for you. For those that believe good karma is all it takes to put you on page one of search engine results pages, it would be a waste of time to do any online posting. That way, if another deserving company shares a similar name or produces a similar product, potential customers will have just as good of a chance finding them on the Internet as they do of finding you.

I hope this has helped clarify whether or not it would be in your best interest to start incorporating online practices into your public relations.

Northeast Florida Masterplanned Golf Community Launches Social Media Marketing Program

The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village is excited to launch a full scale social media marketing program this summer. Under the guidance of Internet marketing, public relations and social media firm, mRELEVANCE, the program combines existing online activities with many new initiatives to create an innovative and comprehensive effort to connect community staff with current homeowners and prospective homebuyers.

The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village is a masterplanned, golf course community in St. Johns County between Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

The plan includes a strong presence on popular online networking sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter; as well as on real estate industry sites such as Trulia and ActiveRain.

Their social media marketing program allows the community to provide important information, videos and photos to real estate agents and prospective buyers. Links to all of the community's new sites can be found on the community's corporate site, www.worldgolfrealestate.com. Videos can also be viewed by searching World Golf Village on Youtube. Fan the community on Facebook www.Facebook.com/WorldGolfVillage or follow them on Twitter www.Twitter.com/WorldGolfVillag.

PR Camp Comes to Atlanta

Carol Flammer, managing partner with mRELEVANCE, will moderate an interactive discussion on social media at PR Camp Atlanta, a unique half-day “unconference” on Friday, August 21. Organized by Bernaise Source Media, the “social media immersion” will bring together an impressive group of brands, agencies and consultants to share best practices and lessons learned.

Flammer is an award-winning public relations and social media marketing expert, strategist and consultant. Flammer is the creator of the nationally-ranked and award-winning www.AtlantaRealEstateForum.com, Atlanta’s most popular real estate blog. She speaks frequently at tradeshows including the International Builders Show and the Southern Building Show.

PR Camp Atlanta is for PR, marketing and communications professionals at all levels from business, non-profits, government agencies, associations and educational institutions. The “unconference” format avoids many of the conventions of a typical conference, including panel discussions and keynotes. Moderators will use scenarios based on case studies to guide attendee discussions. Session topics will include: getting clients and bosses to extend their interest in new media, helping senior professionals tap the social media experience of junior colleagues and determining the best ways to measure success.

PR Camp Atlanta will be held August 21, 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Georgia Tech Research Institute Conference Center on 250 14th Street, NW in Atlanta. To register, please visit http://www.prcampatlanta.eventbrite.com

Home Builders Turn to Social Media

We are beginning to see a shift in real estate public relations as builders all over the country are beginning to embrace social media as their primary form of marketing. It seems almost on a daily basis that builders are launching their own corporate blogs: Bowen Family Homes, Brock Built, Highland Homes, Sterling Custom Homes and Jim Chapman Communities to name just a few. Through their blog, these builders are able to reach a broader audience and engage their visitors with up-to-date news as well as drive more traffic to their Web site.

Of course, blogs are not the only tool builders are using to increase traffic to their Web site. We are seeing more and more builders on Facebook and Twitter as well, which is fantastic because both real estate agents and buyers utilize these social networking sites.

So, the builders are online, but how are they getting their audience to interact? Well, Bowen Family Homes and Highland Homes host contests on Facebook and Twitter in order to encourage participation. Other builders use Twitter to ask questions about the real estate industry and blogs to discuss current events. It doesn't really matter how you do it, but creating conversations is what social media is all about; so, it needs to be done in some form or fashion.

The primary reason to launch a social media campaign is to drive more traffic to the corporate Web site. Ideally, more online traffic means more on-site traffic, and an increase in sales. However, another benefit of social media for homebuilders is brand management. With Web 2.0, there is no question that your company is being discussed online (probably both positively and negatively). By joining the conversation, you have more control over what is being said and read.

It's time to follow in the footsteps of so many builders and start creating online conversations.

Sell More Homes with Social Media

Social media is not just for teenagers anymore. National speakers and mRELEVANCE founders, Carol Flammer and Mitch Levinson will present "Sell More Homes with Social Media" at the 2009 Southern Building Show on June 4, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, GA. By attending this show you will learn how home builders, developers and others in the home building industry use social media for a competitive advantage. From social media to social networking, blogging and social bookmarking, see case studies of how builders, developers and new home communities are benefiting from social media optimization. You will also find out how to incorporate a blog and sites such as Active Rain, FaceBook, My Space, Blogger and others into an effective Internet marketing program.

The Internet is rapidly evolving. Do not miss this opportunity to learn how to maximize your return on investment (ROI). Social media marketing and optimization, search engine marketing, an effective Web site, email marketing and social networking are all components of a successful Internet marketing program. Learn how to take your traditional public relations online as an integral part of reputation management.

Bowen Family Homes Embraces New Media with the Launch of Corporate Blog

Proving that the company understands the significance of the Internet on the real estate industry, Bowen Family Homes has launched a corporate blog. The blog will serve as a news forum promoting all company events and milestones. In addition, you'll be able to find featured articles on various communities and available homes. Also serving as a customer service tool, people will be able to use the blog to interact with Bowen Family Homes.

While all of these factors are extremely important and illustrate Bowen Family Homes' commitment to their customers, most importantly, the blog is an essential tool for search engine optimization. Social media for home builders is a vital part of succeeding in the current housing market. With home buyers doing a majority of their shopping online, it is imperative that they are able to find your product easily. By launching the blog, Bowen Family Homes is doing everything they can to put their brand name in front of buyers.

To help boost your company's search engine optimization by launching a corporate blog of your own, contact mRELEVANCE, LLC.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Rockledge Apartments

Rockledge is located in Cobb County just steps away from the Chattahoochee National Preserve and Nature Trail. With direct access to the Chattahoochee, the community is popular with those looking to connect with nature and the great outdoors. Walking, biking and kayaking are all popular sports for residents of this community.

Rockledge residents enjoy resort style amenities. Swim, tennis, state-of-the-art fitness equipment and a complimentary personal trainer provide year-round recreation opportunities, and an indoor running track, basketball court and rock climbing wall are coming soon.

These newly renovated apartments are large and spacious. Apartments feature stainless steel appliances, river slate flooring, brushed nickel fixtures, cherry cabinets and washers and dryers are included.

For more information on this Luxury Marietta, Ga. apartment community, call 770-955-2513 or visit www.RockledgeAtl.com.

Learn the Basics of Social Media from Carol Flammer and Mitch Levinson

Social Media will be the HOT topic at this year's International Builders Show, but don't worry if you are missing the show. For those of you who can't make it to Vegas, mRELEVANCE founders Carol Flammer, MIRM and Mitch Levinson, MIRM will present the basics of Social Media at The Housing Center on Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Social media marketing, social media optimization and social networking are all components of an effective Internet marketing program. By attending this class you will learn how to utilize Social Media for a competitive advantage. The class will focus on Social Media program basics, Social Media's influence on SEO and how to use Social Media to relate to buyers. Whether you are planning a simple news blog on your website or implementing a full blown Social Media campaign, Carol and Mitch will demonstrate how Social Media increases key words and enhances search engine optimization.

Digg, Delicious, Active Rain, FaceBook, MySpace, Blogger, YouTube, Twitter and more. The Internet is rapidly evolving, so don't miss out on your opportunity to learn how to maximize your return on investment (ROI). To register for this class, call 770-938-9900 or visit the Greater Atlanta HBA classes/events page. Cost to attend is $75 for Greater Atlanta HBA members and $150 for non-members. This hands-on workshop will include setting up a social bookmarking account, so make sure you bring your laptop. If you have any questions, email education@atlantahomebuilders.com or call 678-775-1469.