Real Estate Public Relations

Three Reasons you Should Avoid Online Public Relations

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:40:00 +0000

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.

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?
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.
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

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:24:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:40:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:37:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:53:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:29:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 03:23:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:50:00 +0000

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.

GuildQuality Awards Customer Service

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:53:00 +0000

Looking for a story for your next real estate press release? Encourage your builder, developer and real estate clients to enter the GuildQuality 2009 Guildmaster Awards! This competition rewards companies that demonstrate the ability to consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience. This is a great way to differentiate your clients from the pack.

Those eligible to apply include builders, remodelers, specialty contractors and developers. The competition is open to non-members for first time.

To enter, visit www.guildquality.com. The deadline to enter the Guildmaster Awards is Dec. 15, 2008. The entry fee is $250 and should be submitted along with the online application. If you have questions about the Guildmaster Awards, please contact GuildQuality at 888-355-9223.

Join GuildQuality to celebrate the most exceptional companies in the real estate industry through the 2009 Guildmaster Awards. Award recipients will be notified the end of February via email.

Ways to Publicize Real Estate in a Challenging Market

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 02:52:00 +0000

One of the most cost effective ways to publicize new home communities in a challenging market (other than traditional public relations) is to blog about them! Our list of favorite real estate blogs is pretty long; however, here is our short list.

For Atlanta Real Estate news, visit www.AtlantaRealEstateForum.com

For Greater Chicago Real Estate news try www.ChicagolandRealEstateForum.com

For Georgia Golf communities we like www.GeorgiaGolfLiving.com

Blogging is a great way to increase Search Engine Optimization for homebuilders.

Have Questions? Contact mRELEVANCE at 770-383-3360 x30 or visit the marketing RELEVANCE website for more real estate public relations tips and tools.

Carol Flammer and Mitch Levinson Speaking at IBS 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:10:00 +0000

The managing partners of mRELEVANCE, LLC were selected to speak at the International Builders' Show this year in Las Vegas.

Carol will be discussing the effects of social media on the real estate industry. This is definitely a can't-miss opportunity as social media has taken over the home buying process. Carol will discuss how social media can give you an edge over your competition and why you must have a grasp on the concept in order to grow in the industry. Real estate public relations and marketing have both been drastically affected by the impact of social media, and at IBS this year you can better understand why and how.

Along the same lines of Carol's social media seminar is Mitch's discussion on Internet Marketing. He will explain how to effectively analyze website tracking and turn it into more leads and increased sales. Mitch will also share his expertise in Internet Marketing by discussing relevant strategies that produce results. This educational class is another can't-miss opportunity as it will also show you how to get a competitive advantage in this market.

Don't miss these beneficial seminars at this year's show in Vegas! We'll see you there.

Internet Marketing and Public Relations

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:19:00 +0000

It seems that the Internet becomes more and more important to savvy public relations practitioners daily. Is your strategy working for your real estate clients & how do you know? Are your builders and developers getting traffic and sales DIRECTLY from your Internet Strategy?

A seminar offered on Sept. 9, 2008 at the Atlanta Home Builders Association features Internet expert Mitch Levinson, MIRM. This class will help you understand what you need to know to use the internet more effective to drive more traffic to your website, to your sales center from your website, convert more sales center traffic to contracted buyers, and track your results for business intelligence! These proven techniques have helped builders increase direct sales by more than 15%, reduced marketing related expenses by 17%, and put over 3% directly back to the bottom line. The internet has given us the ability to effectively and analytically track return on investment and better understand business intelligence for competitive advantage…if you know how to use it. If you want to use the internet more effectively, you need this course.

This is not your typical “Internet Seminar” that just talks about how important the internet is. The goal of this course is to have you learn new skills and be able to immediately use techniques that are directly related to your website and the experience your prospects have on your website, maintaining the information on your website, driving more traffic to your website through internet advertising and search engines, and understanding how to read and use tracking reports.

Topics include website design, internet advertising, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, keywords, blogs, follow-up communication, and more!

Register Here.

Do you see your name in print as often as you like?

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:42:00 +0000

Why Are They Always in the Paper?

Admit it. You’ve thought it a hundred times: You should have been featured in that story, not the competition.

Trust us –size does NOT matter.

It’s not about how big you are. It’s about getting your name in front of reporters so they realize you’re a resource. It’s about knowing reporters well enough to make their jobs easier.

More often than not, it’s about working with the right public relations firm.

mRELEVANCE is ready to be that firm. We are well know for heavy hitting, strategic public relations. We are in contact with reporters on a daily basis. And we’re putting our clients out in front.

Public relations is a key ingredient of your relationship management program. And it is incredibly affordable.

How Public Relations Evolves to Social Media

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 01:34:00 +0000

At IBS in early 2006 the NAHB announced the results of a MIRM research project stating that 90% of new home shoppers shop for homes online before even walking in the door of a sales center. At the time this was a HUGE wow for new home builders and developers.

The impact of this news on real estate marketing and advertising was clear from the beginning. We had to find ways to get builders on the Internet and make connections to buyers. Soon we saw the importance of placing public relations stories online for our builder clients. We started with sites such as PR Newswire and branched out from there looking for the sites that would provide the best incoming links and SEO for our homebuilders.

From there our business evolved to posting on blogs and launching our own blog Atlanta Real Estate Forum. This award-winning blog has grown from its first post in November 2006 to becoming THE trusted source for Atlanta real estate news.

The next transition for Flammer Relations was partnering with MLC New Home Marketing to build blogs for builders and developers through Top Builder Blogs.

From traditional public relations firm to social media we continue to evolve as the market has changed. We are pleased to announce our new evolution at the Southern Building Show in Atlanta next week. Stop by Booth 1312 to meet mRELEVANCE -- a new type of real estate marketing firm.

Maximizing Online Public Relations

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Sun, 25 May 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Do you already write and place news releases with traditional media -- magazines, newspapers, TV and radio? Have you thought about placing this same news online? With 80 to 90-percent of homebuyers shopping online first, having multiple ways for them to reach your site is important.
Repurposing and optimizing traditional news releases and positioning them in relevant ways online is important for 5 reasons:

Organic Search Engine Traffic - Google and other search engines LOVE fresh content -- whether it is on your website or posted to another URL (such as a press release distribution service) and linked back to your site.
Social Media - many bloggers and others who have embraced Web 2.0 are seeking content for their posts. If your content is easily accessible, it is more likely to be used.
Reputation Management - do you have negative stories online? Posting additional content that you have approved online to relevant and respected sources will often change your search engine results placements and bump the bad stories to page two.
Links - posting releases online can increase the number of incoming links to your site, and through the use of anchor text increase your site's relevance for key words and phrases.
Traditional Media - guess what? Reporters read online stories too. Posting new home community releases online can tweak a reporters interest and result in a traditional media placement.

Traditional Media Embraces Social Media

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:37:00 +0000

Social Media is becoming mainstream as more and more “websites” are built as blogs and corporations embrace the blog platform due to its performance as an SEO tool. According to Technorati, more than 100,000 blogs are created each day. Not only can blogs help to give you a competitive advantage in attracting online shoppers, but many blogs are emerging as credible news sources, which means a story on your site could catch a reporter’s eye and end up in a print publication.

See what others are saying about blogging about real estate trends and topics.

“If You’re Thinking About Blogging about Real Estate”
Real Central Virginia.com

“Write like a Blogger”
Seth Godin’s blog

“The New World of Web 2.0”
Realty Times.com

Atlanta's Top Ranked real estate blog is a great place to start posting and blogging. Visit Atlanta Real Estate Forum to find out more. Flammer Relations, publisher of Atlanta Real Estate Forum is a real estate focused public relations and social media agency that can help you take your online presence to the next level.

Real Estate 2.0

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:38:00 +0000

Flammer Relations is proud to be a Gold sponsor of REtechSouth.
A conversation about real estate technology.

It's happening in Atlanta on March 27th (an all day event – ends with happy hour networking) at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast.

REtechSouth is not a seminar — it’s collaboration, a true conference where great ideas are shared freely. No sales pressure to buy a product, just bright minds sharing new ideas. The conference is focused on real estate technologies, blogging, video, social networking, seo, etc…

If knowledge is power, then shared knowledge is even more powerful.

In just one day, you will see top speaking talents presenting real estate technology relevant to you and your career. These presenters offer real world lessons, timely tips and business solutions you can put to work in your business immediately. We will also discuss the future of these technologies and the future of the real estate industry.

Even more importantly, you will get to share ideas, ask questions, network and learn from each other as well as the speakers. In true real estate 2.0 spirit, REtechSouth is about bringing together the best of the real estate industry and sharing knowledge with each other.

REtechSouth sponsors go out of their way to provide this full day event for you to learn and network with the brightest minds in our industry. Their participation helps keep your registration fee down so be sure to thank them with your business. Most conferences last several days and cost hundreds of dollars.

REtechSouth is one day and only costs $99. Register Now

Mark your calendar today for March 27, 2008!

Do Typos Really Matter?

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 01:55:00 +0000

From Cambridge University . . .

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?

Thought that you'd find this fun. Hopefully your public relations company's work is a bit better than this. After all, Microsoft even offers spell check on Outlook now.
And with spell check in Firefox, typos really should be a thing of the past!

Congratulations Carol Flammer!

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:15:00 +0000

Carol Flammer has been chosen for Oglethorpe University's 2008 Spirit of Oglethorpe Award. Currently President of Atlanta-based Flammer Relations, Inc., Flammer is an alumna of the liberal arts college and will be recognized in a March ceremony for living the Oglethorpe motto - Make a life. Make a living. Make a difference. Flammer is being recognized for her success in her career as well as her involvement in the community. Since 1999, Flammer Relations, Inc. has grown to become one of the Southeast's most innovative real estate focused firms. Flammer specializes in an agressive social media program, which is evidenced by the award-winning blog, www.AtlantaRealEstateForum.com. In addition to these career achievements, Flammer donated company time to many non-profit organizations including: Advocates for Children; Get Home Atlanta!; HomeAid Atlanta; Pick of the Litter; Etowah Valley Humane Society; and more. She is also a member of many industry affiliations and serves on the Sales and Marketing Council for the Atlanta Home Builders Association, and she has also achieved the prestigious MIRM designation, as well as many others. Flammer is a true renaissance woman and conquers any new challenge set before her. For all of her hard work and dedication, there is no wonder as to why Oglethorpe University wants to bestow this honor to Carol Flammer.

Let's Get Creative

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:13:00 +0000

It has been brought to my attention by Joan Stewart, who produces an electronic newsletter called "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," that the media professionals are not fans of media staged events, like a community ground-breaking. If a public relations agency would like media attendance at events like these, then it must be pitched in a more enticing way. If you offer a tantalizing story idea that is a lot of fun and eliminates the need for a tired ground-breaking ceremony, the media attendance will drastically increase, according to a media relations consultant and professional speaker. This particular individual, Joan Stewart, has begun conducting telephone training sessions for PR firms that want a refresher course on things like pitches and releases. She gives fresh ideas and a different perspective on ordinary PR tactics. You don't necessarily have to hire her, but she does make a great point. It would not be detrimental to spice things up a little and make the traditional real estate events more interesting and exciting.

Atlanta's Award-Winning Social Media Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 01:56:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Atlanta Real Estate Forum is the proud recipient of two prestigious awards. A Gold OBIE for Best Interactive Marketing from the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and a Gold Phoenix Award for Best Blog from the Public Relations Society of America, Georgia Chapter.

The synergy created by creating this popular Atlanta Real Estate Blog has truly demonstrated the online power of public relations and social media.

Flammer Relations is please to offer traditional public relations campaigns as well as cutting edge social media. The agency specializes in real estate public relations throughout the southeast.

Social Media and Blog Building

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 22:33:00 +0000

Flammer Relations recently teamed up with MLC New Home Marketing to launch Top Builder Blogs. We build blogs for builders, developers and new home communities. The best thing about buildng them is posting blogs on them. This is a great way to enhance key word searches and drive traffic to Web sites. As an Atlanta public relations firm, Flammer Relations is well versed in writing copy for real estate that entices readers to take action.

New Real Estate Public Relations Site

noreply@blogger.com (Carol M. Flammer, MIRM) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:00:00 +0000

We just launched our new real estate public relations Web site, www.FlammerPR.com. The new site does a great job of showcasing our services and expertise and utilizes Web 2.0 to highlight what we do best - leverage relationships to score media placements. Updated staff bios, news and information on all of our blogs can be found on the site.

Flammer Relations has grown into a streamlined, real estate focused public relations and social media firm serving the Southeast. The tremendous power and precision of strategic public relations and what we offer to our clients is well represented on our new site.

A special thanks to Rearview Advertising for designing the site and to Blu Zeus Interactive Marketing for engineering it.