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.

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.

Carol Flammer and Mitch Levinson Speaking at IBS 2009

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.

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

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.

Social Media and Blog Building

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.