The Future of Real Estate – Social and Digital Engagement

Posted by: Nicholas O'Flaherty

I recently delivered a presentation at Realestate.co.nz’s ‘Future of Real Estate Conference’. I spoke about how real estate agents could use social media to engage with potential customers.

One of the overarching themes of the event was how real estate agents can make themselves a central part of their local communities. This can be achieved through a mix of talking about the local property market and also about news in the surrounding area.

This can be anything from local festivals to new shops opening. It’s another example of how online communications are becoming more personalised in order to increase their relevance. Here’s a great example of a real estate agent leveraging the most out of online. Thanks to fellow speaker, Joel Burslem for highlighting this one.

In terms of my presentation, these were the main points I discussed:

· The relationship between PR, SEO and the real estate industry

· The changing nature of being an influencer

· The differences between a journalist and a blogger and why this matters

· Business outcomes off the back of social media Read the rest of this entry »

Change the PR channel, ‘Google Me’ is about to start

Posted by: Alex Erasmus

People often talk about social media being just a channel for content, as opposed to it being the content itself. Which is true, but that perhaps doesn’t tell the full story.

The common idea is that social media should be used just like any other PR or marketing channel. I would disagree with this notion as each channel must be dealt with differently. As this blog post by Tim Sanders so rightly refers to, you should never move away from the brand strategy when incorporating social media into your marcomms efforts. Read the rest of this entry »

Wave goodbye to Foursquare and Gowalla

Posted by: Alex Erasmus

It had to happen. It was inevitable. Rumours are abound on Mashable and Advertising Age that Facebook is adding location features this month, which probably means the end for existing location-based services like Foursquare and Gowalla. Facebook’s huge critical mass allows it to get to where its smaller rivals could only dream of being and at the flick of a switch. Read the rest of this entry »

Not mobile optimised? Then you’re not in business

Posted by: Alex Erasmus

Research giant Nielsen recently released a study that confirmed what we have all probably known for some time: optimising your site for mobiles is the next game-changer for global business. The research features on Australian SME website, Smart Company and highlights several salient points, notably the relevance of Google maps via smartphones. As Matt Bruce, managing director of Nielsen’s online business, says:

“Google is making big plays in mobile, both in terms of maps and mobile search. I think businesses need to pay attention to local business listings, and that type of activity, because people are increasingly using these tools to get around.” Read the rest of this entry »

Let battle commence: Facebook vs Google is about to get serious

Posted by: Alex Erasmus

There is an interesting guest post on Social Media news site Mashable about the ‘billion dollar battle’ between Facebook and Google to be your default social profile.

It highlights how the talk around location based services and group purchasing tools hasn’t yet gone mainstream, despite the hype. The real questions are whether Google Buzz and Wave are going to reach their much vaunted potential and if social commerce (the ability to buy ‘direct’ from within Facebook) is the way forward for retailers. Check out sites like Payvment to see what this is all about.

Read the rest of this entry »

Mashable declares “Google’s got a monster on its hands” with Buzz

Posted by: Alex Erasmus

Social Media site Mashable asked its community what the number one reason people found themselves using Buzz (and therefore why it had gained traction so quickly). The summary?

· Easy to use

· Accessible

· Convenient

· Closer social circle

· Moves in real-time

· Engaging

While one might argue this is a list that any Social Media platform would be aiming to achieve, it’s easier said than done. Read the rest of this entry »

Google Opts For Word-Of-Mouth News Announcement (Again)

Posted by: Alex Erasmus

With news that Google has just announced the next step in its plan to take-over the world , one tech sector at a time, it seems like an apt moment to highlight how it does PR/marketing. Read the rest of this entry »

Is it a trend or is it a ‘megatrend’?

Posted by: Alex Erasmus

In the media we are always speaking about ‘trends’. Twitter was/is a trend; Google Wave is a trend; apps that drive core business revenue also seem to be an increasing trend (just take a look at the Pizza Hut app )…but what’s a ‘megatrend’? Well, according to Adam Kleinberg , CEO of a Traction, a creative agency out in San Fran, it’s something that transforms society as we know it; “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” and all that malarkey. Read the rest of this entry »

God outsources to Google

Posted by: Mike Shaw

Just received our annual Christmas card from the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner, Marie Shroff, with a rather apt theme; the work of celebrated New Zealand cartoonist, Chris Slane:

(Click to enlarge)

Image Copyright - Chris Slane 2008