Pump Up Your REI Business with Simple Publicity Stunts

Being a real estate investment professional has its own set of perks and problems. One stressor that many REI business owners face is how to promote their business without spending a fortune or hours of unavailable time. Here’s a fun, simple way to find new customers or new tenants that doesn’t have to cost much and that will get a lot of attention. A publicity stunt.

You know what that is. Think of Hollywood tactics for getting a star’s name in the paper. They arrange some elaborate hoax that attracts the attention of the press and the public. A fake kidnapping, though no one knows it’s fake until the police investigate. A phony feud between what turns out to be the best of friends. And on it goes. You can use the same underlying principle to generate your own publicity. Not with lies and fraud! But with humor and hyperbole.

Simple Publicity Ideas

One such possibility is to have people “picket” your office with signs such as “Shame on this landlord! His rent is way too low!” Or “Thank God for “Mr. REI” [your name here]! He saved my family from bankruptcy!” Or “Bankruptcy, shmankruptcy! I called “Mr. REI” and sold my home for a reasonable price!” The idea can be as simple as that, but the results can be amazing.

Once you’ve decided what your publicity stunt will be, call the local press. Tell them about what’s happening. This is called a “news tip” or a “publicity tip” for a reason. Ask them if they’d like to send a photographer, or news crew, over to take a look. Tell them you can have the “protestors” hang around to talk to them.

Be sure you have your protestors prompted with what to say. Have them stress how they were in such dire straits to find an affordable rental until they found you. Or how they were on the verge of bankruptcy because they couldn’t sell their house until they found you. Stress that they make it sound serious, even though the reporters will know that it’s a hoax.

Protect Your Reputation

That’s a key… don’t try to actually fool anyone into thinking it’s serious! Doing so can backfire on you, and rather than building your reputation as a reputable REI professional, it can brand you as a con. Something you DON’T want in any shape or form.

Pumping up your REI business with simple publicity stunts is easy to do, effective, and a lot of fun. Try it and see if it doesn’t bring refreshing attention to your business today. Then leave your comments here and let us know how it goes.