Rudy Bachraty, Truila’s social media guru and co-founder of the Sellsius blog, has a new job: chief educator for WellcomeMat, the video publishing platform for real estate professionals and brands.
Bachraty said that while video has been touted as the next big thing in real estate marketing circles for some time, it remains an underutilized medium.
Just as in the early days of blogging, there’s "a huge opportunity" for brokers and agents to stand out from their competitors by embracing the medium.
"I think that over the last three to five years, people have been saying" video is the next big thing, Bachraty said. "The technology has really gotten to a point where it’s easier for folks to understand how to use it."
Bachraty said he views his move to WellcomeMat as an opportunity to help brokers and agent make the most of the medium. The company’s desktop and mobile video platforms are cross-functional for many devices, and WellcomeMat’s videographer marketplace helps real estate professionals commission professionally produced videos if they choose.
He cited New York-based brokerage Halstead Property as a company that’s grasped the benefits of producing videos that help consumers see what it’s like to live in a particular neighborhood.
"I’ve heard anecdotally from brokers and agents across the country that’s a model they’d like to replicate."
Bachraty said leaving Trulia — a company he joined in 2008 — was a difficult decision, calling his experience there "nothing but the best, most amazing times."
On Thursday, his last day at the company, Bachraty posted a slideshow of photos commemorating his time there. Monday was his first day at WellcomeMat.
Trulia spokesman Ken Shuman said Bachraty "was crucial to our success early on" in singing the company’s praises to agents via social media channels, and that recently his role had morphed into agent training.
He said Trulia continues to expand its efforts in that area, under the direction of Ginger Wilcox, who came aboard in March as head of industry training and engagement.
"Social media has become part of the DNA of Trulia," Shuman said in explaining that the company won’t be naming a new social media guru. "We’ve got lots of eyes and ears on social, and everybody is willing to lend a hand and help out."
