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The Engagement Toolkit: Trend Jacking and News Jacking—Two Plays That Guarantee Reach
- Wendy Forsythe
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
As leaders and entrepreneurs, our primary goal in marketing is not just to talk, but to spark a conversation. On the latest X Factor Marketing Podcast, I outlined two high-impact, actionable strategies that top brands and industry leaders (like Jared James and Tom Ferry) use daily to break through the noise and drive massive engagement: Trend Jacking and News Jacking.
1. Trend Jacking: Harnessing Global Momentum
Trend jacking is simple: identify a popular trend—a song, a meme, a video format—and pivot it to make it relevant to real estate, your personality, and your brand.
Why it Works: Trends generate huge, built-in reach because the platform's algorithm is already promoting the format.
The Creative Mix: This is where we apply the 80-20 Rule. While 80% of your content should be high-value, informative content, your 20% needs to be fun, maybe a little edgy, and willing to push your comfort zone a little. It's these risk-taking posts that often lead to a DM that eventually leads to a conversation about, "We're thinking of selling next year...".
2. News Jacking: A PR Strategy the Modern Agent
News jacking is a time-tested Public Relations strategy repurposed for the digital age. In the past, we would pitch our company spokesperson to provide commentary on major news. Today, we can be our own spokesperson and pitch ourselves.
The Execution Blueprint:
Identify Local News: Find an article about a new store opening, a change in zoning, or a local market shift. Any sort of local or even national news.
Screen Capture: Print screen the article.
Green Screen Commentary: Use an app like CapCut to feature the article behind you while you provide your expert opinion directly into the camera.
This strategy instantly positions you as the local industry authority and will consistently increase your engagement and reach.
It is time to be proactive with your marketing. Go out there and start running these two high-impact plays today.
Let’s grow,
Wendy
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