Premier Perspective: Mastering Relationship Planning
Featuring Devin Sweazy, Sotheby’s International Realty – Marco Island
In the ever-changing world of real estate, connection is everything — and today, many of those connections begin on a screen. As part of Premier Sotheby’s “Premier Perspective” series, I was honored to speak on a panel of top-producing advisors about Mastering Relationship Planning and how social media has become a cornerstone of my business.
For me, video isn’t just marketing — it’s storytelling. It’s the bridge between buyers, sellers, and the lifestyle they’re dreaming of.
How It All Started: A Tripod, an iPhone, and a Lot of Nerves
When I first began creating videos, it wasn’t glamorous. I started with my phone, a tripod, and a willingness to try. Getting comfortable on camera took time — but I realized quickly that perfection wasn’t the goal. Authenticity was.
Buyers and sellers aren’t looking for a rehearsed script; they’re looking for someone real. So instead of focusing on flawless delivery, I focused on connection. Over time, that shift completely changed how people responded to my content — and my business began to grow because of it.
Building Consistency — and a System That Works
Social media success isn’t random; it’s a rhythm. I plan my content roughly two weeks at a time, maintaining a steady cadence that aligns with each platform’s algorithm:
-
Instagram Reels: At least three per week. The algorithm rewards consistency and engagement.
-
Stories: Daily moments — what I call the Daily Dose of Devin — whether it’s running to Lowe’s for lightbulbs or filling flyer boxes before a showing. It keeps things real.
-
YouTube: One video per week is ideal, though even bi-weekly is a great start. YouTube builds long-term credibility and has directly connected me with real buyers.
Each platform serves a different purpose — Instagram and Facebook reach my sphere of influence, LinkedIn builds referral and vendor relationships, and YouTube is where buyers come to research and trust.
From Raw Footage to Final Cut: Behind the Scenes
My system has evolved into a small but mighty production process:
I film everything in long-form, which becomes the base for YouTube. My videographer helps me capture quality footage, while my social media assistant edits, repurposes, and uploads short-form versions for Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Everything flows through a shared Dropbox, keeping content streamlined and organized.
And yes — ChatGPT plays a huge role in brainstorming captions, refining scripts, and optimizing blogs (like this one!) to ensure every piece of content adds value and reinforces credibility.
What Makes It Work: Value, Consistency, and Courage
Social media is more than just showing homes — it’s about showing your process. I share early-morning computer sessions, community events, and behind-the-scenes moments that reveal the real work of real estate.
This approach has made me recognized as a top-producing Realtor in Marco Island and Southeast Naples, known for not just selling homes, but building trust long before clients ever pick up the phone.
Because in the end, it’s not about followers — it’s about relationships.
Growth is uncomfortable. But you do it anyway. You show up, stay consistent, and keep refining. And when you do, the results speak for themselves.
