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New York City-based Marketing Consultant, Augustus Kirby, Explains Why Niche Social Platforms Are Reshaping Marketing in NYC and Beyond

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6 months ago

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Michigan, US, 18th June 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, The social media landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift, and according to veteran marketing strategist Augustus Kirby, brands that cling to the “big four” platforms risk becoming irrelevant. Kirby argues that marketers must pivot now or be left behind as the online ecosystem fractures into smaller, highly engaged communities.

“Social media is not dying. It is evolving,” says Kirby, who has helped companies from New York City to Singapore recalibrate their digital strategies. “The days when a single message on Facebook or Instagram could reliably drive mass engagement are over. People are looking for spaces that feel personal, authentic, and aligned with their values. That’s where niche platforms come in.”

Kirby points to the explosive growth of platforms like Discord, Geneva, Mastodon, and Substack, where users gather in interest-driven communities, from indie game developers to plant-based chefs. These platforms do not necessarily rival TikTok or X in user numbers, but they offer what the big platforms no longer can: trust, intimacy, and genuine dialogue.

The End of “One-Size-Fits-All” Marketing

“Marketers have spent years optimizing content for algorithms instead of people,” Kirby says. “But now users are pushing back. They’re choosing places where the content feels curated and the community feels real.”

According to recent data from Nielsen and Emarketer, engagement rates on niche platforms outperform those on mainstream networks, especially in categories like fitness, finance, and sustainability. Kirby believes this trend will only accelerate as consumers grow weary of algorithmic feeds, bot interactions, and endless ads.

In Kirby’s view, the splintering of social media marks a return to marketing’s roots, where word of mouth, community, and reputation were paramount.

New York City Brands Are Already Adapting

“Some of the most exciting work I’ve seen is coming out of small NYC brands that are skipping Facebook entirely,” Kirby notes. “They’re building Discord servers for product feedback, using Patreon to reward superfans, and hosting Substack newsletters that double as customer loyalty programs. That’s the future.”

Augustus Kirby says the shift is significant in a city like New York, where hyperlocal communities and diverse identities shape consumer behaviour. “A coffee roaster in Brooklyn can find a cult following on Reddit before ever running an ad on Meta. That’s power. That’s precision.”

Navigating the Shift: What Brands Must Do Now

Kirby offers three key recommendations for marketers looking to navigate the current fragmentation:

  1. Invest in Listening
     “Before you create a single piece of content, find where your audience already gathers,” says Kirby. “It might not be Instagram. It might be a Slack group or a Reddit thread.”

  2. Treat Content as Conversation
     “Forget polished brand voice. Niche platforms reward honesty and imperfection. You’re not broadcasting, you’re participating.”

  3. Redefine ROI
     “Metrics like impressions and likes are outdated. Look for deeper signals, retention, referrals, user-generated content, and brand sentiment.”

AI Alone Won’t Solve It

While Kirby strongly advocates AI in marketing, he warns against overreliance on automation in this new landscape. “AI can generate content and analyze patterns, but can’t replace genuine human interaction. If your brand feels like a bot, people will tune you out. Fast.”

Instead, he recommends using AI to augment community engagement efforts, not replace them. Tools that help moderate discussions, personalize messages, or analyze niche trends can be game changers if used wisely.

The Future Is Fragmented, And That’s a Good Thing

Kirby believes this splintering is an opportunity, not a threat. “Marketing used to be about shouting louder. Now it’s about speaking softer to the right people in the right room. And those rooms are no longer on Facebook.”

As more brands shift their energy from mass reach to meaningful relationships, Kirby is confident that niche platforms will define the next marketing chapter, from downtown NYC to digital corners across the globe.

“Big isn’t always better,” he says. “Smaller, smarter, and more sincere, that’s where the magic is happening.”

About Augustus Kirby

 Augustus Kirby is a marketing consultant based in New York specializing in community strategy, brand positioning, and AI-powered growth solutions. With more than ten years of experience guiding major corporations and startups alike, he remains at the forefront of the industry’s most essential shifts.

To learn more visit: https://augustus-kirby.com/

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Press Release

KeyCrew Media Selects ACME Real Estate as Verified Expert for Boutique Brokerage Operations, and LA Market Expertise

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11 hours ago

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December 13, 2025

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KeyCrew Media, a real estate analytics and media network, has selected Courtney Poulos and her team at ACME Real Estate as a KeyCrew Verified Expert.

LOS ANGELES, CA, December 12, 2025 — KeyCrew Media, a real estate analytics and media network, has selected Courtney Poulos and her team at  ACME Real Estate as a KeyCrew Verified Expert. The boutique Los Angeles brokerage will contribute specialized insights on renovation-resale strategy, boutique brokerage operations, and LA market dynamics.

KeyCrew Verified Experts are carefully selected as prolific market trend authorities who demonstrate exceptional insight and expertise in their fields. These distinguished professionals and companies regularly contribute market insights, expert perspectives, and forward-looking analysis to help audiences navigate complex industry landscapes.

Founded in 2011 by Broker/Owner Courtney Poulos, ACME Real Estate has established itself as a premier boutique brokerage specializing in renovation-resale projects across Los Angeles. Operating in what Poulos calls “the NFL of real estate,” ACME has built its reputation on comprehensive agent training, ethical accountability, and exceptional client experiences without the backing of international capital funding.

ACME Real Estate offers a distinctive “one-stop shop” approach for real estate investors and renovation-resale specialists. The brokerage provides full-spectrum support from acquisition—including deal analysis and cost-benefit evaluation—through in-house design services at any price point, sophisticated appraisal packaging, and premium marketing. With 35 agents completing 178 transaction sides totaling $155 million in sales volume over the past 12 months, ACME has proven that boutique brokerages can compete against corporate giants through superior training and service.

“We’re honored that ACME Real Estate has been selected as a KeyCrew Verified Expert,” said Courtney Poulos, Broker/Owner. “We built ACME to fill a gap in the market—highly trained agents who the public can trust, comprehensive support for renovation-resale investors, and a commitment to quality over scale. This recognition validates what our clients already know: sometimes the underdogs deliver the highest quality service.”

ACME Real Estate’s areas of expertise include:

  • Renovation-Resale Strategy – Comprehensive acquisition analysis, cost estimation, design consultation, and resale marketing for investors
  • Boutique Brokerage Operations – Building and scaling quality-focused independent brokerages in competitive markets
  • Los Angeles Market Dynamics – Deep expertise in LA neighborhoods, market trends, and investment opportunities
  • Agent Training & Development – Mastery-based training programs emphasizing contract expertise and client psychology
  • Premium Property Marketing – High-end photography, printed materials, and strategic positioning for maximum market performance

About ACME Real Estate

ACME Real Estate is a boutique independent brokerage founded in 2011 and based in Los Angeles. With 35 agents and 178 transaction sides totaling $155 million in sales volume over the past 12 months, ACME specializes in renovation-resale projects and provides comprehensive support from acquisition through marketing and sale. The brokerage offers in-house design services at any price point, sophisticated appraisal packaging, and premium marketing execution. ACME serves both real estate investors and traditional buyers and sellers with what Broker/Owner Courtney Poulos describes as “the most concierge, attentive, well-trained group of underdogs you could ever have behind you.” Website: https://acmeflorida.com/

About KeyCrew Media

KeyCrew Media is the next generation real estate intelligence platform that leverages AI-powered analytics and first-person reporting from verified experts to produce forward-looking insights across local markets and niche asset classes. Proprietary market reporting is delivered through KeyCrew’s growing portfolio of niche media properties—including KeyCrew Journal, NextAsset News, and other specialized publications—as well as selectively syndicated to media partners that influence industry decision-makers. Learn more at keycrew.co

Media Contact

Organization: KeyCrew Media

Contact Person: Heather Hook

Website: https://www.keycrew.co

Email: Send Email

City: Baltimore

State: Maryland

Country:United States

Release id:39011

The post KeyCrew Media Selects ACME Real Estate as Verified Expert for Boutique Brokerage Operations, and LA Market Expertise appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

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Press Release

KeyCrew Media Selects Brooke Pfautz as Verified Expert for Vacation Rental Management and Property Technology

Published

11 hours ago

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December 13, 2025

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KeyCrew Media, a real estate analytics and media network, has selected Brooke Pfautz, CEO and Founder of Vintory, as a KeyCrew Verified Expert.

NATIONWIDE, December 12, 2025 — KeyCrew Media, a real estate analytics and media network, has selected Brooke Pfautz, CEO and Founder of Vintory, as a KeyCrew Verified Expert. Pfautz will contribute data-driven analysis on vacation rental management, property technology innovation, and industry consolidation trends.

KeyCrew Verified Experts are carefully selected as prolific market trend authorities who demonstrate exceptional insight and expertise in their fields. These distinguished professionals regularly contribute market insights, expert perspectives, and forward-looking analysis to help audiences navigate complex industry landscapes.

Brooke Pfautz brings unparalleled expertise to the vacation rental management sector, having helped over 950 companies scale their portfolios through strategic growth initiatives. As founder of both Vintory and Comparent, Pfautz has established herself as a leading voice on data-driven property acquisition, AI integration in hospitality operations, and market consolidation dynamics. Her work encompasses the largest database of vacation rental homeowners globally and the industry’s first comprehensive ranking system through the Comparent 100.

With 18 years of experience in the short-term rental industry, Pfautz successfully scaled Vantage Realty to over 500 properties before its acquisition. She has since focused on revolutionizing how professional vacation rental managers approach growth through Vintory’s data and marketing platform, which aggregates information from over 10 sources to create what she calls “stacked data architecture” — a proprietary approach that provides unprecedented accuracy in homeowner targeting.

Pfautz’s insights on artificial intelligence adoption have positioned her as a forward-thinking industry authority. She advocates that property managers not implementing AI-native tools by 2026 risk competitive obsolescence, emphasizing that data capture — particularly call recordings and guest communications — represents the critical intellectual property that will differentiate winners in an increasingly AI-driven marketplace.

“I’m honored to be selected as a KeyCrew Verified Expert,” said Brooke Pfautz. “The vacation rental management industry is at a pivotal moment where data quality and AI adoption will separate thriving companies from those left behind. Having helped nearly 1,000 companies with their growth strategies, I’ve seen firsthand how the right data and technology stack can transform a mid-sized operator into a market leader. I’m excited to share insights that help property managers navigate consolidation pressures, leverage their unique data assets, and position themselves strategically whether they’re scaling independently or preparing for acquisition.”

Pfautz’s areas of expertise include:

  • Vacation Rental Management Growth Strategies — Proven frameworks for inventory acquisition and scaling beyond 10 million in gross bookings
  • Property Technology & AI Integration — Strategic guidance on AI-native tools, data architecture, and competitive positioning
  • Market Consolidation & M&A Dynamics — Insights on institutional capital trends, acquisition metrics, and positioning for exit
  • Homeowner Data & Marketing Analytics — Expertise in multi-source data aggregation, targeting precision, and marketing ROI optimization

About Vintory

Vintory is a data, sales, and marketing platform that helps professional vacation rental managers grow their inventory through the world’s largest database of vacation rental homeowners. The platform combines proprietary stacked data architecture with tech-enabled marketing services, building targeted campaigns that drive qualified leads through custom CRM and automation systems. Vintory has supported over 950 property management companies with strategic growth initiatives. Website: www.vintory.com

About KeyCrew Media

KeyCrew Media is the next generation real estate intelligence platform that leverages AI-powered analytics and first-person reporting from verified experts to produce forward-looking insights across local markets and niche asset classes. Proprietary market reporting is delivered through KeyCrew’s growing portfolio of niche media properties — including KeyCrew Journal, NextAsset News, and other specialized publications — as well as selectively syndicated to media partners that influence industry decision-makers. Learn more at keycrew.co

Media Contact

Organization: KeyCrew Media

Contact Person: Heather Hook

Website: https://www.keycrew.co

Email: Send Email

City: Baltimore

State: Maryland

Country:United States

Release id:39013

The post KeyCrew Media Selects Brooke Pfautz as Verified Expert for Vacation Rental Management and Property Technology appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

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Press Release

KLOTA Launches Two Free Analysis Tools to Help E-Commerce Brands Improve Search and AI Visibility

Published

13 hours ago

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December 13, 2025

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Sweden, 13th Dec 2025 – KLOTA AB, a Sweden-based digital performance and SEO consultancy, has announced the launch of two new free analysis tools designed specifically for serious e-commerce companies seeking stronger visibility, better performance, and clearer insights across search engines and AI-driven platforms. The newly released tools—the AI Visibility Analyzer and the Shopping Feed Analyzer—are currently available as free BETA services and deliver actionable results within approximately 10 minutes via email.

As search behavior rapidly evolves, e-commerce brands are no longer competing only for traditional Google rankings. Increasingly, consumers are discovering products and brands through AI-powered assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini. KLOTA’s new tools are built to address this shift, providing practical diagnostics that help online retailers understand where they stand and what to fix.

The AI Visibility Analyzer focuses on how well a website is seen, accessed, and understood by modern AI search engines and large language models. The tool evaluates critical factors such as AI-bot accessibility (including robots.txt and llms.txt), content clarity and readability, structured data, and core technical SEO elements. Based on this analysis, it generates an easy-to-understand AI Visibility Score ranging from 0 to 100, along with clear, prioritized recommendations that highlight the most impactful improvements.

“This is about helping companies prepare for the next generation of search,” said Anders Karlsson, Contact at KLOTA AB. “Many e-commerce brands are still optimizing only for classic search results, while AI assistants are already shaping how users discover information and products. The AI Visibility Analyzer makes this new landscape measurable and actionable.”

The second tool, the Shopping Feed Analyzer (Google Shopping Feed Analyzer ), is designed for e-commerce businesses actively running Google Shopping and Performance Max (PMax) campaigns. Poor feed quality is a common reason for disapproved products, limited reach, and underperforming ads. KLOTA’s tool performs an automated quality audit of a Google Shopping product feed , reviewing required attributes, product titles and descriptions, pricing accuracy, images, Google product categories, and overall compliance with Google’s specifications.

After the audit, users receive a detailed PDF report that includes an executive summary and a prioritized action list. This enables marketing and e-commerce teams to quickly identify errors, resolve disapprovals, and systematically improve feed quality for better campaign performance.

“Most feed issues are not strategic—they’re technical and fixable,” Karlsson added. “The challenge is knowing exactly where the problems are and what to address first. The Shopping Feed Analyzer removes that guesswork and gives teams a clear roadmap.”

Both tools are offered as free BETA services, reflecting KLOTA’s commitment to sharing expertise and helping e-commerce brands adapt to a more complex digital ecosystem. Once a website URL or product feed is submitted, the analysis is processed automatically and sent by email in about 10 minutes, making the tools accessible even for busy teams with limited technical resources.

While some information within the tools may be presented in English, the insights are designed to be universally applicable for international e-commerce brands aiming to compete more effectively in search, paid media, and AI-driven discovery.

With the launch of these tools, KLOTA reinforces its position as a forward-looking partner for e-commerce growth—bridging traditional SEO, paid shopping performance, and the emerging world of AI visibility.

For more information visit https://www.klota.se .

About KLOTA AB
KLOTA AB is a Sweden-based digital consultancy specializing in SEO, e-commerce optimization, and data-driven performance strategies. The company works with ambitious brands that want to improve visibility, traffic quality, and revenue across search engines, advertising platforms, and AI-powered discovery channels.

Media Contact

Organization: KLOTA AB

Contact Person: Anders Karlsson

Website: https://www.klota.se/

Email: Send Email

Address:Katrinedalsgatan 13A 504 51 BORÅS Sweden

Country:Sweden

Release id:39023

The post KLOTA Launches Two Free Analysis Tools to Help E-Commerce Brands Improve Search and AI Visibility appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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