Red Hilton spotlights local businesses with free podcast program

Massachusetts real estate agent Red Hilton is expanding a community initiative that gives small businesses in southeastern Massachusetts free podcast interviews, social media clips and press release support. The program aims to raise visibility for independent businesses while giving them marketing content at no cost.

Why it matters: - The program gives small businesses free publicity and marketing materials at a time when many owners lack time or budget for content production. - The initiative is aimed at strengthening local economies by helping independent businesses reach new customers and build community recognition. - AskForRed.com is using its real estate platform to support the same neighborhoods it serves.

What happened: - Massachusetts real estate agent Red Hilton is continuing “Tell Us a Story Local,” a community engagement initiative from the AskForRed.com Real Estate Team with Boston-based Belmont City Press LLC. - The program highlights independent businesses across southeastern Massachusetts through interviews, social media content and press release distribution. - The initiative is open to independently owned businesses in Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol counties and surrounding Massachusetts communities. - Business owners can visit TellUsAStoryLocal.com to learn about the program, view previous interviews and be considered for a feature.

The details: - Each participating business receives help preparing a 30-second elevator pitch and interview questions. - Each feature includes a podcast-style interview focused on the owner’s story, expertise and customers. - Participants get about 15 to 20 short-form video clips for social media. - The program includes professional preparation and distribution of a press release about the business. - Hilton said the program also creates opportunities for social media exposure and possible local or national media coverage. - The process takes about 90 minutes and can be completed in one or two virtual sessions. - Participation is free. - AskForRed.com and Belmont City Press LLC work together on interviews, social media content and press release distribution. - Hilton said the team wants to make it easier for small business owners to share what makes their businesses special and to keep using the content afterward. - The program has already featured Adina O'Neill, founder of Milton-based TeamB*Real, and Lili Jimenez, founder of South Boston-based Lili Latin Dance.

Between the lines: - The initiative blends real estate marketing with community storytelling, turning local business promotion into a relationship-building tool. - Hilton is positioning small-business support as part of neighborhood development, not separate from real estate. - The program’s low time commitment and no-cost model are designed to remove common barriers that keep small businesses from promoting themselves.

What's next: - AskForRed.com is inviting more local business owners to participate in upcoming interviews. - Hilton plans to continue using the program to amplify entrepreneurs and independent businesses in the communities her team serves. - The company says the effort will keep focusing on businesses that help make neighborhoods more attractive places to live and work.

The bottom line: - Red Hilton is turning a real estate team into a local media platform for small businesses, with the goal of boosting visibility, community ties and economic resilience.