Using Video to Build Brands, Not Just Listings - James Bottomley

Todd and Shannon welcome James Bottomley of Haven Creatives to the Spiro Podcast for a conversation about creating more intentional, effective real estate video content. James shares how he got started in real estate media as a teenager, how Haven Creatives grew into a luxury real estate media agency, and why great video is not just about gear or flashy visuals.

The heart of the episode is James’ approach to building video content around a clear purpose. He explains why agents often try to make one video do too many things at once — sell the listing, grow their brand, generate leads, and get views — and why that usually weakens the result. James breaks down how media companies can think through awareness, education, and conversion content, while also helping agents build stronger personal brands through intentional, authentic content. The conversation also touches on content strategy, filming average homes well, brand development, AI, and the future of real estate video.

Relevant Links

Spiro Software Platform: https://www.spiro.media/
Spiro Contact Email: hello@spiro.media

REPP Events / REPP 2026: https://repplaunch.com/repp2026

James Bottomley on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@James_Bottomley
James Bottomley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejamesbottomley_/
Haven Creatives on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haven.creatives/

Chapter Timestamps

0:00 Intro
0:47 Welcome to the Spiro Podcast
1:27 REPP Reminder, Spiro Updates, and Introducing James Bottomley
4:55 James’ Start in Real Estate Media
7:40 Haven Creatives, Luxury Video, and Why Gear Isn’t the Point
11:46 Helping Agents Understand the Purpose of Video
14:04 Awareness, Consideration, and Conversion Content
20:34 What Listing Content Looks Like at Each Stage
25:53 MLS Videos, Social Videos, and Filming Average Homes Well
31:45 Using Video to Build an Agent’s Brand
42:16 James’ Brand Development Framework
49:16 Staying Creative, AI, and the Future of Real Estate Media
55:30 Episode Wrap-Up