How to Become a Local Expert in Your Area Using AI

In today’s digital-first world, the most powerful way to stand out in your local market is by combining personal brand presence with artificial intelligence. Whether you're a real estate professional, community builder, or service provider, positioning yourself as the trusted local expert is no longer about bus benches or farming postcards—it’s about content, speed, and consistency.

Thanks to new tools in voice, video, and automation, becoming a local expert has never been more achievable—even if you’re starting from scratch. Here’s a proven process you can follow to elevate your presence, build trust at scale, and become the go-to name in your area.

Start with Your Voice and Avatar

Before you create content, build the digital version of yourself. Start by creating a voice clone and a speaking avatar—this is how you multiply your time and create on-demand video at scale.

Step 1: Use ElevenLabs to Create Your Voice

• Record your voice using a high-quality microphone.

• Upload 45 minutes of natural, unscripted speaking.

• Use varied inflections and real-life tone.

• This will become your AI-generated voice for scripting content quickly and consistently.

Step 2: Use HeyGen to Create Your Avatar

• Record in landscape mode with a tripod and remote control.

• Wear a solid-colored shirt you’ll want to use in most videos.

• Keep your arm movements smooth and natural.

• Don’t overthink perfection—80% quality is good enough to launch.

Once your voice and avatar are ready, you can produce videos with ease, even when your schedule is full.

Research Ideas That Matter

You don't need to be a journalist—you just need to be curious. Your goal is to become the digital storyteller for your local area, blending relevant news, lifestyle tips, and local real estate knowledge into your content mix.

Step 1: Create a Google Spreadsheet of Local Content Ideas

• Look for stories in community Facebook groups, local news sites, city planning updates, neighborhood watch pages, and local event boards.

• Focus on topics like new developments, restaurant openings, hidden parks, upcoming festivals, school changes, lifestyle trends, and short-term rental regulations.

Step 2: Set a Storytelling Goal

• Aim for one or two posts per day to start.

• Consistency matters more than perfection. You’re building trust over time.

Step 3: Choose Your Platform

• Instagram Reels offer the greatest potential for reach and growth in your local market.

• YouTube Shorts and TikTok are also excellent if you want to diversify.

• Whatever you choose, commit to it. Repetition builds brand.

Build Your Content Engine

Now that you’ve researched your ideas and built your voice/avatar, it’s time to produce at scale.

Step 1: Create a Canva Template

• Build a simple, reusable template to house your visuals.

• Include your name, a headline, and a clean layout to show images of the topic.

• Keep it branded and visually clean.

Step 2: Write Your Script in ChatGPT

• Ask ChatGPT to write a 30–60 second script about the topic.

• Tweak the language to match your tone, humor, and delivery style.

Step 3: Combine Tools for a Final Video

• Using HeyGen, load the custom voice you created in ElevenLabs and script.

• Create your avatar using the custom voice and script.

• Download and use your avatar as a cutout to add into your Canva template.

• Post. Test and adjust as you go.

How to Optimize your Process

One of the most effective ways to stay consistent is to delegate the research, creation, and posting process to a virtual assistant. Once you’ve built your system—complete with your voice, avatar, and content template—a VA can take over the day-to-day execution. They can gather local story ideas, format scripts in your tone using AI tools, and schedule your videos across platforms, freeing you up to focus on client work and higher-level strategy while still building authority and visibility every single day.

Here’s a valuable insight that helped me break free from the trap of perfectionism—something that holds far too many creators and professionals back. If your AI-generated avatar and voice are about 80% as good as your real-life presence, that’s more than enough to move forward. Don’t wait for everything to be flawless. The pursuit of perfection will delay your momentum and keep your message from reaching the people who need it. Launch with what you have, refine as you go, and trust that consistency will always outperform perfection in the long run.

This content machine allows you to show up online every day—even on the days you’re slammed with showings, offers, or family life.

Think Like a Local Leader

You’re not just a real estate professional or business owner. You’re a local leader. When people scroll, they’re looking for someone who can help them feel grounded, inspired, and informed. That can be you.

Whether you're highlighting a new development, sharing a behind-the-scenes view of your day, or breaking down how the market affects local buyers, you become the trusted voice your audience turns to.

The key is to get started, stay consistent, and trust that each video builds your digital presence over time.

The inspiration
I’ve already built out these tools and refined the system. Here are two pages that inspired me to get started.

Check out Josh Rogers on Instagram - JaxwithJosh

Josh has created a systematized approach to local content where he simply created the voice and multiple avatars. He approves the topics and allows his team to do everything, from creation to posting.

Check out Jessie V on Instagram - JessieVRealty

Jessie uses a combination of AI and personal videos to become the local authority.

You can also follow me on Instagram @hannabederson to keep up with the latest tips on how to build a resilient life and business.

Here's a one page download to get you started.

Ready to become the most trusted voice in your city?

Just start and take it one step at a time.

Would you like more resources just like this?

The Resilience Mastermind is launching soon—a private space for entrepreneurs, real estate professionals, and business owners who want coaching, community, and clarity as they scale.

Inside, we’ll go deeper into how to use AI and automation to grow your business, free up your time, and expand your impact. If you're ready for smarter systems, resilient leadership, and more peace in your process, this is for you.

Apply to the Mastermind here or text me for more details at 619-630-9618.