Real Housewives Franchise Flips Tables in the Public Relations Industry
Published on November 23, 2020, at 6:25 p.m.
by Emily Safron.
It’s no secret that when you sign up to be on a reality TV show, you’re opting to have your entire life publicized. Not only does the entire world begin to know every waking detail about you, but your following and influence level skyrocket.
The “Real Housewives” franchise first hit TVs nationwide in 2006 with “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” Since then, the successful franchise has become popular in hot-spot cities across the country. While those chosen for the show are already somewhat known to begin with, these housewives have turned to unique business ventures and used popular PR strategies and tactics to further increase their fame.
Bethenny Frankel
Bethenny Frankel rose to fame with her brand Skinnygirl, joining “The Real Housewives of New York” (RHONY) with just one goal in mind. “I went on the show single-handedly and exclusively for business,” Frankel shared.
When RHONY first aired in 2008, Frankel was just starting her business, but throughout the series was tactful with different product placements and mentions of her products. In one notable scene from season one, Frankel is shown with fellow housewife LuAnn de Lesseps. She can be found on camera ordering her drink, the Skinnygirl Margarita, when out for dinner.
In 2011, Frankel sold Skinnygirl to Beam Suntory, the maker of Jim Beam, for $120 million. The secret behind Frankel’s success? Skinnygirl has become more of a character than a brand. “When Grey Goose sold, they sold for two billion dollars, but that’s it. You could never make a Grey Goose lip gloss or a hummus,” Frankel noted in a New Yorker article.
Frankel’s strategic way of implementing various Skinnygirl products alongside attending photoshoots and meetings on camera has allowed viewers to follow along with her business. In scenes when Frankel hosts events, Skinnygirl is always mentioned and distributed to guests. Fans of the show have been inclined to purchase her products after seeing the cast they know and love enjoy the brand season after season.
Lisa Vanderpump
Lisa Vanderpump, star of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”(RHOBH), and her husband, Ken Todd, had been seen as seasoned restauranteurs even before their time on the show. When Vanderpump joined the cast in its first season, she was the owner of two West Hollywood restaurants — Villa Blanca and Pump.
By season two, Vanderpump began working on SUR, her third restaurant in West Hollywood, which later became the focus of her spinoff show, “Vanderpump Rules” (VPR). VPR, which started in 2013, centers around Vanderpump and an eccentric cast of employees. The show’s fame has given the restaurant immense coverage and attention.
Additionally, Vanderpump has branched out within several other businesses, creating brands like Vanderpump Rosé and Vanderpump Dogs. Although Vanderpump solely stars on VPR, the process of her ventures can be seen in the nine seasons she was present on RHOBH.
Teresa Giudice
Teresa Giudice, star of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” (RHONJ), joined the cast in its first season in 2009. Giudice can be seen in the first few seasons frivolously spending and even building a mansion from scratch. In 2014 both Giudice and her husband were convicted of multiple types of fraud, landing her in jail for 15 months.
To many loyal viewers, Giudice was a large part of the show, and the show stopped filming during this time. Once released, Giudice turned a negative into a positive by vulnerably recording scenes of the show and writing several books on her experience.
Her transparency at this time in her life is what caused fans old and new to continue to respect and support her. Both books were named New York Times bestsellers, and Giudice was able to reprise her role on the show.
Housewives from coast to coast have let invested fans see their ups and downs every step of the way as they make a name for themselves in unique and exciting storylines. While the job of a reality TV star may not be the most feasible PR venture for an aspiring influencer, it certainly makes for some great television!
