Baaaad Jennifer.
A few weeks ago, I threatened to write a series of blogs entitled "Pipeline 2010" where I'd share some thoughts on what you could (and should) be doing today to ensure a Happy Next Year. And then I totally dropped the ball. I got distracted and left y'all hanging. I hope you weren't holding your breath.
Anyway, the first topic I'd like to discuss is blogging. Since you're HERE, on real estate's greatest blogging site, I'll assume that you know what blogging is and why you might want to do it. If it's working for you, then you probably don't need my encouragement to keep up the good work. But if you're not blogging, you're probably at least mildly annoyed with yourself that you aren't.
In July, I hosted a private teleseminar within the Summer of Soul (shameless plug - buy the whole series before September 15 and save $50) where we discussed Blogging for Business.
Frankly, I didn't think I'd learn much from the seminar; after all, I'M in the Top Ten Most Subscribed-To Bloggers here on the Rain! What could blogging experts like Renee Burrows, Janie Coffey and Karen Rice possibly teach ME about effective blogging techniques?
*Gulp*
A lot, it turns out.
While I can't summarize the entire 90-minute show in a 500-word blog post, let me share the most eye-opening concept I got from the show. Hopefully it will inspire you the way it inspired me.
I've always treated blogging as a popularity contest. The more comments I get, the happier I am. Period. I considered the number of comments I receive to be the only relevant evaluation on the effectiveness of my post. Lotsa comments - GREAT blog. No or few comments - SUCKY blog.
Oooh, I was wrong. And this is GOOD news for the new blogger!
Turns out that the most effective blogs (that is, blogs that attract buyers and sellers of real estate) very likely won't generate many comments at all! After all, it's not as if the general home-buying and selling public is hanging out at Active Rain - no, they're doing their own thing until one day - BAM! They want information on local real estate, they head to google and voila! There you are!
Well, there you are if you're there. With keywords and tags and decent content and a strong title and all that. Which isn't nearly as complicated as I once imagined it to be.
So, I decided to put my newfound knowledge to the test. I fired up a blog I'd abandoned over a year before that focused on my favorite neighborhood in Denver. I started posting frequently, using keywords and tags and categories.
And guess what? I've received exactly three comments on my blog; all three from other real estate agents.
But if you search "Northwest Denver Real Estate" or "Northwest Denver homes for sale" guess who comes up first (or second)? ME! (I'm the one at www.northwestdenverundressed.com).
I've only had a few leads so far, but they've been strong leads and will probably result in some closings down the road sometime. So, I'm tickled with my results so far and I'll bet ya my blogging efforts of the last two months will make my 2010 just a little bit sweeeeter. Or a whole lot.
NEXT UP in the Pipeline 2010 Series - "How Mastering Your Market Can Attract Business Your Way"
Great story to share and we should all learn from it. . I blog 90% for the public 9% for other Realtors and 1% to tell you how great I'm. . .that is my schedule
Good Information and thanks for sharing. I've been blogging for the public in a blogspot blog (lots of blog words there! but don't know how else to express), where I profile my dealings with clients and customers, and profile their businesses (I'm a commercial Realtor). It has proven popular with the people I write about, who share with their friends and colleagues, and did lead to one nice referral to date.
My ActiveRain blog is bifurcated. About 1/3 Hard Core Real Estate Talk directed to housing industry participants. The other 2/3 are Localisms for consumers. The primary purpose of all is feeding my local web sites.
Works for me.
Hi Jennifer, another good advice and sharing, I guess the question is for whom are you writing the blog, what is the target audience and expected outcome. I guess if you write one for the AR Community you want to see lot's of comments to engage and built relationships, for the outside Blog that is a different matter...
Hi, Jennifer.
I found the very same thing; I am new to Active Rain and started blogging with Localism posts. Imagine my surprise...and gratification....when I got two leads. One became a customer and, as we speak, she has an offer on the table. I'm a Believer!
Leslie - Last year I reactivated my license for awhile and like you, was stunned to get a buyer from my blog literally on the day my license went active. I'd estimate that about $20,000 of my 2008-2009 business came from my blog. Not a bad return. Especially since I was doing it a little reluctantly!
Barbara - I do think it's important to speak to the AR community, who can be a decent source of business as well... and of course, a tremendous source of support!
Lenn - Well, Ms. Harley - you ARE the bomb, so whatever you're doing definitely DOES work for you!
Peggy - I know - when I talk about blogging, I tend to repeat myself... and it's funny what you blog about that sparks an interest, isn't it?
Fernando - I love it!
There was an active rain seminar that I listened too that echoed the same thoughts It is making me change the way I blog. Thanks for the post
Obviously J....I'm a freak on A.R. This past week I received my 43rd referral in the rain. Needless to say, you're post is case and point. It took me 8 months to get my first referral. Now, I'm so in! Anyway, it feels good to be planting for 2010. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing!! I was just working on data to update on Localism regarding my favorite neighborhoods to work and this just motivated me more to get it done!! I just recently got back on Active Rain and I cannot say enough great things about the positive encouragement it has given me! Thanks to people like you who take time to share and really get me thinking and moving on things! Thanks!!
This is a great reminder that even if you are really busy now, try to find blogging time. This is why my phone is ringing!
Jennifer - While I'd be lying to say that I don't enjoy receiving comments, I do know that my market and neighborhood reports bring me business. At the end of the day, that's really why we are all here.
Planting for 2010 - LOVE the way that works! Thanks!
This is a great blog....filling the pipeline is critical. I 100% now is the time for plan for a successful 2010.
Jennifer, it is true, Clients Do not leave comments. They have no point motivator to do so! That is why I always check my statistics, at least you can see how many are viewing your blog, there may only be a comment or two, but my localisim posts typically get a lot of views, prior to the discovery of the statistics page I was dissapointed when I did not get comments!
Jennifer,
Am I missing something here? I thought you were in Alabama... a Denver blog? How does that work?
Nice post again Jennifer; you are consistant for sure on great posts. I started blogging in June of 2008; got to page 2 of Google for my key words in January of 09 and to page one near the top in about May and have consistently remained there. I get about a lead a week and they are great leads, two I am working with now are both $400,000 buyers. I blog every 4th day like clock work on my blog and sometimes it is near midnight when I get to it; but execution is the name of the game and most Realtors can't do it consistently.
Cindy - great job! It's sometimes hard to get started on long-term projects, but oooooh, when they start to pay off - you feel so smart!
Patrick - Oh, I get around... ain't technology grand?
Robert - Great point!
Lisa - it's easy to put off longer-term prospecting efforts, but then you're SO sorry in six months, eh?
Charlie - I guess a lot of people already knew about the comments thing, but I didn't!
Larry - WOW! Now that's inspiring!
TBC - Glad I could get ya moving!
Ann - It's a beautiful thing when you can say "My phone rings, I answer it, and I have a great new client." And it can work that way, with just a little effort.
Erik - Yep - but, yes, comments truly are a nice bonus.
Eleanor - I like that too - "Planting for 2010" Good one.
Jennifer - Totally agreed. The blogs that generate the MOST business will be the consumer-oriented posts that do not generate as many comments, sometimes none at all ! Often times, many of the comments in the Rain can just be fluff and have no bearing on the amount of business that blogger may do from their blog. Of course, that fluff is fun and I understand the need for comments. We like to have them too : )
Jennifer,
I blog for real estate agents and of course feel that the more comments and clicks I receive the better my post. My challenge is finding good content that will engage the readers and encourage them to seek out more information. I do enjoy blogging but I am still feeling my way in the dark at the moment.
Very cool and very true. Content and focus is key - that and some kind of consistency.
Definitely true, Jennifer. Another indicator that our blogs are being picked up by consumers is the click-through rate. For my localism posts (which include my market reports btw), I have a better than 30% rate on those, where the normal return for this type of advertising (blogging, internet, etc.) according to one Rainer is about 3%. Still waiting for that magical phone call, but I'm still here and posting, so I haven't given up hope yet.
Jennifer, I like the way you think. I am starting some neighborhood blogs and just need to put my nose to the grindstone to get launched. Thanks for the encouragement!
Jennifer - You're singing to choir girlfriend, which is why my blog is predominantly hyper local content. I get calls/emails every week on my localism posts that garner very few comments.
However, having said that though, I am now discovering that consumers may also find you through your comments on other public posts too. I know it sounds far fetched but I speak from experience when I say this.
Ok here is to 2110!! Blog blog blog about my home town of Hanover Pa and i will reep the results . I will put this to the test! Thank You