Welcome to the first in a series of weekly posts we will be writing, on Wednesdays, about WordPress called Wicked WordPress Wednesdays. I hope you will join in on the conversations, find the information useful and possibly subscribe for regular updates. For those of you that use WordPress, you know there are thousands of plugins to chose from that can be added to your site to boost its functionality.
One plugin that I often use for my own sites and my clients is the Google XML-Sitemap. This is an easy to use tool that will generate an XML sitemap for your site and streamline the process of getting your site index by the popular search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo and Ask.com. Once you have installed the plugin, the set up process is pretty straight forward, however lately it seems as though a number of people I've talked to have been stumped by this step. Not to worry, I'm happy to help guide them/you through it.
Selecting the search engines you want notified when changes are made to your site is as simple as checking the appropriate box under "Basic Options" of the XML Sitemap settings screen. This isn't exactly the case for Yahoo. Although there are a couple of extra steps involved, it's also pretty easy. Keep reading for instructions. While in your WordPress dashboard, scroll down to the "Settings" section in the sidebar and select "XML Sitemap". You will see the "Basic Options" box.
Step #1 - Check the box that reads Notify Yahoo about updates for your blog
Step #2 - To get a Yahoo application id, click on Request one here!
To proceed with the request for a Yahoo application id, you will need a Yahoo account. If you don't have one, you will need to register for one in order to continue.
You should now be at the Yahoo login screen. Go ahead and log in! After logging in, you will be taken to the Yahoo Developer Registration page. Your Yahoo ID will auto populate in the first field.
Proceed with filling in the rest of the required fields:
Authentication method: Select Generic, No user authentication required
Developer/Company Name: I recommend just using your name
Product name: I would reference the sitemap so it's easy to remember what this id is for
Contact email: Your email address
Description of Application: A short description of what the application id will be doing (feel free to use my description)
Click "Continue" and you will be taken to your Yahoo application id. Copy the code and paste it into the box titled "Your Application ID" in your XML Sitemap "Basic Options" settings screen. Save your XML Sitemap options and you're all set to ping Yahoo when you make the next change to your blog/website.
Click "Finished", accept the Yahoo Terms of Service and Voila! Your done! The great thing about the XML Sitemap plugin is that it automatically regenerates the sitemap any time you edit, publish or delete a post so there is no need to manually rebuild it when you make changes. I hope this was helpful. :-)
Online Marketing Management | Listing Management | Social Media Management
Lately, I have had numerous requests from people asking me what a Real Estate Virtual Assistant can do for them and how does it all work. A while back my friend, and partner in crime, Laura Monroe started a great series of posts to help answer these very questions.
Below is Laura's first great post in her 10 Days of Outsourcing to Your Virtual Assistant series. It really is a lot simpler than you might think. Check it out!
Welcome to Day One of the 10 Days of Outsourcing to Your Virtual Assistant!
I'm going to coach you through the process of working with a VA by showing you a sample task you could send to your VA today to make your life easier and free up your time to work on the true business building tasks.
So, join me for this blog series - for only a few moments - to read through the things you could unload onto a VA quite easily.The first step to working with a VA is understanding what it is that they can do for you and just how EASY it is to get there.
The format will always be the same (without this intro text) and it will be quick, painless and easy to read in a matter of minutes. I want to illustrate just how easy it really is!
Let's begin! If you have any questions along the way, please feel free to e-mail me:)
Delegation Day One
Problem: You're spending too much time on the computer adding your listings, listing photos, videos, and virtual tours to your various websites, Craigslist, syndication sites, and keeping up with updates, price changes, as well as migrating the information to your Active Rain blog, your hosted blog, and Social Media sites.
Solution: Delegating these tasks to a real estate virtual assistant can eliminate those hours from your week or month and allows you TIME to spend on your "income-producing hours" like power calling your leads, touching your contacts with the letters and emails you never seem to get around to. Your VA will systemize, and automate your task list to ensure a successful listing launch every time!
There's one good reason to delegate something to a VA!
A real estate virtual assistant is like the missing piece of your business' puzzle.Having someone available to you to help you with the the 'small stuff' while you focus on the big picture - the things that will earn you the most income is key.Once you get that into place, you'll be growing your business faster than ever before.
I am the CEO of Creative Agent Solutions.com. My team and I assist real estate professionals in implementing online marketing strategies, Wordpress, social media, and business systems to catapult exposure and dominance in their marketplace, while focusing on productivity and the bottom line.
It's no secret that I am huge fan of WordPress and all that the platform has to offer as a stand alone blog or as a complete corporate web presence. One of the great things about WordPress is the ability to add "plugins" to increase the functionality of your site. Below is a list of my top 5 essential WordPress plugins.
All-In-One-SEO This plugin takes your WordPress site's search engine optimization to the next level. For the novice user it works right out of the box and for the more advanced SEO expert you can tweak the settings to meet your specific SEO goals.
Google XML Sitemaps The use of an XML sitemap is an awesome way to ensure that search engines find all the pages on your site, and not just the ones linked to your home page.
cforms II Contact Forms There are numerous contact form plugins available for WordPress, however my favorite is cforms II. This plugin allows you to create many different kinds of forms, not only standard contact forms and customize the style and layout to match your site. The possiblities are endless with this plugin...and it's FREE!
Akismet By far the best anit-spam plugin out there. Made by WordPress for WordPress users.
WordPress Editorial Calendar A fabulous tool to help organize past posts and plan your future posts. The drag and drop feature makes this plugin easy to use with a clean layout and is a must have for the sites we work on.
I would love to hear what your favorite WordPress plugins are, so don't hesitate to share them here.
Online Marketing Management | Listing Management | Social Media Management
The buzz in the real estate marketing industry these days seems to be about these obscure looking images called QR codes. I was first introduced to QR codes about a year and a half ago at a local real estate meet up. I found myself quite intrigued with this concept, as I am with most new technology and marketing methods. As I looked around the room, I noticed that most people had this perplexed look on their faces and I wasn’t sure how well these QR codes would be received.
It hasn’t been until more recently that people in the real estate industry have been raving about QR codes as a must have tool in an agents real estate marketing tool box. At this point, I’m not entirely convinced of the effectiveness of the QR codes in an agents marketing efforts, however I think it can be worth testing the waters with them, if an agents market is a right fit.
In Part II of this series, QR Codes for Real Estate - Fad or Trend?, I will discuss in more detail whether QR codes are a right fit for your real estate business and implementing them into your marketing. Check back or subscribe so you don't miss out.
What is a QR code?
A QR code, or quick response for short, is a matrix code or two-dimensional bar code originally created by a Japanese corporation to track automobile parts. The codes would have hidden text, a url or other types of information in the code, in the form of black modules arranged in a square pattern. The purpose behind this, was that with the right tool, or reader as they call it, the hidden information could be decoded at high speeds.
How QR Codes Work
In order to reveal the hidden information in a QR code, you will need a smartphone with a camera, internet access and a QR reader application installed. Some smartphones come with QR reader capabilities, so double check your phone specifications before installing any unnecessary applications. Once your mobile phone is properly set up with a QR reader you simply take a picture of the code with your phone, your phone then converts the code to text and the reader application translates the text and displays the hidden information in the form of a web page, contact information, a message, or more.
QR Code Readers
In the event that your smartphone does not already have a QR reader installed, there are a number of reader applications that you can install. Here are a few:
A QR code could include any of the following types of information:
Text
Website url
vCard or contact information
Event calendar (vcalendar)
Google maps location
A message (Typically limited to 100 characters or less)
SMS
Phone number
Email
Social media information
Paypal Buy Now links
QR Code Generator
Now that we know, what QR codes are are, how your target consumer can decode the hidden information, and what information you want in the code, it's time to create the QR image. It's as simple as choosing the type of information you want in the code, provide the required information, and hit "generate". Voila, you're done. Your QR code image will be there for you to download or copy and paste into the marketing piece of your choice. There are hundreds of free QR code generator sites out there and listed below are a few to try (I haven't tried them all, but would love to hear if you have a favorite QR code generator).
QR codes are being used in some exciting and creative ways by people and businesses in all types of industries. I look forward to taking a closer look in Part II of this series, how and if these codes are going to be a long term, effective marketing tool for real estate agents or if they will generate more confusion for their target consumer.
I hope you'll chime in and share with us your experiences using QR codes. What feedback have you received from your target consumer about QR codes?
Online Marketing Management | Listing Management | Social Media Management
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear people mention the term "Social Networking"? Does it interest or excite you, or is it your knee jerk response to run the other way?
Social networking is something we all do whether we realize it or not. Have you ever gone out for dinner with friends, and friends of friends you didn't know, and enjoyed getting to know these new people? (That was a mouth full, but I think you get what I mean). Have you ever attended a chamber of commerce meeting and introduced yourself to other members? Well, these are a couple of examples of the simplest forms of face-to-face social networking.
Online social networking is not much different and doesn't have to be scary or complicated. With a carefully planned out social networking action plan and schedule, it can be fun and extremely rewarding. Anyone who owns a business, including real estate professionals, rely on their networks and sphere to build relationships and generate business. Social networking, whether it is face-to-face or online, is something you and your business need to operate and grow.
Social Networking Explained
The gang at Common Craft have put together this easy to understand video to explain the basics of social networking.
There are hundreds of different social networking sites you can join and it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to choose. Select ones that are relevant to you and your industry or let a Real Estate Virtual Assistant help you weed through them. For the real estate professional, the first networks to join could be Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and ActiveRain.
There is no need to join all the networks available all at once. Start with the basics and work your way around once your network begins to grow.
Online Marketing Management | Listing Management | Social Media Management
It's all the buzz lately and I'm sure you have one, or know someone that does. I'm talking about Facebook Fan Pages. I am on the internet most of the day every day for business and for personal interest and just about every site I go to has a link to a Facebook Fan Page. I am amazed at what can be done with these Facebook Pages. Some of them are like mini websites and are just too cool, not to mention eye catching and effective at drawing the reader in.
As a Real Estate Virtual Assistant, I have seen the increasing need for my clients to have their own Fan Page to educate and engage their fans about their local markets. It's a fabulous way to set yourself apart as an expert in your area while engaging and exchanging area information with your readers. I began to think to myself why it was so important for my clients to have one, and I didn't have one for myself...yet. I think I had myself convinced that I was too busy with "client" work, I didn't have time to work on my own. I knew this wasn't going to fly for much longer and I better start practicing what I preach.
I knew I could put together a Fan Page for myself with the standard information and applications, but I wanted to take it a step further. I had a conversation with Mary McKnight about adding some punch to the Fan Page and, I have to say, that Mary's willingness to help and walk me through some of the more complex steps of Fan Page coding was refreshing.
Mary and her team at Sacrilicious, design and implement high impact, user friendly web strategies for many types of businesses, including real estate, magazines and various celebrity personalities. These web strategies focus on inbound, permission and outbound marketing techniques that create an online presence that represents their clients, while generating new traffic, leads and sales.
More recently, Sacrilicious has focused their business on high impact, fully SEO'd, custom FBML Facebook Fan Pages, or, as I like to say...mini websites with punch. These Fan Pages are packed with fully integrated IDX searches, contact forms, video, audio and more. With professional commercial designs and a guaranteed 3 day turnaround, Mary and her team provide Fan Pages with punch in single and mulitple tab designs.
You can see some of their designs below or by visiting their Fan Page portfolio.
It has been a while since I've blogged here at ActiveRain, but I do check in on my favorite AR blogs on a regular basis (when time permits). Alot has happened in the last year, personally and professionally and I have to say I am really excited about what lies ahead in 2010.
My first bit of a news is, that we have been hard at work developing a new home for Agent Solutions and our outside blog (the PREVA Report). We have added some new business solutions, added to our team and will be implementing some great new real estate virtual assistance and internet marketing information and resources for our readers.
Click on the image below to visit the new home of Agent Solutions and join in on the numerous conversations going on, on our blog.
Happy New Year everyone! All the best in 2010!
Online Marketing Management | Listing Management | Social Media Management
I am excited to announce that this Friday, May 9th, 2008, I will be a guest on Real Estate Radio USA along side my colleague, and friend, Laura Monroe of Creative Agent Solutions.com.
We have been invited to discuss the nitty-gritty details about Real Estate Virtual Assistants (REVA's) and how Real Estate Professionals, like yourselves, can benefit from partnering with a REVA.
We hope you will join us, with Barry Cunningham and Barry Johnson, on Friday, May 9th at 5:00 pm Eastern for a fun filled show answering all your burning questions about Real Estate Virtual Assistants. Laura and I are excited and honored to be a part of the first Real Estate Radio USA show featuring REVA's as their guests.
See you Friday!
Online Marketing Management | Listing Management | Social Media Management
As a Real Estate Professional, you probably spend a good part of your day, most days, concentrating on the revenue generating tasks of your business such as previewing homes, meeting with clients, showing homes, presenting offers and holding open houses, and if you’re not; you should be. The reality is that most Real Estate Professionals find themselves juggling time spent on day-to-day administrative duties, and time spent on the more important tasks of building relationships and generating revenue.
Let a Professional Real Estate Virtual Assistant (PREVA) eliminate the need to “juggle” and take care of the day-to-day administrative duties for you. These tasks, or business solutions as I like to call them, may include, but are not limited to the following:
1.Blogging If you don’t already have one, a PREVA can set up a blog for you using your existing website set-up or one of the more popular blogging platforms such as Wordpress (free and self hosted sites) and TypePad. Once set up, or using your existing blog, a PREVA can help maintain and update the blog, as well as brainstorm content ideas.
2.Contact Management Keeping your contacts and leads up-to-date is key. Using a CRM (Contact Relationship Management) program such as Outlook, ACT, or my personal favorite, The Wise Agent, a PREVA can customize, organize, update and maintain all of your contacts, appointments and deadlines in such a way that flows with your own personal working style.
3.Drip Email Campaigns We will create, customize, maintain and arrange distribution of email campaigns for your buyers and sellers which is key to keeping you in the forefront of your contacts minds.
4. Flyers Let a PREVA create fabulous marketing tools such as Listing Presentations and CMA’s that will “wow” your clients and keep you one step ahead of your competition.
5. Listing Management As a PREVA, we will handle all aspects of your listings from submission to your local real estate board, email blasts to agents and brokerages and advertising, to the creation of all related marketing materials, submission to your own websites, blogs and popular real estate portals and even purchasing your buyer/seller closing gift. This is only the tip of the iceberg.
6. Postcards Creation and distribution of Just Listed, Just Sold and Specialty postcards will keep you on track with consistent marketing efforts.
7. Single Property Websites Without a doubt, Single Property Websites, such as MarketSites by MyMarketWare should be at that the top of the list in the marketing plan for your listings. Each listing will be assigned its own unique URL, and as your PREVA we will handle the creation, submission and maintenance of each single property website with statistical information, for each site, sent to you regularly.
8. Virtual Tours Another great marketing tool is the virtual tour. What better way to show off all corners of the home than with fabulous images, descriptions and links to capture the attention of prospective buyers. As a PREVA I will set all this up for you with special attention to where the virtual tour will be posted, to give your listing maximum online exposure (i.e. your websites, blogs and numerous other real estate portals). My virtual tour platform of choice is Real Estate Shows for its flexibility and high quality presentation.
9. Website Maintenance We will ensure that your website(s) are kept up-to-date with current listings, news and buyer and seller information.
Lastly and most important…
10. Time and Money Time is something we can give you to spend with family and concentrate on those revenue generating tasks mentioned above. Money can also be saved by partnering with a Professional Real Estate Virtual Assistant. Contact Me for a cost comparison of using a PREVA as opposed to, or in conjunction with, an “on-site” assistant.
Online Marketing Management | Listing Management | Social Media Management
If there is one thing you need to learn before you go into business it is never ever lose a contact’s details. Whether it was only an exchange of information, former partner or a potential client, it is vital that you keep details of all of your business dealings. That person you spoke to 10 years ago may just be the lady to bite at your next deal. That man you spoke to last week might be the lead you need into a new venture. So how can you organize your contacts to ensure no details are lost?
To be sure that the information is there when you want it and in a format which is helpful, you really need to have a central storage point which can possibly be accessed from any computer and is password protected. The beauty of this is that you can add, change or find the contact details you require in an instant. Many people also find it very useful to either make notes about the contact or even store details of past dealings – whether this is a client, potential client or someone to deal with in the Real Estate sector.
Many people are finding it useful to pass these more administrative procedures to their Real Estate Virtual Assistant, who can store the information at a central point – totally separate from any other contact details – and either call them up for the account holder or allow them online access. Your contacts are one of your most valuable assets but it is up to you how you use them to assist with your business.
A lost contact may be a lost opportunity, and with the market as competitive as it is, nobody can afford to pass up any opportunities.
Online Marketing Management | Listing Management | Social Media Management
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Welcome to the first in a series of weekly posts we will be writing, on Wednesdays, about WordPress called Wicked WordPress Wednesdays. I hope you will join in on the conversations, find the information useful and possibly subscribe for regular updates. For those of you that use WordPress, you know there are thousands of plugins to chose from that can be added to your site to boost its functionality.
Ready to Get Creative? Laura Monroe | 
The buzz in the real estate marketing industry these days seems to be about these obscure looking images called QR codes. I was first introduced to QR codes about a year and a half ago at a local real estate meet up. I found myself quite intrigued with this concept, as I am with most new technology and marketing methods. As I looked around the room, I noticed that most people had this perplexed look on their faces and I wasn’t sure how well these QR codes would be received.
It's all the buzz lately and I'm sure you have one, or know someone that does. I'm talking about Facebook Fan Pages. I am on the internet most of the day every day for business and for personal interest and just about every site I go to has a link to a Facebook Fan Page. I am amazed at what can be done with these Facebook Pages. Some of them are like mini websites and are just too cool, not to mention eye catching and effective at drawing the reader in.
If there is one thing you need to learn before you go into business it is never ever lose a contact’s details. Whether it was only an exchange of information, former partner or a potential client, it is vital that you keep details of all of your business dealings. That person you spoke to 10 years ago may just be the lady to bite at your next deal. That man you spoke to last week might be the lead you need into a new venture. So how can you organize your contacts to ensure no details are lost?
;)
;)
;)
