Real Estate Blogging And Search Engines - The News Source Theory - 07/29/07 02:17 PM
I have a theory about the effectiveness of our blogging that is supported as I look for its effect in the search engines (read: Google).Regular Blogging + Core Focus + Ping = News Source Recognition in Google.I have to maintain that this is a theory, because I am not in anyway claiming to have inside knowledge on Google's handling of blog content.  However, I can say that from personal experience, and from that of my clients, this theory consistently proves to be a convenient phenomenon.  So much so, that I know it can happen for you as well.
There is a dichotomy in … (14 comments)

The Real Estate Industry Does Not Understand Real Estate Blogs - 07/25/07 01:59 PM
The Real Estate Industry Does Not Understand Real Estate BlogsBy Teresa BoardmanOur industry is made up of over a million Realtors and some other people too.  When it comes to blogs our role models and industry experts seem to be a collection of technology and media companies that are some what removed from the business of buying and selling real estate.  They understand how blogs work and even have awards for innovative blogs like the Tomato.Even though this tomato blog is not a real estate blog it is considered an industry leader.  I would agree, mainly because Jim is one of the … (1 comments)

You Can Lead an Agent to Technology, But You Can’t Make ‘Em Type. - 07/19/07 04:46 PM
A special treat today!  One of our original guest authors, Elizabeth Weintraub from About.com, is back with a bold message.
You Can Lead an Agent to Technology, But You Can’t Make ‘Em Type.By Elizabeth Weintraub
“You can lead an agent to technology, but you can’t make ‘em type.” I made this statement to the marketing director at my company, who roared and then realized the seriousness and truth in that statement.
My company announced today that it is withdrawing all advertising from the Sacramento Bee come September 1. It spends, corporate heads estimate, $2 million a year in major newspaper … (4 comments)

What Can Real Estate Bloggers Learn From Betty Crocker and Oprah? - 07/17/07 06:02 PM
You don’t have to have a household name to ensure that your article will be read from top to bottom.
The internet has created impatient speed readers out of us.Regardless of the value of the content, it seems skimming the article before delving in for details is the approach.Blog reading is different from newspaper reading, book reading, letter reading, and essay reading.  Therefore, blog writing and formatting needs to be different as well.The approach to reading online is more akin to reading magazines and cooking recipes.
A tasty headline.A compelling picture.Clear, accentuated points.Brief enough to follow, detailed enough to enlighten.
Magazines … (15 comments)

The Real Estate Blogsite Myth - 07/11/07 04:19 PM
Every client we work with has different real estate blog development needs.  Often the concern is, “Do I need to replace the real estate website I already have in order to incorporate a blog into my marketing?”
The answer: “It depends.”
First, a quick look at the difference between the website, blog and blogsite:
Website: Standard online presence; homepage, secondary pages, forms, listings etc.Blog: Database of articles appearing in reverse chronological order, sortable by category, keyword and date.Blogsite: The combination of the above.Let is be known, that I am a fan of the real estate blogsite.  There are many obvious benefits:
A … (8 comments)

Why Real Estate Blogging Is Like Golf - The Back Nine - 07/10/07 05:45 PM
We've had our lunch, made the turn and re-stocked our coolers. We're ready for the back 9.Today's post is the second part in a two part series observing how publishing your real estate mind is like mastering a game of patience and grace.  Miss the 1st installment? Click the link for the Front Nine.1. It is an addiction.Once you've caught the 'golf bug' it becomes obvious to those closest to you.  You practice your swing in the living room and your putting in the office.  You actually start watching golf on TV and, you're unsuccessfully convincing your spouse that you need to plan … (11 comments)

Food For Fodder – 101 Real Estate Blog Topics - 07/05/07 12:40 PM
Teresa Boardman, in response to comments in her most recent article, has whipped up a tasty treat for all real estate bloggers.  Grab a fork, and enjoy.
Food For Fodder – 101 Real Estate Blog TopicsBy Teresa BoardmanIn my last post on the Tomato I wrote about writing being the biggest obstacle for real estate professionals who want to have a blog.  
Some of  our readers commented that figuring out what to write about poses the greatest challenge. 
It is hard for many to come up with topics so I wrote a list of 101 topic ideas for real … (10 comments)