We all know to write original content that is of interest to consumers who are looking to buy and/or sell.
And while many articles should probably be about the buying and selling process, writing local content posts is smart...for sharing your knowledge, attracting business, and for SEO purposes. That's not news for anyone who has been blogging for a little while.
Writing Localism posts is a personal choice, and many writers are on board. Others aren't, some because they choose not to be and perhaps get plenty of business through focusing on other topics. Some folks may be resisting because they don't know how, it doesn't interest them, or they don't see the value.
If you are writing localism articles for your area, or are thinking about it, here are some thoughts on adding punch to your community profiles:
Write about the communities you know and service, but don't miss out on adding new areas to your repertoire. The research and the driving around you do will make you a better and more knowledgeable agent for your buyers.
Use plenty of ORIGINAL photos - buyers love photos on listings, so you should dress up your community profiles with plenty of photos too. It makes them more interesting to look at, and is particularly important for folks who may not know those areas at all - there's a ton of info in a photo. Grab your camera and spend a little time touring the neighborhood between appointments or when out running errands. I snap dozens of pics since I'm never sure which ones I will want to use, and to allow for some that just don't turn out.
Add a video or two. I don't always do a video (yep, sometimes I actually forget my Flip). Or I may go back and add one, or do a video tour of a community as a separate post. However you use them, know that readers seem to like videos (if the stats for viewers of YouTube are any indication) and you will get more bang for your buck. Free.
Make it interesting and make it real - sounds easy, and usually it is. Think about your reader, who might not know anything about the area, and pretend you have them in the car and are telling them about the area. Make them feel as if they are right there in the community, seeing what you are seeing. It's so much easier to write if you have been there yourself, but don't feel that you have to tell everything there is to know. Be yourself (remember transparency) and you will enjoy what you are creating.
Add links and Keywords - I am always able to find a ton of other information to share with readers when writing a community post, whether it be previous related personal articles or other sites on the Internet. I try to share links to the tourist attractions (e.g., museums, parks), restaurants, things to do and other activities I point out. Share the community website if there is one since they usually offer lots of information for visitors (e.g., a Chamber of Commerce site or the town website). And don't forget about making your writing keyword rich.
Make sure you highlight those things that may of particular interest. In my area I make sure the beach is a star (READ - The Beaches of Encinitas: A VIDEO Tour) because it's such a big part of life here in SoCal.
Or your community may be known for something special which you will want to talk about - think of Hershey, PA? Or Sonoma or Napa, CA? How about Daytona, FL? Got the idea?
A side benefit to community profiles? Well, you now have a great marketing piece, as well as a post you can link to whenever you are writing about the area, say the housing options or your market reports. Relocating folks will likely find your articles when they search, but you can always share the links with people coming to your area from out of state as an introduction and include them in your relocation kits.
Lastly, know that these types of posts are popular. In doubt? Here are stats from a few of my community profiles on AR (these are the click throughs).
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7077 |
11,164 |
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5140 |
8862 |
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7059 |
8011 |
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7592 |
11,070 |
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6944 |
6321 |
My feeling is one of the best ways you can demonstrate you are the neighborhood expert and mean it is to write community profiles. If you are not doing so yet, then take the plunge. And if you are, just keep at it.
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If I can provide more information about Escondido, Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
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