Aspiring Real Estate Bloggers Are Becoming Ventriloquist Dummies? Say It Ain't So. A Rant With a Few Blogging Solutions
I wrote this blog post last February because I have very strong feelings when it comes to individual real estate agents and brokers blogging. Blogging can bring such a connection between a real estate professional and a real estate consumer. It does, however, take 2 commitments. A commitment to learn and a commitment of time.
When prospects and clients ask my advice about whether they should have someone blog for them, I answer with this rhetorical question:
"You contacted me because you said that you liked what I had to say in my blog. It resonated with you. If you were to call me and found out that I didn't in fact write those posts that encouraged you to call me, would you have called?"
Most often the answer is a silent no. And then "I understand."
I want to revisit this post and generate some conversation around this topic. I understand all bloggers are not of the same opinion. I won't change my mind but I will listen.
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Aspiring Real Estate Bloggers are Becoming Ventriloquist Dummies? Say It Ain't So.
It is just so sad. I was reading through my feeds today and stumbled across a post by a well known lead 
generation company. Today they said that there is a solution for real estate agents and mortgage brokers who don't have the time nor the will to blog.
The solution is a company that will write your daily content for your real estate blog.
Hello Stepford Bloggers.
In the post, the service was compared to the AP wires in a newspaper. Uhmmm...nice try.
I'll keep reading the "unpolished", non-manufactured blog posts and here's why:
- They have a unique flavor all their own. I will take a homemade chocolate chip cookie over a store bought one. I prefer the taste of a little extra vanilla on any given day.
- They keep me current. I get to catch up on relevant news from a real local. If I am considering a relocation, I want to be in the know from the people who live, breathe, eat, sleep and live the life, not the distance learning version.
- They sell me on your services without the self-aggrandizing tactics of old school websites. If you specialize in equestrian properties, you are going to write about your knowledge. If you specialize in first time home buyer programs, you will be able to educate me on the loan programs currently available. In the process you might teach me a thing or two that I can use.
- They give me the information I am looking for. I can comment and ask you questions fairly confident that you will give me an answer. We are then engaged in a conversation that could turn into a phone call or a face-to-face appointment.
- They allow me to make a connection. There is something about a well written blog post that might just make me connect with you and give me a sense of trust. I might learn something about the make-up of your character that will make me want to do business with you.
Blogging can help real estate buyers and sellers regain faith in an already tarnishing profession. Remain transparent to real estate buyers and sellers and let them see you for who you are.
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Blogging for Business. How to Lighten Your Blogging Load
Why offer up a gripe without a few solutions? I understand that time can run short for real estate professionals and blogging can eat into an already demanding schedule.
- Blogging is work.
- Blogging is not maintenance free.
- Blogging is marketing.
- Blogging is a hands on, in the trenches kind of job.
Blogging consistently, transparently, informatively, openly, and honestly builds your business.
Here are five ways to make it in blogging without faking it.
1. Invite Guest Bloggers. This is a great opportunity to extend the depth of information your blog offers. Invite affiliates from title, mortgage, home inspection, stagers, and other real estate professionals.
2. Interview Local Commerce and Service Based Businesses- A local store owner might not feel comfortable guest posting on your blog but would like an opportunity for more exposure. Interview local commerce and service based businesses and post the context of the interview to your blog.
3. Develop A Regular Blog Posting Schedule- Develop at least one post series. Writing a series helps to keep your blogging schedule consistent and it lets your readers know what they can expect from your blog.
4. Search the Depth of your Blog- Try reaching back into your blog and posting a summary blog in which you summarize older posts on one topic. You will be helping new readers of your blog who most likely won't reach that far back into your archives but could use that information today.
5. Try mixing it up- Wordless Wednesdays, Podcasting, Videos, Slideshows- there are so many venues for a blogger to explore. When you mix it up you make it interesting for your readers and you ease the burden of finding new things to post. Re-purpose new brochures and listing advertisements into marketing that tells a story on your blog.
Above all please remember, conversations are what makes consumers know, like, and trust you.
Conversations are for everyone.
If you enjoy posts about blogging, then you will like,
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I know of a couple agents that have other blog for them. I see why they do it, it might be better then not blogging at all but your post makes a lot of sense.