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Blogging - Dead or Alive??? Short term or long term in the blogosphere/internet???

Mortgage and Lending with Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc

July 15, 2009 06:25 AM

blogging

Blogging, is it dead or dying? Social Media Networking, is it a fad or will it just be dust in the wind by next year. Shopping online? Searching online? Where does it all begin and where can it all end.

Now, I am not an expert when it comes to such subjects, nor do I do this for a living, but I do have my own strong opinions in regards to these specific topics. Keep in mind, much of what you read about is opinion over time.

Recently there have been a lot of posts written about these subjects and what inspired me to write about this. I listed them below. Please read: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Getting My Daughter High at the Beach. by : Joel McDonald - Joel states this in his blog... "Before I Let me start off this post by saying "your headline is everything." ......."

I have to disagree with that statement and I will explain why. But a boring headline that has key words, will get your searched. And ps... yes, a catchy headline can be good at times, but if you fool the reader, to get them there, you could lose that same reader for good.

Blogging is Dead - by : Courtney Cooper - This post was written because of a comment that David Gibbons stated on Twitter. "Blogging is Dead". My opinion about that statement? Just an attention getter, right or wrong.

Courtney brings this up.... "I keep hearing that blogging is a dinosaur,..... Twitter and Facebook ... The growth they have both seen this year is truly phenomenal. Is social media taking over blogging?"

And then she goes on to say that she doesn't believe that blogging is dead. I agree ...

I am an Active TwitFace.... are you? - by : John Cannata - John talks about his daily routines both on Active Rain, Twitter, and Facebook, and how he thinks it's important to socialize on these.

Re-defining ROI in the age of social media. - by : Matt Stigliano - Matt shares his opinion about ROI's when it comes to Twitter and Facebook. ROI is your return of investment. He lists some good examples to why this is good.

A "soft-sell" approach to marketing your listings on Facebook w/seller participation by : RealEstateSupport - A great way to market your listings on Facebook.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

social media marketing

Social Media Networking & Marketing.... I will admit, I did get caught up in the craze about 10 months ago and even wrote about it, Social Media Marketing, and it's importance.

Sure, I think it's important to network and to socialize online. Here are my opinions on the 3, Active Rain, Twitter, and Facebook.

Active Rain - I love Active Rain and a networking group like this. I think it's easy. You can blog and comment at your own pace. Network with others from all over. And you don't have to be right in front of your computer/cell phone 24/7.

Twitter - I think this could be a fad. Sure, you can follow people in a group on twitter through tweetdeck, but a lot of what happens here is in real time. Which means you have to be visible often, sharing updates.

Facebook - I think it's easier to follow people here. Sure, the main page is in real time or you can go to someone's profile page and she what they have written lately. I think this is easier than what's on Twitter. You can also start a fan page and give updates directly there. My fan page on Facebook : The FHA Expert

Blogging and titles of Blogs :

- Blogging - I don't believe blogging is dead and will never be dead. Yes, I hate saying that word never. But my common sense would state that as long as people use the internet for searching, they will find your blogs.

I have talked to people such as Ken Cook about this matter, who is on top of the social media networking concept. Ken Cook and Jason Crouch hold a weekly call about this and supply some good information. Find them on their Blog Talk Radio show. Social Media Edge - Talk Show

My point to this, and Ken agrees with me, is that blogging will always be there and I feel that it's better than interfacing with such things as Twitter and Facebook. Here is why...

Twitter and Facebook is real time in most cases. You need to grab that persons attention now or in the first 24 hours. In regards to blogging, you could blog today and be searched :

that same day

the next day

a week or month from now

6 months to a year.... etc, etc. I closed 3 deals this year from someone finding a blog of mine over a year ago.

With blogging, you are planting seeds and if you use the correct tags and hot key words, you will be searched. Keep in mind, writing good content is important. Confusing for those that are new to this? For more information about blogging, please read : Crash Course on Blogging In my opinion, blogging will be here to stay as long as the internet is active and that people search online. Keep in mind, more and more people are becoming informational 'hogs'. Some people love to read.

- Titles of blogs - I do believe a catchy title can work. But I don't think they serve its purpose as many would think and or assume. If you make people curious, they will come and look. But will they stay long? And keep in mind, this is like a quick fix, but titles don't usually last long in the blogosphere. Not unless you have some of your 'hot' key words in the title.

Key words will out last a catchy title any day of the week. Example : I am wrote about those listing agents that don't accept offers with FHA loans. Which title do you think would work best for me?

Listing Agents can destroy a perfectly good offer. - Catchy, but it would be hard to search for this, unless you used those exact words.
Those offers with FHA loans. - Good to capture those searching for FHA loans.
Sellers !! Ignore what your listing agent tells you about FHA loans !!! - A catchy title and some have said misleading. But it also has a few good key words that can be searched in several different combinations.

Summary : In my opinion, just use common sense when writing your blog and especially when writing the title of your blog. Do you want to be a rock star for a day or for a life time? I would rather be found now and later, and not just razzle you with headlines, looking for attention now.

Overall, don't get me wrong. The blogs that I mentioned above, they all bring up some very good points and tips. And I know you can get business from Twitter and Facebook. And you can use either one to get your blogs out there. But after speaking to a few others that are knowledgeable about this topic, I think a lot of what we hear is opinion, proven by fact, but facts that can be used for their argument. What about the flip side of the argument? Me? I want to know to know the possibilities and example of both sides. thanks

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For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags !!!!

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Lyn Sims

Schaumburg, IL

Real Estate Broker Retired

Well I have to admit that I think Gibbons just said that to be controversial. Blogging is not dead and his cohorts spend alot of time on AR. I thought the ActiveTwitFace was very original :-) Adds some humor to the mix. About the title - some have been controversial and have started alot of heat when you assume the post is about one thing and turns out to be another. OR the post turns out to Realtor bash with a hidden title. But I guess in order to 'last' in the frey, a good keyword title is the way to go. Some people cross the line to have the post be an attention getter.

Jul 15, 2009 06:58 AM

Brian Block

RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President - McLean, VA

Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate

Jeff,

Blogging is still alive and well. Social media includes blogging and all these other social networking sites do not replace blogging, but can work in concert with it.

Jul 15, 2009 07:12 AM

Jeff Belonger

Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ

The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

LYN.... . I kind of had a very good idea that was what David's intentions were. I have met David a few times and I can see him doing this. ;o) The title? That actually can and should be a whole blog by itself. People love attention getters... I will use 1 or 2 at times. But I write for google juice, to be searched hot and heavy. And I truly believe that you won't get this unless you have some key words in your title. Sure, many of my key words are boring, but I want to be found, not always heard in the first minute. Thanks for adding to this discussion.

BRIAN.... . I truly believe the same things that you just mentioned. Even though my blogged turned out to be a tad longer by a few hundred words, I wanted to get my side of it out there, because I am fearful of the comments in some of these blogs. Many say it makes sense or sounds good, yet I read nothing of the opposite, showing both sides to this. Yes, I believe that they can work together, but for myself, my first push is with blogging. thanks for your feedback and hope all is well. It's been a while since we last caught up.

Jul 15, 2009 07:18 AM

Tricia Jumonville

Bradfield Properties - Georgetown, TX

Texas REALTOR , Agent With Horse Sense

I will acknowledge that I've spent much more time in the other kinds of social networking (including Facebook) than on my blog in the past few months. Yes, it's more time-consuming, but I've finding my ROI is quicker there. Doesn't mean I don't keep planning to get back to regular blogging, it's just a matter of finding the time.

Blogging isn't dead. It's just like the difference between a book and a newspaper - both are useful, both have their places, neither replaces the other (and I refuse to believe that either will become dinosaurs, especially books, no matter what anyone tells me).

By the way, I got here via Facebook. That tell you anything?

Jul 15, 2009 07:30 AM

Gerry Suarez Jr.

New American Funding NMLS 6606 - Orlando, FL

FL Mortgage Guru

Echo Tricia including how I got here, which says a lot considering how many ways I could have gotten here.:-)

I agree with you and Ken, however, that any quality marketing plan must be multifaceted. Your blogs are constantly trolling for business but nothing beats right place/right time on facebook.

Thanks for another great piece Jeff!

Gerry Suarez, Jr.

Your FHA Loan Pro!

Jul 15, 2009 07:44 AM

Tom Burris

NMLS# 335055 - Baton Rouge, LA

Texas/Louisiana Mortgage Pro - 13 YRS Experience

Blogging, is it dead or dying?

If you are blogging to your friends YOU may be dieing.

If you are blogging to consumers, you won't!!

Jul 15, 2009 07:57 AM

TIM MONCRIEF

Tim Monciref - Austin, TX

Over 2,000 homes sold…..

It would be quite foolish for anyone to think there is not a communication movement going on. Where it is going is up for debate. I find it interesting....if not a bit odd that many of my clients are contacting me through Facebook, or LinkedIN even though I know for a fact they have my email. We could debate all day long on why this is occurring, but the fact is it is occurring. My personal belief is that we have moved away from personal touches and the world is wanting that personal touch back again.

Jul 15, 2009 08:11 AM

Jeff Belonger

Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ

The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

TRICIA..... . you make an excellent point, espeically since you found my blog on Facebook. But could it also mean that you are spending a lot more time there, watching the board? Me personally, I would rather write the blog and then get back to work or find other ways to get business. I just don't see how the average person that should be working, could spend a long time online, reading what comes across facebook and or twitter. Unless I am missing something there. But as far as blogging, they search and they will find.

Overall, your points are well taken and I do believe that both have their places. But I guess I was a little peeved after reading comments on the other blogs that I mentioned, to where so many of them were just accepting what they read. At least you seem to have an idea... I don't think many do, I think many just follow and hope. thanks for your input.

GERRY.... . yea yea yea... just like Tricia... ;o) And I agree, it can work... but where would ones business most likely come from over time. You said it yourself, "right place/right time." That is most of my point to all of this. And I guess it all depends on how you use your blog. Some say they network on Twitter, just by having conversation. I do believe in the combination of things. Just that I think true blogging will last forever on the net. And thanks for the compliments.

TOM.... . some good points... I guess many just talk to their friends through Twitter and Facebook.. I see that happening a lot. And sure, Tweeting your blog can help at to the click throughs... hhhmmmm more to think about. thanks

TIM.... more good points. We definitely are getting away from the personal touch. I have actually done this with my business plan, going back 5 years ago. But when I started blogging almost 3 yrs ago, 80% or more of my business comes from blogging. And yes, we could debate this all day long. Everyone will have different examples. My main purpose of this post was to get some of those that looked at it one way, to think the other way also. As they say, don't put all of your eggs in one basket. thanks for your input.

Jul 15, 2009 08:26 AM

Tricia Jumonville

Bradfield Properties - Georgetown, TX

Texas REALTOR , Agent With Horse Sense

When I'm spending time on the various kinds of social networking, the ones I spend the MOST time on are the ones where people are thinking of relocating to the area and are looking for information - they're asking questions, and if I'm able to answer them, or point them to where they can find the answer, I do so. That IS working for a real estate agent - and it can be done while I'm doing the "computer work" (used to be paperwork) that goes along with this business. It's actually, like blogging, much more time effective than going to various networking events, which I'd otherwise be doing. And it can be done in the middle of the night!, just like blogging Woo hoo!

Like I said, both have their place. I'm not married to either one of them as the "only" or "best" way - I've lived long enough to see "this is the way it's done" change so many times in so many amazing ways that I can't afford to be.

Jul 15, 2009 09:11 AM

Teral McDowell

Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

You do know how to get the most out of your blogs; I have much to learn. I have not read others comments. Have you tried posterous? Oh, congratualtions on the Ambassador choice.

Jul 15, 2009 11:36 AM

John Cannata

214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX

Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

I really like this article Jeff. Not because I am mentioned (although thank you for that), but because you expressed your thoughts on the different social media platforms. I believe all three are very different, but in good ways. The most important I find is Activerain, just like you. When I am on twitter, I will post links back to my activerain site and also display my posts on facebook. You could be right about twitter being a phase. I would not have thought so at one point, but now it seems everyone has an account and there is a lot of automation now. Twitter was not built for automation, but is slowing going that direction. So soon... my computer will talk with your computer. Think anything will get done? LOL

Jul 15, 2009 04:33 PM

Jeff Belonger

Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ

The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

TRICIA.... . again, some excellent points. I guess a part of me has not fully grasped Twitter... and the many functions. And as John C. stated right above me, in my opinion also, it's becoming to automated. I feel like so many people are spamming me to network... forcing things or topics...etc, etc. It's just not personal and I find it hard to follow people.

I do think Facebook is easier... and I love AR as a total networking group... and now I am even getting business from a few realtors. Before, it was all consumer based from my blogs. Many realtors and loan officers picking my brain before, but no business. I will agree, don't put all your eggs in one basic, because things do change quickly. Thanks again for your input and feedback.

TERAL.... . reading the comments in a blog such as this one, you can sometimes learn a lot just from the comments alone. Getting more feedback from others. I have already looked at a few things differently from reading the comments. On another note, you lost me on this sentence.. you said..."Have you tried posterous?" ?? And thank you very much for the kind words and for the congrats. Even need any help with anything, please never hesitate to call or e-mail me.

JOHN... . thanks John, maybe I should mention your name more often... lol Seriously, I do appreciate the polite compliment. I agree with your statement about Twitter, that it seems to be more automated and less personal. And I am finding a ton of spam on there, that I get spam comments often... thanks for the add, please follow me or this or that... etc, etc. I do like Facebook and definitely AR.. thanks for stopping by and for your feedback.

Jul 15, 2009 05:49 PM

Courtney Cooper

Cooper Jacobs - Seattle, WA

206-850-8841

Thanks for the mention:) No blogging is probably just about to explode even further. What David said was "Blogging is so 2008" :) I just took it and ran with it - LOL

Jul 16, 2009 05:11 AM

Matt Stigliano

Kimberly Howell Properties (210) 646-HOME - San Antonio, TX

Jeff - What can I say? Thanks for the mention. I was pretty happy with the response and the way that post came out.

Jul 16, 2009 03:39 PM

Roy Paeth

Barrett Financial Group - Murfreesboro, TN

Just a regular guy helping real people!

Thanks a lot for the info Jeff. I am still trying to get a grip on the whole Activerain, Twitter and Facebook thing. As with many of us i only have so much time to devote to social media and would like to ge the most bang for my time. I will have to go back and read some of your older posts.

Jul 18, 2009 01:08 PM

Mark Menzella

RE/Advantage - Fairfield, NJ

We build websites for REALTORS®

Jeff

Let me first say this is an excellent post. Very well thoughtout. Much of your asumptions and opinions I share. Blogging is not dead, never will be. I have to say, Twitter will be around a long, long time. When you see a network like NBC say they Tweet and show the Twitter logo on the news, that alone will drive the craze and you will always have a following.

I think Social Networking should be looked at like a wheel with the different type of media as the spokes, they all feed the central hub called the "Social Relm". Some people will blog, some will Tweet, others will post video's, but they all will Socialize.

Jul 22, 2009 06:49 AM

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