There are lots of reasons to have a blog (we all know what they are) and to provide information that consumers are looking for. Many folks write about housing and the local market conditions, which are certainly important issues to buyers and sellers.
READ MORE:
5 Reasons Why You Should Write Market Reports
10 Top Ways to Use Market Reports to Your Advantage
I came up with 5 good reasons to write about local businesses for LOCALISM. And those businesses can be as diverse as you want. I particularly like restaurants (being the foodie that I am) and art galleries but write about whatever you are interested in.
BECOME A LOCAL EXPERT - Writing about local businesses enable you to become more of a local expert as to the services and products available in your area. Imagine being able to recommend places to your clients if they need a particular service or need to find a place to buy X? You become more credible when you can actually talk about the local community with confidence, plus you improve your knowledge.
BLOG CONTENT- It provides content for your blog when you are having a tough time coming up with something to write about. Perhaps not the best reason, but let's face it...there are times when we all struggle for topics to include in your blogs. New writers often say they don't know what to write about - here's an idea with lots of opportunity.
DEVELOP BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS - You establish relationships with local business owners who might just know someone looking to buy or sell. You never know where a lead may come from. Plus you may find a new business product or service that you can personally benefit from as well.
CONSUMERS CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS KNOWLEDGE - learning more about the local businesses will benefit folks, whether long-timers or those new to the area. They may need certain services and may not be aware of where they can find them. And you can share some of these articles in your relocation packagefor out-of-towners.
ADVERTISING FOR A LOCAL MERCHANT - Your article provides advertising and increased exposure for a local merchant which may result in more business for them.
I have found writing about local businesses to be a lot of fun, as I use them to help me in my own personal like. Since I take my camera everywhere, I will often ask a business owner if I can write about their store and include some photos. Asking permission is important - you get to engage in personal conversation that way, plus you can learn more about the owner and his or her business. They generally appreciate the interest and the added exposure (but some prefer not so you need to check).
I always offer to send the business owner to link to my article once done and they they can use it as they see fit - perhaps sharing it with their own mailing list. A branded Real Estate Shows slide show is a good idea, or an actual video to also post on YouTube.
Lastly, I suggest you keep in mind the following - Do You Write What You Want or What Consumers Want?
UPDATE - and of course the extra points you can get over the next 14 days for entering Bob Stewart's contest on blogging about local businesses ain't too shabbym if you need the extra incentive.
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