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Approaching 100,000: Is It All Worth It?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Broadpoint Properties Cal BRE #01324959

I began blogging on Active Rain in March of this year-just 6 months ago. And, time does fly when you are having fun. I'm at around 92,000 points today. With some bonus points owed me for a series that I wrote, I think I may see 100k in just a few days.

Is it time consuming? I am still learning a lot and still have some questions that need answering. The short answer is Yes, It is time consuming if you do it right. To do it right means that you will write at least 7 blogs per week, and write 10 comments at least five days per week. Just like everything else in life, you get out of it what you put in.

Why do you say "doing it right"? As I said above, I am not an expert, but I have learned a little bit along the way. I have learned that if you balance your blog posts in the very same way that a newspaper or news program balances its reporting, you will get the best results. For example, if you write 7 posts per week, at least 2 should be directed towards consumers, 2 should be human interest, 2 can be directed at realtors. This way you are hitting a wider variety of readers. It is also best to post one per day--and post early or late, but not midday-- (I am never able to do that).

What do you get out of it? Well . . . I have received at lease 50 phone calls from real estate agents asking for consultations on short sales, and obtained 3 listings. I've also met several Active Rain bloggers in person and become AR 'pen' pals with many more. The truth is that I was schooled to write, and actually have a graduate degree with an emphasis in the teaching of writing. So, the writing component is what originally interested me. I really never, ever thought that I would see the direct impact on my business.

I still have some questions that need answering, however. And . . . I think that I will write another post and see who can help me with the answers.

 

Comments (10)

Terrie Leighton
Ferrari-Lund Real Estate - Reno, NV
Reno Real Estate Agent ~ Selling Homes in Reno

Wow, sounds like you have achieved some really great results in just a short amount of time on ActiveRain. Six months and you almost at 100,000 points. That is quite a milestone. And the contacts and referrals you have received really speaks volumes. Congratulations.

Sep 04, 2009 10:35 AM
Robert Solomon/Broker/Owner
I Net Realty Group, Inc. - Hudson, FL

Hi Melissa, you are right this does take a lot of time and sometimes I wonder if it takes to much of my working time unless you are a night owl.

Sep 04, 2009 10:39 AM
Barbara Michaluk
Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD
Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Thanks Melissa! I'm fairly new to AR and your blog is very encouraging!

Sep 04, 2009 10:43 AM
Greg Saffell
Tucson, AZ
Real Estate Professional Tucson, Oro Valley AZ

Melissa, I'm impressed with what you have accomplished in such a short time. I intend to read some of your past posts over this nice long weekend. Maybe this post will encourage "others" to quit procrastinating, and I count myself among the"others". Thanks, and take the weekend off.

Sep 04, 2009 10:45 AM
Elizabeth Bolton
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor

Hi Melissa ~ Wow - that was fast! Way to go!

I've noticed what you're talking about and always thought it was a glitch.  I also think it happens when posts get featured - they show up again.  Funny - I was always in fear of double posting from editing but convinced myself it didn't happen. Learn something new every day.  Ever since the vanishing points from editing I simply don't edit anymore.

Liz

Sep 04, 2009 01:31 PM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

I just found the answer! It took you 6 mths! I like the 2-2-2 formula for including everyone in the mix! I also like reading you have foud this to be productive.

Sep 04, 2009 08:11 PM
Terry Chenier
Homelife Glenayre Realty - Mission, BC

Melissa,

Yeh, I'd say you're hooked. Quite an achievement in a short time.

Sep 06, 2009 08:42 AM
Carol Hanson Sheehy
Prudential Florida Realty - Naples, FL

I am just approaching 9,000 points after being involved for about 40 days.  Your post is very helpful.  I wish I had more of a flare for writing, but it can only get better.

Sep 07, 2009 08:48 AM
Marcia Hawken
WILLIAM RAVEIS - Naples, FL
Naples Luxury Specialist

Melissa, I am trying to keep that balance and gaining on the points.  And I am having fun along the way.  Congrats on your 100,000.

Sep 07, 2009 10:27 PM
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I started really blogging and working on points in July and was away from my computer for nine days during that time.  I have earned 23,000 points during that time.  I have dropped from 154th in Virginia to 97th, I am still number 4 in James City County but that may change within a week!  It really is addictive isn't it?

Sep 09, 2009 12:28 PM