Local Expert

I couldn't help noticing that some hyper-local posts have been appearing recently on the "Featured" dashboard of the Activerain homepage.  They don't generate quite the number of comments that general posts do, but maybe they should.

Featured posts are usually well written, full of good information, and - in the case of local posts about a specific neighborhood or community - they are a great source of ideas for our own writing.  Please... take a minute to read and comment on these, if you haven't already:

 

Diane Aurit's post, Lake Norman Overview September 2009, demonstrates for us that a market report does not have to be full of statistics packed into all the charts and graphs we can possibly display.  In fact, it's an interesting narrative that will probably inspire local consumers to read from start to finish.  Isn't that something we should all be doing with our consumer-targeted Activerain posts?

Teri Eckholm's TEN GREAT Reasons North St Paul, MN is a Perfect Place to Call Home! had me scratching my head, trying to think of of ten great reasons my market is a perfect place to call home.  Yes, I've done a list like that before, but she had some really interesting things, and her list did not sound like a travelogue or an ad.  Couldn't we all find some inspiration in the things she chose to list?

Mike Jones's post, Unique Architecture: Ez-Kim-In-Zin Picnic Area In Tucson's Saguaro National Park West, features one of his fabulous photos and makes me want to include this picnic area on my "must see" list when I visit his corner of the world.  I have no doubt that local residents read his blog regularly, and I wonder who they'll think of first when they want a home purchase or refinance mortgage.  Not just because of his low rates or great service, but because they know him through his blog.

 

Posts to LocalismThese are just a few of the recent "local" posts that have been featured on Activerain, BUT don't stop with featured posts...  there are several groups where you can find posts with local content.  Local Experts and Posts to Localism are just two of them which I encourage you to join and read because you will be inspired by the posts you find there. You will probably never suffer writer's block again, if you do, because you will have a new resource for blog topic ideas. 

Not only that, you will meet new friends who may become your best friends on Activerain when you read and comment on local posts.  That's because the local posts don't generate as many comments, so yours will be more appreciated than it is as one of sixty+ comments on a typical featured post.  Your comment is more likely to result in reciprocation, and that is how Activerain newbies (and oldies) build relationships here on Activerain. (That's a topic for another day.)

And you will have a new destination for referrals, because you will naturally be inclined to refer your relocating clients and customers to an agent who loves their market.  What better way is there to make the case that you deserve business in your area than to write about it in loving terms?

Those are some of the reasons I enjoy reading Localism posts on Activerain.  Why do you read them?

Copyright 2006-13. Margaret Woda. All rights reserved.

  DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.

________________________________________

Margaret Woda, Crofton Realtor


Margaret WodaMargaret Woda, REALTOR & Associate Broker
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114
Direct:  (410) 451-6245 or click on EMAIL

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Post is included in group: Dedicated Bloggers
Post is included in group: Local Expert
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47 Comments on Why Read Localism Posts on Active Rain

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

SEP
28
2009
823,519 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

The "r" on my laptop isn't working right now, and I can only stay in the office a few more minutes to use the desktop - so please forgive me if I don't acknowledge everyone individually today.  If I don't, I'll reciprocate on one of your own posts within the week - I promise!

I agree - Localism is the source of business, not the stuff we write to each other.

 

9:28am • #28
356,510 Points 27 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I'm a big fan of localism... Like Matt above, I don't always comment, but I do like to read them. I enjoy getting to know a place from someone who live there. I especially like some sales stats so I get a feel for the market compared to where I live. 

9:55am • #29
477,896 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love reading the Localism posts and learning about other areas of the country.  I believe the posts show that the realtor cares about the community and is proud to showcase what it has to offer.

10:25am • #30
1,652,585 Points 134 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret,

Thank you for bringing this up.. and for the links.  I will make it a point to read more localism posts.. I read several a week already.

10:35am • #31
1,551,663 Points 277 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret- Whenever a newbie asks me how to get going and make friends on AR- I tell them what Cyndee Haydon taught me when I was a newbie- comment on Localism posts. So I started commenting on your Localism posts which you were also a newbie then, and that led to a wonderful friendship and referral source. Remember when we put together the snow bird seminar? :) I love to learn about all the different parts of our country through Localism and also to keep up with those places that I have lived as I have lived in many places in my life.

But even more important is that when you comment on Localism posts the public gets to see the wonderful interaction among agents- something they need to see more of. Katerina

10:43am • #32
1,098,688 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

It's where the "sticks and bricks" are that matters most to the cyber buyer who knows diddly about your area..until you start the blog posts, community videos, stocking the on line shelves with lots of information. Yu provide a service and then it just so happens you list, market, sell real estate. Give them something first..become the local tour guide, trusted authority. Great post as usually (high five hand slap sound).

10:46am • #33
1,910,827 Points 385 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Not only is it great fun to read these posts, but writing them is a great way to have people who are not bloggers notice you.

11:22am • #34
167,432 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I like reading the localism posts - I learn about other parts of the country!  It's fun!

11:33am • #35
156,508 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Margaret, how right you are! I love seeing the best of the best and find them to be inspiring. When I started putting listings on AR I went in search of really well done listing posts and was very impressed...not to mention finding some great agents I hadn't seen before!

12:07pm • #36
463,855 Points 1 Featured Post

Most of my post are in Localism as I think that is the best way to get the traffic. Thanks for bringing this up today.  Good Post.

Patricia

12:40pm • #37
1 Featured Post

Thank you for the reminder to write local blogs here.  I write local blogs on another blog site, but apparently should use some of that material here, too.  I love my hometown!

12:57pm • #38
123,459 Points 1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

Great point.  I've got very few comments on my posts because they're almost all hyperlocal.  However, I'm quite happy with the number of local readers I'm getting! 

1:28pm • #39
644,658 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Margaret,

Great advice and yes many of my posts go to those groups and go to localism. Google loves our localism posts for sure. Congrats on the feature:)

3:06pm • #40
439,094 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Margaret~ Thanks for the much needed push as I need to do some localism posts! 

4:21pm • #41
291,471 Points 15 Featured Posts

I think just about all of us know more about our specific market than we know out global politics, economic theory, or nuclear technology. That doesn't mean we should not speak our opinions, it just means that we shoudl not neglect what we can speak as an expert on.

4:46pm • #42
499,219 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks for the plug for the Localism posts!  I agree that they are a lot of fun to read, a terrific place to find an agent to send a referral to - and a whole lot of fun to write!  Since one of my favorite things about real estate is introducing my community to people just moving here, Localism is where I love to post about all there is to love about this area!

5:27pm • #43
472,054 Points 11 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret, you are so right.  I have met many wonderful friends on Active Rain.  It is the first place that I look when I have a referral.

6:15pm • #44
173,544 Points 43 Featured Posts

Margaret,

These local posts are a fertile learning ground.  Thank you for highlighting them.

8:50pm • #45
1,351,812 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
You've given us several reasons we need to be reading Localism posts. Additionally, it just makes many of us feel good to know that others are reading our posts and care enough to comment on it.
11:12pm • #46
SEP
29
2009

Nice comments.  I think you are absolutely right.  Many terrific ideas come from reading other's posts.  Just when you think there is nothing to write about, bam!  Someone else gives you a great idea.  Just another way Active Rain provides value to us all.

12:24am • #47

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Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation Services

Margaret Woda

Crofton, MD

More about me…

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Crofton, MD 21114

Address: 2191 Defense Hwy., #120, Crofton, Bowie, and Davidsonville, MD, 21114

Office Phone: (410) 721-1500

Cell Phone: (301) 346-2923

Email Me

Real Estate and community information for home buyers and sellers, military transferees, and rookie agents in the greater Crofton area, including Bowie, Davidsonville, Fort Meade, Gambrills, Odenton, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

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Margaret Woda




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