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Does All That Blogging *REALLY* Get You Clients?

By
Real Estate Technology with Zillow

People — usually real estate agents (yes, they are people too) — frequently ask me, "Why do you blog?"

The short answer, one that leaves many scratching their heads, is "Because I have to".

I need to write. I don't know why, it's just always been that way. I don't write well enough to become the next mega-best selling author. I don't want the deadline pressure of writing a column in traditional newsprint. So a blog is the ideal venue for me to write. For whatever reason, people seem to read what I put here. God only knows what possesses them to keep coming back.

Invariably after I say, "Because I have to", the next question is, "But does all that blogging get you CLIENTS?"

The short answer is yes, it does. If I had to, I could produce documented evidence of procuring buyers, sellers, and even a small developer that became clients — paying clients — from what has been done with The Phoenix Real Estate Guy.

The immediate follow-up question from Mr. or Ms. Aspiring Real Estate Blogger then becomes, "How do I get clients from my blog?

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE POST!! 

 

 

Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Good article, Jay. There is certainly lots of evidence out there regarding clients coming from blogs. I, too, blog, because I enjoy it. The clients (which are now coming) are secondary. I am teaching a class to our association in a month, this has given me some moreht to talk about. Thanks for sharing.

Jeff

Jun 23, 2007 09:02 AM
Randy L. Prothero
eXp Realty - Hollister, MO
Missouri REALTOR, (808) 384-5645
My blogging has gotten me a couple of clients and I have had others who I am working with reference one of my blog posts they liked.
Jun 23, 2007 09:06 AM
Kat DeLong
Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert - Prescott, AZ
REALTOR
Checked out your blog--NICE!  The reason I blog is because I enjoy it and the love the help and knowledge I've gained here. And, the laughs.  Not for clients.  Don't even think about it much.
Jun 23, 2007 09:32 AM
Mother Lode
Real Living Sugar Pine Realty - Sonora, CA
Real Estate Master
The "blog off topic" point I've found to be a real good thing, too. Like when I let people know of a site in our area to watch the sunrise in Yosemite online, I got the most visits from it. And it's all about people and building relationships. That's why blogging is such a good tool.
Jun 23, 2007 09:57 AM
Anonymous
Bonny Puckett
Nice blog!  But just one question for you...where do you find the time?
Jun 23, 2007 12:34 PM
#29
Charlene Hammontree
616 Realty LLC - Rockford, MI
Meeting the needs of Buyers and Sellers in MICH
I will be back for more comments! Great post
Jun 23, 2007 12:41 PM
Darleen McCullen
Raleigh, NC
Broker - Raleigh, NC Real Estate

I agree with others...great blog! I'm new to blogging and AR, and have wondered if blogging really works. Nice to know it actually works. Thanks for sharing.

Jun 23, 2007 01:04 PM
Leigh Brown
Leigh Brown & Associates, RE/MAX Executive - Charlotte, NC
CEO, Dream Maker - Charlotte, NC
Even though you made me click over, I'm glad to see you pop in here on AR for a minute!  Hope you've been very busy selling stuff.
Jun 23, 2007 02:01 PM
Marc Blasi
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
If anyone is still wondering- YES you certainly DO get Clients from your participation here!
Jun 23, 2007 02:05 PM
Jay Thompson
Zillow - Seattle, WA

Thanks for all the compliments on the blog folks.

Bonny - where do I find the time? I'm not sure. Having a wife who is an amazing agent helps.  Not needing to sleep much helps. Spending 14 or more hours a day on the computer helps. 

Coach Steve -- thanks so much for all you said. I think AR is a wonderful place, but there is nothing like having your own "stand alone" blog out there working for you 24x7.

Nice to see some familiar faces here, and a lot of new ones (to me)!!

Time to make the guacamole! 

Jun 23, 2007 02:41 PM
Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC - Hilton Head Island, SC
Well, I guess my comment would be--Where would you be if you DIDN'T blog? 
Jun 23, 2007 02:54 PM
Spokane Home Loans Spokane Mortgage
Spokane Mortgage - Spokane, WA
I am new to the blog thing and cant wait for a client from it.
Jun 23, 2007 03:03 PM
Chris Tesch
RE/MAX Bryan-College Station - College Station, TX
College Station, Texas Real Estate
I've found that not only does blogging get me clients, but it gets me highly educated clients.  These clients are top tier in what they can afford to spend and are educated about the process as well.
Jun 24, 2007 05:52 AM
Laurie Manny
Long Beach CA Real Estate - Long Beach, CA
I am with Chris, blogging brings in a better educated client.  They have done their homework, understand the market better and are willing to do what needs to be done. 
Jun 24, 2007 05:59 AM
Ray Saenz
Exit Realty Laredo - Laredo, TX
Homes for Sale in Laredo, TX - Texas, Realtor

Hey Jay, great blog, thanks for sharing this with us :) keep the good blog ! :)

 

Jun 24, 2007 05:57 PM
Wayne McMullan
Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty - Belleville, ON
Quinte Real Estate
To me blogging does not come easy. Being creative with the posts and putting ones ideas into words can take much thought. If it comes easy, blog away. If some of the benefits are new clients, bonus.
Jun 25, 2007 12:10 AM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty
Yes - it absolutely - certainly - without a doubt - no question - does get you clients!  How?  Make sure your phone number is correct on the blog and let the phone ring!
Jun 27, 2007 09:34 AM
marti garaughty
garaughty.com - Montreal, QC
a highly caffeinated creative type...

Hi Jay...

 what an eloquent way to explain the benefits of blogging in business, especially "But they also tend to chose an agent because they connect with them on some personal level"...

 And that is the point. Standing out from the crowd either on the net or in a local community has a lot more to do with the quality of the relationships you've built, not how many years you've been in business or spouting worn out words like "quality & service".

 We all prefer to deal with people we know, trust and like. Again, excellent post!

Jul 11, 2007 06:30 AM
Lexa R. Montierth
NextHome Complete Realty - Tucson, AZ
Real Estate Sales Agent and Marketer

I have a poll going on right now on my latest blog  trying to figure this out.  How many people does it really bring in each week? You guys have a pretty good website (i bring it up everytime I search phoenix real estate) How many does it really bring?

 

Lexa 

Jul 12, 2007 08:24 AM
Jay Thompson
Zillow - Seattle, WA

Hi Lexa! 

I took your poll and commented about the contacts over on your blog. Thanks for the compliments on the site!

Jul 12, 2007 11:38 AM