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Does All That Blogging REALLY Get You Clients?

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!!

Posted by Jay Thompson on 06/23/2007 06:32 AM

Comments (44)

real estate blogging, lead generation

Originally posted at: Jay's Phoenix Area Real Estate (and more...): Does All That Blogging *REALLY* Get You Clients?

44 Comments on Does All That Blogging *REALLY* Get You Clients?

JUN

2007

Saw your post. Nicely done.

Left you a comment there but didn't get any points for it. :) :)

Yes, I get business from AR. The main reason, for me, is because the blogging increases google and yahoo placement. But some of the people, who have read my blogs, are sold when they hire me.

I too left you a comment and enjoyed the complete article - glad I stopped by...

John - you're hereby granted 50 Phoenix Real Estate Guy points! You're the points leader! Spend them wisely...

Thanks for stopping by. Here and there!

I'm glad you stopped by too Cyndee - come back any time!

Steven - glad to hear you're getting business. The added web presence is a HUGE factor...

I'm not an agent, I'm a wholesale lender and just yesterday I submitted a loan from a broker who found me on Google. AR and blogging are completely responsible for my page 1 positioning.

The blogs are very helpful for me also.

The big bad blog does work. In the last 2 weeks I have been contacted by a seller and a buyer and I am actively working with both.

I haven't obtained a client yet, BUT the knowledge I'm gaining here on AR surely will!

Blogging helps me with the search engines, I notice after I write a blog It usually shows up on google within a few days.

Hooray! Phoenix Real Estate Guy Points!

I will spend them wisely, I promise. It's a toss up between a Saguaro or a Camelbak... :)

Jay, I've never written with getting business in mind. I write because I enjoy it. And because of that I get all kinds of business from blogging. Very good post Jay. Blogging is not brain surgery but it certainly needs to be real.

Jay,

Like you I blog on several other sites! We get calls from around the world asking us questions about the Florida Real Estate market, some actually become clients based on what they read on our blogs.

It`s all about the content and credibility that we as bloggers demonstrate to our readers.

It takes time to build an audience any good blogger will tell you that.

Like the points you make about varying topics ouside of real estate...people all have different interests....nice post!

I read your entire post and your points are accurate. I have always been of the mindset that if you are just yourself, people will see that and your business success will follow. As always you provide great information. I have learned alot from you as I read what you have to say on our mutual website hosting company message boards.

Nice post! I do see my website moving up in Google after I write a post, but I haven't had any business from it YET. I do feel that with continued research, blogging, and patience...the business from AR will come.

Not until recently did anybody I know understand why I sit and blog. When the phone rings and coworkers hear that A.R. is why the phone rings, then they get it.

Good post, I have gotten a few customers here on AR but I don't think people should expect big numbers of customers from any blogging, marketing and reputation will get you business.

Wow, I'm totally impressed. A Realtor who gets it, understands the reason behind blogging, benefits, the right platform, web 2.0 blog with full of functionality, external and internal tags, links, the whole enchilada.

This blog needs to be an example for other Realtors to follow.

You are absolutely right about expanding your blog from just real estate to other passions you have in your life. Like will attract like, here we go attraction principles again. I already knew that but I haven't applied it to my own blog yet. Guess what because of your post it's changing today.

I can't believe how many Realtors are not getting the power of this and how they could even help each other to increase their rankings in the search engines themselves.

IT"S NOT ABOUT THE POINTS

To Your Success,

Coach Steve

At 10 am this morning I will be showing property to client's that found me from my blogging. Since AR is the only place I blog I can contribute it to only AR. They read my articles and felt "it was a sign" (I chuckled) to call me.

I just finished showing property to buyers who were referred to me by another agent on ActiveRain. 'Had a phone message from an agent to whom I referred a seller. 'Settle next week on a listing that I got through an ActiveRain contact form. I'm pretty satisfied with those results that came from something I enjoy, and that doesn't cost me a penny.

I get business from my blog. The sale of a house this week and am closing on another at the end of the week that came through my blog. What I find interesting is that I get business from my blog for different reasons that you do leading me to beleive that there is no one way to have a successful blog. I think I got my first lead in December of 2005 and it was because of a photo I posted. I think we need to go with our strengths. My blog is of a different style than yours is yet I get business because of it. If used your style I suspect that I would not have the kind of success I am having today. I think I feel a post coming on.

There is only one way to make a BLOG successful!

Make sure it is Web 2.0 just like Jay & Francy Thompson's Main Blog. There is a huge distinction between a main BLOG and the BLOG you have on AR.

The Blog you have on AR is not really your blog-well it is and it is not. This is a social site and any traffic generated from here is increasing AR's popularity in the search engines first not yours. That's why you must also have your own BLOG, like Jay & Francy Thompson's Main Blog so that you can have control over it.

To Your Success,

Coach Steve

It's off I go to Jay's land to get "the rest of the story".

Jay- I'm still working on finding that "voice" and figuring out what to write about. I haven't had client calls yet, but I am noticing more visits coming from my local area than when I first started. Your words are helpful. If I write about a variety of things, I think my blog has a long life span. If not, it will be a chore instead of a treat. I'm awaiting my first call.....

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

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.

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.

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.

Nice blog! But just one question for you...where do you find the time?

I will be back for more comments! Great post

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.

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.

If anyone is still wondering- YES you certainly DO get Clients from your participation here!

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!

Well, I guess my comment would be--Where would you be if you DIDN'T blog?

I am new to the blog thing and cant wait for a client from it.

JUN

2007

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.

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

2007

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

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

2007

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!

JUL

2007

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

2007

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

Hi Lexa!

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

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