The value of a blog is, of course, information. Whether you share that information directly, or guide readers to others sources of information that you have found and feel worthy, the gift to the reader is adding to their knowledge about a community, buying or selling real estate, or whatever the topic might be.
A blog enables you to establish relationships with your readers through regular postings, valuable information that they want and need, and through sharing who you are in your voice and your writings.
Another value of blogging, however, is to enhance existing relationships by sharing information needed by readers and answering their questions. Here are some things that I do.
MARKET REPORTS...
...are useful for providing potential buyers and sellers with updates on what is happening in particular markets. They help me stay in touch as well as provide feedback to clients about what has been happening in their market since they bought their homes. While the news is not always good, it's news they appreciate. And of course current buyers need this information as well so they understand the market they are searching in.
REAL ESTATE AND COMMUNITY UPDATES...
...provide an excellent means for staying in touch with past clients, and enhancing relationships with current buyers and sellers (and prospects) is easy because the information is of value. These can cover a diverse set of issues, for example:
- Sharing information about changes in the utility rates (water and sewer rates have gone up recently in a number of towns)
- details on the drought and the mandatory water conservation requirements that were implemented
- how to apply for a temporary property tax reassessment
- products and services in the community
These are just a few of the types of posts I have shared that show I am aware of the issues that impact homeowners, and that I have local knowledge about community resources. Not only do these posts show I care, it's also important stuff for folks to know.
COMMUNITY PROFILES...
...are an excellent way to enhance a developing relationship with clients who are relocating, or just moving locally. While that is often how they find their way to me, continuing to share information on the communities of interest, including local events and things to do, shopping, restaurants and much more further solidify the relationship, provide information they need to made an informed decision about where they want to live.
HOW DO I SHARE THIS INFORMATION? Well, there are several ways.
- Emailing folks individually and sharing the links, which allows me to be more personal.
- Group emails depending on the topics of interest and who I am writing to
- Links to different articles in my email drip campaigns through my IDX
- Reference certain articles in the snail mail (and email) newsletters that I do
- Share blog posts on postcards although those tend to be to a farm area and not necessarily to folks with whom I have an existing relationship
- Blogs are part of my email signatures on everything I send out, including custom email responses to inquiries, requests for mortgage information and so on
- Some marketing pieces I include in my Buyer Packet and Sellers' Pre-listing Kits are actual hard copies of blog posts
- Include some posts in my Buyer Handbook and my First Time Seller's Handbook (available in PDF form by email or on Google Docs)
And naturally we cannot discuss using blog posts to enhance relationships without mentioning tweeting about them, or including links to them in our Facebook updates.
How are YOU using your blog to enhance your existing relationships?
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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
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