"Moderation in All Things"

Terence - Roman comic dramatist (185 BC - 159 BC)

For those of you who are new to ActiveRain, Social Media, and blogging, one of the most difficult lessons to learn is the importance and discipline of balancing your online marketing efforts with your past, more traditional methods of promotion/business development.

In our industry, there is a natural tendency for people to become so caught up in the latest and greatest marketing craze, to the extent that they often neglect to continue doing those things which have worked effectively in the past.

Let's face it, accessing and utilizing Social Media tools, especially social networks like ActiveRain, can be fun and extremely addictive! And, the more addicting they become, the more time-consuming they become as well. Eventually, we end up expending a lot of time and effort that doesn't necessarily translate into increased business/revenue.

And isn't that really the reason you began your Social Media Adventure? Because someone told you that ActiveRain and blogging was the latest and greatest method for generating business and attracting potential clients?

Well, allow me to share just a few basic suggestions to help put your Social Media involvements into perspective:

Don't Throw the Baby Out with the Bath Water

Remember that Social Media (blogging, social networks) is simply one more tool in your marketing tool belt. Don't neglect those methods and practices you have used in the past to generate business and promote your services. While is could be argued that utilizing Social Media can be a more efficient and effective use of your time and energy, it should not replace those methods you've employed in the past. It should supplement and compliment them.

Be Deliberate and Disciplined

What are your goals for using Social Media? Develop a detailed and intentional Social Media marketing plan. What tools, platforms, applications will you use that will enable you to achieve your goals? Remember that the effective use of the right Social Media tools should SAVE you time, not rob you of your time. Schedule your Social Media involvements as part of your daily ritual and routine. Discipline yourself to stay within the allotted time-frames you establish.

Consistency is the Key

Whatever plan or schedule you determine, stick with it. Any meaningful kind of successful marketing effort takes time and consistency to be effective. This is especially true when it comes to blogging. In order to develop any traction with the search engines, and be 'found' by potential clients, you will need to regularly publish good, relevant content to your blog.

Pace Yourself

If you're new to ActiveRain, Social Media, or blogging, things can be a slight bit daunting and overwhelming. Take baby steps at first. Don't bite off more than you can chew. Trying to do too much at once will only leave you feeling frustrated and defeated. Do one thing at a time until you gain a sense of confidence and comfort. Then move on to the next thing.

I hope you've found these suggestions insightful. For more helpful information, check out the Blog Tips for Rain Drips Archive.

~     o     ~     o     ~     o     ~     o     ~     o     ~

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com