Create a Blogging Schedule: A 6-Part Series for Newbies (Part 3)
This one is pretty self-explanatory - go figure. But just because it's easy to understand doesn't mean you can overlook its importance! Creating a schedule is one of the best things you can do to be successful at blogging in general, and on ActiveRain, in particular.
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Make time to blog. "I tried blogging, but I just don't have time." BANISH THIS EXCUSE. You do have time, if you make time. So make time. I'm not in your head and I don't know what your schedule looks like, so I can't tell you when to make time. I can only tell you, MAKE TIME.
- Next, decide how often you will post. My coach advised that when you're first getting started, it's essential to post for 30 straight days in a row. I know this seems like a lot - but go back to the benefits and JUST DO IT. After that, you want to post at least once a week, more if you can. Decide what will work for your schedule, then commit to it and keep your commitment.
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Calendar your blogging time. Once it's on your schedule, honor that time just like you would time with a client. Maybe it's Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Weekday evenings after the kids have gone to bed. Saturday afternoons. It doesn't matter when you blog, just that you keep to the schedule.
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Write ahead and post later. Maybe you only have a couple hours a week for blogging, but when you're in that groove, you can bang out a few posts at a time. You can save them in "DRAFT" form and then post them later. This obviously won't work for time-sensitive things like statistics, but it will work with many real estate topics.
- Once you know your posting schedule, let your readers know what it is so that they can look for your posts. You can add this to the signature and call to action at the end of each post. "Look for the next installment of Real Estate Rita's Riotous Ruminations every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning."
- One of the most important relationship-building aspects of ActiveRain is the emphasis on commenting on other members' blogs. Make sure you build time for commenting into your blog schedule.
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Don't panic if you don't see immediate results. It's important to realize that just like any relationships, your blogging will evolve over time. People seldom get engaged on the first date. First, you see each other at the gym. You notice what time of day it is and you go back. Then you smile and begin talking. One thing leads to another, and a relationship is formed. Blogging is exactly the same. But if you're strategic and committed to your participation in ActiveRain, in as little as 4 to 6 months, you will likely begin to generate leads, referrals, and amazing friendships.
Yes, blogging takes time. But if you can get the scheduling thing down now, all your efforts will pay off faster, bigger, and better than you can imagine. And if you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to ask. That's why we're here. Trust me - I was where you are once. It gets easier and all the myriad returns are so well worth it!
Anna Banana
Miss any segments in the series? Catch up now!
Part 1 - Making the Most of ActiveRain
Part 2 - Be Strategic With Your Blog
Part 4 - Deciding What to Write
Part 5 - The Five Deadly Sins of Blogging
Part 6 - Perfecting Your ActiveRain Profile
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Do you live in the Phoenix, Arizona area? Are you thinking about making a change in real estate companies? Give me a call at 602-595-8900 or e-mail me.
Let's talk about your blogging efforts - and how you can use ActiveRain to increase your business.
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Very nice post and topic. Have bookmark to return when I need some help.
Can't wait to read the other parts.
Kind regards,
Tony