Deciding What to Write: A 6-Part Series for Newbies (Part 4)

One of the first concerns on every new blogger's mind is: What should I write? I can answer that in 4 simple words:

WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW.

Writing instructors from grammar school English teachers to Masters level university professors have been advocating this forever. The reason is that it's very, very good advice. Write what you know. What if you're new to the real estate industry and don't yet feel all that adept at any particular subject? Then write what you want to know. As you research and learn and master the material - whether it's all the hyperlocal details of your farm community or every aspect of home staging from A to Z - share what you learn. No one has to know it's new to you - and in the process, you become known as an expert!

Don't worry about whether you're a good enough writer, smart enough, accomplished enough, knowledgeable enough, etc. JUST DO IT! Like riding a bike, it will come back to you ... and like any other skill, the more you do it, the easier it will become. Honestly, the more you blog, the more ideas you will have for things to blog about.

In general, I advocate following the 80/20 rule. Make 80 percent of your blog posts about some aspect of real estate; then, use the other 20 percent for non-real estate topics that would be of general interest to your fellow ActiveRain members.

One note: do NOT get hung up on the fact that other people are writing about the same topics. You are a unique individual, so you're naturally going to have your own way of seeing the world and reporting on it. Sure, there are tons of posts about curb appeal - does that mean you shouldn't write another one? DEFINITELY NOT! Simply because you're a different person, you will have a perspective that makes your post unique.

And the more unique the better. Trade on your strengths. Find your voice, your  brand, and stick to it! You might be funny, serious, research-oriented, irreverent, intellectual, spiritual, political, etc. There's no wrong or right - except that you be respectful of other people's views, even if they differ from yours.

Ideas for Kinds of Posts

Here are a few ideas for the kinds of posts you can write.

• Instructional posts (how to do anything, from work with a challenging client to host an open house)
• Informational posts (This will likely be the majority of your posts, at least as you are getting started.)
• Reviews (industry-related books, products, etc. Don't feel the need to do this all alone - ask for others' opinions!)
• Lists (David Letterman made the Top 10 List an American cultural icon - create your own lists.)
• Interviews (celebrities, industry professionals, etc.)
• Case studies (Chronicle the things that happen in your day - especially the funny things or challenges, as others are likely facing similar difficulties.)
• Profiles of local individuals or businesses
• Links (Make a list of useful links and share it.)
• Contrasting opinions (Get another person to take the opposite side in a debate or discussion - just remember to keep it civil.)
• Comparisons (Compare Service A to Service B in a single industry.)
• Rants (Take on issues about which you are passionate that will cause controversy and lead to discussion. Don't fear controversy - but be ready to stand your ground if/when you touch a nerve for someone who disagrees with you.)
• Inspiration (What inspires you? Share quotes, stories, etc.)
• Research (products, topics, industry perspectives - share what you learn)
• Predictions of the future, or reviews of how past predictions held up (especially good as we come up on the end of the year)
• Critiques (Yes, you can critique/review almost anything, but remember to take the high road!)
• Hypothetical (These "What if?" scenarios can be wonderfully amusing, or serious and professional.)

I've said it before and I'm going to keep on saying it until I know in my heart you're really listening: Just DO it! All of it. But start by blogging on ActiveRain. And if you have any questions at all, I'm here to answer them. Remember, utilize your respources!

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 3 - Create a Blogging Schedule

Part 5 - The Five Deadly Sins of Blogging

Part 6 - Perfecting Your ActiveRain Profile

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