Home : Blogs : Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker : Kitsap County WA Real Estate

"Hello? McFly! It's called 'Social' Media for a Reason!" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

blog-tips-for-rain-drips As we test the social media waters for the first time, we all make our fair share of naive mistakes and newbie blunders.

Yikes! Just go back through my early blog archives and you'll find boatloads of them! I wouldn't advise going there, though, it's pretty scary! There's been many times when I've been tempted to go back and delete a bunch of my early articles, but they're a good reminder of the lessons learned and the progress I've made along the way.

One of the most common mistakes that people make is trying to shove a square Web 1.0 peg in a round Web 2.0 hole. What I mean by that is our tendency to bring our old 'interruption' marketing bag of tricks along with us and attempt to use those same techniques as we begin our journey into the virtual realm of social media.

The most helpful tip I could give anyone is to remember that ultimately, at its core, social media is an interactive conversation. The old paradigm of Web 1.0 and static websites, like interruption marketing, was a one-way, one-sided communication. We simply dumped or plastered our self-promotional marketing message wherever people congregated, hoping it would stick and capture their attention.

Unfortunately, consumers have become more and more sophisticated and selective in what they watch, read, or listen to. They don't respond well to one-sided interruption-style marketing anymore. They ignore it like elevator music or TV commercials. its-called-social-media-for-a-reason

Here's just a few suggestions that will help you avoid some of the same mistakes I made:

Create Content that Causes Conversations

Don't use your blog as just a billboard advertisement or a virtual refrigerator magnet. Share information that is interesting, engaging, and useful.

Reward Reader Comments with a Response

Whenever you receive a comment on one of your blog articles, go back and acknowledge/thank your reader for taking the time to leave a comment, especially those who leave more meaningful/substantive comments.

Don't be a 'Hit-an-Run' Blogger

If you are syndicating/pushing your blog content over to Twitter or Facebook, then you need to spend time on those platforms engaged in actual conversation. Otherwise, you're simply dumping SPAM. Use a basic 2-for-1 rule. For every one post that you syndicate to Twitter or Facebook, go in and comment on at least two other updates/tweets. If you're not willing to invest the time and energy to personally participate on these platforms, then don't send your content there.

From the wikipedia definition of social media:

"Social media depends on interactions between people as the discussion and integration of words to build shared-meaning, using technology as a conduit. Social media has been touted as presenting a fresh direction for marketing by allowing companies to talk with consumers, as opposed to talking at them"

"Don't Turn Your Blog Into a Refrigerator Magnet"

"Would You Like a Side of SPAM with Your Comments?"

To access the full archive of Blog Tips for Rain Drips, go HERE.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

social-media-is-a-conversation

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

Posted by Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker on 11/15/2009 05:39 PM

Comments (84)

Social Media Marketing Tips in the Online Marketing Channel

social media, conversational blogging, interactivity, engaging readers, blog tips for rain drips, interruption marketing, web 20

Generate short URL

Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: Dedicated Bloggers
Post is included in group: Social Media Marketing
Post is included in group: Web 2.0
Post is included in group: Twitter

84 Comments on "Hello? McFly! It's called 'Social' Media for a Reason!" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

NOV

2009

Rich,

There is a lot to learn in social media...that is for sure..I am learning...thanks to blogs just like this!

Creating content that causes conversations is easier said then done when it comes to blogging for business...I do blog infomrational stuff though along with the occasional listing.

Great reminder about the twitter thing. I'm guilty of publishing my feed on Twitter but not conversing often enough.

Lori: Thanks for the kind words!

Karen: I always use the analogy of having an informal conversation over coffee with one of your favorite clients. Maybe you're giving them counsel on current market dynamics, or advice on how to prepare their home for market. Write your blog articles the same way you would talk to them, providing solid, knowledgeable experienced information...

Rich,

I still remember one of your blogs from over a year ago about being a "strafing blogger" something like that. I try to go back and comment but sometimes I miss.

Hi Rich -- I'm kind of guilty of this but it's mainly due to still getting my feet wet with Twitter, trying to determine what to say as well as extra time, oh the days of just blogging, seems like a far simpler time.

As an old.....well......guy, I still have a LOT to learn about social media. But I'm working at it. I've discovered the joys of Facebook (maybe addiction is a better word.....) and AR has become my most frequent 'net site. But even more than just saying "I do social media", I'm gaining a new wealth of information and inspiration.

Rich - Some great advise and my most interesting posts are geared towards (Localism). I seriously believe that posts about Real Estate have be written about over & over like a broken record, just my opinion my friend!

VB ;o)

Aha! I like that it could be spamming if you are not active in other ways---interesting, and a new concept that I had not heard of! I like it. And was completely shocked to find out recently that as I was setting up something I must have switched my Facebook account to push to my Twitter (which I do not enjoy)--so even though I never tweet, I have been without even knowing it! (now, to figure out how I did that, so I can explain it to someone else:-))

A newby at this blogging and am so thankful for individuals like yourself to share so that others can suceed in this fearful endeavour. Boy do I have a lot to learn! Just trying to take little steps everyday! Trying to help those that are a little newer than me!

Rich - I especially appreciate your comment about "rewarding" comments with a response. For the most part, I have received either a thank you or a recipical comment from almost every post where I have commented - until the last week. Frustrating to make 20+ comments and not hear a word back (and these were not features). No rain in those clouds!

Michael

Rich- I have always tried to acknowledge andy "comments" to my posts because I truly do appreciate them I've also learned that typically the posts that get me the most comments are the ones (just as you suggested) that invite the reader to respond. What has really made me look and rethink how I do things, though, is what you said about being a "Hit and Run" Blogger. I'm now going to have to learn to do things a little differently and "step up" my game.

PS. just read your refrigerator magnet post. Very good analogy.

Hey thanks for the post today. Good advice/tips.

Patricia/Seacoast NH

Rich,

I had not given that kind of thought to the concept of social media. Maybe because for the longest time, printed and broadcast media was always a one way street. You make a good point by saying the importance of answering or at least aknowledging all of the comments received on one's blog. Personnally, I will be more diligent in responding in the future!

You make some good points on here. Nice work. I am going to heed this advice and try to make things a little more personable.

Rich I have followed your blogs from way back, and I can't think of a bad one that you have written. Members new and old can learn a lot form your blogs, and it would be time well spent to even go back and read some of the old ones.

Great post Rich and thank you! :)

Thanks for the tips. There is a lot to learn here, and it is great that so many like yourself are willing to share their knowledge and experiences.

Rich, Thanks for the reminder and tips about social networking and blogging. There is so much to learn and we must stay on top of things.

I guess I'm hitting about 50/50 on these. I really don't like Twitter. I was so quickly taken over by "spammers" that I bailed almost as soon as I started. Now I just login every once in a while and coment to people I know, but it's rare =/ To be honest, I wish the public would comment more on our blogs here. I'd be hapy to striked up a conversation when you already have the sumject matter right in front of you.

Rich, Thanks for the helpful post. Great suggestions.

Great reminder I know I need to focus on this.

Interesting to see some of my own thoughts come to fruition in another's blog. As one of my associates, Roland Woodworth has pointed out, write about something you feel. Something you believe in. Isn't that what brings about the best in conversation? Thank you for bringing out the conversation in each of us Rich.

Geez - I just started blogging...now it seems like my days are consumed with social media, blogging, etc. Where does it all end? Thanks for the suggestions. I could use the help!

Thanks for the reminders of why we're here. I agree . . . I get turned off of "one-sided" blogging and the "yay me!" posts. However, there's always room for improvement.

great advice...now im tempted to go back and read your older posts...dare me? you're so right though. people people reach more people....

Thanks for those common sense tips. Good reminder your 2 t 1 rule. I think I'll keep that in mind going forward. Sometimes when I get busy, its hard to keep up with all the social networking.

Rich - this is excellent. And as you always do so well, you have cut right to the heart of the matter about what social media is and what keeps it going. It IS hard to keep up with all the interactions and opportrunities to engage but they are there...in abundance.

Jeff

Hi Rich, I have to say that what you are suggestioning makes a lot of sense. For Christmas I have aslked for 1 more hour a day and I promise to deicate it to the social networks in hopes I can build a relationship somewhere that will be with at least a potential client. Currently it seems that REALTORS, other professionals ( especially web site builders wanting to sell me a new site ) and family who are already committed to me ( but not buying houses at this time), LOL. But I can assure you that what you have said is a good reminder that I have taken my eye off the ball and probably wasting most of my good efforts in the wrong way. Thanks for helping me understand better how I should be building my relationship with consumers.

Rich - Love the title! This is another great post on the topic, my friend. I have tried to teach about the mistake that is "hit and run" blogging for at least a year, but I still see lots of people doing this.

NOV

2009

Rich- That is why I tell AR members to turn off their twitter notifier on AR if they are not engaged on Twitter in other ways. I happen to be on Twitter a lot and absolutely love it, second of course only to AR. In the beginning returning comments and thanking people for comments is huge but after you have a large following, well, let's just say, I thought I could keep up, but there is no way I can. I would not sleep ever! So I asked my subscribers would they rather me write posts or return their comments, 100% of them said, write more posts. SO that is what I do. What I do is try to answer all the questions that are in the comments on my posts and then give general thank you to the group. Katerina

Rich, have you ever seen any scientific studies on business generated fromTwitter? I can see linkedin and facebook to a degree, but I do not see Twitter as a buisness builder.

Rich, I have been busy these past few months. I missed the post on connecting with Facebook and twitter. I will disengage here shortly. It makes sense. I just don't have the time to be in all these places. Business is great.

Rich:

It is important to remember that blogging and other social media is intended to be a two-way street with interaction from others, not just a static presentation.

Good info. I've seen way to many twitter spams, and even Facebook blog spams lately that I care to see. It is a simple reminder that we are in a relational industry and we need to have conversations.

Good tips and reminders that I do follow on some platforms but not enough and not all...color me guilty as charged! lol

Rich: Thanks for this. I appreciate it. It seems to be common sense to give more than we receive. That's true online as well! Thanks again!

Great tips, Rich and please add:

Relocate incongruous private conversations...

@meme: hey where are you

@youyou: at the pub

@meme: what's hehe doing

@youyou: not much

Take it to DM, text or email...

Rich: I'm guilty of blogging some of the listings that I have without actively looking for a response. Thanks for the reminder, I shall improve on this in the future...

How can I expect people to comment on my blog posts if I don't extend the same courtesy? It's just simple AR community relations and being a good citizen!

Excellent reminder of what exactly should be the approach with social media involvement. :)

Boy the best reminder is that it's a "conversation" that's so true. It's our opportunity to engage with buyers, sellers, and other real estate oriented prospects.

Love the magnet on the refrigerator analogy! Thanks for the reminder.

Great information. Thank you for the tips. As I'm new to the blogging world, I appreciate insight from those who have much more experience.

"allowing companies to talk with consumers, as opposed to talking at them" I appreciate the quotes that I receive from the experienced AR members

Thank you

I feel sorry for vendors here who get their featured post and they turn it into one big traditional ad.

Good points. I am starting to love the bloggin aspect.

I appreciate your insight as well as so many of the active rainers insights. Active Rain has been a wealth of information to get me on my way. Still a long road ahead but I will do my best to take lessons from those who are more experience and learned through trial and error. Thanks for sharing!

What a great post, thank you. I am new to the blogging world and am so appreciative of coming across information like this. Thank you!

Thanks everyone for the great comments!

While it may not always be possible to respond to each and every comment you receive, at a minimum you should go back and reply to those who have posed questions or substantially furthered the conversation....

Frank Rubi: Glad to hear that business is so good for you! Blogging and social media isn't for everyone. They are simply additional marketing tools among many. Bottom line, you need to do what works for you. However, I would suggest that as our business continues to rely more heavily on Internet-based for generating leads and connecting with clients, now is the time to be expanding your digital footprint and creating a prominent online presence.

Dave Humphrey: I have heard lots of testimonials from people who have derived business from Twitter. Using social media tools like Twitter and Facebook is simply expanding and enhancing your Sphere of Influence 'digitally' through the Internet. Only you are able to reach/connect with your Sphere much faster and efficiently. More and more potential clients, especially the younger crowd, use Twitter. As professional marketers, we must go where the conversations are taking place!

Katerina: An excellent strategy and one that obviously works well for you! You're a great example to our members!

William Johnson: I have no doubts that you are an effective user of social media. Your blog posts here reflect your unique perspectives and passions. Keep up the great efforts!

Thanks for the tips Rich. I hate to admit this, but I don't know how to respond back to comments on my blog posts here on Active Rain other than going to that person's blog and sending them a comment. Which is rather cumbersome. Any tips on that for me? Thanks and best of luck to you.

Jerry: At the bottom of every post is a box for you to check "Notify me of new comments"...if you check on that box, you will receive an email notification of any new comments to the post you have commented on. In the email is a link that will take you right back to that original article. When you receive comments on any of your own blog posts, you will also be notifed by email that someone has commented on your post. You can just comment on your own blog post and that person will be sent a notification of your response.

Michael Bergin: Receiving comments from other AR members is nice and affirming. But your primary goal should be to write for consumers. Share information that potential clients would find helpful about your market.

Lisa Hill: For whatever reason, the general public doesn't comment here, but they certainly do access our articles. Localism was supposed to provide that bridge, but I don't know what's happened to the plans for Localism. I find more meaningful consumer commenting on Twitter and Facebook, and my local WordPress blogs.

Hi Rich,

Insightful post! Thanks for all of the good information you share.

Claudia Wicks

Some of the big kahuna's around here are very bad at replying to comments. Or the mystery - ask for suggestions or ideas and then never come back to read them! Give me a break! You can set up AR to tell you by email when someone comments so you have to be a total dolt not to be notified! As you say Rich, interaction is the key.

Hi Rich

Great insights and reminders of how AR can assist or NOT; all depends on our relationship interactions. THANKS!!

Hi Rich,

I am totally new to blogging. I've posted a total of one blog since joining AR, and look forward posting many more (improved) blogs over time. I appreciate having a place to go for guidance and encouragement. I'm sure over time, that I'll look back and wonder "Whatever was I thinking when I posted THAT?", but I'm glad to know that it gets better with experience. As much as I like to talk, hopefully it will be easy to convert the conversations so that they will flow just as easily from my fingertips!

Thanks for the advice.

I agree with how you explained properly using Social media. I think sometimes people lose interest because it does take time and effort, for your blog, twitter, facebook, to start driving traffic. Also I think lots of times Agents don't plan their "attack" what is your strategy for your website (Brand Recognition, Drive Traffic, Create interest in Buyers etc...) and how then will you tie in a Social Media plan to compliment your other efforts..

Mikel Ochs
www.agentexcel.com

Great post. One thing we recommend to our agents is when sharing a listing on Facebook, share it by asking a question to your followers...i.e.: If you had to price this listing what would you price it at? The goal is to get your user base involved in the conversation as you pointed out so elequently above. Thanks.

Rich, Good point on really engaging in conversations. I think people forget we are building relationships and those take real effort.

My biggest issue is feeling like anyone else will care what I have to say.....I'm working on that. I don't have the same issue providing comments to other blogs, but writing a full blog commentary myself is a different matter!

Rich

Blogging is a great tool and used properly will reward the user. Used improperly, look-out!

Susan Lehmkuhl: What kind of response do you normally get from your clients when you offer them advice or counsel? Don't sell yourself short. You are the local real estate expert, by golly! Write with confidence, authority, and a helpful heart!...

Lyn Sims: As a former big kahuna myself, I can tell you there are times when things get so busy, you barely get a moment to breathe. I know the AR staff always have the very best of intentions and genuinely care for our members. Fortunately, we have lots of veteran members, such as yourself, who can step in and pick up the slack!...

Claudia Wicks: Nice to see your name pop up here. Hope you're doing well!...

So what I'm hearing you say is successful blogs are kind of like FaceBook conversations. If your topic is engaging many people will reply and you will have cause to reply back to them. I have to admit I really love FaceBook for that. But let's remember that FaceBook doesn't have points. Nothing is done for any ulterior motive than the shear enjoyment of interaction. You can never quite get away from the points on AR.

I am just starting out, but I try to answer everyone. It is all about the conversation, is it not?

You're supposed to have conversations in social media? LOL

I guess some people haven't read the right definition?

Rich,

Glad I came by to see what you are up to. Good reminder to me, and probably a few others, that we need to follow up on Twitter and Facebook platforms if we send blog there on syndication. We'll do.

NOV

2009

To many times we emphasize the media and ignore the social.

Terrific advice. Much appreciated. Can anyone give advice on what they consider "substantive" content which will generate a two way conversation? I am in the same boat as Frank Rubi.....busy busy busy, but love social media.

Angela: What are you currently doing to generate new business? How much time do you spend now with your present marketing activities? Somehow in your busy schedule, you need to discipline a block of time each day to engage in some form of social media strategy. Start off with just a small amount of time, but be deliberate and consistent. One day, write a blog post. Another day, work on developing a Facebook Page, and yet another, building local followers to your Twitter profile, etc. Take a moment to read of few of my past articles:

"Attracting Great Clients thru Blogging"

"Your Blog Stimulus Package"

"How to Kreate Kwality Kontent"

"How to Engage Your Blog Readers"

"How to Write Good Hyper Local Content"

Hopefully, you will find something among these articles that will stimulate your thought process. If you need any help along the way, just shoot me a note. Have fun!...

I'm going to start following your posts! Thanks for the fuel for thought!

I like the idea of social media but I do find the time management part a bit tricky. I find myself getting lost in Twitter and Facebook by trying to take all of it in. I need to learn to do it in small increments and realize I don't have to read every tweet or status!!

Carol: My next post will cover social media time management and developing a social media strategy....

Cheryl: I would be greatly honored!...

DEC

2009

I really like the 2 for 1 idea...thanks so much for these posts, Rich.

DEC

2009

I'm guilty of forgetting to reply to those that comment on my blogs! Something to work on in 2010! Thanks for the reminder.

DEC

2009

such good advice...i will always comment on someones commnet about my blog and i will alwyas to the 2fer (2 for 1) is that anything like a 3 way?

MAR

Rich even though you wrote this blog two years ago I found this one very helpful. I am still learning Social Media. Thanks for sharing. Great post.

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?

Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

Silverdale, WA

More about me…

Keller Williams West Sound Realty

Address: Silverdale, WA, 98383

Office Phone: (360) 499-6367

Cell Phone: (360) 440-4758

Email Me

Providing Knowledgeable Empowerment and Relentless Representation of Real Estate Clients throughtout the Western Puget Sound, including all of Kitsap County WA, and portions of Mason, Pierce, and Jefferson Counties.

"Helping You to Successfully Achieve Your Next Adventure in Life!"

Rich Jacobson

Create Your Badge

Listings

Links

Archives

Find WA real estate agents and Silverdale real estate on ActiveRain.

Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.