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Do You Help Other Bloggers? Shouldn't You?

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty of California, Inc. CA DRE #01490977

The ActiveRain Community ActiveRain is a fabulous community of folks, ‘bout 180,000 of them.

Anyone who has spent any time here beyond just creating a profile would likely agree.

Despite nastiness, griping, flaming, and plagiarism from time to time, the AR community gets along pretty darn well. Friendships are forged, referrals are made, and gatherings take place (here's a step back in time with some SoCal Rainers from 2007 at Crystal Cove in Orange County CA; and a larger event in Long Beach CA to celebrate the 1-year anniversary). 

Most of us started out knowing little to nothing about blogging- what works, what doesn't, using keywords and links, SEO, to name a few. But through the power of just doing it, plus terrific AR tutorials from the gurus (Brad, Jeremy, Bob), webinars, RE Bar Camps, AR Rain Camps, and great articles from fellow bloggers AR, we have amassed a wealth of knowledge about blogging. 

Most of us can use help from time to time, despite all we have learned. So I wonder... 

Do you help other bloggers? Shouldn't you? 

How about sending an email to a fellow blogger to help them out with their blogging

Isn't sharing what we know and have learned to benefit others a powerful way to participate in the community and to engage others?

Sharing that knowledge in articles and tutorials is a wonderful way to be helpful. But here are some other thoughts:

 

  • When you see someone doing something that may not be helpful to the article, such as keyword stuffing (you know, repetition of an obvious keyword waaay too many times), do you help? A simple private email or a call could do wonders.

 

  • When you come upon a wall of words, and no white space, is this an opportunity to help?

 

  • How about letting others know about blatant typos. You can't, nor should you, point out every little typo, but letting someone know privately about a big booboo in the title will probably be appreciated. I know I do. 

 

  • If you know of some enhancements a writer could make to improve their blogging, such as adding graphics or photos, do you offer suggestions?

  

  • When someone refers to another article (their own or someone else's) and could benefit from using a link, do you consider helping?

 

  • If an article is waay too long, could feedback be beneficial?

 

Be kind to others when you provide feedbackLots of AR folks share knowledge in tutorials and informational articles. Taking it to a more personal and private level, when it's appropriate, could be a nice way to pay it forward. Plus it helps build new relationships.

Whether it's your own feedback or perhaps sharing an article or tutorial someone could benefit from, opportunities to help abound. Will this always be appreciated?

Maybe not.

 

I suppose it'll depend on WHAT you say and HOW you say it. But if done in the spirit of assisting each other to improve I imagine most of us will be thankful someone reached out. 

I wrote about a number of other ways to Watch out for your Fellow Bloggers quite some time ago.

I think it still applies. Just sayin'.

********************************

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Posted by

Jeff Dowler, CRS
Certified Residential Specialist / Realtor®


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Comments (103)

Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Hi Jeff~  I love it when others try to help me and I love to help others.  I will call or email them and offer my help and if they want it fine, if not, that is fine too!

Apr 13, 2010 05:01 PM
Claudette Millette
The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA
Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Jeff:

People have helped me and I have helped others (always in a private email). Just watch out for the "very few" who can be quite vicious...

I like your advice, Jeff. That's what the spirit here is supposed to be about.

 

Apr 13, 2010 10:54 PM
Jackie Connelly-Fornuff
Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Babylon NY - Babylon, NY
"Moving at The Speed of YOU!"

Hi Jeff, I'm always willing to help when asked. Some welcome it and some do not. For the most part AR is a great group of people for sure!

Apr 13, 2010 10:55 PM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

I hope folks are willing to lend a helping hand. As a AR Ambassador here I am emailed or called weekly. I am always glad to offer help and advice.

If the questions are TOO general, then I encourage them to attend the AR University.

 

Apr 14, 2010 12:18 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Vic - glad to hear it. It DOES work.

William - indeed you do play that role so well here, and it is most appreciated. I have been the recipient myself. Don't lkike my photos, huh?! :)

Jennifer -point well taken. No everyone is going to want assisance, unfortunately. Their loss.

Suzi - probably the best approach. A call now and then can be a good way to get to know someone better.

Sharon - I tend to as well. I suspect some folks just don't realize the impact it may have.

Gregory - the key, as I understand, is to NOT overdo it. I have heard about once per parapgrah or so as an average.

Kathy - whatever you feel most comfortable with. And have time for.

Charita - true for many I suspect. I imagine people don;t have time or just don't bother, perhaps thinking someone will not appreicate it. I am simply suggesting there may be times when it could be a good thing to do.

Bill - I do have to be careful. And I am not suggesting critiquing the content as much as other things that someone may be doing that are not as beneficial to them becuase they are not aware.

Jim - good point. I think minor issues are probably best left alone for that reason.

Juliet - there was a time when there was no spellcheck here. For some it done't matter, or they simply forget. Happens to me

Bob and Debbie - plus it's a good way to meet someone you don;t know, or connect on the phone with someone you follow but have never talked to.

Aaron - much appreciated. I'd say you are becoming quite the blogger yourself!

Rick - agreed. Can? Try it out?

Richie - being open to feedback is a good thing for us all.

Jeff

Apr 14, 2010 01:16 AM
Terry & Bonnie Westbrook
Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner - Grand Rapids, MI
Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re

We all started out as novices and without help like this we all would have to figure it out ourselves. Thanks for giving.

Apr 14, 2010 01:45 AM
Mike Frazier
Carousel Realty of Dyer County - Dyersburg, TN
Northwest Tennessee Realtor

Jeff,

 

I do help some activerainers with blogging but guess what; there are no other real estate bloggers within the 75 real estate agents in my MLS. Ain't it a shame:)

Apr 14, 2010 03:22 AM
Susan Goulding
Crown Key Realty, Inc; Tracy & Mountain House Sales and Property Management - Tracy, CA
Northern CA - Tracy & Mountain House Real Estate

Jeff, that is what keeps me at Active Rain the sharing.  The community.  I can't imagine going it alone.  Great post.

Apr 14, 2010 04:15 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Great thoughts Jeff. I have sent numerous emails out offering my help and knowledge when I know what I am talking about:)

Apr 14, 2010 10:40 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Jeff, I think it's great to give advice, not the way I did it as a newbie (um, in comments) but in a private email.  I really appreciate notes that I get now and then that help make a better blog.

Apr 14, 2010 11:07 AM
Gerald Mayo
Prudential Team Realty - Estes Park, CO
Mr. Estes Park

Jeff,

Very good blog.  Real Estate is probably one of the most competitive industries that I know of, yet even the competition takes the time to help each other and make it an even better place for everyone.

Look forward to meeting you when I'm in Carlsbad next.

Gerald

Apr 14, 2010 12:31 PM
Liz Grazi Tuohy
LGT Properties, LLC - Centennial, CO

Jeff,  this is a very interesting topic.  I often need help in making my blogs pop.  I would love it if you decided to offer me some advice.  Thanks for the blog.

 

Liz Grazi Tuohy      LGT Properties, LLc,    Centennial, CO    www.lizgrazituohy.com

 

Apr 14, 2010 01:36 PM
Angela Carosi
Keller Williams Realty Homes and Estates, Smithtown/Hauppauge - Hauppauge, NY
Realtor (631) 827-0815, Long Island Suffolk County

Jeff,..Great post, I'm always looking to improve, Thanks for all the sound advice =)

R/Angela

Apr 14, 2010 03:48 PM
Bernadine Hunter, SFR, ACRE
Keller Williams Greater Columbus Realty - Pickerington, OH
"Finding Solution to Your Real Estate Needs"

Absolutely help. Isn't that was this community is all about?

Apr 14, 2010 05:18 PM
Don Spera
CR Property Group, LLC - East York, PA
Serving York and Adams County, PA

I do not take constructive criticism to heart at all, as long as the response is sent directly to me and not over the entire AR community.

Apr 14, 2010 06:02 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Jewel - hope my email helped a little. Welcome!!

Jennifer - guess you didn't log in?

Vicki - we really need to set up another gathering for SoCal folks. They were always such fun. It would be cool to meet up again and hopefully have some new folks join us. I have been thinking about it.

Margaret - actually I AM surprised you heard nothing. Guess I would not stop for that reason, But it IS nice to feel appreciated.

Carla - I have never noticed that in your writing. But I agree - some folks may not always respond to our help in the manner we would hope they would.

Tammie - I understand that. If you don't feel comfortable about offering help it makes sense to not. Just as not everyone wants help, not everyone wants to offer it.

Aaron - I suspect she simply did not log in. I may be wrong.

SarahGray - very well said. The choice should be theirs I've been corrected and I am always glad to have the info, but embarassed to have made the mistake publicly.

Linda - there will be times when our positive intent will not be viewed that way. Happens that way in real life, too, doesn't it?

Jeff

Apr 15, 2010 01:55 AM
Paige Walker
Paige Walker - Pineville, LA
Real Estate Guru - Alexandria Pineville LA

Jeff,

Thanks for the Food for Thought! I have noticed some 'things' while reading through all the wealth of information, and  have given 'suggestions' a couple of times just for clarification if I thought the comment might lead others 'astray'.

However, you have brought up some very valid issues which I will be pondering!

Thanks for the insight! - Paige

Apr 15, 2010 04:16 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Jeff, Well, just the ones on that link from 2007, LMAO

Apr 15, 2010 06:53 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Jeff, Well, just the ones on that link from 2007, LMAO. Otherwise your photos are wonderful!!!!

Apr 15, 2010 06:53 AM
Dan Edward Phillips
Dan Edward Phillips - Eureka, CA
Realtor and Broker/Owner

Help is very important but so is the experience gained from learning.  If we think we will learn, and develop.  The mind is wonderful!

Apr 16, 2010 07:58 PM