One of the top agents in my area is listed everywhere online.  she's optimized everything she can put her name on.  By doing a keyword search on google, I found her Myspace profile and other profiles she had out there.  they all link back to her website and none of them are really personal.  They focus on real estate and are keyword optimized for the cities in which she does business.  That's how I found it...searching google just as a buyer would.  Just set up your profile.

  I have not had any success from either of those website, but I believe I need to put more effort into it.  Good luck.

Christopher's input is very interesting. Thanks for starting this conversation, Todd.

I'm on Facebook and really haven't figured it out yet. About once a week someone pokes me. Is that a good thing?

See Linda, that's what I mean. My business partner and I have a private discussion group set up there, but I still don't see how one would attract a consumer through it.

Some of us have to draw a line somewhere. Do you really want that much of an online presence that you forget your real focus?

Phil, I view the real focus in any marketing as making sure that when someone needs to buy or sell a home, they think of me.  And if I can optimize a profile so that it's positioned on page one of google for my search terms, I think I've accomplished something.  It's just like your ActiveRain profile.  If you optimize it well enough, it will rank well on the search engines for your desired keywords.  It's just another way for consumers to stumble across  your information.

Todd- I'm going to go poke you! Will you be my friend?

Short answer for me is no, but I just joined Facebook so we will see. My plan is to start networking with 1st time buyers- that's my market.

Michelle D...from Athens, GA, if I remember correctly, did get a referral from Facebook- her son's friend's mom. Stranger things have happened. You know Brian Brady is all over social networking, I think it's how you work it.

If you spend your blog-reading time reading your RE buddies blogs, and not the blogs in your market...kinda sorta a waste of time as you could be out networking with people who are going to use you someday. Same thing with Facebook...? Maybe?

If you are in an area with a lot of transferees, then the RE buddies are going to be referring you, so that's where the money is- work that.

I have a MySpace account, and I've have old friends find me. I keep hoping new friends find me but so far no luck. It's kind of like to do put your eggs all in one basket (your web site) or spread them around. Is there a real answer?

I haven't had any business yet through Facebook. Had one call off MySpace that I thought was a great prospect but nothing yet. I optimize my name anywhere I can  though.

By the way I was trying to get my Blogosphere widget on my AR sidebar but had no success. What feed URL do you use and where do you place the code? 

I have checked out both but haven't set up profiles yet as I honestly don't get it either.  I think Christopher has a good point though, everything pointing back and he found it searching as a consumer would. 

I have posted some starter home listings there and gotten calls.  One from an employee of the Michigan Association of Realtors.  Anyone see the irony there?