Home : Blogs : Sara Bonert {Real Estate Internet Marketing} : Sara Bonert's Real Estate Internet Marketing Blog (Zillow Industry Relations Manager))

Referrals From Your Blogging Buddies

I was preparing for the upcoming Blogging and Technology seminar in Grand Rapids, MI and I stumbled across one of the most powerful testimonials for why you should blog that I have seen for awhile. Instead of me writing about it, I think it is best to let the comments speak for themselves.

Site: Trulia Voices

City: Grand Rapids, MI

User Question: I'm looking to rehab, what sale price should I be aiming at for the fastest sale? I'm looking in the GR area and want something I can afford to rehab, .....What do you think?

5 Answers- 2 were from Grand Rapids agents with appropriate responses and one was a generic response from a random agent, but here are the other 2 from out-of-towners that caught my eye:

* I would contact Lola Audu at Audu Real Estate in Grand Rapids. I am sure she can give you good advice on the Grand Rapids market.

* Use a local realtor to determine market value now and after it is fixed up. I agree Lola is the best. Her email is laudu@grar.com.

What is amazing is that Lola had no idea this conversation was taking place nor has she ever physically met these two ladies that are recommending her. She has just built up such a great rapport with them through blogging that they all feel like they know each other.

Imagine if you could build that type of rapport with the home buying audience that you are trying to target! They will feel like you are already friends from the first time they pick up the phone and call you based on the personality you displayed through your writing. And they can get a sense of your work ethic simply based on your commitment to maintaining your blog.

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog and be notified when I post something new.

Connect with me on:

Posted by Sara Bonert {Real Estate Internet Marketing} on 10/05/2007 09:03 AM

Comments (31)

blogging, trulia

Post is included in group: Online Marketing Help Center

31 Comments on Referrals From Your Blogging Buddies

OCT

2007

You're right! And I hope to see you at Lola's seminar.

Hi Sara - I checked out the Trulia Voices re: Lola and it's amazing. I work with her at Audu Real Estate and I'll be attending the seminar ya'll will be doing. Looking forward to meeting you!

Having read Lola's blog I would agree with the out-of-towners. And you're right, we do build some great online relationships through blogging. One suggestion I would make to Lola is to set up Google Alerts for "Lola Audu" and "Audu Real Estate" so she can monitor what's being said about her online.

OCT

2007

Pretty cool. Whzt a nice development. Who could have predicted that kind of outcome, say, 10 years ago?

OCT

2007

I hope I can be like Lola in the Grand Rapids market some day!:)

WOW!!!!!!!!! That is sooooooooooooooo kewl! I'm new to blogging, but I'm a believer!

Great story... and I agree with you, blogging works and it's a must! I started with Activerain and have since established 3 different blog sites. Have fun in Grand Rapids... when is the seminar?

Hey Monica- Here is some information about the seminar http://activerain.com/blogsview/222590/Blogging-Seminar-Fast-Track

OCT

2007

Sara,

I believe this business is all about referrals. I run my business in the full circle of life, what goes around comes around! By living by that, I know I will always be treated well.

Blogging is such a great resource for everyone. I learn something new everytime I go on to my blog.

Have a great day!

Blogging is great way to express the share the ideas...Sometimes good ideas just die because we fail to remember them or share and discuss them with others...Great blog...

OCT

2007

Thanks for the information. I know blogging works because I have read some of the posts on AR . I will start reading Trulia.

OCT

2007

Lola's blog is great! If only I had time to read all this excellent material!!

OCT

2007

I'm pretty new to blogging and AR. Almost 2 months. But after reading your post and other posts on AR I can see the value of blogging.

OCT

2007

Sara, I attended the blogging seminar and was awestruck by the power of this communication tool. You did an excellent job sharing information to us in terms of how to re-think connecting with clients. I LOVED seeing how you took us to the next level of using this when a collegue in the audience mentioned that he had gotten a client THAT MOMENT through a blogging connection and he indicated that he was going to e-mail the information that the client had requested. You stopped him and said "BLOG HIM! Instead of reaching one, you potentially reach ............" Thank you again for sharing your knowledge with us. We want you to come to our office and do a presentation! How much?

Amy

John- You are right that you should have alerts set up for your name. I asked Lola about this, and she said she does have alerts set up, but for some reason she didn't get pinged. I wonder why?

Don- I wish I would have predicted it! I could be rich right now!!! :)

Monica- We just had the first seminar this week (went great) and are having another one on the 7th. Crazy that not long ago Lola didn't know anything about blogging and now she is coaching on it!

Sharon- Ever consider setting up a Feed Reader. May help you regularly read your favorite bloggers.

Amy- Just sent you an email. But thanks again for the note. I wish I could do more office presentations, I love doing them. Just a time and $$$ thing..... Best to you. No doubt, soon you will be teaching your office like a pro!

What an awesome concept, I am very new to blogging, but I believe in it's powers. Through AR alone, I am ranked #8 on google in my target area...what blogging can do for your business!!!

NOV

2007

Word of mouth is the greatest referral we can hope for. It's another reason I believe this is just a great community.

DEC

2007

Sara,

I will look into this...I have not heard of this before, thank you.

DEC

2007

We have put together a site to assist Owners, Brokers, Agents and Realtors in the selling of property.
As well as assist people looking to buy or rent property.

We specialize in affordable internet marketing combined with Digital Advertising like we design, websites,
flyers, business cards, posters and even Virtual tours of the apartments done on video and formatted for
the internet your cost only $99 per home. Keep your company on your clients minds with a full page Calendar.
5,000 Full color ( 2 Sided Business Cards ) with high quality UV coating only $175 for 5,000
5,000 Full color ( 2 Sided 4 X 6 promo cards ) with high quality UV coating only $350 for 5,000
2,500 Full color ( 1 Sided Posters ) with high quality UV coating only $5,000 for 2,500.
Join the network its FREE to join. http://www.nyprimerealestate.com/Projects/register.html

We ship nation wide
Feel Free to call us 718-487-9783

I have to look into this as well. I would love to be in the same situation. :)

DEC

2007

Very nice! Thanks for sharing your htoughts. Jill

JAN

2008

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Thanks for taking the time to share. That is what this all about! Networking.

JAN

2008

Love it! I truely believe that networking works! I am in the Atlanta area and have received referrals from as far away as California! this is great!

JAN

2008

It's nice to see this kind of validation for what has become a a big part of our lives as Realtors. This just makes me want to work harder!

Sara:

Great post. That is so true. Thanks for sharing this with us. Have a great week.

JAN

2008

I'm a newbie here on Active rain. I too hope that I can inspire confidence from other agents on Active rain. Now that is a goal for all of us in 2008!

Also a fairly new AR blogger. I am really hoping to connect and exchange referrals with fellow bloggers in areas of Colorado they don't serve as well as brokers throughout the country for relocation business in 2008. As part of my business plan, I will be dedicating more time to activley participate in several of the groups. Looking forward to a great year! Best to all of you out there. --anthony in arvada, coolorado

Terrific Blog Sarah, it's so true! I have friends that have been getting referrals from their blog, they got me started. It was a great suggestion. I'm looking forward to reaping the fruits of my activities here on AR, in the future.

I believe it adds credibility to an agent, even for the newbie or relatively new! You are either percieved of as a professional or you aren't. But blogging gives the public and your peers to identify how knowledgeable you are. And it gives everyone a chance to see not only the professional side, but the personal side, as we all give away a little bit of ourselves with each post, comment or blog.