There's another great challenge going on in Active Rain:

  • 31 Days of May Challenge 2011

    •  Some people new to blogging every day may say, WHAT?  I can't possibly blog EVERY day - I'm too busy and I don't have enough ideas.

    As to being too busy, here's what I do.  I write a few blogs at a time and save them with the "draft" feature under the Visibility button at the bottom of the page.  I like this feature for two reasons - one, I can take a "fresh" look at the blog and catch more typos or grammatical errors (hopefully) and two, I can change it from draft to public or members only at another time in just a second.

    Active Rain has added

  • View Draft Posts

    • on the front page of My Home to find the drafts even easier, a great time saver.

    As to content, read the newspaper on line or in paper form and watch the news for events or other points of interest for your area.

    Write about a particular subdivision with it's great parks or golf course or gated security.

    I write a weekly series on "foreclosure of the week" and search for a GREAT deal on a foreclosure.  I personally go and view it and take my own photos of the property so there's no copyright issues.  And, I ALWAYS call the listing agent to ask for permission to blog it.

    Write about a great restaurant experience, your car mechanic, a great plumber/electrician/painter - someone your community could use.  Heck, maybe your blog will bring in one more client.

    I'm sure there's a ton of ideas you'll come up with on your own - follow the Nike logo - Just Do It.  It does get easier with every one you write. 

     

     

     

     

     


     

     Scottsdale and Cave Creek Real Estate

     

    Juli Vosmik

    Dominion Real Estate Partners, LLC

    480-710-0739


     

     

    Helping you make informed decisions whether buying or selling homes in Scottsdale, Cave Creek and north Phoenix Arizona.  I know the area - I live here.


    A portion of all sales is donated to the various animal rescue and humane societies.


    AZ license SA582226000

     

     

     

     
     
    Post is included in group: 31 Days of May Challenge 2011
    Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
    Post is included in group: Motivational Monday

    22 Comments on 31 Days of May blogging challenge - a few tips and hints

    20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

    MAY
    02
    2011
    624,022 Points 43 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

    Thank you, Emily.  So many others have helped me - I hope that even one person can learn from me.

    Ah, Michele - just go for it - it's fun.  The thing I like best about these challenges is that it MAKES me stretch to learn more about my area.  I'm constantly surprised how I look at things differently as I'm driving through town or going to an event or taking a new class - whatever.  I find it eye opening.
    12:40am • #3
    2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

    thanks for the list of ideas, I have jumped in for the challenge but was worried about that much fresh content all at one since I have never done this much blogging. I can't wait to succeed. I have a daily to do list set on my calendar to make sure I stay on task.
    12:44am • #4
    309,088 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Called Shot Master

    Hi, Juli.  I really like the Draft feature and the new View Draft feature makes it even more convenient without going through the other posts.

    It's my first challenge, so hopefully I'm up for it.  Thanks for the tips!
    12:47am • #5
    Called Shot Master

    Hi Juli,

    Thank you for your separate email response. I will try!!! Your encouraging words are REALLY appreciated!
    1:14am • #6
    365,790 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

    Great ideas. this is my third monthly challenge and it's a challenge
    1:17am • #7
    624,022 Points 43 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

    Pamelyn, you'll be SO glad you did.  You'll learn so much and meet some new people.  You'll also learn to look at your community in a different light.  Another tip, when you see something you want to share with others but can't get to the computer right away, write down a couple of key words/points about it.  Trust me, if it's of interest to you, it will be of interest to others.

    Yolanda - best of luck, but I'm sure you'll LOVE it.  It seems daunting at first, but just rolling up your sleeves and jumping in, you'll find it gets really easy.

    Michele - you'll do GREAT!!!  Please let me know if you need any help.  I'm certainly not the blogging or tech guru here, but I've learned so much and am glad to share anything I can.

    Ah, Susan, you're a blogging pro by now, LOL.  Love your photo - it looks like you'd be a fun person to work with. 
    1:29am • #8
    1,012,482 Points 84 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

    Excellent suggestions for getting ahead of the game Juli...........I'll have to give it a try.
    5:42am • #9

    I like the draft mode.  I still have a problem coming up with creative ideas and taking the time to blog every day.  It gets overwhelming to me to think about formatting, adding photos, enough content..etc....  Comments are easy enough.  I hope I can get better at daily blogging.
    7:55am • #10
    1 Featured Post Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

    Good luck.  I'm in the 31 Day Challendge as well.  ~ Joe :)
    9:55am • #11
    624,022 Points 43 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

    Roger, I didn't think you needed any help - yours are always so much fun.  If I can help with anything, let me know.  There are others with much more knowledge than I, but I'll be glad to share what I know.

    Brad, not every blog needs to have photos.  As to enough content, one thing I add if I'm short is:  "if you're looking to buy or sell a home in Scottsdale, AZ, please contact me.  I want to EARN your business.  I know the area, I live here."  That usually gets me to the minimum words required.

    Joe, I look forward to reading your blogs.  Good luck on the challenge - it will be a fun and rewarding one. 

    11:00am • #12
    394,859 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

    Another FANTASTIC post - I suggested this.  I'll be blogging right away alongside of you - saving up my draft posts as well.  My problem is, I write them and then I get so excited to share some of them that I can't WAIT to publish.  Silly me. 

    I find that subscribing on FACEBOOK and TWITTER to so many of the Tucson newsmakers that I always have blog fodder.  And yesterday my husband and I took a drive and a hike in, providing fodder for FOUR more blogs!  Hurray!  There's always something 'doin' in Arizona!
    12:09pm • #13
    724,798 Points 49 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

    Juli, great ideas and thank you for sharing with us, now I know how challenging it is for an author to write every day:)))
    7:16pm • #14
    318,563 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

    I am right there with ya babe!  Great post.  Thanks for the ideas,... I may need your computer to finish this challenge, LOL!
    9:14pm • #15
    499,233 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

    Juli, Great post about how to do blogging every day.  Drafts are such a great way to ensure you can post on a daily basis.  I know I have my dry spells and then times when I can just keep writing.  So you are offering great advise to keep is going on a steady basis!  Good luck with the challenge!

    Suggested.

    Gloria
    9:22pm • #16
    1,012,482 Points 84 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

    I'm an idiot, I need so much help, but I don't see the "visibility" feature, where is it?
    10:09pm • #17
    624,022 Points 43 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

    Thank you, Cara -  YOU always inspire me with all the great information you give about Tucson and your Tucson real estate market.  Now, the key this month - patience, LOL.

    Endre - I think that's called writer's block, LOL.

    Laura - no problem - I only charge $100/second for rental, LOL.

    Thanks, Gloria.  You always do GREAT with your content and volume - a great combination.

    Roger, after you blog, at the bottom, the next blank is tags where you want to put in key words to attract people to your blog:  Roger's pulling Juli's leg, Roger's way to make blogs more fun, Roger's jokes on the rain, etc.  Then, there's the visibility line with a box, which you click on and get public, members only, DRAFT, or subscribers.  Alas, I have so few subscribers, I don't use that one much, LOL.

     
    11:03pm • #18
    MAY
    04
    2011
    228,492 Points 1 Featured Post Called Shot Master

    Very good advice my friend.  I especially like the "foreclosure of the week" series and the fact that you ask for permission before blogging about it.  I'm sure this will give newbies to blogging things to write about, and how to avoid copyright issues.
    12:11am • #19
    624,022 Points 43 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

    Thank you, Dee.  You should read one of my recent foreclosure of the week blogs - some guy said I was "cold" because someone who once loved that home lived there.  Well, that's why this blog exists - a chance to say what we feel is important. 

    And, yes, I always call.  I view 3-4 foreclosure each weekend, look at the amount of work needed (purely my opinion) and take my own photos.  I know they are on MLS and technically, it's probably "fair game", but I think it's a professional courtesy.  I did have one agent tell me no and I certainly respected that.  But, here's the rub on that - I'm trying to find buyers for HIS listing.  Oh well, another blog in the making, LOL. 
    12:30am • #20
    MAY
    08
    2011
    1 Featured Post

    Hello Juli, so glad that I read this blog. I list almost an entire blog by not knowing how to save as a draft properly. This is gong to make blogging so much easier!!!!

    Thanks

    --Andrew
    2:26am • #21
    624,022 Points 43 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

    You're so welcome, Andrew.  There are so many great tips on here, I sure wish I knew more, but I'm learning.
    4:18pm • #22

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    Juli Vosmik - Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739, AZ license: SA582226000 (Dominion Real Estate Partners, LLC, Scottsdale, AZ) Rainmaker_large

    Juli Vosmik - Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

    AZ license: SA582226000

    Scottsdale, AZ

    More about me…

    Dominion Real Estate Partners, LLC, Scottsdale, AZ

    Address: 6939 E Redbird Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85266

    Office Phone: (480) 710-0739

    Cell Phone: (480) 710-0739

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