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Blogs vs. Newsletters

By Social Media, Email Marketing & Search Engine Optimization Specialist

Services for Real Estate Pros with PCS Online Solutions

October 10, 2007 03:21 AM

I'll preface this blog with the fact I am biased -- I'm in the email and print newsletter marketing business. With that being said, I wanted to get some feedback from actual workers in the field about the pros and cons of these communication tools.

Here's what I have so far:

BLOGS - Pros & Cons

-Fast feedback
-Super easy to update content
-Don't need a mailing / email address (list)
-Doesn't necessarily target your prospects
-Increases SEO rankings
-No control over content (you blog may actually have comments you don't want to share)
-FREE
-Sample: Your reading one.

NEWSLETTERS - Pros & Cons

-Slower feedback
-Time consuming - unless you use a service like http://www.enewslettersolutions.com/ (OK, here's my plug)
-Need to maintain a subscriber list
-Targeted -- you mail or email only to people you know are interested
-Affects SEO rankings only if you put the HTML in your website
-Complete control over content -- you can inform, educate, entertain
-Small cost - some from $12/mo.
-Sample 1: http://www.enewslettersolutions.com/news/tinalockner/
-Sample 2: http://www.enewslettersolutions.com/news/yvonnebaker/

So, the questions is, at least for me: How do you use your blog and newsletter as a marketing tool?

Your input is appreciated. Paul

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Wayne Miller

San Diego, CA

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the post...my head is spinning with all this tech stuff but I'm ready for the challenge. Not sure how to incorporate the two but I'll keep my eyes and ears open.

Oct 10, 2007 03:38 AM

Social Media, Email Marketing & Search Engine Optimization Specialist

PCS Online Solutions - Del Mar, CA

Wayne, yes, all this "time-saving" technology seems to be sucking the life out of me. Think of the good-old days when all you did was hang a sign (shinle) on your storefront.

Paul

Oct 10, 2007 03:42 AM

Brandon Causey

Coastal Palmetto Realty LLC - Loris, SC

Realtor, Coastal Palmetto Realty LLC

I do both...The market is so polluted with the old ways of marketing that people don't even read the newsletters. Blogs are a breath of fresh air. People get to see who you are. I lay myself and my thoughts out there. I think people respect and appreciate that. They tend to relate to you more in a blog than a newsletter. It seems more personal.

Oct 10, 2007 03:44 AM

Keith Stoller

Keith Stoller Tax & Business Solutions - Bakersfield, CA

Good reference on the newsletters. Blogs generally need to be monitored for ongoing content contributions if you're serious about maintaining one. In the digital age thay are effective though and can create a sense of community. It's like an ongoing roundtable. The subject can evolve over time. You can approach it as a moderator or a roundtable host. I think both are vital marketing tools today. Newsletters aren't as much community generators as they are reference points these days. You want community from a mailing, send a birthday card.

Oct 10, 2007 03:50 AM

Terry Lynch

LAR Notary and Closing Services - Saint Clair Shores, MI

Why does it have to be Blogs or Newsletters?

How about blogs and newsletters?

Oct 10, 2007 04:44 AM

New Jersey Real Estate James Boyer Morris, Essex & Union County NJ Realtor

RE/MAX Properties Unlimited, Real Estate - Morristown, NJ

Interesting post though I do not agree with "No control over content (you blog may actually have comments you don't want to share)" On my REW blog I approve all comments before anyone can see them. Can do the same thing with wordpress blogs.

Oct 10, 2007 02:16 PM

Thanks for the input. Though, I guess what I'm trying to get to is: Which produces more leads/sales?

Oct 10, 2007 04:04 PM

Thanks for the input. I do agree with Terry above -- it's not an either or situation -- I think it's smart to do both. My recent observation though is blogging takes up considerable time; granted it's fun and good learning.

I think the word "building community" is a bit over used. I prefer church or a ball game or happy hour, myself. Techonology is good, but you won't catch me "texting" my customers -- I prefer the phone -- and email.

Also, I received a travel newsletter -- in the mail yesterday -- and it was nice to read it in front of the TV (OK, it was the bathroom). I may be old fashioned, but I don't want my laptop in the bathroom. Plus, the color picture of Maui was so nice I had to read it -- and am now looking in to a trip in December.

The point: a newsletter can "force" a message on somebody. A blog has to have someone seeking information. So, the leads may be better on a blog as someone has to be looking for key words. But, someitmes people don't know what they want until you "plant" it in front of them.

There both affordable and effective communication tools and still have a place on your marketing calendar. Now, the newspaper, that's another story.

http://www.enewslettersolutions.com/news/email/extra.htm

Happy sailing ... _/)

Oct 11, 2007 05:20 AM

Tyghre Collentine

Coldwell Banker Burnet - Minneapolis, MN

I think you need to do both. Multipul forms of media is very important in todays market. We are in a numbers war weather we like it or not. The more info that has your name on the better.

Tyghre

Oct 11, 2007 07:12 AM

Blogs vs. Newsletters

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