Home : Blogs : Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder : Active Brads Blog

Should You Have A Blog or a Website?

This is a common question that I get asked by many who are considering starting up a Blog or a Website. I really don't know what the right answer is, but I think that Blogs are starting to have a real impact in our Industry. I also don't think that the websites (especially corporate ones) will ever go away. The Blog is always changing with new and fresh content, topics, and ideas. Comments from others also adds new and fresh text for the search engines to find! Websites are great because many of us already have them, and consumers are used to them. Will Blogs be short lived based on the owners ability to keep coming up with good content? Are Websites more permanent? Listen to what Inman News predicts. Are there really some significant reasons as to why you'd want one or the other...or both?

What's on a Typical Real Estate Website or Blog?

Listing Information
Area Statistics
Demographic Data
Buyer and Seller Reports
Why they should choose you
Home Valuation Research
Website Traffic Reports
Email Lead Notification
Leads Management
Featured Listings
Mortgage Calculators
Custom Property Searches
Buyer's Hot-list
Relocation Tools
Lead Generating Tools
Local and National Free Reports
Local Events and Information
Weather Reports
School Information and Reviews etc.

Can't you do all these things on both a Website or a Blog? So why have Both? In fact, isn't it easier to do a Blog than it is to try and learn HTML so you can keep up a Website? A Blog gives the user more control over the activities, changes, ideas, upgrades and overall site management. With a well written and professional looking Blog, you can't tell it's not a website! Is it easier for clients to interact with you on a Blog or on your Website? Email or phone seems to be the only way to communicate with you from a Website. Hasn't the Website become just a one-way portal of advertising? Isn't that why Blogging is called Web 2.0? Website vs Blog!

One BIG advantage of a Blog is the cost! I know some REALTORS® that pay over $50.00+ per month for their Website, and they have no control of it. They have to contact a webmaster to make any changes, and they have to pay for any additional services and support. Even worse,sometimes their page doesn't show up on the search engines, even when you type in their domain names. What about leads and referrals? A Blog is FREE and easy, and the support you get from networks like Active Rain and others is priceless. People helping people just because. The downside of the Blog is the time you need to invest. So is it worth the money to just pay a webmaster and have a Website? Should you just hire a writer for your Blog? Wouldn't they be called a Blog-Master? What's the difference?

Google loves Active Rain Blogs, maybe even more than some Real Estate Websites out there. I am not saying that Websites are a waste of time, money and effort, just wondering what advice to give someone who asks this question? What advice would you give another industry professional who might really need your help with this? In a time where money is tight, the market has shifted, and technology in our industry is changing, where do you suggest that marketing dollars are best spent? What's your thought on having a Website or a Blog? I know some very successful REALTORS® that don't have either, and some that have both! I wish I had a plain and simple answer for this one!! Do You?

Posted by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder on 10/17/2007 10:48 AM

Comments (118)

activerain community support, website, blog

Originally posted at: Real Estate 2.0 Technology : Should You Have A Blog or a Website?

118 Comments on Should You Have A Blog or a Website?

OCT

2007

I am one of those that subscribes to have both. The website is more static while the blog is a dynamic tool. Which is best? I am not sure.

I think they both go hand in hand! I see advantages to both so why not piggy back them. A website can be the nuts and bolts of your business and the blog can be the daily updates.

My answer, is website then blog. At least in today's world and "definitions". I think blogs are a great tool that promote 'you' and your website. Course I'm backwards, I blog here at AR but don't have my website up and running yet. If you have to make a choice, well, I think I'd have to go with a website unless you are a real dynamic writer. I suppose it could depend on the blog site format - but then I think we are talking "integration" of a website and blog... no simple answer...

Brad, Great post. Many of us are struggling with the same issue, Consumers are used to the websites and the search engines want the fresh content of the blogs. Do both and use one to build/drive traffic to the other. Good selling to you.

I've found blogs are better in terms of my ranking with Google. Websites are great if you want an interactive relationship with your viewer.

I think that you need BOTH!!! Your website needs to have a blog on it - I think integration is the best solution!!!

Both, both, both. is the obvious answer. One should connect to the other. A blog needs attention every day. A website once or twice per week. A blog is fun and informative and is more useful for those interested in following current events than in an initial overview and research about a community.

I think that both is the answer. They work well together and both will improve credibility and exposure for your business.

Well, I'm not so sure we really need both or will in the very near future. I'm having a blog built that will have a link to my search site so I'll let you know, if I get more leads then I will drop my expensive web-site. Web-sites are mostly boring, there is nothing new updated or very infrequently changed. Most cases only the listings are changed. So if he consumer can find a blog with the listings, why do we need a boring web site ? Just my .02

Brad:

I always enjoy your posts!

I believe you should have both a blog and a website. They should be tied together. Many hosting services now offer blogs as part of the package. Mine does and most do. My poor old site needed a face lift and some decent content (hey, we all learn as we go along) so I am taking the opportunity to experiment with WordPress.

WordPress is free blog, based on templates with hundreds of great looks to choose or customize. You can use it as a Website too because you can add pages and content. To customize a look takes some knowledge of CSS. Any good VA can help you with this! Once you like the look the rest is easy!

You can update content on the fly yourself using any browser. You don't need any kind of programing knowledge! So, it is a blog, website and content management system all rolled into one. There are others too. My host made this easy for me so I am giving it a go using and customizing a template (why reinvent the wheel). The new site is under construction and for now is live at the following URL

http://www.CDWebbDesign.com/wordpress.

Stop by and have a look.

Once the new site is finished. I will be experimenting with others! I will keep you posted!

Brad - interesting question and one that was discussed in several talks at the C.A.R. convention last week.

Well I have both, but if I were to start now I would just have a blog. Easier to add content, you can do everything with a blog (MLS search, show listings, etc.) that you can with a website and in some ways more easily and with more creativity. You also have far more control over your blog than a website, typically. As the technology grows I would think fewer folks, at least new agents, will be focusing on websites adn only have a blog.

Jeff

Brad, I have both, one website, and 2 blogs. My blogs get more hits than my website. I love the control and the ease of editing of my blogs over my website.

Howdy Brad

I use both. I feel they good hand in hand with each other. If folks don't find one they will find the other.

Have a good one

Both are key! Thanks for the post Brad, and for reminding us how important it is to market using multiple avenues. All the best!

Dan

Great post, with great feedback here, Brad. As a part time stager still crawling towards my own full time business (with a website) I appreciate the opportunity to consider the question in advance. Naturally I will have a website - or at least "naturally" in my brain!

Thanks to all commenters, also.....I'm soaking it all in!

Cheers! from DC...

Jaynee

The one thing I like about a static site is the ability to lay a presentation out on one screen. Blogs have a "scrolling" design that isn't quite dummyproof. Like my wife said the other day - "who really has time to read blogs? I don't"...and she's a busy mom who is a prime demographic. I think we may forget that the majority of the public doesn't want to hunt for information. Perhaps there should be a better button arrangement in the header with links to relevant categories, rather than the date-specific arrangement that is prevalent. The tag cloud might work, but most of us go overboard with them.

Brad:

I have a web site. Although it does need some work which is my Q4 goal. I am into my fourth week on my blog which is also integrated into my site. At this time, I think both are needed. But in five years maybe only the blog will survive.

Brad - I have been thinking about this and I am leaning towards having a blog since I can have more control over it.

We've talked a bit about this before Brad. I believe by having both you increase your internet presence, increase your leads, and increase your business.

I currently have two primary website and many domain names. I also have 4 blogs. I may be doing too much, but it is paying off. My main website appears #1 on all major search engines. My AR Profile ranks quite high. Then my blog posts get good ranking when searching for specific results.

My latest adventure is The Real Estate Zoo. I use Wordpress and it looks a lot like a web site. I like it because you can create pages as well as posts.

I use both and they definitely work in conjunction with each other......wish I had time to do more...

I use both also. The blog requires more of your attention, whereas websites are edited when there is a change (listings, events, links)

We have both and we feed our blogs ino the static webste just to help it have changing content. I think Blogs are the way to go. Just add portions of your website to it.

Brad - my web-site has been dying a slow death for a while. Truth be told, I did not do any SEO. My plan is to do Wordpress -combination blog/web-site. The stuff on the web sites is so boring -it's all same old, same old rehash of buyers/sellers tips. Even the local information is canned, and same can be found on each towns' web-site. Making this information come alive through individual voices of blogs, seems to me to be more engaging. The trick to being found remains the same with the blog and web-site, but even for that I see advantages of the blog.

Hi Brad...I think you should have both at least for a while. A lot of people still zone out at the word Blog. I think the website works for people who prefer anonymity and blogs appeal to those who like to be interactive!

Hi Brad...it's been a long time!!!!

When I jumped into my Real Estate career I decided the first thing I was going to do was get a website. Knowing the majority of people look online these days I figured it was the best thing I could do with my money. I started with the standard Point2 site for agents (which is free) and then transitioned into one I pay for monthly. It's the only website I've used so I can't compare it to any others but one thing I really like about having a website is being able to see where activity is coming from, if it's repeat or first time visitors, how my site comes up based on what someone googles and a host of other information I find important. I can personalize my site, change my templates, colors, etc. I like having control.

As for blogging I knew it too was important but was a "chicken" (I'm still overcoming that obstacle!) so it took me a little longer to get activated. I think both can be great tools to gain new clients, especially for newer professionals in the field of Real Estate.

OCT

2007

As most of you said, you should have both. They do go hand in hand and can help to build on each other.

As a <a href="http://ellidavis.com" >Toronto realtor</a> I think blogs are becoming more and more important. So far websites seemed to do the job perfectly but an almost face-to-face, everyday approach to our clients is becoming inevitable.

Thanks for opening that topic for discussion... I have a website and I also Blog...... but since I don't have any listing at this time... I blog more.... but I think my website will put me on the map once I have a listing because you can then share it with other brokers to get a buyer....

Brad you always share an interesting perspective. Thanks for bringing up this question for us to discuss. I have resisted putting time into both platforms for a long time. i just broke down and started this blogging thing a couple of weeks ago. I'm excited abot the response I've gotten so far and am eager to see what's possible if I dedicate time to developing both vehicles simultaneously.

I have both . I need the web site to show listings through broker reciprocity. I would not be able to do it with my blog.

Brad - I have my own site and only blog on Active Rain. I have the AR Blog imbedded on my own web site also. Should I be blogging OTHER THAN on Active Rain?

I truly believe that the answer is, BOTH :)

I use both as well. Right now, it's important for me to have both. The web site offers things the consumers want and gives me the ability to track and follow up with people who have stopped by. A blog might be able to do all those things too, but I haven't figured all that out yet and don't have that much time to do so quickly. Great topic...thanks for the post.

blogs are great for awareness but the website is key for lead capturing.... so both!

I think both, drop the expensive offline advertising that proves to be very ineffectual in most cases and spend dollars on making your website more interactive and spend your time on blogging.

Rebecca D. Levinson-Connect2Agent

Hi Brad - I think it is important to have both. As a matter of fact, it is good to have more than one blog and more than one website. My website Sell My Home in Metrowest MA and my Metrowest Homes Blog bring in traffic from different sources and places. It is important to have a vast internet presence because there are SO MANY ways people can find you on line. Hope you are doing well.

I am not sure which is best, but it does seem that blogs have all the momentum right now!

Both are great. It all depends on what you are doing and how you have yourself setup. It's definitely a chore to manage both, but can help beyond belief

Brad - I have both right now my web site is more powerul, but that i because I am bulding my blog. from what I have heard the blog will be very powerfull in time

OCT

2007

Wow, loads of posts on this one and I must confess not to have the time to read them all so apologize if I am repeating. I am exploring this now as well. Here's what (at least for today) my response to your question is: Not only to have both web and blog but to have them integrated into one another. So your website is interactive and content is fresh but the integration seems seeless. On this blog make it conversational so visitors get to know you. It should be honest and fresh. Then simultaneously have additional blogs that are really not as focused on sending a meaningful message and aren't even that conversational -- this blog should be simply focused on a couple of keyword phrases and is simply meant to drive traffic or to boost your website's position in the search engines. The blog on your website is the one you hope to get comments to....the other may never get any and that is just fine. I am learning as I go along and I think that having a reasonable website person working with and for you is key. I never want to be an expert in website trafficing. However I do appreciate my web guy because he explains why we are attempting what we are attempting -- even though he is behind the scenes and I am off doing what I am supposed to be doing -- I still feel very much like a participant in my internet presence. It is a work in progress and I am hoping even as I type that by the end of the weekend my website will be more interactive than it is now.

BINGO MARY! A web site that has the tools built into it to keep track of your inventory, allows you to capture email addresses of potential buyers and sellers, plus includes a blog that allows you to comment on local and national real estate trends, news and happenings is the absolute best way to go. No one is going to be able to keep track of your business / industry faster then you can. With the proper tools built into your site - it's never out of date and you don't need to be a "geek" to maintain it. Some pages are static (which the search engines love) and some are dynamic, - your listings, agent profiles and the blog. It's the best of both worlds.

Thank you ALL so much for a great response. This will really help those who have the same question and hopefully find this post. I have to admit that I agree with the integration of both a website and a blog. Whether one is better than the other, or which one goes and which one stays, I think they both offer value to your business and to the consumers and readers.

Truth be told, I have more than one of each. I have many websites, and many Blogs because I have many other interests and hobbies too.

I have so many as of late, that I have had to create my own web/blog log! haha. I had to place ALL my Websites and Blogs there in one location. This way I could monitor and keep track of all of them.

Forgot I even had one as a "Real Estate Sample", and it's the one that's my name BradAndersohn.com! How funny is that?!? It will be interesting to see what new technology comes along next to be implemented into our website/blog combinations. :-)

I'll be back this evening to respond to some of the comments here, thanks again! I love all the "Rain Drops"!!

Brad-

The consumer is not up to speed on Blogs (yet), it's new and while it is very interactive, dynamic and interesting read, they the public still prefer a professional website with organized information about a specific area, resources and of course listings. We have both. Much of our time is spent freshening up our website, adding & revising new content and it provides a link to our Blog. We like it like that. From a professional level, I would not want my website to display blogging content, I like the link idea which tells the consumer they're going somewhere else to read about it.

Another great website (non-blog) that we are really enjoying is Propertyqube - we like the fresh look, it is consumer-centered but agents are really involved too.

I find it nice that I can have two, and I can use both of them distincly different. I can put my links for example from by blog to my website, and from my website cross reference them as well. I can put in www.buyingvip.com, www.myhomwvaluesource.com, or www.tombraatz.com.

People can blog with me and if they want to they can go retrieve vital information from my website as well.

Tom BRaatz

Website first! And Blog second. I use the blog to fill in the gaps I cannot target with a web. The way I view it is that a web gives more permanent links and search engine position, and a blog is more of a fill the gaps measure. A blogs position in my own opinion is a lot less static.

OCT

2007

I have both for now, but I love my blog. GREAT INFORMATION!! But I could never trust anyone with writing my blog...I'm way too protective of it now. :-)

I have both for now. I just started on AR in late August. I'm working into the blogging thing. I'm not too comfortable with it yet.

OCT

2007

Brad, I think having both is a good idea. The more places you are on the internet, the better chance you have of being found.

I tend to agree with the both solution from what I am reading although i do not have my own website but rather a broker one that I link to. I do have my site on active rain though.

My question is this. Is it worth the cost to have a website developed and pay a monthly fee or should you just build a simple website DIY and minimize the cost and put most of your effort in the blogs?

Regards,

Ron

Brad - Your posts are always so interesting and informative. I've enjoyed getting more opinions in reading the comment string, too. This one prompted a lot of thought. I'm still using both. I think people find me through blogging and go to my website for more info. Maybe as I develop my outside blogs they'll be using that more. It will be interesting to see how it all works out over the next few months.

OCT

2007

Brad: I think we should have both (a website and blog within the website). I see this becoming a norm very soon.

I'm just excited that AR blogs show up so well on Google....It's interesting to see all the commentary from others and their experiences with one or the other.

I have a website so people have a place to go to look ME up....but I think a blog says alot more about who you are. It's important to have both, so I guess I better start writing some blogs!

Let me jump on the BOTH bandwagon! I see the value of both. I actually started blogging to help my website positioning but have found that AR offers me so much more. Also, many of my clients like having the website because I offer a client portal where they can look at feedback on showings and request flyers and brochures, etc when needed.

Brad,

If you decide to have a strong Internet presence, then it should be both. Website to mostly deal with the standard info that doesn't have to be updated frequently. A blog would offer your own views about different things and needs to be updated frequently.

Brad, I'm so new to blogging, I don't have an opinion yet. I enjoyed hearing what you and the others had to say. Thank you for the info and all the comments.

Multiple both, somewhat interlinked.

Corporate KW blogsite with some nifty SEO,

Personal blog (Work In Process)

ActiveRain blog again, with nifty SEO

miscellaneous 3rd party content sites.

KW templated website,

Personal website, along with personal blog. (W.I.P.)

Wanted the Point2Agent, but it loads so-o-o-o s--l---o---w. Had to give it up.

Finally...Ergonomic keyboard... LOL

OCT

2007

To All of you faithful supportive wonderful always commenting Active Rain Co-Members and Friends,

WOW! There are so many great comments here, I hope you all understand why I can't come back and comment to each of you as I normally would. Like most of you, I am extremely busy adjusting to a shifting and changing market. I intended to come back and spend the rest of my life commenting (LOL) unfortunately, I am nearly exhausted from my last two posts!!

Your comments here have helped so many people, you have no idea how many calls and emails I get regarding these posts. It's great, and the value is really coming from you and your comments, not my posts. I am just the magnet, you are ALL the steel! (aren't those words in a song) Your support here on Active Rain is absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!:-)

I posted the results of your comments here in the Voting Poll above.

I want to personally thank each and everyone of you for your comments, your continued support, and most importantly, your friendships. I value them more than you may know. If you need any help, or have any items of concern, call or email me, I'll do my best to help you, this is how I give back and still "Pay it forward!!" in the "rain!"

Have a Great Week! Brad - The Escrow Guy!

OCT

2007

Well there's the choices between websites and blogs and now there's a new fad starting. It's not a website or a blog, it's..... has anyone heard? Virtual Reality? It's been around for the gaming world for years but what impact will it have on the Real Estate Industry? Not sure I'd buy a house using Virtual Reality, but my kids say that they would! Hmmm......this one will take some deeper thought on my part, maybe I'll do a post and get your thoughts too. This technology these days is just CRAZY!! :-)

NOV

2007

WOW! Look at all the poll results, way more votes than comments, but more importantly, are the results. I kinda had my theory, but it's nice to get others opinions as well. Great stuff, thanks! If you do vote, please only vote once. Thanks you. :-)

I have several site and do a good percentage of business. I would vote for both and have tried blogs off and on. I now have made commitment to both. Thank you for your blogs as they seem to be well thought out.

Bonner

Bonner - thanks for sharing that! I have found the same as you. Blogs on and off. but now I'm much more consistent in the one's I'm passionate about. That being AR of course too! :-)

Brad, where on earth do you find the time to put together these incredibly informative full of resources that's just the question I had on my mind posts???

NOV

2007

Elaine - you,ve heard of sleep walkers? Maybe even sleep talkers? I'm a sleep Blogger. I get up in the morning and my wife says..."Do you remember getting up and going to the computer to blog in the middle of the night?"

My response....."Huh? LOL!! Glad you enjoy my posts!! Thanks Elaine!!!!

I've seen a couple of examples of a blog that can take the place of a website especially when the integration of the search the MLS and featured listings gizmos. There is one example of a website and blog that have beautiful integration - guy in Fl that sells condos and the work was done by someone here on AR.

These comments have given me lots to think about!

NOV

2007

Josette - I agree completely, there are many blogs that actually look better to me than a website and offer more than just the ability to search for listings. Blogs are the future, and may not replace websites, but are certainly a great addition to what websites have traditionally offered. I'm glad this post and these comments have given you many things to contemplate. :-)

Brad, good post. I am wondering, does it hurt me at all to post the same content on my blog on my website AND the same content here at Active Rain.... Should I not be doing that? Thanks so much!

I think you should have at least one of both, or better yet, two or more.

Sandy

NOV

2007

Kim - I have heard mixed opinions on this very issue. To be honest, I would have to really research that one before I made a firm and concrete decision. I have heard that it's ok, and I have also heard don't do it. If I had to make a choice without doing due diligence, I'd say don't do it, but that's just me. Let me research that a bit more, and I will do a post in the near future with my facts, findings and results. Thanks for asking such a great question!! Many will benefit I'm sure from the answer....I will get some facts and truth on that one. :-)

Sandy - love the way you think, it's the time that really becomes the issue... :-)

I vote for both. You may have all of the information you mentioned on a blog, but the format is not as user friendly as on a web site. And good web sites don't have to cost a lot of money.

Awesome Brad, thanks so much. I would love to know.. I WANT to put it on both but not if it hurts me!! I think it is handy to have it right there on my website. I dont have enough time to keep up with AR nevermind time to write different content for my website!!! I can't wait for your post!!!

I think you should have both. I'm a little late to the game of blogging, but I've had my website for almost 6 years! The blog is definitely easier to add content and your ideas pertaining to the current state of the market.

Lisa - i have to agree, maybe even a couple of each! Depending on your webhost and how much control they give you, I'd say yes. The problem is, some web hosts charge 70.00 a month and you have NO control of your site. Blogs "RULE" over those types of domains in my opinion. Thanks for commenting.

Kim - I have an idea, for now, you can place an RSS FEED on your website that will pull all your AR posts over to your site. There are a couple ways you can do that. One way is the widget, and another is just links to your posts. Until I get more details for you, this may be a great solution. Let me know if that would work or not. Happy to help if I can. :-)

I would definitely say that you need the greatest possible web presence. If you can have multiple websites (ex. different communities or towns within your city) all highlighting a different aspect of your business then it's a good thing. I say this because of the way search engines rate your website. So go for as many as you can!

Linda - Both is a good answer, based on the poll in the post, I think the majority agree, the question now turns into how many should you have. I have a few, all directed to other passions and industries that I enjoy. AR is one of my favs, just don't have time anymore to try and manage all of them.

Drew - AWESOME! I agree 100%. Farming by Blog is what I call it. I feel a post coming on! :-)

NOV

2007

I would have to say both. However,my active rain profile helped put me on Google unlike my website. So I am working on how to make my website look better. And as long as I continue to write good blog with good content,I know that I will improve my search engine rankings on the search engines. Great post.

Lanre - did you vote above? It's hard to tell between who votes and who comments but I think they both tell the tale! :-) Thanks Lanre, have a great rest of the weekend!

Very helpful post, as usual. I voted for multiple websites and blogs. Read on AR about the websites built around the blog. Do you have decent eamples? Do you think this is worth eploring?

NOV

2007

Jon - thanks! Looks like the majority vote is leaning towards multiple sites and blogs!! There are some fantastic examples of other using even their AR profile pages as websites and blogs, check them out:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/254631/Your-Active-Rain-Profile

There will be some great examples, and some are tied to websites, and some aren't. I know you'll enjoy these.

What about a Blog, A website, and a Virtual Office? What will there be next? Only time will tell...

NOV

2007

Ok....truth be told, I'm starting to wonder if your Blog can replace your website? What can you do on a website, that you can't do on a Blog? So why have both then? For those who have a website already, I understand and you might want to keep it up and running, but for those who don't, why spend the money and time? Just have a Blog and get the same or better results. Have 2 or 3 Blogs and get even more results, spend no money, and be in complete control of what goes on it and when! Hmmmmm..... :-)

DEC

2007

Brad: The more the better in my opinion. I've seen success with either or all. I have three websites and one blog besides my blogs on AR. IMHO

DEC

2007

Teri - I totally agree...if you have the time to manage them! LOL!! I have quite a few of each, AND NO LIFE!! (just kidding) :-)

I think both as many have already said. I just got stuck here on AR but I do man my website too. I am still working on linking the two. Thanks for the pep talk.

I think a blogging website is the way to go - - along with your other websites! My 'thing' about a blogging site is that you can provide fresh, fresh, fresh content and drive the search engines to your site(s) legitimately. Very time consuming, but rewarding.

I have been blogging like crazy for the very reason that my website is outdated and I am in the process of having it redesigned, so this keeps my info and photos fresh

Phyllis Pafumi

The more internet presence you have the better. Plus until someone can show me how to connect IDX features to my blog, I'll need to have both to allow my clients to search properties.

great post, trying to decide whether to keep my website but I probably will for now :)

Anne

Welll I have both. Another great posting Thank you!

DEC

2007

Thanks again to all of you for your comments here. I hope you realize how much this post has helped other members and viewers in their decision to have one, the other or both! We currently have 130 votes in the poll posted here. Thanks for all your comments and support. I appreciate your responses very much! :-)

Scott - Just FYI - I have seen many blogs and even profiles here on AR that are IDX or linked to MLS search features and options. I have seen Blogs do everything a website can do, and in fact more. Plus, if you're not a website designer, you have to pay someone, and you are not in control. With a Blog, it's free, you're in control, and the content can change as much and as often as you like. :-)

Blogs are great, I love them! What a great read, Brad, well done.

Thanks Marey - I'm glad you enjoyed this one. Always love when other members find my posts useful.

I have toiled with this for a long time also. Each has its advantages. The only problem I see with a blog is that some times people don't quite understand the navigation.

Hey Steak Man - I agree to a point, the one's who can navigate through your website should not have any more challenge on your Blog. But, I have seen some Blogs that are so loaded with stuff, (like mine) that people might have a difficult time figuring out where they want to go, or what they want to look at. Great point, thanks for sharing Rey! :-)

DEC

2007

OK - I now have 4 Blogs, and two are since this post. Agent Assist, The Blog Builder, Widget World, and TechKnowBabble. The Blogs have all passed up my website on Google and Yahoo now. Just search any of these on Google and they will show up on the first page! :-)

DEC

2007

Great post. As a consultant to agents, I have to answer the blog v. website question quite a bit. My answer is that agents should have both. Even if your website is the standard, boring realtor site, having a great (and constantly updated) blog will get your name out there and get your website more hits than the guy at the next desk with the same website, but no blog.

www.meghanmullee.com

Good input. I have a website and a blog. I like both since it establishes me as an individual while the blog gives good information to the consumer.

Great post! Thank you so much for sharing very valuable information and stimulating such great comments!

DEC

2007

Meghan - as a consultant myself, I would agree, however, I have seen many more Blogs pass up websites in Google as oppossed to the other way around. Two different worlds, used for two entirely different purposes now a days! Thanks for the comment!. B-)

Matthew - great information, and so true. One should drive to the other and visa-versa. Blogs are starting to dominate over websites in many cases depending on the business and the products, tools or services being offerred. :-)

Denise - thanks! The stimulating comments are generated because of all YOU great folks here on AR, so again, thank you! :-)

I have a point2 professional site, that I like a lot. But in my short time of using active rain, i seem to get more exposure from blogging than my website. I can't think of anything I can do on my website that I cannot do with my blog. That being said, I don't know why I wouldn't use both. It's fairly cheap information to deliver to the public.

Larry - you are the BOMB! You summed it up and I couldn't have said it better myself...and neither could you! LOL! Well said, and well taken. I agree with you totally! Thanks and Happy Holidays my friend!! :-)

When novices come to me looking for web design, I try to show them how they can use blogging platforms to achieve the same results with an editorial interface they can understand and operate. I've also seen some PHP "website in a box" packages that looked robust and easy, so if a blogging platform doesn't have enough power (message boards, for example), that may also be an inexpensive, easy to maintain option.

Frank Jewett

DEC

2007

Frank - well said, thanks!! :-)

I would say, both for now, because many older sellers and buyer don't understand blogs and don't even know what they are.

Mary - that's cute. My Mom is almost 80 and she reads my Blog quite often. It's just an educational process. We are never too Old to learn....or to teach! Great comment, thanks! :-)

We have both. You have to remember that not everyone out there is as savvy and cool as all of us on active rain. There are alot of old schoolers out there that have no idea of what a blog even is.

I agree that blogs are the wave of the future, and I'm trying to get ahead of everyone in my marketplace before they catch on.

Blogging is a hard thing to get other agents in my office to do. I'm the tech coordinator for my office, and teach Technology classes. I have told them all about how to blog & how important it is, but they nover follow through with taking the time to actually work on their blog.

Erika - look at these sites Site 1, Site 2, Site 3, and tell me if you can tell if they are websites or Blogs. You may want to rethink your theory. I agree, there are different audiences out there, but consumers don't need to be savvy and cool to find us on the web (Blog or Website) It's the content they are looking for, and I don't think most folks care if it's a Blog or a website, as long as they find what they are looking for.

Do you want to know why other agents won't Blog? There are many reasons, I have interviewed quite a few lately and can give you some alarming excuses, but you're right, it will catch on eventually. Maybe I'll do a post on my findings. Thanks for commenting. I love to hear what others are experiencing in their areas! :-)

DEC

2007

Hi Brad, oops, did not think my comment would be taken that way.. thanks for pointing this out... wow... You see... Here in small rural areas many are not as techie as in urban areas. Believe it or not I am the only Realtor here in a three county area with a blog. Sorry... hit delete if you wish.

Great post Brad, I am still working on the content for my website. I didn't expect it to be this difficult. Hopefully soon, in the meantime I guess I should be blogging more here.

Mary - I agree with you. My comment was just to say someone has to teach someone else or none of us would ever learn. Some will, some won't, some just don't care. Sounds like you should take advantage in your area of those who won't or don't care. :-)

Being the only Realtor with a Blog in your 3 Counties is Awesome! You are the Leader of the pack! Blogging and websites (in my opinion) are just a couple of the tools we'll need in our boxes to get the job done in the future.

Blogs are great for what we are doing right now, and much more. Websites are great because everyone knows they exists. I try to help people make their Blog more valuable than the website, but every circumstance is different. Thank you for your comments, I would never delete them, as I appreciate the time you took to read my post, and the additional time it took to comment! That's what makes our Blogs so special and valuable.

(can't do that on a website) having this dialog that is... If I were a buyer right now, wouldn't this be great?

That's what I love about Blogs. If I have a buyer or investor that is looking in Wisconsin : Vernon County :or Viroqua for a home, guess who I'd refer them to? You don't have to guess. (LOL) That's how your Blog just beat out your website. I would never be able to make that kind of a commitment on your web page. :-)

Have a great Holiday, and I hope we'll have the opportunity to refer each other business someday soon. :-)

Great post Brad, I am still working on the content for my website. I didn't expect it to be this difficult. Hopefully soon, in the meantime I guess I should be blogging more here.

Karen - you should definitely be blogging more! Whether it's here on AR or on your outside Blog. Much less difficult than a website. There is nothing you can do on your website that can't be replicated on your Blog. In fact, there is more control and more you can do on your Blog. And it's so much easier and FREE. I built a Blog just for this. I call it "Power of the Hour" for Bloggers. It's a Blog that was built in about an hour.

Let me know if you would need any assistance in that area. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Have a great Holiday!! :-)

DEC

2007

Just a website for me (appraiser), but i think a blog could help a bit...Realtors I would think should definitely have both, the more exposure to the public the better.

DEC

2007

Shane - that totally makes sense, I agree completely. I think as an appraiser, there can be great value to having a Blog as well. I can think of a few ways that having a Blog could increase your business and your exposure, if that's something you're wanting to do. It's nice to see you have a Blog here on AR, I hope you are reaping some benefits! :-)

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