Should I make my blog more FLUFFY?

Content is king,  keep out the fluff and go with some really stimulating content on your blog.  You will be better off in the search engines and the long run.

Like you I don't write about myself. That is a door tha I would find hard to open. I do however write about the local ara.

Would you say this Featured post is Fluff, or non-Fluff?  I like both.  

Tell us some Title Insurance nightmare stories like the long-term tenant who pretended he was the owner while the real owner was in Europe for 2 years and he, the tenant, tried to sell the house.  Stuff like that intrigues agents. 

I think that the only purpose of a blog is to drive business, so the question is, "Does fluff drive business?"

Allow me to share a piece of advice that was offered to me, "Blog for yourself and your readers." Forget AR Membership Only' blogs and those "fluffy featured" ones. Focus on "localism" blogs. AR members don't drive business to your door.

Charlene, congratulations on you feature.  I think a lot of folks struggle with the same question, but I think Mike #24 is right.  It's not for AR members only.  It's for your potential clients and they want to know you know your business, but they also want to know you.

Charlene, a little 'Fluff' that allows people an insight into you and your personality is not a bad thing. Most of us get the highest responses from Localism posts, which is generally read by our viewing public and not necessarily commented on by AR members. If you're consistent in what you put out, the business will follow.

   I an amazed how many real estate agents  do not understand the difference between a deed and a mortgage. How about "Recognize Mortgage Fraud "  or "Don't Practice Law at Closing" or "How to find a picture of a cotton boll and post it on your blog"   Hold the fluff, content rules.

I would say that some blogs that get featured are definitely aimed at the ActiveRain community and maybe not so much the buying or selling public.  That doesn't make them good or bad, it's just a choice of who your audience is going to be.  Some people have a real nack for writing for a certain type of audience and some of these blogs get lots of dialogue and commenting started.

As you are posting to both AR members and the public, you need to post what is interesting to you or the consumer and what you feel passionate about. The sincerity will show through and win you over with the public. Congrats on the feature - must be doing something right!

I'm not sure why writing about the state park or an activity going on in the area is considered "fluff".  I want to be known as the expert of the area so writing about these places and events helps do that.

I would consider "fluff" to be posts about motivation and inspiration and other blah blah crap, but not things that have to do with the area and life around where you live.

I think you need to blog to whomever you want to attract as a client.  If it involves fluffy so be it :)

Charlene, write about what generates and impacts your business. Everyone on AR writes for their own purpose. Do what you think is right for your business. Congratulations on the feature.

Charlene, Fluff? By definition is something of no consequence.  Look it up on Google. Just type in define: Fluff

So as you can see a lot of bloggers who are on Active Rain offer you some great advise. We don't just want readers, we want to attract the consumer who is looking for the service we offer. I started a blog series of This Weeks Caller and I answer questions consumers have. Start with something like that. Just think back this week...how many fires did you put out in the office that could have been avoided if only the Realtor or the Buyer/Seller knew had known how to handle the situation or problem.

Charlene:  Don't worry about getting Featured!  Keep blogging about what you do, why you do it, and how well you do it.  That's what will bring you business.  I believe that too much Fluff turns you into a Fluffernutter - people just won't take you seriously if all you're writing about are recipies, jokes, or "Happy Day"-type posts.  That said, be sure to inject your personality, your voice. 

If you want to develop relationships here on AR, which could be important as you say you're extending into many other states, then read, follow, and comment on others' blogs - subscribe to them.

☂Charlene, well first of all glad to see you've moseyed on back here to the Rain!  It is an awesome place to meet great people AND let them get to know you too.  But leave the fluff for the cotton and clouds...  Look forward to getting to know you better in the Rain!
Pamela
P.S - congrats on the :)

I think keeping a good balance with your blog is important for people to get to know you as a person.  I have always said that this business is about the people not the real estate.  I rotate my blogs a bit.  Professional topics, localism and personal.  Keeps it fresh for me and allows people to see who I am.  Works for me.