Isn't it great when you write a post on a topic you're passionate about, and you get a string of intelligent and informative comments?  This creates an awesome platform to educate, and share your knowledge and experience with your clients and other consumers.  Are you waiting for them to come find your great post using Google?  Do you hope they just find your post by coincidence, or from a keyword search?  If you want to be proactive, and get this information out to readers and clients everywhere, they'll need to know that it's there.  Are you "Farming Your Blog?

Many Active Rain members subscribe to each others Blogs, so we know when there's a new post.  Many of our comments are made by those members.  In fact, the majority of comments are from other members, but the public is still finding and reading them as well.  They are probably a little less likely to subscribe or even comment, as they are not AR members.  It's a fact, they are reading your Blogs. 

So how do you get the word distributed outside of the Active Rain Blogosphere?  Here's an idea: Get your individual posts or even your entire Blog out to all your clients first, before they try to find you, and maybe find someone else.  Use this tool as you would any other farming tool!  Farming with Newsletters, Recipes, Just Listed and Just Solds etc.  Let's farm your Blog!  :-)

Every post on Active Rain has a tiny icon below it (especially yours) that offers you this opportunity!  Are you using this powerful little email tool? 

                       


When you use the internal email function here at Active rain, you have to select each individual, one at a time. 
Here's what that looks like when you prepare it for your client, friend or someone from your email database.


                                            


This is a great way to send your post to individuals you feel may be interested in your topic, idea, or discussion thread.
  Now if you want to send your post to multiple individuals, that's different!  Some large networks and companies see this as spam.  If you are sending your post to email addresses you have in your Outlook, Yahoo, or Google databases, then is this really spamming?  I don't feel it is.  Government says you can't call, now they have the "Do Not Mail Me" list, and at $3.50 per gallon for gas, who's gonna drive and knock on doors? :-)   I say EMAIL!!

 


Here's a great way to send your post by email to everyone in your database.
  Just create a cover message in your email, then BCC: a copy to everyone else in your database.  You'll have to use an accurate link back to your post. IE (The Holiday Gift)  What better way to drive readers to your post, instead of waiting for them to maybe find you someday.  Not only will you be driving readers to your post, you'll be driving more visitors to Active Rain and Localism.  Either way, ultimately, everybody wins.

Take it one final step further, why not email your entire Blog to your email database.  Instead of just sending a link to a particular post, send the link that contains all your posts, or your RSS Feed, or even your profile page.  Let them choose which topics and posts they'd like to read.  The point is, you are bringing it to them, and this is how to increase your readers, your business, and Active Rains continued growth and success. 

We can always put links on our business cards, our flyer's and signs, but are we using our email to really market our Blogs?   Not just a link in the signature of a reply either, are you sending email to anybody about your posts or Blogs?  This one is easy and may payoff in "Big Dividends," I'd try it.





What does your Blog have to say to the world about Real Estate, and how are you getting that word out there?  Is there any better way to compete and get results from all your hard work here?  As the media continues to get their Real Estate News into America's homes by television, newspaper and radio, and the Internet, how are you doing it?  Or are you? :-) 
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239 Comments on Marketing and Farming Your Blog

NOV
17
2007
651,919 Points 108 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Brad - This is great stuff.  I haven't ever even used that feature, but I guarantee that I am going to start.  I actually sent out a few links to my articles tonight.  Thanks for this one.  You are always "paying it forward". 
7:11pm • #1
160,644 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

you can also do "teaser headlines" and link to the balance of the post to drive traffic back to it as well.  Farming is about loyalty and if you can create a following, you will reap the rewards.

7:26pm • #3
239,191 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog

The world's shortest story:  What Brad Andersohn Doesn't Know About How to Use Active Rain

Thanks (once again) for providing great, useful information to us all, Brad.  I have never used the email feature but what a great way to let clients know when I am pushing their listing or location!

7:26pm • #4
567,783 Points 95 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Brad, I use the email feature a lot, sending posts to my team or office. The last few weeks when I click it on, another post comes up. Yes, I sent it to support to see what could be done. I think this is a lovely idea. Are you saying email to ourselves and then forward to our data base?
7:34pm • #6
294,111 Points 100 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Some great tips Brad!  Thanks for continuing to educate us and help us to market our blogs more effectively.
7:34pm • #7
604,896 Points 244 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Brad, Right on my man. I've been shoving my posts on people for a long time now. It works great.

I've never been one to fish with a bobber I use rubber worms where you constantly have to keep throwing it out there. I catch a lot of fish. Not sure why I started writing about fishing but it just seemed to fit.

7:37pm • #8
Brad,
Great advice, my friend.  You are constantly feeding us with good information.  Thanks for the ideas!
7:42pm • #9
2 Featured Posts
I did not know this....great idea.  Thanks!
7:42pm • #10
1 Featured Post

Hello Brad,

The stuff you put out here is so helpful and usful, your business must be going through the roof...

Thanks so much for sharing your technical information. 

7:55pm • #11

Brad,

I'm relatively new to AR and blogging.  Thanks for the great tip!

7:59pm • #12

Excellent tip!  Thanks so much for sharing!  Nancy

8:00pm • #13
292,469 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

 

Another Great Post!   Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us, it is much appreciated.

8:08pm • #14
130,959 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Hey Brad, We have been farming our outside blog for a while now,  sort of pushing it out there and I am glad you did this post as it gives us an additional way to get more posts out there a little easier for those that use this as their primary blog. Another job well done.
8:11pm • #15
110,262 Points
Well, what will they think of next? I've never noticed that little mail thingy!
8:26pm • #16
Fantastic information for a newbie to blogging like me!
8:36pm • #17
209,077 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Brad,  As usual you have done an amazing job for the benefit of the rest of us.  Thanks !
8:38pm • #18
Great tip, Thank You!
8:39pm • #19
195,145 Points 29 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Great post, Brad. This is the 'stuff' we should all be doing. More bang for our blogging buck. :-)
8:41pm • #20
237,688 Points 30 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

You are just too smart, ya know that don't you?    Thanks, once again, for another great informative post.

8:52pm • #21
18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor
Brad -I always wondered what that envelope thingy did. I am going to practice sending it to my husband and kids. Thanks for pointing out more ways to "sell" our blogs.
9:22pm • #22
3 Featured Posts

Brad,

Thanks, this is such an informative "how to" post, and guess what?  I get it!!  I'm going to do it now!

 

9:37pm • #23
Brad, You are truly amazing.  We are so fortunate to have you.  You are so willing to teach what you know and it just blows me away.  I have learned so much from you.  Thank you for you latest wisdom.  You are a very gifted individual.  I wish I something to give back to you.  Perhaps someday I will.
10:16pm • #24
One more thing Brad.  You look so much like my nephew and every time I see you picture I think of him.  That not a bad thing either.  He is far from me now in Pompano Beach.  Thanks again.
10:18pm • #25

Brad:

Thanks for this information!  I just learned something.  There is just so much to learn here.  I'm going to give this a try.

10:24pm • #26
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor
You are just brilliant!  Now that I think of it, well, duh! 
10:27pm • #27
3 Featured Posts
Brad,  Thanks.  I had never really checked out that feature before but love the idea.
10:37pm • #28
3 Featured Posts
Brad,  Thanks.  I had never really checked out that feature before but love the idea.
10:37pm • #29
Jason - it's great if you want to send one at a time, but I like to email the links, that way you get it out to your whole database in a matter of seconds.  Nice for you to be the first to comment, we just gort back from dinner, and I see this got featured! Yeah!  :-)
11:03pm • #30
Ryan - I swear I never touch the stuff!!  LOL Thanks!!  :-)
11:12pm • #31
Chris - that is a fantastic idea, I have seen many members do that to their own blogs.  Once you have them hooked into your post, they'll go just about anywhere to read the rest!  :-)
11:15pm • #32

The world's shortest story:  What Brad Andersohn Doesn't Know About How to Use Active Rain

Thanks (once again) for providing great, useful information to us all, Brad.  I have never used the email feature but what a great way to let clients know when I am pushing their listing or location!

Lisa - that was cute!  Contrary to your belief, I am still learning everyday, and there is a lot I still don't know!  But as I learn and find out, you know I won't have a problem sharing!!  :-) 

11:17pm • #33
Jeannie - thanks, and keep your head up!  It's these heads-up posts that will keep you from tripping over ourselves in the rain! LOL!  :-)
11:19pm • #34
275,330 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Brad, my next big project will be to get my best blogs set up as a resource library in Top Producer, to send out to my database as appropriate.
11:20pm • #35

Brad, I use the email feature a lot, sending posts to my team or office. The last few weeks when I click it on, another post comes up. Yes, I sent it to support to see what could be done. I think this is a lovely idea. Are you saying email to ourselves and then forward to our data base?

Hi Missy - got your email. This happened to Dan Forbes as well, there must be a glitch in the system somewhere. I just sent Ben an email with the details, we'll see what he says or if AR responds.  I like to do what you said in your comment, email yourself, then you can be sure it's all good, and then forward to anyone you want.  I'll let you know when and if I hear anything back from Ben!  Thanks Missy, I can't wait for us to meet someday!! :-) 

11:22pm • #36
Lola - I'm happy to do it!  We all know that nothing lasts forever, so I am glad to do my share of contributing right now.  I truly enjoy it here and absolutely love all these people!  I have more friends online than I think I do offline! Well....it's close anyway!  LOL!  :-)
11:25pm • #37
Broker B - thanks for droppin your line here in my Blog!  I know how long you have to wait for it to load so I am truly and sincerely honored! I hope you got a bite, or at least a nibble here! hahaha!!  My fish in this pond don't like rubber, they prefer the shiny stuff that looks like money in the water!  :-)  Glad the email thang is workin for ya, have a great Holiday my friend, tell TLW I wish her the same! 
11:30pm • #38
David - speaking of feeding us, sorry I called you from the dinner table tonight, I look forward to us finally getting to talk on Monday!  Have a great rest of the weekend!!  :-)
11:32pm • #39
Paula - if you learn one new thing everyday here, you'll be rockin the AR world within 15-30 days!  Glad you found me and my ramblings!!  :-)
11:34pm • #40
294,022 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Brad, you never cease to amaze me. You come up with such a plethora of well thought out, articulate topics, that your blog posts are always worth the read.

This idea will be something I will definitely check out.

http://www.GlitterMaker.com/ - Glitter Graphics

11:34pm • #41
1 Featured Post

Brad ~ You are a genius!  Not only did I not "see" the mail icon (I saw it but it didn't register) I never even thought about farming my blog, as you suggested.  I've sent a couple blogs to friends and family...you'd think my mind would take me farther than that!  Thank you again for another great tip!

11:39pm • #42
NOV
18
2007

Hello Brad, The stuff you put out here is so helpful and usful, your business must be going through the roof...Thanks so much for sharing your technical information. 

Wayne - oh it's going through the roof alright...LOL!  I thinks it's the same everywhere right now, I haven't announced that the RE tunnel we've been in this past year is over now.  Once I get that word out, I'll be too busy closing deals to Blog anymore! hahaha!  I'll be hiding on the roof!!

12:29am • #43
Patricia - Welcome to AR.  You'll really love it here.  Thanks for stopping by, I'm looking forward to seeing your blog and posts soon.  Best of luck and I'm here if you need anything at all!  :-)
12:30am • #44
Nancy - I'm glad you think this is a good tip.  It's only really good if you use it and it works.  Then it's a great tip!!  LOL!  :-)
12:33am • #45
Barbara - thanks, and I know how much you appreciate these posts, I can tell by your comments and the fact that you even take the time to do so.  Thanks, enjoy!!  :-)
12:34am • #46

Hey Brad, We have been farming our outside blog for a while now,  sort of pushing it out there and I am glad you did this post as it gives us an additional way to get more posts out there a little easier for those that use this as their primary blog. Another job well done.

Jay - I think the way you are already doing it is best, just add your AR Blog to the mix.  The envelope email in AR is only allowing 1 recipient at a time.  And I also understand they have been having some problems with it.  I have reported that to the AR Gods for them to be able to look into it for us.  Haven't heard back just yet.  I hope they'll add the ability to add multiple addresses or a way to pull from our databases.  I use Outlook and Yahoo to send out certain posts I like.  It works great so far!  :-) 

12:38am • #47
Linda - like I said, it's pretty small yet powerful!  :-)  Glad I could point it out and hopefully some value to it!
12:40am • #48
Mark - all of us were newbies at one time, and we all learned the same way you are now.  You're doing a great job, just keep pluggin away, the newbie status wears off real quick in the "rain"!  :-)
12:42am • #49
Bill - thanks!  It's not so amazing, :-) but I appreciate the kind words.  I do find this to be a great way to get your Blog or at least some of your posts out in front of those who may not even know they exist!  We have got to compete against the media, and change the market by telling people all the Good things that are still happening in all parts of the world with Real Estate! :-)
12:45am • #50
Bryan - you're welcome!  Short and sweet, easy to comment back! LOL!  Thanks!  :+)
12:46am • #51

Great post, Brad. This is the 'stuff' we should all be doing. More bang for our blogging buck. :-)

Elizabeth - you are right about that. But this is the stuff everybody might not be doing because they just might not know they can or how. Hopefully, these types of posts will change that and help everyone, at least those who see the value.  Thanks!!  :-)

12:49am • #52

You are just too smart, ya know that don't you?    Thanks, once again, for another great informative post.

Des - and you are just too cute and kind!!!!  You know that don't you? LOL!  Thanks for always making my posts so enjoyable to return to!  :-) 

12:51am • #53
Faina - go easy on the husbands and kid, I mean husband and kids! sorry... They may be getting a lot of email already...I think they're on my distribution list! hahaha!  Just kidding!!!  Hope this works well for you and generates some more readers and clients!  :-)
12:54am • #54
Jan - thanks, you are too funny....like you don't get the other stuff too! (Big SMILE), let me know if you need any help with ANY of the stuff I post, always willing to help out another VIP AR Member!  Glad you got it!!!  :-)
12:56am • #55
123,183 Points Outside Blog
Brad, I've encountered the same glitch as Missy did when emailing a post, at least on two occasions.  I'm glad to hear the AR folks are working on the problem.
12:57am • #56

Brad, You are truly amazing.  We are so fortunate to have you.  You are so willing to teach what you know and it just blows me away.  I have learned so much from you.  Thank you for you latest wisdom.  You are a very gifted individual.  I wish I something to give back to you.  Perhaps someday I will.

Pat - WOW!  I don't know what to say after that comment!  Truly one of the nicest I have received in a while!  Your words are very kind and heartfelt, I sincerely thank you!  As far as giving back to me, I'd rather you pay it forward to someone else.  When you see a person in need or who is down, think of me, and do something special for them!  That is how you can give something back to me.  Now if you want to talk about referral business...now that's another story!!  (HUGE SMILE AT PAT)  Thanks again Pat, enjoy the rest of the weekend!  

1:01am • #57
239,095 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Brad, you son of a gun! I never noticed that email thing-a-ma-jig! You are really something...always thinking! Thanks for waking some of us up!
1:04am • #58

One more thing Brad.  You look so much like my nephew and every time I see you picture I think of him.  That not a bad thing either.  He is far from me now in Pompano Beach.  Thanks again.

Pat - sorry to hear your nephew is so far away, but now you have me curious?!?  You're going to have to upload a picture into these comments so I can see what he looks like?  Is he handsome and a stud?  If so, I'll change out my photo!  :-)

1:04am • #59
Mary - glad I could show you something new today, I hope it works out well for you. More readers means more customers...always!!
1:06am • #60
Natalie - it's funny, even though I have never heard your voice before, I felt like I could hear you saying that, and it really made me laugh out loud!  That's never happened to me before!  Thanks for that, your words were so transparent, I could actually hear your voice in my head.  Either I'm really getting good with the text comments here, or it's WAY PAST MY BEDTIME!!  still laughing...  B-)
1:10am • #61
Carol - you should check it out, it's really a great way to grow your readers and business.  I can tell you're one of those people who gets a lot done and in a hurry.  You commented twice! LOL!!!  Sometimes you gotta slow down a bit just to catch back up...but it's worth it!  :-) Thanks Carol!
1:13am • #62

Brad, my next big project will be to get my best blogs set up as a resource library in Top Producer, to send out to my database as appropriate.

Brian - what a great idea!  I didn't even think of TP7i.  You could actually setup a library and then create an action Plan to email out a single designated post every week or every month for the entire year!  Man, what an awesome idea.  I'll have to let my TP7i users in my area know about that.  I guess I just need to click on the right now and send it from here to let them all know!  How convenient yet ironic is that! LOL!  :-)

1:18am • #63

Brad, you never cease to amaze me. You come up with such a plethora of well thought out, articulate topics, that your blog posts are always worth the read.

This idea will be something I will definitely check out.

Hi Teri - (my friend in red)  you'll need to add some green for the holidays! LOL!!   Thanks for a wonderful comment Teri, your comments never cease to amaze me!!  :-)  Hope all is well, it's always great to have you stop by, I need to get out more....I'll be by soon!!  :-)

1:21am • #64

Brad ~ You are a genius!  Not only did I not "see" the mail icon (I saw it but it didn't register) I never even thought about farming my blog, as you suggested.  I've sent a couple blogs to friends and family...you'd think my mind would take me farther than that!  Thank you again for another great tip!

Joddie - If I were such a genius, than why did it take me so long to figure it out too!!  LOL!  Some things are obvious, and some things I just have to think about for a while.  When I'm done with my posts here, I should have enough for a mini bloggers AR manual!  LOL!  Hope the emailing idea works well for you and hopefully generates some more readers and of course business.  :-) 

1:25am • #65

Brad, I've encountered the same glitch as Missy did when emailing a post, at least on two occasions.  I'm glad to hear the AR folks are working on the problem.

Eric - just use your email from your regular email carrier.  You can send multiple emails to unlimited individuals until they get it fixed.  I would always email yourself first, even after they review and fix it, then forward from your email t anyone you want!  I'd hate to see you try Farming your Blog "one email at a time".  As soon as I hear back from Ben, I'll be sure to comment here!  Thanks Eric!  :-)

1:28am • #66

Brad, you son of a gun! I never noticed that email thing-a-ma-jig! You are really something...always thinking! Thanks for waking some of us up!

Gena - want to hear something funny?  My fathers name is "Gunner" so I guess you nailed the bullet!  I am a son of a gun! hahaha!!  :-)  I'm glad I could point out that thing-a-ma-jig to you!  Now that you're awake, it's my bedtime! LOL  Here's a couple thing-a-ma-jig-le-bells for the Holidays!  :-)

1:32am • #67
124,010 Points Outside Blog
Great idea Brad!  I never thought of doing that but I did link my blog to my website.
1:40am • #68
378,021 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Ouch,

Me too in the group of geniuses who did not pay attention to all these icons there.

1:41am • #69

I have reported this to AR and flagged this post for them to review and repair. I would say that you can still use your existing email to farm your blog out to past clients, friends, and family.  You should always send yourself an email to be sure that what you think you are sending is what your recipients are actually getting.  I just tried to send this post to myself and this is what I got:

You'll notice the subject line is correct, but the link and the post being sent are totally wrong!  This is not good and needs to be corrected right away!  Sorry AR Gods, one more thing to do ASAP on Monday morning!

POST FLAGGED FOR AR TECHNICAL SUPPORT REVIEW!! 

 

 

1:44am • #70

Roberta - thats awesome!  Now that your Blog is linked to your website, you need to send out emails to everyone telling them to go see your Blog that's now connected to your page.  Otherwise, nobody will know or care.  I mean that in the kindest and most gentle way!  The whole concept of websites and Blogs is to drive traffic to them, not wait and see who will come.  IF you plan a party, do you send out invites and tell everybody? or do you put a sign in the yard and just hope people show up.  I would hit the emails hard with your website and blog now being connected!  Now is the time to drive readers to both your Blog and you Website! You will benefit from your efforts I assure you.

Brad steps off the podium and has a seat in the front row...LOL! :-)

2:00am • #71
Jon - it is a pretty tiny icon, with no text or instructions, but not any longer, the instructions are right here!  I think so many members read this and started using it, we must have broke it! LOL!  I think AR is looking into it right now.  Email Farming your Blog is a "New" concept, but then again, so is this market!  Hope it all works out for you.  If I find any other tiny little Icons laying around AR, I'll be sure to investigate and keep you posted! :-)
2:04am • #72
378,021 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

What fascinates me is not that you write good blogs, and not that you get a lot of comments, but that you answer all of them, and the timing of it is impressive. This makes it worth commenting, even if this is not a group discussion, but more like a face to face.

Thanks

2:13am • #73

Jon - I appreciate that, and It is kinda like being face to face. I hope we will meet someday and be able to raise a toast to all the good times out here, and all the great friendships that get established.  You're a good man, and I wish all the best to you this Holiday Season! 


Title Company: Brad Andersohn (First American Title)    Picture of Real Estate Brokerage: Jon Zolsky (FunCoast Realty LLC)
2:30am • #74
7 Featured Posts
Brad- sometimes I think i am smart and then you remind me- NOT  (blonde)!!!  Don't know why I havent thought of this.... So glad you are here and can't wait to learn more and more and more!!! Hey, do you ever learn anything around here....or do you already know it all?!?!?!   :)!
4:49am • #75
316,875 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hey Brad - LOVE this idea!!  I've had this in the back of my mind for awhile now, and you just pushed it to the forefront.  Thanks!!

Ann

7:00am • #76
184,601 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Brad- you're toooooo much :-)  I've been so busy the last few weeks (and it's all good) that I haven't had much time for extra caricular activities.  But as usual you continue to provide us with truly relevant information - thank you!  I hope your business is going well and you close 2007 with a bang.

 

7:01am • #77
278,642 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Great ideas Brad,  may I add that I include a link to my blog as part of my signature on every email I write?
7:17am • #78

Really informative.  A good post to re-read every chance I get.  Thanks.

Ryan

8:15am • #79
Once again another feature I didn't know about, it's a great promotion technique.
8:38am • #80
479,909 Points 151 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Brad....(I didn't read any comments since I am late to this party. And not sure if anyone mentioned this)  I have used this feature before.... but curious... you talk about farming clients....  a client to me is someone that is new, meaning that we haven't spoken as of yet and they might be interested in my services. Meaning... I want new clients. Your title and first paragraph or so alludes to the fact that we want new clients... but then goes into the part to e-mail to those clients that we have. But you never really got into the fact of how to obtain e-mail addresses of those that you have not talked to. When a realtor farms a certain area, prospecting for new clients, all they need are the client's names and home address.  That is farming....

Again, you break down the envelope well, but I just felt that it didn't get me to what you mentioned in the beginning. When a client comes to me, that is when I have their e-mail address already. And I either have them as a client or trying. But getting back to the point.... how do you get that envelope to work for you for those you don't know as of yet. ????

jeff belonger
9:07am • #81
234,665 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Brad, thanks again for all you do.  Tremendous idea!  I love how you always give not just the idea but also the how to as well. 
9:16am • #82
Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Brad,

 

Great stuff. I am learning a lot from your posts.

Thanks for the help

Anne

9:20am • #83
Kim - I wish I knew it All!!!  I learn everyday in and out of the rain.  Hopefully, when I learn, you learn, at least that's been my goal.  I have been learning a lot lately, so that's why the barrage of posts!  Soon I'll be writing about some other interesting things that I hope will help your business even more.  Instead of AR support stuff, I'll be leaning into more technology and marketing like this post here.  Gotta crawl before I walk though...thanks Kim!  Oh BTW - I am a dirty blonde, use to be a toe head till I was 12. LOL!  :-)
9:56am • #84
Ann - it is kinda one of those AHA ideas, I think many of us have thought about it, but the social side of Blogging can sometimes take us off course.  That's not a bad thing, I think we just get comfortable doing things a certain way and for a certain reason.  Since getting people out of their comfort zone is something I do all day, everyday already, I feel right at home doing a post like this!  LOL!  It really is a great way to draw in readers, expose your Blog (or the parts you want exposed) and push more traffic to AR.  Everybody really does win!  :-)
10:04am • #85

Hi Brad- you're toooooo much :-)  I've been so busy the last few weeks (and it's all good) that I haven't had much time for extra caricular activities.  But as usual you continue to provide us with truly relevant information - thank you!  I hope your business is going well and you close 2007 with a bang.

Gail - it's great to hear you've been busy, some folks in these parts wish they could say that!  We have seen a great deal of change in our West Coast market just like everyone else.  As things slow down for you, it may be a good time to start keeping in touch with past clients, your sphere and family, and new target clients.  Start sending out your Blog to EVERYONE so they can see how AWESOME you are on AR!  Have a great Holiday, and a "SUPER" 2008! 

10:12am • #86

Every couple weeks I learn about all the new features available to us on this site.....THANKS BRAD, very few are able to condense the features into blog styled snippets in an equal fashion.

 

10:29am • #87

Diane - I think the link on your email signatures is a great start to getting the word out there, but is there a more powerful way to get it across?  When you reply to an email, that person is more in tune to your response, than your signature, and if you send or initiate an email, they are more in tuned to your message than your signature.  So make your message the Farm!

Here's a Sample email you could send to a past client or friend etc - (farming a new client with email would be different)

Hi Diane -

I hope this email finds you in great health and happiness!  I just wanted to let you know that I am now authoring a Blog that I hope will bring you some great value and information regarding Real Estate.  There is some useful information there and I hope you'll stop by to see what I've built for you.  There's statistics about your area, home values and the changing market, when you should buy, sell or invest and more.  I have also written about local upcoming events, local and national news, and created a few "NEW" tools for my clients to use like property showcases, featured homes this week, rates and loans that really do still exist, and a whole series on "Do-It-Yourself" Home repair, maintenance and How-to's, plus much more!  I hope you'll stop by my Blog for a visit, it's loaded with information you can use,  it may also save you some time and money!  Visit my Blog Diana at Brad's Blog,  and feel free to comment or contact me anytime.  It's like having an office open to you 24/7.  Thanks Diane!

PS- I am never too busy for your calls, emails, business or referrals!  

Now that's not exactly what I'd say, but this is just a comment in my Blog! LOL! 

This might be something you could email to a friend, family member, past client, or your sphere.  Creating a "farming email" and getting email addresses to "NEW" or target clients would be a different email entirely, but I'm sure you get how this would work in that scenario as well. 

Hope this gives you something to kick around in your head, and helps you put together your own email campaign.  You could also just email out each post with the subject line that says, "SOMETHING I THOUGHT YOU'D LIKE TO KNOW" then include a link to your post, and now they're at your Blog!  Many ways to do it, just think outside the box! :-) 

10:34am • #88
122,569 Points 1 Featured Post
Brad, great post and a great idea. I will start linking my clients today. With over 1,000 in my data base I should get great results. Great post. Thank You
10:34am • #89
425,157 Points 47 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Great advice Brad. I started emailing mine about a month ago. This is certainly a great proactive method of getting your voice out there.
10:36am • #90
Ryan - thanks, but don't spend your time re-reading this, spend your time putting together some powerful email invitations that will bring new, existing, past clients and friends to your Blog.  I did a sample email above. Hope this works for you. I know you'd love to start seeing comments from others on your Blog like family, local friends, and consumers that comment, "Great Stuff! We'd Like To Meet And Work With You!!"  Here's a thought, does Mom or Dad ever comment?  Do they even know you have a Blog?  What about husbands and wives?  How come we don't see them here....makes ya start thinking huh? :-)
10:43am • #91

Brad-

Your doing what I dream of doing.  Thanks for the help!

Do you mind copy cats?

Sharkey

10:48am • #92

Christina - yes, it could be used as promotional, the key is to get email addresses of individuals you don't know if you want to get "New" business.  The value in promoting to past clients, friends, and your sphere, is to build up your referral business.  If you send this out to a "FARM" list of email, you want to be sure it comes across as a third party referral email. 

There are many ways to do this, but not on this Blog post! LOL~  Somethings we just can't give up that easily!  :-)  I did an email farm once to about 10,000 total strangers, and actually got back 600-700 responses!  I was promoting a Real Estate Tech Fair, and wanted to get the word out, but I had to make the email appear that it wasn't spam!  It worked!! There are ways to do this, you just have to be creative...which I know you are!  :-)

10:52am • #93

Brad....(I didn't read any comments since I am late to this party. And not sure if anyone mentioned this)  I have used this feature before.... but curious... you talk about farming clients....  a client to me is someone that is new, meaning that we haven't spoken as of yet and they might be interested in my services. Meaning... I want new clients. Your title and first paragraph or so alludes to the fact that we want new clients... but then goes into the part to e-mail to those clients that we have. But you never really got into the fact of how to obtain e-mail addresses of those that you have not talked to. When a realtor farms a certain area, prospecting for new clients, all they need are the client's names and home address.  That is farming....

Again, you break down the envelope well, but I just felt that it didn't get me to what you mentioned in the beginning. When a client comes to me, that is when I have their e-mail address already. And I either have them as a client or trying. But getting back to the point.... how do you get that envelope to work for you for those you don't know as of yet. ????

Jeff - now you know better, go back and read the comments!!!  You should know by now that the true value and credibility of any and every good post is in the comments!!  (Big Smile)! :-) 

My opinion of a client is different than yours, you say "a client to me is someone that is new, meaning that we haven't spoken as of yet and they might be interested in my services." I disagree, a client is just that, a client!  They HAVE done business with you.  A potential client or "new" client is someone who doesn't know you or has never done business with you.   (gotta love our difference of opinion) :-)

I have to be honest here, getting email addresses of "New and Potential" clients for the future is key, and there are ways to do this, but you'll have to do some research on your own to get that, or hire me as your consultant and coach! :-)

If you read further into this post, you'll see the other ways I mentioned to do this without using the "one-by-one" email envelope in AR.  Use your email service like Outlook, Google or Yahoo etc. to produce your email campaign.

You may be missing a great opportunity to farm "Past Clients" for referral business too!  I think you just have to look beyond my post, and into your creativity.  How many people do you email your Posts or Blog to currently?  Do all the people in your database know about your blog?  How are you exposing it to existing and potential new clients? 

Did you know there are sources out there that will provide you email addresses to people you don't have in your database? I could go on and on, but again, this is just a post to get you thinking, and to stop waiting for people to find you and your Blog!  I don't want you to miss the point in the message.  Promote your Blog by Farming, short and simple.  New clients, friends, family, neighbors, past clients sphere, no matter how you put it, It's ALL FARMING!!! 

I hope this helps answers your question.  If you want email addresses of potentially new clients, well.....you're a pretty sharp guy, I know you'll figure it out!  Now go back and read some of the comments and see what the others are getting out of this, there may be more light shed on the subject.  Thanks Jeff, now get busy farming for ANY clients you can! LOL!  :-)

11:20am • #94
254,417 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Brad,

Man, you continue to amaze us with your great ideas.  I feel like the I could have had a V-8 commercial now! :)  Thanks for this one! Have a great Thanksgiving!

11:21am • #95
David - it's fun to figure out new things and to share with my other AR family members.  I'm glad you get it, and find it useful.  I hope you can use this to double your business in 2008!!  Thanks my friend! :-)
11:22am • #96
Anne - thank you, it's great to hear that these posts aren't going to waste and that some members are actually finding value in them.  I love to be a resource to my clients!  Sharing what I learn here is an honor and a privilege.  The rewards do come back 10-fold!  All the best to you, and thanks for your comment!  :-)
11:25am • #97

Every couple weeks I learn about all the new features available to us on this site.....THANKS BRAD, very few are able to condense the features into blog styled snippets in an equal fashion.

Ryan - that's a very nice compliment and worded differently then a lot I receive.  Thanks for your appreciation and for taking the time to put it into words so eloquently!  :-)  Keep learning my friend, that's what keeps us growing!

11:28am • #98

Brad, great post and a great idea. I will start linking my clients today. With over 1,000 in my data base I should get great results. Great post. Thank You

Mark - now that's what I am talking about!!  I wish Jeff Belonger could see your comment!  If you have a 1000 in your database, and each of them told just 1 person about you or your Blog, there's a potential for 1000 "NEW" clients by Referral.  Mark, it doesn't get any better than that!  Good luck to you, I know you will prosper from your email farming efforts.  Once they come to your Blog and see the value you offer, now you'll have clients for life!! 

11:32am • #99
479,909 Points 151 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Brad...as I mentioned, no, I didn't read any comments and I made that statement for several reasons. At least I state this.... it's bad enough when someone doesn't read the whole post, which is a pet peeve and that I just wrote about. And yes, there are two types of clients. I attach two links to my signature of my e-mail, so when I send an e-mail, my blog sites are at the bottom of each e-mail.  Besides, you can also do news letters, which keeps in touch with old clients. Referrals and repeat business is a good part of my business.

Yes, you did a good job of breaking this down. But my main point was because you mentioned farming. And farming to me is going after new clients in a certain neighborhood as many realtors do this. Yes, I am sure there are ways to get e-mail addresses. I haven't look into this... one reason is because I think this is partially spamming. I so hate getting e-mails that too me are consider junk mail. From people who solicitate my business. And I am sure there are other ways to go about this. I will read the comments, but at a later time.

thanks for sharing this and getting back to me. You make some good points, but I guess I am using the 'farming' term that so many realtors use and talk about, and trying to shed light on that. We just have two different view points.

jeff belonger
11:33am • #100

Great advice Brad. I started emailing mine about a month ago. This is certainly a great proactive method of getting your voice out there.

Hey Bill - I haven't even known what Blogging is for 9 months, you are way ahead of the game my friend! This should have been your post!!  Did you know that some corporate websites offer email addresses to employees and staff?  I also have found that when you get a call from a stranger in the office about Real Estate, we are so used to asking for their name and number, we forget to ask for their email address!  Here's just one way to build an email database of "New" and potential clients for the future. 

We need to get your Blog in front of every person we can!  You can also get email addresses from CC: emails that you receive from other friends and family members. Keep growing your email database, that's where the future and referrals are!  :-) 

11:39am • #101

Jeff - My bad, would you like me to change the word "Farming" to "Prospecting?"  To me my friend, anything you do to get business from new or existing clients is farming, prospecting, target marketing, niche marketing etc.

The term Farming according to the true definition of the word means: Farming was once the chief way of life in nearly every country. People cannot live without food, and nearly all their food comes from crops and animals raised on farms. Many other materials such as cotton and wool also come from plants and animals raised on farms. Not many people farm for a living any more, but farming remains the most important occupation in the world.

source: http://42explore.com/farming.htm

So I guess we are both wrong!!  LOL!  Thanks Jeff for keeping me on my toes and accountable here in the rain!  Now get out there and farm...I mean prospect!  LOL!  :-) 

BTW - spam is something you eat out of a can if we're going to be analytical about words here! ROFL :-) 

11:49am • #102

Brad-

Your doing what I dream of doing.  Thanks for the help!  Do you mind copy cats?

Sharkey - dreams can become reality.... you're welcome!

I don't mind your compliment, but I guess I'd need to know what you mean by "copy cats" before I said "Go For It"  If you meant to cut, copy, and paste my materials in your posts, I'd have a problem with that. :-)

I think you meant the whole email concept here, and If I didn't want you to copy this idea, and put it into use, I would not have written this post! :-)   Best to you and all your marketing efforts, I hope this idea will generate you new and referral business!!   B-)

11:59am • #103

Hi Brad,

Man, you continue to amaze us with your great ideas.  I feel like the I could have had a V-8 commercial now! :)  Thanks for this one! Have a great Thanksgiving!

Guess what, I just had a V8!!  LOL!  That's funny!  I miss my Snappy Tom though.  You have a great Thanksgiving Holiday as well.  Thanks for stopping by and for the V8 comment, it brought back some memories of some of those funny commercials!   :-) 

12:03pm • #104
This is wonderful news, thanks for sharing!
12:31pm • #105
Brad - We did not know about this feature!!! What a great idea and we will start using it!!
2:33pm • #106
263,267 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Brad - I gotta admit man, you are on the ball and on target.  I didn't know about this either.  I must say, you are one of the best contributors Active-Rain has........that's a fact in my book.  Keep it up amigo and watch out for the V8 stuff, it can be high in sodium:-)

 

2:45pm • #107
343,204 Points Outside Blog
This is a good idea. But have seen a problem with the little envelope feature you are mentioning and it not working.Maybe it is now fixed.
2:52pm • #108
134,956 Points Outside Blog
I never paid that little icon any attention.  I did not know that you could email the posts out from here.  That is fantastic!!  I really like the idea of that.
2:57pm • #109
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Brad, Good! You're back on track. I'm glad you went beyond the AR email facility because it is so cumbersome. But emailing the blog to clients and potential clients (see I read the comments too) is a very good idea. Thanks.

Bill Roberts

4:27pm • #110

As always thanks for sharing, Brad. This is a great tip to start implementing.

 

Mobile Notary 

5:45pm • #111

Hi Brad ... Thanks for taking the time and sharing.

During my time at A/R visiting your post as also helped me to learn more and more......I'm so appreciative for all your advise.... You've helped me to rethink; how I can improve myself and my business.... I truly can't thank you enough.... your a blessing to me.... and I will always remember how you have feed me... from all your posts to having you sharing with me your special songs dedicated to your son... WOW... thanks for taking the time to give.

 

Please don't STOP giving.... WHEN YOU GIVE IT WILL COME BACK TO YOU.

Donna Paul
6:37pm • #112
Brad, thank you so much for the information. I am new myself, so everything I can learn is very valuable to me.
6:55pm • #113
677,360 Points 145 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Brad - this was terrific, as always. I have used the email feature a little, but have sent links to posts to individuals and groups of people quite a bit...and am doing more all the time, especially since I can send to as many foks as I want at one time. Email IS the way to go. Thanks for the great suggestions.

Jeff

7:26pm • #114
thanks for the helpful info. The tools on ar are endless 
9:15pm • #115
Tyghre Collentine - no problem, I never mind sharing with other "sharing" members!  :-)
10:08pm • #116
Rick ad Lynn - the envelope email in AR IS NOT WORKING right now, I have sent it in to Tech Support and have not heard back yet.  Whe it was working, is was good if youjust wanted to send 1 or 2 emails, but if you want to send multiple emails, you're better off to use your outside email account!  Thanks for your comment and for stopping by!  :-)
10:10pm • #117

Brad - I gotta admit man, you are on the ball and on target.  I didn't know about this either.  I must say, you are one of the best contributors Active-Rain has........that's a fact in my book.  Keep it up amigo and watch out for the V8 stuff, it can be high in sodium:-)

Jason - your words are kind, and I love your fact book! LOL!  Thanks my friend, and I took some tums for the overdose of sodium! :-)

10:13pm • #118
Bob - I know for a fact it is not fixed yet!  I would say don't use it right now, use your regular email and just send links to your post, Blog, o Profile page!  :-)  I'll post a comment here when it's fixed.  Or Bob Stewart or Ben can pipe in any time when it's corrected.  Probably wouldn't have featured this post if we all knew it was broken. :-)
10:15pm • #119
Kimberly - it's a great idea, but you can only send one at a time.  If that's the case,go for it.  I would email it t myself first to be sure it's working ok...then you can forward the email to anyone you want. Better safe than sorry!  :-)
10:17pm • #120
Bill - thanks for your comment, I'm glad someone reads the comments before they...well....never mind!  I think it's a great idea myself, that's why I had to post it! hahaha!!  Hope I didn't embarrass myself or anyone else earlier!  ;-).... I could a had a V8!!   LOLOLOL!!  :-)
10:22pm • #121
LaShon - cool, glad you liked it!  :-)
10:24pm • #122
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor
Hey, Brad.  Now, I'm cracking up.  I wrote it and hit submit and then wondered - will he be offended?  I'm glad you saw it for what it's worth!!!!!  Just a light-bulb going off!
10:25pm • #123

Hi Brad ... Thanks for taking the time and sharing.

During my time at A/R visiting your post as also helped me to learn more and more......I'm so appreciative for all your advise.... You've helped me to rethink; how I can improve myself and my business.... I truly can't thank you enough.... your a blessing to me.... and I will always remember how you have feed me... from all your posts to having you sharing with me your special songs dedicated to your son... WOW... thanks for taking the time to give.

Please don't STOP giving.... WHEN YOU GIVE IT WILL COME BACK TO YOU.

Donna -  if you give expecting something in return, you may never achieve it ever, but if we give with no expectations, we will truly be blessed!  I am Blessed!  Thank you so much for such a wonderful and uplifting comment.  It's days like these, that you make me proud to be a member here!  :-)

10:28pm • #124
Vickie - welcome to AR and to my Blog!  You're welcome to stop by anytime and learn about whatever I'm rambling about at the time. LOL!  It's great to see you, don't be a stranger!  :-)
10:31pm • #125

Brad - this was terrific, as always. I have used the email feature a little, but have sent links to posts to individuals and groups of people quite a bit...and am doing more all the time, especially since I can send to as many foks as I want at one time. Email IS the way to go. Thanks for the great suggestions.

Jeff - thanks my friend, i hear the AR email envelope is busted and it sends out arbitrary posts to your recipients!  Might want to just use regular email right now.  Guess my post broke it!!  LOL!  ooopps.....  :-)

10:33pm • #126
Gary - the tools are endless here, use them, I wish you all the best!  :-)
10:35pm • #127

Natalie - I have since slept and had a day in the world, but funny thing is, I can still hear your voice in my head! Is that totally weird or what.  Not your most recent comment, but your original one...I'm sorry...I'm still laughing but it's kinda creepy at the same time.  Now I feel like I have to call you on the phone just to see if it is the same voice I am hearing in my head!!   Too Bizarre! 

BTW - It takes more than you got to offend me, I like when people are honest and real! Thanks!!  :-) 

10:42pm • #128
183,051 Points 19 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Brad...Some of you posters are so prolific.  I can hardly keep up with the information you share.  I'm going to keep trying to figure out what I'm doing in this new world.  Thanks for your help.

Kathleen

10:52pm • #129
Kathleen - you just let me know what you need help with, and I'll be there for ya!  I only post a couple times a week. well, sometimes more, but you should be able to keep up just fine!!!   Fasten your seat belt!!  LoL!!  :-)
10:55pm • #130
641,030 Points 104 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Brad- WOW, you are great at sharing and paying it forward. I use the email feature to send links to our listings and to prospects to show them what we do. I also wanted to do this farming by email with my blog but did not know quite how to go about it, thanks for the how to tutorial once again! Katerina
11:33pm • #131
415,897 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog
My head is officially spinning. I think I'm going to have to bookmark AND print this one. I'm finding myself getting lost, trying to understand and keep up with everything. Thank you once again, for sharing your knowledge with us.
11:42pm • #132
NOV
19
2007
189,816 Points 48 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Brad,

Thanks for the article.  

I usually mention to my students when we talk about RSS and lead capturing that they can use a service like feedburner or feedblitz for this very thing.

Not many people know this, but you can replace your traditional email newsletter with an rss email subscription service... I use feedburner.

There isn't an import tool to enter in all your current contacts to protect from spam, but if you contact feedburner directly and ask nicely, they will send you a link to do just that.  Then you can write all your regular email newsletters on your blog, and they will be delivered automatically... pretty cool!

-Justin Smith

Real Estate Tomato 

1:28am • #133
197,115 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
That is a great idea, Brad!  Never thought of that.  I will definitely start using this as part of my marketing.  Thanks for sharing!
8:01am • #134
Great concept to increase marketing exposure! I plan to try it out. There are so many groups who could benefit from the blogs outside of AR. Thanks!
8:44am • #135

Brad- WOW, you are great at sharing and paying it forward. I use the email feature to send links to our listings and to prospects to show them what we do. I also wanted to do this farming by email with my blog but did not know quite how to go about it, thanks for the how to tutorial once again! Katerina

Katerina - shhhhh.......farming your Blog is great to clients, past clients, friends, and family!  I suggest to try and start building a new database of emails and potentially new clients!  The best way to email a "New" person is by referral or 3rd party endorsement.  Getting your email to be "Viral" so to speak.  If you can get the people you know, (that know and love you), to forward your email to their friends and their database, now we're really onto something.  I actually train and teach Agents and other Industry professionals how to do this.  You have to be careful when just sending to email databases, it might be construed as spamming.  But when you ask others to do it for you, and you reward them, BINGO! JACKPOT! GOLDMINE!!  :-)  Everything works better by referral. 

9:24am • #136

Lisa - grab your head for a second and stop the spinning!!! LOL!  It's this simple....

  • Send your posts or your Blog to people you know who have an email address (that's everyone by the way).
  • Ask them to forward it to their family and friends too, (be sure to tell them why)
  • Offer a way to subscribe to your Blog by email like you see under my photo.(when you post, they get emailed)
  • Use the AR little Icon to do these one at a time, or use your Outlook or whatever email program to do multiple email addresses. ( I use Outlook)

The key is to not wait for people to hopefully find your Blog or Posts someday...they probably won't.  You need to farm it the same as you would a newsletter, or a just listed or just sold, or any marketing piece.  Your Blog is your "Know All - Be All" now.  You gotta get the word out there, so others know it exists. Hope that helps the spinning! LOL! (Big Smile) :-)

9:32am • #137

Justin - awesome point, I was just explaining that as a portion of my comment to Lisa above.  I use it on my AR blog, you'll see it under my photo to the right.  I didn't know about the import tool (I can ask real nice LOL!) from feedburner.  I'll have to check that out. 

I just use outlook to BCC everyone I want to let know about a post.  Or I send a link to my entire Blog depending on who, or the situation.  My hope is that when they come to visit my Blog, they'll subscribe using the feedburner tool.  Do you have any suggestions on how to do this more efficiently? 

You guys at the Tomato are the Bomb!  Tell Jim I said Hi if you see him today! :-)

9:42am • #138
Brigita - this is a great way to market your "Voice" to others!  It's better than a faming letter they might just throw in the trash!  They can't throw away your Blog!!  :-)  Go for it, and best of luck to you.
9:45am • #139
Ken - you're not kidding, there are so many groups that could benefit from Blogging, but like many things that are great, most never find or seek the value!  Even when you lead a horse to the water, most often times, they just won't drink!  That's just how it is.  Now for those who see the value and seek the gold, they don't mind panning and working for it. 
9:48am • #140

 

     Good News!!!! - The AR Gods have informed me by email this morning that......

 

                                                                                            

 
    
     I would try sending yourself your post first to be sure everything is working ok.  I just tried it and it worked fine.
Thanks AR Techs, YOU GUYS ROCK and are always ON IT!!  :-)

 

 

 

 

9:55am • #141

Brad - has anyone ever called you the ActiveRain Genius? If not, I guess I just did.

Brian Wilson, Zolve.com 

Brian Wilson
11:57am • #142
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

Hey, Brad!  You are too funny.  Call me anytime!   I'd like to know if my voice is in your  head.  You'll really be freaking out, won't you!?! 

Saw a blog today by Bob.  I didn't read the comments, but I do feel you need to read it and edit your tags and be part of this... 

http://activerain.com/blogsview/241901/Community-Support-From-the

2:52pm • #143
Brian - not till now, and yes you did.  Thanks my friend!  Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday! :-)
5:49pm • #144
Natalie - you are so funny, I will be calling you, but right now I'm enjoying the anticipation of either being freaked out, or just at ease! LOL!  If I can tell by text what someone's voice really sounds like, I think I'm in the wrong business!!  :-)
6:36pm • #145
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor
Hey Brad:  After scrolling the bar down the comments for 22-1/2 minutes, I finally got to the box where I could leave a comment.  Buddy, you totally rock....but I am guessing that, perhaps, you already have gleaned that fact from the 145 comments!  (or was it 154?  I don't want to take another 22-1/2 minutes to scroll back up and check my facts).  We AR-ers who live in your market are incredibly fortunate!!
9:08pm • #146

Hey that is some good stuff, I never knew one could send an e-mail of their article to a mailing list.  Thank for the info!

Take care!

RJH

10:12pm • #147
169,539 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Brad,

I've been doing this every month with my market report.  I don't know how many actually read my blog on a regular basis, but it's definitely a way to get it out there.

10:23pm • #148
NOV
20
2007
267,155 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Brad - Great info as always - it was great to hear from you today - I hope to see you over in the hammock soon! Have a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving with your family!!! - Be Safe :-)
12:37am • #149
Wendy - 22-1/2 minutes on my post has to be a new record! LOL!  We need to upgrade your motherboard!  It should have only taken 17 minutes! hahaha!!   You are a tremendous asset to the AR community and to our local market!  I am so happy to see you and Countrywide taking an active role in helping our customers and community.  Thanks for your support in and outside Active Rain.  You're one-of-a-kind!  :-)
1:18am • #150
Robert - I hope you'll find this to be a great way to increase your readers and a proactive way to get your posts and blog out into your community!  Thanks for taking the time to comment.  So many like to just read and run!  :-)
1:20am • #151
Fran - you should track readers that come to your Blog and also offer the ability for them to subscribe by email.  If they are not AR members, they probably won't subscribe with the AR tool, but if you add a "Subscribe" by email, you might get a better feel of who is coming and going, and who want to be kept informed of your posts! :-)
1:22am • #152
Cyndee - it's always great to see and hear from you too.  You and Jack have an awesome Thanksgiving Holiday, and the sooner I can get to the hammock, the better!! (BIG SMILE)  :-)))
1:26am • #153
OK Wendy - now it's 154, I got your back, and even if when your facts are transposed, see...I get them corrected for you, and save you 22 1/2 minutes! LOL! :-)
1:28am • #154
I really do appreciate your tips on this!  I will have to start doing right away and getting the word out!          
2:57am • #155
You always have a great idea or something informative on your posts, once again, thanks for the info
6:54am • #156
299,911 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Hi Brad, Now this is why you get the big bucks! Why had I not thought of that?  I knew the capability was there.  This is a V-8 moment!
8:19am • #157

Naoma - here's what I think.  Many Bloggers will write their post then walk away and hope someone finds it and reads it.  Either another member will come along and comment (most likely), someone will do a google keyword search, (maybe get lucky), or they'll come back later to find nothing at all.  Kind of like fishing.

If you do it this way, it's farming!  Putting the word out there and by invitation bringing people to your Blog or just an individual post!  Email is the best way in the world to communicate long distance.  Text messaging is a close second. The phone is 3rd, snail mail is forth, and lastly is in person.  We should use all these ways to market our Blogs and stop waiting for people to find us.  We need to invite and send them to us!  

8:53am • #158
Peggy - it's reassuring knowing that my time and efforts here are bringing you some value added information. Glad you are finding these posts, and that they are informative and useful to you.  Thanks!  :-) 
9:00am • #159
Hi Cynthia - that's funny, you're the second one to bring up V8 in this post! LOL!  Sometimes we are just looking too deep for some of the simplest things in life!  :-) Happy Holidays! 
9:03am • #160
3 Featured Posts

Hi, Brad,

Could you post information about the MY ADS link on members' home pages?  Maybe you've already written about this, and if so, please direct me to that post.  I've seen a couple of blogs asking about it, and I know what it is... just not sure how/what kind of ad would be productive.  I'm sure you are using for some of the things you have on your sidebar. 

Thanks!

9:16pm • #161
NOV
21
2007

Hi, Brad,

Could you post information about the MY ADS link on members' home pages?  Maybe you've already written about this, and if so, please direct me to that post.  I've seen a couple of blogs asking about it, and I know what it is... just not sure how/what kind of ad would be productive.  I'm sure you are using for some of the things you have on your sidebar. 

Thanks!

Hi Jan - I did a post awhile back regarding "20 Google Tools for Your Business", you will find everything you need in that post.  Let me know if you have any questions or need additional help with that!  Have a great Holiday! :-) 

11:44am • #162
I am new in active rain and the whole blog world.  Thank you so much for sharing this great information.  I am testing it out on myself right now.
1:47pm • #163
I tried to send this to myself and that was about 45 minutes ago.  I wanted to test it out before I sent it out to others.  However, nothing has come through to my email.  Does it take longer or maybe I did not do it correct.
2:20pm • #164
165,557 Points
Brad, quit writing all this good stuff... I am running out of bookmarks.  Thanks, Buddy.
2:29pm • #165
Renee - Welcome to AR and the whole new Blogging thing! LOL! :-)  Let me know if you need help!  :-)
2:58pm • #166

Renee - there are a couple ways you can do this.

You can use the "envelope icon" to send individual posts or you can use the "Link" to your post or Blog to send to multiple recipients.  Like this link:  http://activerain.com/blogsview/277447/Marketing-and-Farming-Your

I would rename it and make it look like this:  An Article You Must Read!  

Or you could email your entire Blog and it could look like this!   The Ultimate Real Estate Resource

Either way, they should ALL work.  Let me know ok? 

If you need help, I also run The Blog Builder if you ever need it!  Not marketing here, just trying to help!  :-) 

3:24pm • #167
Dan - this one was dedicated to you!  Thanks for helping us to get this corrected!  I have slowed down, This was my last post written.  It's killing me, but I am holding back a bit!  Happy Holidays Dan, have a safe and fun Thanksgiving!  :-)
3:27pm • #168
NOV
22
2007
Did you know that all your past clients have email addresses? And did you know that all their friends and family do too? Hmmm....  the Blogging Sphere Farm, now that's what I'm talking about!  :-)
1:12am • #169
270,988 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog
BRAD:  This is great advice.  I am going to work this into my plans.  I can't think of a better way to communicate with my database than my blog.  It sure beats using some generic newsletter with my info stamped on it.
7:08am • #170
472,722 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Brad -  This is another great posting to your blog.  Thanks for these detailed instructions!  Happy Thanksgiving
7:23am • #171

Adam - your comment was as good as a post! LOL!   This is exactly what I am trying to get across.  Your Blog is the "Be All" to your clients and prospects.  Why are we not pushing it like business cards and email replies? :-)

Don't wait for them to find you, tell 5 new people everyday about your Blog! That's over 1000 new readers every year! This is just the beginning when it comes to farming your Blog...watch for more coming soon...   :-) 

9:11am • #172
Don - thank you, and you're welcome!  Have a great Thanksgiving too my friend! :-)
9:12am • #173
NOV
23
2007
149,908 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor
Brad - Someday I'm going to have the time to go back through all your posts.  What an amazing wealth of information you provide.  Thank you.
12:02am • #174
Gail - We'll keep a mint on the pillow, and the light on for you!  LOL!  Come back anytime you like, and feel free to take your time browsing my Blog for any posts that interest you.  You are always welcomed here!  Thanks. :-)
4:00am • #175
278,642 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Brad, I found this late but what a great idea to send a link to our database.  My blog is on everything in print but I haven't reached out to my contacts. Thanks!
9:26am • #176
NOV
24
2007
Diane - good luck with this, let me know if you need any help with it!  Always here for ya if you need!  :-)
1:23am • #177
Localism Sponsor

Brad-

What an awesome post!  Thank you so much for sharing.  I will put this to use.

Meredith Amon.  Sotheby's International Realty. Breckenridge, Colorado

2:29pm • #178
NOV
25
2007
133,932 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Brad - Thank you for sharing this. There have been several times when I have written something and want to send it off via email, but I just would copy the link and paste it into my regular email then send it...this is much easier. I've been working on getting my blog out there. I totally agree that we need to promote it big-time! Keep the ideas coming, Brad, I appreciate all you do!
7:57am • #179
Kelly - I appreciate your comments and look forward to witnessing your successes here.  You can learn something new here on Active Rain every day if you're here.  There is an over-whelming amount of information and love here!!  :-)
2:44pm • #180
Bret and Meredith - it will always be to your benefit to inform others pro-actively instead of waiting for them to maybe find you on the net.  Funny how we don't see the forest through the trees sometimes! LOL!  You'll love the response you'll get when your personalize an email of your post or Blog to someone.  Forget the comments, they actually are more likely to hit reply!!  Isn't that what we want?!?!?  :-) Happy Holidays to you both! 
2:49pm • #181
155,205 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog
Thanks for the great idea!
2:50pm • #182
Thanks for the great comment!  :-)
3:26pm • #183
NOV
29
2007
There's a "New" way to farm your Blog!!!  Did you consider Radio, TV, Newspaper, and other websites?  You should see what I saw today, this one's gonna be good!  At least I am now positive that I am taking other members down the right track with their Blogs!!  :-)
12:57am • #184
We never thought of our Blog as a FARM like you describe. Love the idea about farming our BLOG and taking it out there to people. Hmm...brilliant!
1:31am • #185
Chris and Maria - I thought there might be a few that would like this idea, glad you are one of them!  :-)
9:07am • #186
NOV
30
2007
David - glad you enjoyed! :-)
2:54pm • #188

once again.. great post! What do you NOT know about Active Rain? =P I am so glad you post such great blogs!

3:10pm • #189
Angie - thank you!  There is still much I don't know.  In Fact, read my current post and you'll see!  I could use your help there, let me know your thoughts!  :-)
10:01pm • #190
DEC
01
2007
4 Featured Posts
Very,very,very cool...thanks
12:23am • #191
James - thanks, what's really cool are the results that come from it!  :-)
11:54am • #192
DEC
13
2007

A great way to advertise your blog is to put an RSS feed in your email signature.  I found a step-by-step guide on The Real Estate Tomato's blog... really easy to follow and works great!

meghan mullee

www.MeghanMullee.com

2:47pm • #193
DEC
14
2007
Meghan, I saw that post, thanks for sharing!  It's too bad that won't work for some email accounts though.  Yahoo mail has a tough time with RSS feeds and  graphic sigs.  Not sure on gmail or hotmail.  Love the idea and concept, implementation is always the challenge!  Great stuff, thanks for  taking the time to comment!  :-)
8:21am • #194
DEC
15
2007

There are so many ways to farm your Blog and bring readers to your Blog!  Why would we ever want to wait for others to maybe find us with Google or just by luck!  Hmmm.... 

This is a very powerful tool (your Blog) you need to let everyone know what your doing and why.  What a great way to compete with the media, and to get valuable information out to your clients and communities.

FARMING and ADVERTISE YOUR BLOG!!  :-)

11:04am • #195
Great idea for those of us who aren't technologically savvy.  You are really breaking it down. 
11:49am • #196

Latonia - thanks!  I think we all start by not being too technologically savvy.  I know what is takes to learn and commit to all this techy stuff, it's one of the reasons I'm willing to share.  I remember all those who have helped and taught me.  Call it compassion, or call it pity, either way, this is how I roll!   LOL!!~ 

Have a "not too techy" e-Holiday! LOL again!  You're always welcome here.....technologically savvy or not!  :-)

BTW - Hope you'll come by my post for the "12 Days Of Christmas!" 

1:52pm • #197
FEB
21
2008
Great ideas. I will e trying this with some of my land clients. I don't call them enough and this will be a good way to stay in contact. I will also put a link to my blog on my web site. Thanks Brad!!
9:16pm • #198
Outside Blog Hit Router
Great ideas. I will e trying this with some of my land clients. I don't call them enough and this will be a good way to stay in contact. I will also put a link to my blog on my web site. Thanks Brad!!
9:18pm • #199
FEB
22
2008
Thanks for your comment, but I didn't catch who you are.  I appreciate that you took the time to share your thoughts and comment here.  Thanks!  :-)
9:57am • #200
Ok Thomas, after I went to the next comment, I realized it was you.  Thanks for coming back to identify yourself, that was cool!  Have a great weekend, don't forget to contact your clients, and tell them about your blog!  :-)
9:59am • #201

Thanks for the advice...that was great!  One Question: Do you writer blogs daily (M-F)?

10:55am • #202
FEB
23
2008
D. Bass - I used to write 2-3 per week.  Now I write one or two, it really depends on your schedule and what works best for you.  I also have a few other Blogs I write for so time truly is of the essence.  If you write everyday, you are more likely to run out of great ideas to write about.  That might not be the case for you though, just do what's best for you, and then farm your Blog posts to those in your database and farm areas.  :-)
10:05pm • #203
MAR
04
2008
225,755 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Very Intelligent information and again  I appreciate another fine blog on your part!  Super Job and I think you will continue to see the great feedback your getting!!

Tom-

12:27am • #204
Tom - the feedback is incredible!  There is so much to learn, and the comments often give more information and ideas than the post!  Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on so many of my posts!  :-)
9:15am • #206
Cindy - I'll keep them coming as long as you keep coming back and leaving such nice comments!!  Thanks!  :-)
9:16am • #207
Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

great information yet again. I will send out an email to my subscriber list.

Anne

3:58pm • #208
MAR
05
2008
Anne - that's a great idea, and continue to build your email database so you can farm your Blog even more in the future. Put it on riders, bus cards, mouse pads, t-shirts, lunch boxes (LOL) anywhere you can advertise your Blog.  Then write the best content, and write like crazy!!   :-)
10:14pm • #209
OCT
21
2008
209,547 Points 4 Featured Posts

Once again Brad, you've outdone yourself!

What a great AND simple way to maximize the exposure of our blogs.

Thank you!

9:16am • #210

This is great information! It's definitely something I'll keep around for reference in the future!

DM

9:45am • #211

I always email my blogs, but I didn't realize that you could do it directly from the email icon at the bottom. Time saver. Thanks.

9:47am • #212

Thanks Brad for all the ideas that you share with us.  I am just now getting started on Active Rain and it is a great new experience.  My blog will be up soon and I can't wait to get started.  After 26 years in this industry it will be a great way to share some of my experience.  My goal this past year has been sending out to give!  Again, thanks!

11:51am • #214

subscribing to my competitions blogs...what a concept. If it was a snake it would have bitten me. Thanks.

1:21pm • #215

My head is in a cloud of information over-load and I love it! Thanks for the info.

1:46pm • #216
Outside Blog

I have an Aunt who makes a 3 page newsletter for our family every three months.  She emails and mails it out from coast to coast.  I think a webblog would be more economical and quicker.  I will need to tell her about this.

2:27pm • #217
100,811 Points 2 Featured Posts Hit Router

Excellent Brad.  I emailed this one to myself as a resource for future use!  :o)

•:*¨¨*:• Joe & Colleen Lane •:*¨¨*:•

Our ActiveRain Blog

The Lane Real Estate Team

6:24pm • #218

Hi Brad,

Thanks for the idea, this is a great low cost marketing tool that I will definitely use.  So much of our marketing is missed by the consumer that it's important to keep using fresh ideas like these ... thanks.

Best regards,
Mike

6:38pm • #219
2 Featured Posts

This is great!  As a newbie. I didn't know about this. I've got so many pages bookmarked - it's a whole nuther list to read!!

6:54pm • #220
2 Featured Posts

This is great!  As a newbie. I didn't know about this. I've got so many pages bookmarked - it's a whole nuther list to read!!

6:54pm • #221
OCT
22
2008

Will Check this out thanks for the tip

2:09pm • #222

Thanks Brad, what a great marketing tool and something I can afford! Ha!  I love your blog. Glad I subcribed.

Tj

6:47pm • #223
OCT
24
2008
121,820 Points 1 Featured Post

Another bit of great advice.  I haven't stopped by your blog recently as I have been busy, but every time I do, I get more and more educated, and it amazes me.  I love coming across these informative blogs from before I was even an AR member.  Thanks again.

6:13pm • #224
OCT
25
2008
212,973 Points

This is great stuff and one that I will share with my office manager who will understand it better than me.

 

1:01pm • #225

Thanks Brad, this is something I never knew about but looks like it would definitely be a beneficial real estate marketing tool.

11:22pm • #226
OCT
28
2008
353,661 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Brad - I can't believe I am reading this just now... where have I been??? ~Rita

11:31pm • #227
OCT
29
2008

Brad,  Great ideas.  I have started selectively to add my blog link on my email signatures when write one that may be particulary interesting to my clients and future clients.  i have not used the email feature on the blog itself but this will be great to specifically target individuals.  Thanks again fo rthe ideas.

4:53am • #228

Craig - I think this post stands true still today - farming your Blog is simply proactive.

Dan - I'm glad, I hope it will be useful to you and your business.

Virginia - it's funny what our eyes see on the screen, we all train them differently, that's funny. 

Nicki - Looking forward to your Blog posts. Welcome to the Rain.  :-)

Lee - that's just sneaky...but why not?  haha

Eva - you must be a glutten for punishment eh?  LOL~

Dee Dee - you need to get your Aunty Blogging for sure.

Colleen - excellent!  BTW - I love your little house sig with the little fireworks symbols by your name. Cute.

 

9:35am • #229

Mike - I hope this will help bring some awareness to your Blog and efforts.  Seems like a no brainer to me.

10:35am • #230

TJ - this is most certainly affordable for sure. :)

10:36am • #231

Troy - there are so many great Blog posts here on AR, I don't think there is anything you can't find out information about on AR.  We have over 3/4 of a million posts here from over 100,000 members, now that's a library of information and experience.

10:39am • #232

Allen - thanks for sharing with your manager and team, but the concept is really easy to understand, don't wait for others to hopefully find your Blog or posts, send it out pro-actively, just as you would a farm letter, or a just listed or just sold card.  If your Blog has great content, you need to let your SOI and the rest of the world know about it.  :-)

10:42am • #233

Susan - those driving traffic to their Blogs have incorporated this type of marketing and farming.  Some take a while to figure it out, but waiting for consumers and google to hopefully find you is not as powerful as sending your posts to target markets for faster and more effective results.

10:45am • #234

Rita - yeah, where have you been???   :-)

10:45am • #235

Steve - it's all about target marketing, and with all the tools the Internet provides these days including the ones here on AR for FREE, why wouldn't anyone everyone take advantage of them?  hmmm...   :-)

10:47am • #236
NOV
03
2008

The funny thing is, I wrote this post almost exactly a year ago, it's like a dejavu post to me. haha!!  :-)

7:03pm • #237
JAN
26

Hi,

 

I just joined ActiveRain! I was interested in integrating my new blog on my website. Is that possible? how can I do that please?

Thanks!

 

Michel Bron

6:18pm • #238
JAN
27

Michel - you'd have to create an rss feed or something like that.  I don't think just having a link is good enough.  It might be better to incorporate some of your website to your Blog?  Hmm...  :-))

3:19pm • #239

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P1090798 Staff_large

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager

Fairfield, CA

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Address: I am always Mobile, but right now I'm in, Fairfield, CA, 94534

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