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NAR opening their eyes to Blogging

Look who I found yesterday in non other that NAR's Magazine?

I don’t know about you, but it feels good when I open a random article by NAR and actually know who they are talking about. Although they are covering Inman’s Real Estate Connect (it only seems right), it was great that Brian Brady and Dustin Luther were featured. They are 2 good guys that I look up to and like their style.

Realtor Magazine

Take a look at the article:

Bloggers Debate Best Way to Attract Consumers

They both present interesting strategies for blogging successfully and although there is no right or wrong way, I do think it’s up to your own particular style to decide how aggressive you want your blog to be.

I agree with both, and I’m usually not the wishy-washy type, but I do think you can reach a happy medium between their suggestions.

Dustin’s method:

“soft marketing” approach to blogging. Start a blog, write about topics you know about and are interested in, and people with similar interests will find you and your business will grow

Brian’s method:

putting calls to action in every blog post and every e-mail sent to potential clients. Calls to action include directing readers to your Web site, giving them a link to find mortgage rates or to search an MLS

I have to admit that the “call to action” on every single post bothers me, but the call to action in the general blog with listings and MLS search does not. I comes back to the idea that each consumer will be different, and your own personality needs to be reflected in your marketing strategy.

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Posted by Rick & Ines - Miami Beach Real Estate on 01/12/2008 11:50 AM

Comments (59)

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Originally posted at: Miami Real Estate Blog: NAR opening their eyes to Blogging

Post is included in group: Bay Harbor Islands, Florida - Real Estate
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Post is included in group: Miami Beach Real Estate

59 Comments on NAR opening their eyes to Blogging

JAN

2008

Hadn't read that yet, it is in my pile. But, I did find George Talbus, Adam Waldman and yours truly in REMAX Times. Yes, it is great when we run across articles on people we know.

Really good information in this article. Leaving a chat screen is a great marketing tool. Thank for sharing.

I am a call to action type of guy. But I believe you must "give" substance, give advice, give information to your readers.

I had not seen it but this is from their panel at Inman this week isn't it? Online Magazine or is it in the print version too.... good to be true to yourself, call to action works for Brian, may not work for everyone.

Missy - congrats!! funny how we are seeing more and more of that - it feels good to know what we are talking about! : )

Renee - I tried the chat screen for a while and didn't work for me, it's about testing what works and what doesn't, good luck with it.

Russ - the call to action was one of the things I was missing from my blog and adopted it recently and it's working. Now trying to come up with different ideas that will fit my style. Balance IS key!

Good info and it supports what we have been doing all these past months. Thanks for the post.

I guess blogging is so new that no one really knows what is the best way to blog. I also think that there will be styles for every season. Over time people will want something different from blogs.

Maureen - it was from their panel this past week and you are right - your marketing strategy needs to fit your personality. I think there could be a happy medium between what both Dustin and Brian had to say.

Terry - I'm glad it has - and always tweak and change what doesn't work, it's the beauty of the blogging medium.

Chuck - I don't think it has to do with what people want from blogs, I think it has to do with what a blogger needs to do for their audience. My outside blog is only 7 months old, and you better believe I have been changing my strategy based on the analytics coming from the site. I do think Maureen hit the nail on the head when she said "be true to yourself".

R&I,

It`s great to see both of these people featured in a magazine.

Mr. Brady has been a master of self promotion and his blogs are always great to read.

Dustin`s approach is worth noting as well...

Scott - if you haven't see Dustin's http://4realz.net/, go take a look - he's got a great innovative approach and it's a lot of fun as well.

As for Brian - we know he's a powerhouse.

It is interesting to see what others are doing. Nice that NAR has finally gotten on board with blogs.

Hey Ines - congrats on the featured post!

I hadn't seen this article so am glad you brought it to our attention. I've been working on a call to action, and will be implementing that soon. I also like the 'soft' approach, too. Somewhere in the middle is likely where I'll end up - more my style.

Ann

Rob - definitely good to see that NAR is staying on top of things.

Ann - thank you! it had been a while. I did the call to action, but I'm also working on something different and more "me". Will keep an eye out on what you do.

Hi Ines...

As each RE Market is local what works for some may not work for other's.

For instance I envision RE Markets that would not appreciate Blogging Bertha.

In other words a gazillion dollar listing would probably not want to know the Broker has a thing for dressing up in drag :)

TLW...ROAR!

Ines, I hear ya. I feel much the same way. It seems redundant and shows a side that badgers people, which I certainly do not.

Like you, I too am looking for different ways of approaching the call to action so as not to be as offensive like a "car salesman wearing white shoes."

It's GREAT seeing some of our own in the magazine, I love it!! For those of us who have not found the time to open our magazine, thanks for keeping us up-to-date.

Ines.... it is great to see these people recognized and the fact that it's being noticed. But I don't want it noticed too much... ;o) Seriously though, I was there when both Brian and Dustin squared off. They both did an awesome job. And I am like many, I believe in the call to action, but not all of the time. It's working for me and I am right down the middle on that one. Thanks for sharing this.

How did I miss that article? I just finished the mag, but will have to go back and take another look. Thanks for the post and the "head's up!"

What got lost in that session is that Brian Brady is in the job of sales whereas Dustin is in the job of consulting.

Brian's sells by offering advice, demonstrating expertise, and then using calls to action to bring them together. Dustin's business requires a completely different sales tactic.

Real estate agents should take a cue from Brian. They are more like him than like Dustin.

Ines, I was confused too (Bill above) about not seeing the article until I realized it is an online article. I definitely lean towards Dustin's approach although I am finding myself concentrating a whole lot more these days about key words and writing more real estate related posts. I guess like you I'm somewhere in the middle of the two. What is exciting is that, for now anyway, I think we can choose our own way and still succeed!

Different strokes for different folks.

TLW - you may be right about some people having a problem with their Realtor dressing in drag, but the point also is that the client who has a problem with it would not be the right fit for you guys. I do think it's about putting it out there and having fun too (if you have a sense of humor). But we NEED to work on what works for each one of us.

Gena - don't feel bad, I have not opened the mag either - this is the on-line version. I still remember the words of Paul Chaney telling me "CALL TO ACTION" you need a "CALL TO ACTION" - now to decide what works for me.

Jeff - the great thing is that there is no right and wrong and that we CAN experiment and change our strategies without being stuck on any particular model.

Bill - the article is probably not on the print one considering Inman was last week (not enough time to print).....so don't think you're crazy.

Dan - it may have gotten lost in the session, but thank God for those of us that know both Brian and Dustin and what they do with their business. Although you are right about the sales and consulting, we can learn from both strategies. You also need to look at the audience of each and who their readers are and how they approach their writing. It's the only way to learn and make it happen for yourself.

Diane - glad you figured it out. There are tons of Realtors out there that have really interesting "call to actions", some take more work, but why not?

Larry - and glad to know the strokes to be able to apply them accordingly.

I haven't seen the article yet. I have to read that. It's so great they featured it. Congrats guys!

Hi Ines, You look lovely today!!!! That's all I wanted to say:)

Hi Ines,

Brian and Dustin are both very smart and it was an interesting session. We continued the discussion at the AR coctail party. One thing we all agree on is what you write about you will attract. The more I write about the luxury market - the more upscale leads I've been getting.

I lean towards Brian because my blog is primarily a marketing tool to generate leads and establish myself as an authority. Most of my posts are about new developments, specific buildings or neighborhoods. IMHO these type of posts tend to lend themselves towards a call to action from consumers. The readers might be interested in buying in a specific building or neighborhood I write about so I usually end those posts with "click here to receive listings" or to search listings". It does work and they don't have to "click" if they don't want to.

In the future I might have a totally different goal for my blog.

We're more passive, which is not our nature. But it doesn't feel right to us to have a call to action every time. We write about a lot of things, most real estate, and a lot of it is satire and poking fun at the humanity in us all. Doesn't feel right to have a sales pitch in the middle of things like that, other than it being a passive sales pitch in the first place.

hopy your new year is off to something splendid already...

Each approach is comfortable with someone. Neither is wrong. As with anything in this business, you need to consider the opinion that is contrary to your own.

Ines, blogging has to take on the personality of the person writing the blog. It is the same in sales, there is no one sure way to do it or to be successful in it. Even though we all follow many of the same steps, we all approach it differently and in our own style.

Hi Ines,

Thanks for sharing this, I did not see it myself. I like Brian's call to action, also something we need to use in every for of advertising/marketing/etc. not just blogging.

THanks for sharing. It's amazing how many people are just now catching onto this thing!

Christy - 2 guys worthy of the feature, no doubt about it!

Bryant - : ) thanks for making my day - SVW (I had not used that one in a while)!

Mitchell - thanks for adding your $.02 and you are absolutely right. If you have a niche, point it out - if you want a niche......write about it. My architectural posts get the most hits and are searched the most - it's important for bloggers to analyze their numbers and see what people are finding, what they are reading and what interests them.

The Bolens - your blog is great - and a lot of people would consider your graphic a call to action. I say, whatever works, keep doing and what doesn't, go ahead and experiment. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AS WELL!

Wayne - studying opposing opinions to me is key to success - you can't know you are doing something right until you know what you are not doing. Thanks for the input.

George - it's easy for you and me to say that, but for newcomers, doing what fits your personality is not easy. I think it's about trying different ways to see what feels comfortable - and we go back to the whole "voice" issue (I hope CARNAC is not reading or I'll get points off).

Lynda - a CALL TO ACTION should be in everyone's blog - as to how aggressive it is, that's a different thing.

Wow! I didn't even know they wrote that, Ines! There were two comments worth noting:

Dan Green's correct; we're all in sales.

Gene Reide is correct; we don't want to sound like a white-shoed car salesman.

Balance is the answer. Marketing copy is awfully difficult to write and blogging, as unpopular as it sounds sometimes, IS marketing copy; those that say it isn't are practicing "non-marketing" marketing" (which is quite effective).

Calls to action could include soft-sell things like:

1- Follow me on Twitter

2- Discounted fees as a "deal sweetener"- bottom of this post

3- Subscribe buttons in posts (a fav here on AR)

4- Let the mortgage planner "adopt" your "orphan mortgage (bottom of this post)

5- something as "soft' as "Don't forget to... (at the bottom of this post)

Calls to action can be to build community as opposed to selling a product or service. You must be selling at all times- just don't make it look like selling!

Good luck!

Ines - thanks for sharing and congrats on the feature - I think your blog is one of the best so if it's having people call and do business - then you've nailed it - which I don't doubt.

Ines, Congratulations on your feature! I had not seen this article and I'm glad you called attention to it. There are so many people reading our posts, I've been hearing it over and over. Either they connect with you or they don't is what my clients have told me. I believe different things work for different people as long as you are honest about who you are and your true caring shows through.

How Cool! I haven't opened mine yet but I will. Thanks for the heads up Ines.

Blogging will continue to evolve in ways that will continue to help us in this business.

I am hoping that through blogging about my interests and my personality and my listings I will draw in people who not only want to buy/sell/invest in real estate, but also be friends with similar interests!!!

JAN

2008

off topic. When's a good time to come to Florida before busy season. Kev said not New Year's so we didn't come. Is end of Feb OK? My girls birthdays are March 20, 22 and April 22, so I have to go to L.A. somewhere in there.

When's the next best week to be in Florida? Should I wait till early March?

The advice about directing people to our website is something I haven't been doing. I need to do that as that will explain about my services as well. Sometimes the blogs do not cover that at all. This is some good advice, thanks

Phyllis Pafumi

Hey Brian - you know we're watching your back! : )

I'm sorry I missed the session, but I feel confident that I can speak to both of you any time if I would have questions - just because you are cool like that (I sound like my 13 year old......their stuff is catchy).

It's always about balance and also following your style - calls to action can be subtle and very effective and call also be aggressive and not pushy. No one said it was easy. Congrats on the session, the invitation to Inman as well as the feature on NAR's mag.

Cyndee - I appreciate that - it's a lot of work, that's for sure, but it's paying off.

Carole - sometimes I think back of what we've accomplished in this medium in the last year alone, and it's pretty amazing. The thought of our clients "knowing" who we are before they contact us, is an incredible notion. TRUTH!

Moni - it may not be in the printed magazine because the session was last week. (I have not opened mine either)

Bob and Carolin - AMEN!!!

Emily - you don't have to hope, it will happen - just remember it's not only about writing, but commenting as well.

Ardell - depends on what you have planned to do. The beach is still a bit chilly in March (except chilly to be may mean soup water to someone from Seattle). The whole "best time" to come to florida has always been a mystery to me because it's always beautiful here. It does rain quite a bit early summer. We usually start taking our boat out with the kids in May - but would be happy to take you out whenever you come.

Phyllis- there are a few examples of blogs directing you to you static site - in my opinion, this has to be very clear on the blog where you are being re-directed to. I have a hybrid site with all the website and blog together on the same page and it has made my life so much easier - but if you have 2 or even 3 sites, it's always a good idea to link them.

Ines--I have used a call to action since starting my blog almost a year ago. I don't use it for members only posts but I do for all localism posts. If someone is reading a post and they want more info, I want the answer right at the bottom of the particular post...My call to action is very basic with no buttons or glitz. It seems to work for me...But the most important thing to remember is to do what works for YOU! Congrats on the feature and thanks for sharing as I had not yet seen this!

It's about time. Some are slower at grasping the newest technology. Blogging has become an integral part of my life. I'm still learning from it.

Seems like print coverage of blogging has picked up in the last 3-4 months. Dustin's approach is a good one -- like interests will attract. Great insights from Dan Green and Brian in the comments. Brian's call to action works because he first offers advice or demonstrates expertise. And a call to action doesn't always have to be about sales, it can be about furthering credibility and building relationships too.

Teri - not only what works for you, but I also recommend testing other methods because you may get better results (I've been pleasantly surprised).

Robert - I totally agree - and those of us that have been doing it are at the forefront.

Hey John! - I so agree with you. Also, different types of posts will warrant different types of call to action or none at all. Furthering credibility, showing what value you bring to the table are crucial before those call to action moves.

I try to provide a service to my community with my outside blog. My belief is that if I provide my readers with the information they want they will visit my blog and link to my real estate website. It seems to be working for me. I'm way over on the soft sell side. Congrats on the featured post!

I love your Miamism little flickering light on the right of your blog! You guys are great at marketing! Thanks for the post too.

Gail - it's about finding what works for you and fits your style, but I do hear a lot of bloggers saying that they are not making money from their blogs and not getting enough clients and leads - if that's the case, then you should really look into changing that "call to action" or at least establishing one.

Jill and Ron - thank you! I was playing around with neon and liked it - the site is fancygens.com - when I first started Miamism, I always thought of Miami Vice Neon.....so there it is.

Great information. I am new to AR and so far I have learned so much!!!!

JAN

2008

Cherimie - Welcome! I have to tell you that what you learn here is the single most important factor - keep your mind open and it's pretty amazing.l

Thanks for the information. I had not seen that particular article. Sooner or later your own personality will come out. You also have to decide why you blog.

glad they discovered blogging - it is about time they catch up!

How many hours a day do you think a serious blogger spends blogging? I feel like I am on here so much, yet not long enough. Scary, how much time we can spend doing this and how much information there is to learn

Jill - most people just start blogging and come to the realization that there needs to be a purpose much later on - I do think that is key to blogging successfully.

B & BJ - I don't know abou that - one article.....let's see what else.

Sally - Blogging can definitely become a full-time job. I started with a couple of hours per day, found myself glued to the computer some days 6 and 7 hours and then had to make a plan. It is addictive, and once you find a method that works for you, you'll know how long to dedicate to it.

JAN

2008

IS it just me, or does this article seem SO late in retrospect?

Katrina - you didn't expect otherwise, did you? : )

What works for each individual. What some may not grasp (and it's really relevant) is that each human being has different thinking..therefore different opinions...and what may work for one may not work for another. You are right on target when you say each has to find their own happy balance with what ever they're doing.....in business and in life :)

Hi Ines!!!

JAN

2008

Sally - is that how it is? you come in and start talking and THEN say hi??? : ) j/k - I hate to read that blogging has very specific rules, because not even those that started blogging in the 90's have set rules.

EXPERIMENT!! see what works for you!! Go around and get ideas and try them out (without plagiarizing of course). Give credit where credit is due.

did I miss something?

Ooops...Hi Ines!

Now go back and read..haha!

Nope..not missing a darn thing.

JAN

2008

it was a great debate and a pleasure meeting these gentlemen. Hope your holiday was a good one... have a great 2008!

Desiree, I think I saw a picture of you somewhere at Inman, I'm jealous you were able to meet so many of the people we have become friends through this medium. Great wishes for 2008 to you as well!

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