Special offer

LOCAL Content Rocks a Websites Value!

By
Industry Observer

You Don't Think It Matters? Ask My New Client!

I love it when clients tell me all about my website!

Happy PeopleThis week I was contacted by a client that I had been briefly in touch with last fall. I thought that she just disappeared into the sunset as many do. No return emails, no phone calls, no g-chat, nada... nothing! Sad, but this happens to all of us. In this business I can be contacted by many that only want answers at that moment and don't decide to go forward for whatever reasons. Some move on in their quest for a new home and some stop looking. 

I was contacted this week by a client that I had some dialogue last fall, telling me that she had some family issues that are now resolved and she is now actively looking for a home in my area. Sweet! I love it when that happens. 

We chatted on the phone for about twenty minutes and then she surprises me with the how and why she chose me. I did not even ask!! After spending time on my website she now knows who I am, and that I know the area. She then proceeds to lecture me on why that is so important to someone looking to buy a home!! Okay, so she was preaching to the choir!! I was super happy as that is such an important part of why I work so hard giving the website such a local flair. It is important to keep adding as much information on the local area as possible. When I am blogging I come up with all kinds of ideas for what should be there. I just need to keep writing more useful content. Obviously my clients are reading it.

So when you think you have nothing to write about, find something local. My assignment today is to map out and write about the local Day Care Centers in my area. I will blog about it and then map out the locations. This way I can also make a page on my website for anyone that wants to see where they are. It will be the buyers responsibility to contact those locations for any and all information on what is available. 

Just keep adding those pages or blogs and clients will find you. Bob Stewart has given numberous lectures on the subject of localism. Remember that even if your clients don't tell  you, writing local matters! 

Comments(57)

Janis Borgueta
Newburgh, NY
Retired RE Salesperson

Kristine- Thanks for visiting. Hope it was of value!

Lori- So many things to blog about.. so little time!

Judith- local local local. I like to write about services that relate to real estate and places that I frequent. It makes more sense. If I listen to my clients I usually come up with a blog post.

Mar 15, 2013 08:57 AM
Bobbie Smith
Stroudsburg, PA
570-242-1891

Congrats on the feature Janis.  That sure is good news to hear.  Inspiration for all of us.

Mar 15, 2013 09:24 AM
Janis Borgueta
Newburgh, NY
Retired RE Salesperson

thanks Bobby! I think it helps when we can encourage each other. Without it, I would never be writing much of anything!

Mar 15, 2013 09:26 AM
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
Janis, congrats! Perfect example why localism posts I are so important! Way to go!
Mar 15, 2013 09:48 AM
Karen Baker
Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty - Sunset Beach, NC
Professional Help with Rapid Responses...

Janis ~ You are the featured local expert!! Great and kudos to you!! You never know who is reading your blog or looking at your website...

Mar 15, 2013 09:48 AM
Michelle Gibson
Hansen Real Estate Group Inc. - Wellington, FL
REALTOR

Janis - I could not agree with you more, I can't count how many people admited they followed my blog for months before contacting me.

Mar 15, 2013 10:02 AM
Peggy Wester
Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI
Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

I echo what some others have said here -- day care centers....brilliant idea! You've just given me some motivation. Thank you!!

Mar 15, 2013 10:25 AM
Joel Weihe
Realty World Alliance - Wichita, KS
Helping you to use your VA home loan benefits

I had someone call me once to ask about a theater I had written a blog about. We struck up a conversation about theater, plays, opera and music. 4 months later this guy wanted to sell and buy and remembered me. So your right, it does work!

Mar 15, 2013 11:31 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
Localism posts are some of my favorite to write. The do make the phone ring.
Mar 15, 2013 12:03 PM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents

I personally think that it's the only way to go. I can't imagine a canned, template website.

Mar 15, 2013 12:18 PM
Digital Digital
Alachua, FL
full service

Hi Janis,

Great post on localism.

You must have been so delighted to find out your blogging is paying off.

Congrats on a job well done!

Mar 15, 2013 01:06 PM
Janis Borgueta
Newburgh, NY
Retired RE Salesperson

I love how the clients are so happy to find the info on a Real Estate Website. thanks for all the comments and Glad to know that many follow the concept. Each area is different with the focus, but the fact is local works.

Mar 15, 2013 01:17 PM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

Janis - localism posts are a great idea.  I have gotten several calls as a result of my localism posts.  I have also enjoyed many of the events I have written about.. some of which I may not even have known about!

Mar 15, 2013 01:28 PM
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Janis, this is so true. Not all agents understand this yet, so we have a huge advantage and we better be taking advantage of it.

Mar 15, 2013 01:34 PM
Janis Borgueta
Newburgh, NY
Retired RE Salesperson

Joan... I am now unable to know where my leads come from. Clients know that they find me on the web but not sure where. 

Tammie. No .. I don't know anyone that is blogging in my area and the learning curve and the time keeps them out of the mix. YAY as this way I will be way ahead of the pack when they realize that they must be blogging.

Mar 15, 2013 01:39 PM
Melissa Zavala
Broadpoint Properties - Escondido, CA
Broker, Escondido Real Estate, San Diego County

Daycare centers is certainly a good idea. One of the interesting things is that there is never, ever a shortage of things to write about.

Mar 15, 2013 02:16 PM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Janis, I have has clients say the same thing.  In addition they get to know our interests and personality.

Mar 15, 2013 04:18 PM
Ron Climer
Keller Williams Realty Mountain Partners - Tryon, NC

You are probably preaching to the choir, but we like it. Amen

Mar 15, 2013 07:40 PM
Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

No better feeling than a past contact keeps your info and returns when the time is right.  Terrific and congratulations.

Mar 15, 2013 11:40 PM
Janis Borgueta
Newburgh, NY
Retired RE Salesperson

Melissa, I can get overwhelmed with all there is to write about. I just need more time to make it happen.

Sharon, I love it when it happens. That is what makes blogging so much more fun.

Ron- Preaching to the choir, but not everyone that is on AR truly believes it yet. There are some that are skeptical and think we make it up. The fact is that since it can be gradual there is no immediate gratification. Sometimes yes and sometimes it takes a while. Every location is different so the results and the best subjects can vary.

Thanks Chris and Dick. It is the gift that keeps on giving!

 

Mar 16, 2013 11:26 AM