To remember that once it is out there, it's out there.  It might be fun to get on and vent in frustration at a bad experience with another agent or at some bad thing that happened, but once it's out there...it's out there and you should be prepared to be judged by the best of and the worst of what you post!

What you write is on the Black Board of the Internet FOREVER and is FOR ALL EYES. Be careful the image you are putting out there

Remind a newbie that everything they post may be found by ANYBODY, including clients.  The type of clients (especially those moving long distance to your area) who get online and research EVERYTHING like they should, will find active rain and research the agent they are dealing with.

The profile (JMO) is very important. A picture is as well. Then explain the blogs...meaning, you can post 10 blogs a week with at least 50 words.  You can post 10 comment's a day with at least 10 words.

That being said, tell me how you have that "live traffic teed that is showing that I landed on your blog...:-)

Don't wear your heart on your sleeve, this bunch can be pretty frank and just might hurt your feelings.  So don't ask if you don't want honest, blunt feedback.

It was near Christmas, and I was hurting so bad because my dog disappeared at Thanksgiving & I missed her so, so much... I just began writing about her one night--- as if I was just writing to myself, olike writing in a journal. And I thought about how families and animals were looking for homes in our area and wanted to help them. In that moment, I felt such compassion for people looking for that place of peace within themselves... the true sense of HOME... I was.

Carla, my one tip would be to read and subscribe to Brad Andersohn's blog.  His knowledge level and his tips are top notch!

Write something.  Post it.  Read it.  If you don't write something, you won't have written anything... did that make sense.  

Just do it.   

Don't get bullied. Share your thoughts.

I have to agree with David, keep reading Brad Andersohn for a wealth of knowledge.

Watch the amount of time you spend here.  I think many get burned out.  Don't take away time from family or your business to blog.  Give up an hour of TV every other night, or something, but don't over do it

Hope all is going well....it is good to share tips with realtors....take care.

Tom Davis Realtor - From Harrington ERA Realty

Think about who you are trying to reach and target your posts to that audience.  Write about what they are interested in, make your blog the "go to" place for information on your target neighborhood (or town or city or niche market).  And, most of all, be yourself! 

Stay focused on what your goals are and keep an open mind.  There is so much to learn here, even when there may be a little attitude at times.  Everything needed can be found here, and last, don't give up!

Can I give more than one tip?

• Blog about areas of the market you find most interesting- if someone finds you through one of your posts that's the kind of business you'll be transacting.
• Challenge yourself to write in a way that your audience will appreciate- people will identify your voice... hopefully they'll notice your helpfulness as opposed to a sales pitch.
• Be consistent- but not at the expense of business. I make sure to accomplish by business related goals before my blog goals. I see blog contacts as an added bonus- not a sole source of business.
• Take advantage of "localism" .... I've discovered that my localism posts bring me more leads.
• Give back- write for the members... I've learned so much from other bloggers that I try to post things tha may be helpful to them.
  

Advice.....two words, Patience and Perseverance.

Write good things, alwayes be positive, keep doing it and have patience, good things will happen. Too many of us on the internet are into instant gratification, something our parents would scold us for, don't lose perspective on the whole thing. You get out what you put in.

The best advice I would give is to jump in with both feet, bot arms, both eyes, both ears, abd your whole brain.  It is not hard, not even real time consuming, just fun and productive.  If you are willing to write, then write something positive and make sure of your facts.  Let people know if you need help by asking for it, share help you get, and acknowledge where the help came from.  Anything we as a group of individuals put out for public consumption must reflect the planned professional positive place we present to the public. 

Although I haven't been able to transition to it yet, add a personal touch to each post.  I've noticed that the members with the largest subscriber bases/comments are those that have a great personal touch.

Read, Read, Read.  By reading the posts in the Newbies group - you get oh soooo many tips.  And limit your time, don't let your other business suffer.  It can be addicting!

I'm excited! These are EXCELLENT points to share! Thank you ever so much for sharing your ideas & comments. Greatly appreciated and will be shared to many. -- Carla

Hi Carla ~ My tip is:  Be sure to remind your family that you love them often! They are going to see you "working" (blogging on AR) more than ever. Yes it is an addiction, but yes, it does pay off!

Hi Carla.The one tip I would share with newbies is... there are thousands of tips, tools, and tricks of the trade here.

There are so many wonderful, talented, knowledgeable people here on Active Rain. All of your comments posted are appreciated. I still have so much to learn regarding blogging, and every week it seems like something new & exciting develops here. One thing is for certain: if you don't know how to do it, you'll find out how - somewhere on Active Rain.

Carla, one tip I would suggest: always comment and respond to comments, and reciprocate by going to the commenter's post to find something about which to comment. (Now that's a lot of comments, huh?) ;-)

Posting blogs and commenting a lot helps get you known and helps you see how others write.

Thanks Teri for commenting about commenting! You are exactly right there, not only can you build great relationships here - but learn more about others, getting different opinions, insights, & oh so much information about a variety of subjects.

Ok, I am a numbers guy so I am going off the board here.  I recommend you add a stat counter.  It helps you track who is hitting your site and from where.  Maybe most importantly, it lets you see what key words people are using to find you so that you can be more specific in the future.

One more bonus thought.  Never loose sight of the potential client.  What would a buyer or seller like to see and read. 

Rob, how do you add a stat counter? I am into numbers also... sounds like a great tool to have!

And you are absolutely correct about "who we are trying to attract & write for here".  Thanks, Rob!

Carla,

By joining AR members largely wish to improve their Internet marketing punch. To be successful takes time, like any project would, so one has to be consistent and patient.

Esko, great point to add, it does take consistency & patience.  - thank you.

I am a newbie, but many of the comments above seem to be right on.

Don't say anything on a blog that you wouldn't want someone else to see.

Write from the heart. Put a little emotion or a personal touch.  Don't worry about being perfect, but do check your spelling :)

Write about things you know.

Good Luck!

All the best!

Kevin

White Plains, NY

Carla, I would comment to join groups that are of interest to you and read a lot before you write. And of course comment on the comments left for you.

Kevin, glad to see you joining activerain, and hopefully these tips will be a plus for you - as a newbie, soon to be pro in no-time! Thanks for commenting! - Carla

Gary, you are absolutely correct about joining groups that are of interest - and I am very guilty of not commenting back to those who have left comments. But what I started doing this week was, after someone commenting on my post - I have gone to their blog, & taking some time to browse through their posts, then leaving a comment on one I found interesting. It seems all of you that have posted a comment here, I have jumped to your site. Most of you have very very interesting blogs! Some have really "wow'd" me! So, still learning as I go.  - Carla