1. Write about some place local:  The smaller the region the better.  A community post is generally more valuable than a city post, and a city post is better than a county post. The more specific your post, the higher likelihood it will return higher search engine results.

2. Provide original and interesting content: Actually say something.  Don't just link off to other web pages.

3. Post lots of pictures: There is nothing that captures the spirit of a place better than a picture. Except... Video.

4. Take a video: Videos of communities will be all the rage starting in 2009. If you have your video hosted somewhere, let one of our community builders know and we'll see if we can get it displaying on your community.

5. Do not post a bunch of self serving marketing material on the bottom of your post: If a home buyer or seller finds your information interesting they will figure out how to contact you.  Also, our editors highly downgrade posts with built in - self serving marketing messages. Have a way for the consumer to contact you, but keep the 'PICK ME, PICK ME' messaging to a minimum.

6. Write about current events happening in your community: Opening Day for Boating, Seattle's Pioneer Square Art Walk

7. Write about people in your community: Saline Chief of Police. What better way to make a connection with someone in your community than to profile them for your blog. A fantastic way to break the ice on a relationship you've been meaning to foster.

8. Write about local businesses: Everyone loves to get the inside tip from the "locals" about the hot places to try. This is your chance to be that local.  Bubble's Boutique in Laguna Beach, New Rita's Restaurant

9. Write about tourist attractions and points of interest: They are called "attractions" and "interest" for a reason.  People are attracted to them and will be attracted to the posts you write about them.

10. Don't write about yourself or simply recite what you did: People want to see your personality shine through, but they are on Localism primarily to learn about a new place. Once you prove to them that you are a good source of information then they will become interested in learning more about you personally. No one cares about these posts: "I joined the Bellevue Washington Chamber of Commerce". "Last weekend I river rafted in the Wenatchee river"  Instead write this post: "Upcoming Dover New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Events" and "Hood River is Hot" Unless you are providing good pictures and an interesting read to go along with it, no one is interested.

Bonus:

We are creating a site to attract the consumer and hopeful draw their participation.  Post sparingly about real estate.  When you do write about it, write about new home developments, and subdivisions. Barclay Park Condos

Super Bonus:

Sponsor your community on Localism. Assure that your description of your community, links to sites of interest and your home search site are front and center while people learn about your community. (when you click on this link, you will log in to Localism with the same user name and password as ActiveRain)