How to Blog for Leads on ActiveRain

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How to Blog for Leads on ActiveRain

How do you get leads from your blogs? I am missing it for sure.

This is the comment Matt Stahl made on one of my recent blog posts. He is not the first to ask me this question, but his comment actually triggered this post today.

There are many successful lead-generating members (check out ActiveRain Block Party to read some of their success stories), and I'm hoping some of them will add their own tips in the comments. In the meantime, I put together this checklist for you:

7 TIPS FOR GENERATING REAL ESTATE LEADS THROUGH BLOGGING:

1. Write good content that provides information consumers want to know. (William Johnson's Content is King)

2. Blog consistently. (My The Second Commandment of Blogging (Learned the Hard Way) )

3. Identify targeted keywords and use them in your title, content and tags. (Katerina Gasset's Long Tail Keywords...)

4. Make your post attractive by including white space, font variation, and images. (Sarah Cooper's Stage Your Post)

5. Create an appealing and information-packed profile or "about me" page to work in tandem with your blog. (My What Makes These ActiveRain Profiles Winners?)

6. Write summary posts that provide links to several posts on related topics. (Jo Soss's Relocation Package)

7. Promote your blog (and let your blog demonstrate your brilliance).

If you do these things and let your charming personality show through, your blog will generate leads. Converting those leads and closing them is another matter, and that's a topic for a different day.

By the way, I've included a screen shot of today's Google search for Crofton Maryland Real Estate. You might find it interesting to see that my Focus On Crofton blog appears above my ActiveRain blog, yet it is simply a snippet with a link to my ActiveRain post. These are the only listings for an individual agent on page 1 of results; the others are corporate websites or blogs.

'Hope this helps answer your question about blogging for leads on ActiveRain.

IMAGE: Screenshot from Google

DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.
__________________________________

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

FREE home search online (No registration required)
FREE home search APP for your iPhone/iPad (demo) on
FREE online relocation information
Check my reviews on Zillow

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

Posted by Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation Services on 08/12/2008 10:51 PM

Comments (158)

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158 Comments on How to Blog for Leads on ActiveRain

AUG

2008

Margaret-what is hard for me to understand is that I don't come up in any of the searches that I do for keywords that I use. However I get phone calls, one today as a matter of fact, on a regular basis from people who say I found you on the internet. I've even asked them how or what search terms they use and can't recreate what they've done. So I just keep blogging and using the keywords that seem to make sense and figure that Page 1 is great but somehow Page 10 is working too :-)

Margaret--You have some very good steps outlined here...What I found was most important is to post often, sound like yourself talking to a client and be patient. It takes about 6 months or so to start seeing results....that's with good quality posts as you outlined above!

Great tips Margaret. I have to work on the information-packed profile some more to go along with the blogging.

Margaret, if ever a post was featurable it is this one! As soon as I finish commenting here, I will flag it for a feature. This was a burning question in my mind when I first started blogging. What I found is that if I answered questions that people want to hear, they will be drawn to my blog. How do you find those questions? We talk with clients day in and day out. They constantly have questions about the market, the real estate process, etc. Take those questions and turn them into a blog post. Next time someone asks you that question, you can say "I wrote a blog post about that" and then e-mail them a link. Saves time and gets them hooked on your blog. Then it can become viral when they pass it along.

Hi Margaret,
Excellent information and a reminder for all of us to blog effectively. I agree with Brian also, provide the information consumers want and need about your area.

Great information, thanks, I have checked out a bunch of the links and I have bookmarked it for further review

Margaret,

Thanks for the information, consistency can be the hardest thing. Its so easy to be on it one week, and then classes, trips, clients etc... get in the way the next week and its difficult to get yourself to get yourself back in the rhythm. That sounds a lot like my exercise program! Does working out your fingers on the keyboard count for exercise too? Then I could count both done at the same time :)

Exactly, Brian! No one is better at that than you are. Answer clients' questions in your blog, and refer future people who ask that question to your blog! If they just happen to see how personable and knowledgeable you are while they're skimming through other posts on your blog... well, maybe they'll contact you!

Gary - I think that's very important. When someone asks me what I do to generate leads from ActiveRain, I usually go to their profile page so I can click through to their contact button and send them an email. More often than not, their profile pages are pitiful. (not yours, of course!)

Teri - You're right, patience is golden. But I did get two listings from my very first post, the first within a week and the second within a month - a market study for my community. It prvided details about real estate in our area that no one else provided at the time.

Cindy - I just did two google searches on terms I associate with you: Fort Belvoir Real Estate and Military Relocation to Virginia. You're on page 1 of results for both!

Cynthia - You're right. That's what makes consumers want to read your posts - not rants about political topics, ActiveRain's latest innovation, or other people.

Leslie - Some of those posts are older ones, so it would be easy to overlook them. Good idea to bookmark them!

Jason - I use Blogjet for posting on my outside blog - you can write three (or more) posts and schedule the day and time for their publishing. I don't know if it works on ActiveRain, but that's how I remain consistent on my outside blog - posting Monday, Wednesday and Firday mornings. Before I left for vacation, I did two weeks of posts!

This is such an informative post! Linking to the other posts written on this subject, as always, helps us out enormously!! Please thank Matt Stahl for asking this question. I never realized how important key words are to google searched and being found via the Internet. It is all very tricky stuff which it is why being informed is so important to our success. Thanks again for detailing this for us who really need it.

Margaret, I believe in the list of your "Bloggers' must do list". I have missed some of the posts you have linked to so my assignment for tonight is watch some Olympic highlights and read some great AR member posts. Thank you.

Margaret, Thanks for the great tips. I wish there were a way to schedule the posts on AR when we go on vacation.

Margaret: Once again, you've outdone yourself! Another post bookmarked for attention by me!

I just did an off the wall post today (check it out) but wanted people to know something unique about me! I'll be anxious to see what people say, if anything, and where it goes!

As for our AR profile, when is to much, to much? And How Much? I've read some profiles that I just clicked off of because there was WAY to much going on! Hmmmm. I'll have to look into that one!

Margaret,

Content is king-and the consumer will decide what is great content.

I think this post deserves as many as re-blogging-maybe it should be re-blogged! ;-]

Steve

Obeoman

This should definitely be a featured post, Margaret. With all of the new members AR has been enrolling, it doesn't surprise me that they haven't run across some of the stellar posts that you've referenced (we are so big now!). Newbies, take a read through all of Margaret's posts and you'll see exactly how it's done.

Margaret,

This might come under 'content is king', but 'not selling yourself' while selling yourself is a key factor...! Thanks, Fran

Margaret, this is one of the best written and great links I've seen lately. You have really given us a lot to digest. And you definitely need featured on this one.

I'm hoping some of them will add their own tips in the comments.

Good evening Margaret,

I came to Active Rain with a slightly different perspective. I'm not a real estate agent, yet, but I work with agents and brokers all over the country. As part of my research for clients, I do hundreds of online searches every month. I started noticing that some listings posted on Active Rain were coming up highly ranked on Google. That grabbed my attention! Being the curious type, I wanted to learn how that was being done. So, if I may add #8 to your excellent list, I suggest that Active Rainers who want more leads should add listings to their blogs. Take advantage of the amazing SEO power of this network. It's a fact. Internet home buyers love to look at pictures of houses! :)

Respectfully,

Bruce

Terrie - I think some folks expect blogging to be a magic pill for their business, but it requires the same strategizing and work that any other marketing technique does. As I see it, there are two differences - I find this fun, and it is less expensive.

Mana - There are many good posts related to these topics, but I went looking for these to link here because they really made an impression on me when I first read them.

Gita - One of these days I'll take the time to figure out if we can use Blogjet on ActiveRain...

Thom - I noticed your profile recently and meant to email you about it -Your profile is one of the best I've seen. Don't change a thing!

Steven - Thank you for the compliment! Feel free to re-blog it. Let's see how that works for us...

thanks, I learned alot from you! lets see how it works out for me

Lisa - You're right. If only the new members could read some of the old posts... They missed some great ones!

Fran - So true! One of the reasons I loved being a music teacher in my former life was because I got to teach valuable learning and life skills to children while they were having fun in my class. Blogging is the same sort of thing... I get to teach consumers how "good" I am at what I do without ever saying that.

Kay - Thank you. It seems so simple, yet who among us had any idea when we first started here?

Not Yet Licensed - 'Don't know if you realize it or not, but you can join and become a member even though you're "not yet licensed". That will give you access to "members only" posts.

Your suggestion falls within #1 - Good content that consumers want... and they want to see photos of houses and listings, among other things.

Debbie - Welcome to ActiveRain! Just keep reading... you'll learn so much from the other members that will help you benefit from your blogging.

Margaret,

Awesome post !!! I am definitely going to reread tomorrow and have it sink in a little more. Am learning something new every day !!! Gotta love the rain !

Philadelphia Real Estate

Some customers read the posts the others just google us and so that is how they chose an agent. It all depends on how the consumer is searching and what they are looking for.

Margaret - great list as others have said - couldn't agree more with the consistency. I have been heavily involved in another project for about 2 weeks now and I can see the difference with search results. Along those lines there is one thing I would add - make sure you have great stats and review them regularly. Study how people are finding you and if the numbers are good & length of time people are staying with you from those topics - write even more about it.

Margaret

Great post with excellent information, the post will be a benefit to many real estate professionals

Good luck and success

Lou Ludwig

Thanks for the tips. I am always looking for suggestions to improve my blog an make it more effective

Margarete.. Great tips here. You do this very well. I need to take a few more notes from your blogging... THANK YOU !

Very good post! You are absolutely correct. keep up the good work!

THANK YOU MARGARET!

I am bookmarking this post! I have so much to learn about blogging. I think that is one reason I love it so much, it's just like real estate, never a dull moment. So much learning takes place. I am getting results too, which is so exciting!

Thanks much,

BethAnn in Spokane

Christopher and Stephanie - I agree. Not a day goes by that I don't learn something on ActiveRain!

Larry - You're right.

Steve - I tend to rely more on "What's producing leads?" than stats, but I probably should pay more attention to them. I certainly would if I weren't getting so many ActiveRain leads.

Lou - I hope so. It's a question that many people ask, and sometimes I almost feel guilty writing about another successful closing for an ActiveRain client.

Greg - Good luck!

Roland - It seems to work, and I'm happy to share.

Kevin - Ahhh... an FHA specialist! 'Guess you're gonna be pretty busy in the next few weeks and months!

BethAnn - 'Can't wait to read about your results in the BLOCK PARTY group.

very cool - great ideas and this post is one I call "not a waste of my time"!

Margaret- I am #1 on google for several of my keywords in my area, and have recieved several calls and new clients for my lawn care business thanks to AR :-D I agree posting, using good keywords, and even commenting all help :-D I think the higher ranking (here on AR) you are in your area the better as well, so keep these great blogs and those comments flowing :-D

that all sounds about right. we get leads off our Tahoe blog, but AR drives traffic there. posts go there first, so it seems leads come from there too, but AR is much part of if. Now if they'd just stop "waiting."

cheers

Chris and Maria - Glad to hear that.

Chris - Congratulations! By the way, I was disappointed to see that you're NOT in Maryland. Bummer!

Gary - You're one of the experts I aspire to be like when I grow up because you do all this so well. If anyone is reading this who hasn't discovered Gary and Richard, check out their Lake Tahoe blog.

Hi Margaret, Wow, Thanks for the linking to one of my posts. You have assembled some wonderful links in this post and it should really answer the question. I Loved the caveat of converting leads is a different matter. I had 2 interesting calls this past week that tell a lot. I had given a friend of client my business card and said she should go to read my blog. I guess she has been reading. I got a call and asked if I remembered her and I did actually from meeting at my clients home. She said she is ill and has instructed her daughter that when the time comes, I am who she wants to list her home. ( that was a sad one.) The second one came from someone that said she isn't thinking of selling any time soon but she was taken with my blog and hopes I keep writing. She said she reads nearly everything. By the time we finished talking she asked if I would set an appointment and go through her home like I described in a post and tell how she can have the home ready to sell when she is ready. Not exactly NOW business but it sure made me feel good. Now for those sellers that actually want to sell and the Buyers who are ready and qualified to Buy.lol

It takes hard work and effort amongst all the tips you mentioned here. And it does take time and continuuing effort.

Thanks for the tips, I have seen traffic increase to my site mostly followed back through my blog peopel run accross searching the net. I need to put some of this into practice though.

Wonderful information to help create better posts! Thank you

Good blog. Thanks for reminding some of the basics, as we often miss something, actually we usually miss something.

Margaret..... excellent list and presented very nicely. Just one thing from my experience as of lately. I have found out through trial and error, that you don't need to blog often, as long as you follow number 1. I guess it also depends on what you define as often also. Great job here.

jeff belonger

AUG

2008

Great info- thanks! I will be bookmarking this!

There is a lot of good information in this post. I appreciate your putting all of these great posts together for us to review and use and will bookmark this so I can use this and the other's you have referenced. Thank you.

Margaret, You have given great directions. Thanks for the mention. I went to look at my blog and oops it was messed up because of the blog optimizer - thought I had fixed them all! Your directions will bring leads and bring community members who will become great resources for business too! Keep up the good work. I have been on a little vacation and trying to blog even though I am in Alaska - need to keep the pipeline full :)

Margaret,

Did a quick check to see what the search term was you got the results for on the screen shot... see it was crofton Maryland real estate... Did you know that it has 78000 results and crofton MD real estate has 144000 results.

May want to check out the search volume and do some posting targeted at MD as well...

Good post!

That is all great information. I have found with each blog I write that I learn how to make them better. The key is to be as creative as possible, and have a great caption line.

William - All those contacts... they're going to be waiting for us when the market turns. We'll all be millionaires! LOL.

Sally - So true!

Brian - This is one of those things that we just get better at, the longer we do it. But I do think these 7 tips are important ones.

Zon - Honestly, I find that sometimes I learn more from one of my "how-to" posts than any reader because it reminds me of what's important.

Jeff - Consistent, not frequent. As I mentioned - 3 times a week on my outside blog. Weekly on Localism (in the past, but probably more with the new Localism)... Hey, what's with someone else "stealing" your identity as the go-to FHA guy?

Stacey - You're welcome

Christine - Enjoy!

Jo - 'Hard to do when you're on vacation... I just got back from 5 weeks away, and didn't post nearly enough to keep "consistent".

Mark - Yes, I mentioned that in italics near the end of this post. I have one highly focused blog - Focus on Crofton, I try to make ActiveRain more general (State and County), and my static website is supposed to be targeted to Anne Arundel County relocation - not sure my website guy gets that, however... I have to constantly remind him.

Thomas - You're right, title is very important.

Great tips. I need to send new members to your post as a must read.

Margaret - I have read many of your wonderful posts, but I just looked at your profile and online relocation package. Wow! Makes mine look like a booger!

Randy - thanks for the compliment. Actually, that's how I had those links saved... in a template email for sending to new members.

Virginia - I've been laboring over my profile for the past 4 hours. Strange HTML code keeps creeping in and throwing "off" spacing and font size - Almost 3 a.m. here now, so I think I'll postpone any more tweaking 'til tomorrow. Thanks for the compliment! (Be sure to check back whn I finish fixing it.)

Margaret: What a great list of ideas... and thanks so much for the links to the subjects and posts on your list. Lots of great information. Thanks so much for sharing.

Thanks for sharing that is really a lot of helpful info.

Andy Laughlin

Connect Realty

Here's my sure-fire tip: move to a city that has

no other Active Rain members and...
a potential client base that is internet savvy.

I'll let you know when I find that place. :-)

'Don't know if you realize it or not, but you can join and become a member even though you're "not yet licensed".

Thanks Margaret,

Yes. I promise I'll get registered before the end of this year. I'm still in my Active Rain learning curve! :)

MARGARET - Very good advice to all. I've featured this in the newly named Dedicated Bloggers group (formerly Active Rain Addicts).

Congratulations on the gold for a great post. I just blog and blog, and I do get calls and emails and listings from being 'found' on the web. Can't say I am absolutely diligent about key words as I just don't think about manipulating the text every day, but I am diligent about fresh and relevant content. Bookmarking your profiles post as I need to remember to freshen mine up a bit (i.e., improve it a lot!). Thank you!

Margaret, this is a great simple explanation for new rainers. I had a couple of emails this week and last with people wanting to know how to increase their blog traffic. They were concerned they weren't coming up on Google for their area. Before I answered her I went and checked out her blog. She had only done 6 posts and they were general. I told her about key words, anchor text and blogging more consistently. Hopefully others will take your advice.

Good advice! I can't seem to get past rule # 2

Morning Margaret,

Powerful information for the newbie as well as those of us that need a lil reminder from time to time. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Margaret, Excellent post. Thanks for sharing this great advice. Have a great day.

Hi Margaret! Great information post. Glad to hear your Blogjet recommendation. I've been thinking about giving it a try as well. We have a Tomato site in common. Personally, I have to say that Jim Cronins group at the Real Estate Tomato helped me hit the ground running. This is really a constant learning process. What you've accomplished makes you a shining star for the rest of us!

Wow, there is so much to know that I thought I had covered! Did you feel like you were just holding your head above water when you started here? There is so much to know its mind boggling! They make this stuff so tricky to us newbies!!!! But I will get it! I have book marked this and printed some blogs out, time to study study study!

Margaret -

Thanks for the suggestions. Like you, I have an outside blog and one on AR but struggle to learn all the ways I can make them both successful. This will help a lot.

Margaret: I think Brian B. has the best comment of all. As a marketing major, and a journalism minor, one saying that was common to both was this:

Know youR audience.

To me, this means never blog randomly or in a self indulgent manner.

Having said this, it is hard for me NOT to do this. I am working on it!!!!!!!

Blogging takes discipline, not just in consistancy, but in topic.

I think you should add a number 8 to the list:

TARGET YOUR AUDIENCE.

Margaret-Great Post!, Thanks for sharing, Have a great day!

Joe

Margaret! Your post is perfection! Content is king...! It starts with a concept, a title, keywords and links that compliment and promote one another. Then they do the work for you!

Margaret, Thanks for the info on BlogJet. I will definetly check that out, my wife and I were just talking about posting when we were out of town a couple of days ago, so good timing! :)

Margaret

Thank you for taking time to respond in detail to my question, I greatly appreciate it. I will take the time to understand the resources available here in greatly depth, and hopefully soon will also begin to see leads resulting.

Best regards

Great summary Margaret! Congrats on your online presence as well :)

Very good post I will definitely make use of your advice, thanks thanks, thanks

Great blog! Thanks for the tips!

Have a successful week!

Thanks for the tips!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with the above. Another bookmark for me. I am learning, it is great there are so many great teachers.

Thanks for the great info. I've bookmarked this for further reading. Thanks!

I think the tip about long tail key wors may do me a lot of good. Thanks so much for the advice.

Good information, thanks so much for sharing!! coni Otto

Thanks for the information. I am new to blogging and all of this information is incredibly helpful. Does anyone know of a website that lets you know which keywords are more often used than others?

Great popst, Margaret. I've been on Active Rain for just short of 1 year and have had my stand-alone blog since December. I am now on the 1st or 2nd page for several very competitive keywords, and generate new business through blogging each month. I think the key is to make blogging and promoting your blog a normal scheduled activity. The longer you do it consistently the more it works.

Margaret - Very interesting and informative. My challenge is finding the time to do all the things your 7 Tips suggest. The multiplicity of external requirements on us as realtors in today's market place forces us to become very strict in time management. There are so many very appealing choices out there ( all demanding much of our time ) we each have to make what we believe to be wise choices......I will do this (a) ......I won't do that (b)......Ahhh this is so valuable, (c) I must make time to do this one. So far, blogging has taken a back seat.

Great advise! Thank you for sharing this information!!!

Margaret - I am relatively new to blogging and found your post to be very informative. I think content is king along with speaking to the specific needs of our audience (WIIFM). Blogging is what I consider working on my businness rather than in my business and wil be blocking out time on a regular basis to focus on creating informative posts.

Good tips. Thanks for the post.

Awesome blog! I agree this certainly is featured worthy! Congrats! Information is tops and a wonderful reminder & re-focus. Thanks!

Wow what a great blog1 I really need to pick it up to make mine look like yours!

Thanks for the tips Margaret! Education and communiction is the key to success.

Great blog from one of Active Rain great bloggers. I am definitely going to read all seven blogs and let them know that I would not have found them if it wasn't for you. Thanks Margaret for sharing and always helping rookies like me become a better blogger. Great post.

Thank you....I have never received a lead from Active Rain blogging. Maybe this will help.

Well, I guess everyone else felt the same way that I do. Thanks for the heads up...I will start right now...God Bless...Jason

thanks for the tips. this is great information. I have been bloggin on and off for awhile but it helps to get reminded of the basics.

Thanks for the great information, I have bookmarked it to continue to review and use. Hopefully my blogs will then be more useful.

Great post! I am convinced that promoting your blogs and website are critical. It does not matter how many posts you blog, if no one ever reads them. Also, I am trying to blog every day; have got up to 3 per week. I don't want to take selling time to do it, and I want to have a "life." Any suggestions on when to blog? Thanks.

Stan

How do you measure the performance of your blogging efforts? Is a good ranking on Internet search engines a deinitive measure of your performance? Or, do you measure performance by signed listing contracts?

Writing blog entries, writing comments on other blogs, reading other blogs, writing more blog entries.... This activity is taking up your time. If it directly translates to direct revenue and profits for you, then continue on. However, if you have been "blogging" for six months or more and have not generating any business, then you really should analyze the situation again. Signing up for social networks and surfing the "Web" will eat up your time and not "pay the bills."

"How to blog for leads efficiently" You need to establish a performance metric and, if you fail to meet this objective, you need to slowly seek other marketing efforts, in my opinion.

Great post! I am glad a subscribed to this blog. I am going to bookmark this so I can work on a few of the items you mentioned! Thanks!

Karen Anne - Thanks for your comment. It was great to see you in Texas... 'got a lot of catching up to do!

Chuck - You're right... but that's no guarantee of client contacts.

Adam - Thanks for the group feature! 'Like the new name much better.

Susie - I think we all need to take a look at our profiles from time to tme. Last night I found 2 bad links in mind.

Missy - Yes, that's the kind of experience I've had as well... and their profiles are often very unimpressive.

Dennis - I understand!

Hal - My goal is really just to answer the question for all those people who keep asking me the question.

Bob - You too, Bob

Judy - What's the name of your Tomato blog? I'll have to check it out.

Tony - Believe it or not, "they" actually make it easier for newbies now! We didn't have any of those wonderful guidelines and how-to's - it was purely trial and error!

Jessica - I try to use one blog to feed the other, and vice versa.

Janet - I think your #8 is actually #1 on my list, and the "first commandment of blogging"...

Joseph - You too!

Jim - I re-structured this after our conversation yesterday - is this vague enough?

Jason - If you find out it works on ActiveRain, please let me know.

Matt - You're welcome. 'Hope it helps!

Bill - Thank you! It's taken some time, and there's still room to go.

Freddy - Good luck with it. 'Hope you get lots of business from your blog...

Justin & Katie - You're welcome!

Fred - You're right - I learn something (or many somethings) on ActiveRain every single day.

Great info! Thanks for posting this, very helpful. www.antts.biz A.N.T.T.S = A North Texas Termite Specialist

Jeff - You're welcome!

Rob - Katerina is someone you should subscribe to, if you don't already.

Coni - You're welcome

Katie - There are many, but I just focus on the keywords and phrases that are appropriate for my business.

Peter - You're right - good advice.

Robert - Honestly, blogging doesn't pay for everyone, but it does for a LOT of us on ActiveRain. You just have to prioritize, as you said.

Melissa - You're welcome.

Donna - This is a good market for building an online presence. Then, when the market breaks, you'll already be there!

Ryan - Thanks for reading it.

Sarah - Thank you!

Joe - LOL. No, you need to make it YOURS!

Kenya - True!

Margret,

Thanks for info. Interesting read!

Lanre - You're outgrowing that "rookie" status...

Lucas - You're on your way.

Jason - It will take some work!

Sandy - Hopefully it helps some of the frustrated folks who aren't getting leads yet from AR.

Marie - Lots of leads out there for you to harvest!

Stan - I, too, try to maintain a business and a life, so sleep is sacrificed for blogging early a.m. and late p.m.

Clark - I measure my performance by the leads I get - virtually non-stop. It is rare for a day to go by that I'm not contacted by a seller or buyer. Granted, some of them are long-term... won't buy or sell for weeks, or months... but they're responding to my blogs. What other measure would you suggest?

Team Newington - I'm glad you subscribed, as well!

Chris - Let me know if it works for you.

Brian - Thank you.

Great advice! Thank you!

Margaret, but you make it look soooo easy! Thanks for showing us how it's supposed to be done.

Hey

I completely agree! If people see you are personable, being true to yourself and consistent will "speak" to your target audience. And Google! :) Great post.

Cheers,

Cindy

I have yet to get one lead from AR but I am blogging and hope for it to pay off soon. Thanks for the encouragement to keep going.

Terri - You're welcome.

Tamara - It IS easy! But it might help to have a roadmap instead of relying on trial and error.

Cindy - I'd be surprised to find anyone who excels at these 7 tips if they're not successful at generating business through blogging, unless their market is really really bad. In that case, it's still worth doing, because it helps position the blogger to capture the market when things turn... and they always do.

Anna - You weren't logged in when you left your comment, but I'm willing to bet (based on past experience) that your profile is not content-rich and inviting. If you write the world's best blog and someone clicks through to your profile, they will either decide to contact you or not. You gotta have both.

Thank you Margaret, perhaps your post will give me the courage to write about stuff, my 23 years of experience ought to provide me with some different takes, please keep posting Margaret.

Antonio & Alexia Cardenas, "The Realtors In Motion" www.ListedbyAntonio.com

Well this is really just like an 'Active Rain for Dummies' post. So valuable for those of us just learning and those who have been trying and not succeeding. Thanks Margaret!!

Margaret, you are always so helpful to provide such valuable information. It helps us not to have to re-invent the wheel. Thank you so much!

Great Info! I appreciate the ideas for sure!

Cache Valley Homes

Antonio and Alexia - I loved your photo and slogan so much, I emailed you about it. Welcome to ActiveRain!

Pat - LOL. You're right, it is.

Mark - Didn't I see you on one of your posts tonight?

Kaleb - Use them... they work!

AUG

2008

Thanks for the post.. gotta bookmark and come back and read when have more time.

Thanks, Margaret! This sent me off searching and reading!

Well, like the others said - this is great info for everyone, but esp. for new bloggers like me. I bookmarked the post and will follow all the links thru to read further.

The info on posting listings is helpful BUT I feel like I am spamming other AR's by posting listings. I assume that I manage this through used of groups. Could you expand on the use of groups for different types of posts?

Thank you so much.

Everyone else has said it, Thanks for the great post and wonderful information.

Great post and fantastic information.

Margaret, thanks for all of the great SEO tips for our blogs. I have bookmarked this post and am checking out all of the links....THANKS!!

Thanks to Margaret for writing this informative blog and for everyone's comments! I'm about to attempt my first blog and hope I've picked up a few good tips!

Dee Dee - Thanks! I hope it helps you generate more business

Jon - Thank you!

Debra - Enjoy!

Cliff - Welcome to ActiveRain, and good luck on your first blog.

Great post and I hope you receive many leads in the coming weeks. This is very helpful information to those aspiring relatively new bloggers like myself.

AUG

2008

Margaret, this is a great blog. I got a lot of good ideas from it. I'm new to blogging and, in fact, have only written one blog. I never know what to write about and Brian offered a simple solution to that...blog about whatever clients are asking. Makes sense!

AUG

2008

thanks for the post -- helps you place everything in perspective what you need to do

Margaret: This is very valuable information for anyone who blogs, including us stagers. Thank you for creating this post. You obviously put a lot of time and energy into it.

Stop blogging to other realtors. Period.

Michael - 'Hope so... and remember to maintain a balance of blogging to consumers and other agents. Both can be a source of business for you!

Thanks, Scott, I got it!

Carla, Great idea! Brian is one of the best! Welcome to Active Rain - I'll have to go check out that first blog of yours!

Michelle, So many people have asked this question, I finally just broke down and put it in a blog so I can refer people to it in the future.

Steven. Wrong! REALTORS make referrals. My Last ActiveRain deal was a seller referred to me by an ActiveRainer and a buyer who found my blog. It took both to earn that commission! Anyone with more than two months experience and a great success record (money earned) on ActiveRain will tell you how important that balance is. And frankly, the same is true for other forms of marketing.

People criticize me for how often I blog, but you know why I do it? It is exactly like you said, people want content and I give it to them! I get lots of leads from Activerain, usually one to two a day and I have to say it isn't because I only write one past a week, it is because I do one to two a day....Hmmm, one blog = one lead - Hey there maybe something to this blogging thing!

Todd - Those of us who do generate business from AR get the last laugh, all the way to the bank. I had another new blog-buyer today... non-contingent, ready to buy, classy, well-qualified. If not for her, I would have been working in my yard or cleaning my house. I'll take those AR leads any day! As you can see, I came home to read and comment.

Margaret, I have read & re-read this several time over the last couple days- having run across it in different ways- and cannot get over the simplicity of your advice! You (obviously) have fun writing your blog and enjoy this creative outlet, and through it people find you! WOW! I love it! You have inspired me. I have been reserching and preparing to begin a Localism series of my own to launch my Localism blog for Acworth, Georgia- but till now, I had not thought to get my own URL for it and promote it as such. Following your lead, I looked to see if FocusOnAcworth.com was available... and it is! I love the title & everything it says with those three little words. I found other similar URLs that could work as well because I do not want to "copy" you without first asking if it is OK, but yours is definately my favorite. So wanted to thank you for sharing/ teaching and ask if you would mind the "borrowing" of "FocusOn..." I never want to step on any toes, so I have a backup if you prefer. Either way, the inspiration you have given me is immeasurable!

I Thank you :)
Dianne Dunn

AUG

2008

Dianne, thanks for asking - I actually "borrowed" it from ActiveRainer Bob Carney, who graciously said "yes" when I reacted the same way to his blog, Focus On Frederick - So of course it's fine with me, and why don't you ask him, too. Did you see the titel of my "About" Page?

I'm back to the beginning with writing Localism posts, since I've just taken on Davidonsivlle, Odenton, Gambrills and Fort Meade. It seems like a daunting task, but I know it's just a matter of time and consistency!

AUG

2008

Aloha Margaret!

Thank you so much for posting this blog! I'm new to this website and really enjoy reading people's comment as well as seeing how the design their blogs differently. Where do I go to "spice" up the design of my blog?

Linda

Linda - 'Assume you're referring to the design... There's a box on the right navigation bar that says "Designed by Using the ActiveRain Blog Customizer". Just click on that to get started. I'm not a techie compared to some people on AR, so it took me a while to figure out. Here's the link to a post I wrote after I did: Dumb Real Estate Agent Finally Gets It

Margaret- Thanks for posting the the tips and the resultant in-depth responses to quetions and comments. This has become a compendium of good ideas and insights............. appreciated by a new person to the world of blogging.

Richard, Welcome to ActiveRain!

AUG

2008

Useful advice, Margaret. I know I need to get more scientific about using keywords, especially in my titles.

Thank you for adding the link to the previous post on D..RE Finally gets it, I was wondering how to do that also, as I'm only a few days into this addicting madness of blogging.

Brian - I'm one of your subscribers, and I enjoy reading your blog. As to keywords, I sometimes have to go back in after a post is finished, and see if there's a way to be more effective with keywords and sentence structure (to create keyword phrases).

Sheila - Welcome to ActiveRain! 'Hope you find that post helpful - I have to look back at it myself when I make a change.

This was a great follow-up. Thank you! When I start to read about the different things we can do to our activerain sites, our blogs (i.e., links, colors, keywords, tags, etc) I get overwhelmed. There is so much to learn. Not only that, it is extremely time consuming and I don't want to be a slave to my computer. I'm better at hands-on learning so this might take me a while but your blogs and everyone else's blogs will be a great help.

AUG

2008

Carla - Try not to let yourself get overwhelmed. The simple steps in this blog post are the essentials. Everything else is extra. You don't need to use the blog customizer to get read or to have your posts show up in Google.

AUG

2008

Awesome! I love how you put together the links for the other blogs. Together they make a great class on blogging. I'll be reading each and everyone of them and like you said, keep on blogging. Thanks Margaret!

Margaret, Thanks for the helpful tips and related articles. Someone else told me to blog consistently lately and that point jumped out of your list at me. I really enjoy reading AR and "meeting" such nice people.

SEP

2008

Great post...consistency is something I'm struggling with now...thanks for the reminder to blog often! I keep seeing that it works so have gotta keep chugging along and hopefully people will find me.

Great Blog! Like anything else, blogging is something that takes hard work and forethought. Thanks for the reminder that what I am trying to accomplish here is a journey that never ends and that how I do it is just as important as other lead generation.

SEP

2008

Hi Margaret - I came here via a link from one of your recent posts and so glad that you included the link. This is very helpful, thank you.

Margaret-

Thanks for reposting the blog as I missed the 1st. Great advice. Greetings from Paradise.

Margaret-

Thanks for reposting the blog as I missed the 1st. Great advice. Greetings from Paradise.

Greg - Glad you enjoyed it!

Margaret - Good name! Seriously, 'hope it helps.

Dee - Good point, it really is a journey!

Sonia - Check your stats to find out which posts people are reading, and do more posts like those. That should help increase readershp. Local content seems to get the most readers, if not comments.

Colleen - I really didn't appreciate how important the consistency is until I was away for a while and consistency was "off"

Meli - Yes, I love to link to other people's posts - that's a great way for readers to discover new "friends" on ActiveRain.

MAR

2009

I have to work on changing fonts and adding more pictures. Thanks for all ro

Hi Margaret, I found thelink to this post embedded in Rich's most recent blog. Excellent advice. I have been at AR since July 2008 and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I don't post as often as I should and have now realized that I need to start specifically targeting my content to my market, neighborhoods and areas of expertise (and more frequently!) I can tell that I need to look at more of your posts on the subject! Thanks!

Margaret, Thanks for sharing all the great advice. I find content on my local area to be most effective.

Margaret,

Great info! Thank you. I have so much to learn...

Ann Hayden in chilly Wildwood, Missouri

MAR

2009

Everything you said is very true...and I am finally learning about the importance of keywords and tags and the long tail theory now....sometimes it is overwhelming what we Realtors must know!!!

It looks like this post has taken on a new life, and I'm glad it's providing some inspiration for a new generation of readers. Thank you for commenting!

This blog does not allow anonymous comments

Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation Services

Crofton, MD

More about me…

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Crofton, MD

Address: 2191 Defense Hwy., #120, Crofton, Bowie, and Davidsonville, MD, 21114

Office Phone: (410) 721-1500

Cell Phone: (301) 346-2923

Email Me

Real Estate and community information for homebuyers, sellers, and rookie agents in Bowie, Crofton, Crownsville, Davidsonville, Fort Meade, Gambrills, Odenton, Millersville, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. Proven systems - combining local expertise, professional experience, and technology - to give you a competitive edge when you buy or sell a home.

EHO

Margaret Woda

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Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.