WHO The Heck Are You Blogging For?

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WHO The Heck Are You Blogging For?

WHY ARE WE HERE?

Every once in awhile, a new question will come into my mind. This morning as I was trying to come up with a new blog topic, I wondered to myself.....

Who are we blogging for?

(yes i know that I should not end a sentence with a preposition :)

During my short time here on active rain, I have noticed that there are 3 basic types of bloggersl

TYPE 1 - THE ALL ABOUT ME BLOGGER

The all about me blogger talks only about him/herself. You will notice a prevalence of the word I in all of their blog posts. This blogger is also prone to talk about their family, friends and close relatives at least 5 times per week. They may talk about real estate, but real estate discussions get in the way of them talking about themselves.

TYPE 2 - THE POINTS BLOGGER

The points blogger is very easy to spot. This blogger will typically have many posts with little to no content. You will notice that the copy/paste function is this bloggers best friend. The points blogger also posts very short posts. The points blogger also makes 10 comments/day using 50 words or less total. Oh yeah....the points blogger loves re-blogging

TYPE 3 - THE CLIENT ORIENTED BLOGGER

The client oriented blogger attempts to blog about subjects that are relevant to his/her potential clients. This blogger tends to post many localism centered posts. The client oriented blogger will discuss real estate related issues and thier affect on potential clients. This bloggers posts useful information, shares some information about his/her personal life and may even post a joke or two from time to time. This blogger is always thinking...."what does my client want to know today?"

There are other types of bloggers (ie - the techie, the sharer, the i dont have a clue), but I think if you look closely, they all fit into one of the above categories

WHAT TYPE OF BLOGGER ARE YOU?

Leander McClain, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, 15 E. Broad Street, Burlington, New Jersey 08016 -609-505-6578

Posted by Leander McClain: NJ Foreclosures & REO NJSouthRealEstate.Com on 09/17/2008 11:34 AM

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52 Comments on WHO The Heck Are You Blogging For?

SEP

2008

I blog for one reasononly. To share my knowledge woith others so that they may be more knowldgable after they read what I have written.

Blogging for any of the reasons you listed is ok with me. I have built relationships with all three types. I am new to this and just starting to figure it out.

Leander: I am 90% blogger for the consumer, but I admit, it took a while for it to sink into my brain that blogging for the consumer IS good for business. IT WORKS.

Leander, it was your headline that got me to click on your blog although I will admit that I checked my points in relation to my city before looking at blogs. This makes me feel like I might be a point blogger. Based on your blog and my use of "I" above a number of times, I may be an all about me blogger, I am starting to get confused. Then I looked at the history of my blogs and decided they were more about the Real Estate climate in my area and were likely beneficial to my customers and clients.....Wow, you had me worried for a couple of minutes. LOL. Thanks for the post.

Being a new Realtor, I am definitely an all about me blogger, but I ask the questions that could be beneficial to other newer agents. I am a mix of all about me and all about you. I, I , I....hehehe.

Kind Regards,

Manolis

JC - you gave me a good laugh. In the end, we all blog with the hope that blogging will help our business. I have been all three of the above bloggers. It took me a bit to realize that I should be blogging for consumers.

Kat- It took me almost 30,000 points worth of blogging to understand that I should focus on potential clients. The best tool i have found on AR was myblog log statistics. That helped me to learn how people end up on my blog. The majority of people that find my blog were searching for something not related to real estate....but that I just so happened to blog about.

Melody - you are correct. You will notice that I didnt say there was anything wrong with any of the three types of bloggers. We all have to to what works for us. So if it aint broke, dont fix it. Keep up the good work.

Manolis - its cool to talk about you, but ask yourself this question.....how much does a potential buyer or seller want to know about you? Maybe a little, maybe a lot...who knows. My latest things is blogging about local shopping areas. If you have someone new to the area or even thinking about moving into the area....one of the first questions they want answered is.....where do i shop? Good luck and keep up the good work

Have a great prosperoous day

Leander

I blog for all obut the "all about me blogger? I don't really like the "all about me" blogs that come out I think they are a waste of time and easily differenciate between the full time professional and the stay home, nothing to do person who needs a life.

Patricia Aulson/ Hampton NH Real Estate

I think I tend to be a localism blogger wwriting to the potential clients out there, but I have to admit, I check my points each time I log in..................

Leander, I agree with you one hundred percent. Every professional who is in the business of serving others; should blog for the benefit of his/her protential client. The ultimate goal is to indirectly convince your prospect, if they decide to do business with you they will be in good hand.

Hi Leander, always good to read one of your posts. My posts are a combination of client information and just being a part of the AR community. ~ Evelyn

Wow Patricia. I do not do a lot of 'about me' blogs, but I have to say that I never look at those AR Members as people who have nothing better to do. Those are the members that share their work like as well as their home life. Blogging is an easy way for people to get to know you (even clients).

Leander - When I started, I was big on points. And I'll be honest, I still watch my points. I do not try to inflate them (or else you would see a post from me almost every day), but I do pay attention to where I am. My blogs are about 90% for Real Estate Agents. About 5% for consumers and 5% about me. I'll switch gears where my posts will be about 50% Realtor Tips, 40% Consumers, and 10% about me (and/or something outside of work). I think blogging is a great way for people to get to know you. I can share my advice with some and receive feedback from others.

I do everything in my business with my customer in mind. I don't blog for myself or for points or for leads. I thought this would be a nice place to meet people or make friends and chat about what is going on in the industry.

Jennifer Lamm

I guess I am a mix. It all depends on my mood of the day. Since I just went through Hurricane Ike, family, home, friends, etc are very important to me. Sometimes I concentrate on beefing up the business.

Great post. I blog for all the clients that I've worked with who have had questions about building a home, moving to the area, or even what kinds of things there are to do. I'm just not that good at blogging about myself, though I know I probably should show my "personal" side a bit more! On the other hand, I hear over and over that the information I've put together has been helpful, so I guess that's what counts.

I'm Type 3: blogging for my consumers who are real estate professionals ;-)

My translation services are for you, guys, those who want to sell to foreigners these days

Interesting how much self reflection a question like yours generates. Personally, the bloggers I enjoy the most are a combination of types one and three (which is what I am trying to be). Learning new information is rewarding and getting to know people is enjoyable. Thanks for the great post!

Leander great summary of the different types of bloggers. I think I follow somewhere in between client oriented blogger and the sharer blogger.

I have been concentrating most of my blogs on localism. I have some blog that I want to do for other agents, but time has not permitted. Perhaps I will get to those in the winter when things slow down. I have a lot I think I can contribute. So, I would say up to now I am focused on the consumer.

Leander ... great way to sum up the type of bloggers. I guess I'm a consumer blogger ...????

I just have fun with it and I LOVE my camera!

Leander ... great way to sum up the type of bloggers. I guess I'm a consumer blogger ...????

I just have fun with it and I LOVE my camera!

You ask an interesting question. I am mostly looking to network with other professionals in the industry. I am fairly new to AR.

I think I blog for several reasons. One is to network, I also like to blog about my family, friends, pets. I think Localism is great, but I have not blogged there lately because I have not had the time. Blogging for points, not really, I am too low on the list and I would really have to work hard to get up to the top guys when I have too many other real estate related things to work on.

Great blog Leander! Funny and introspective. My friend calls blogging her therapeutic diary. I disagree. Blogging can be therapeutic but, if we were purely interested in just "getting our thoughts on paper" - we'd write in a diary. A private diary. Instead, we use the largest online community for real estate/mortgage bloggers to express ourselves. I love it! Regardless to our different approaches to blogging, we all have the same goal in mind - building business relationships:-)

All the best,

Salwa

Leander - right on! Great post. Blogging for networking & leads. I think it's a great idea either way. KM

I'm a type 3 blogger. I dedicated my California mortgage loan website to give out FREE mortgage information to consumers because I feel like that is how I can serve consumers the best. The law of reciprocity will kick in, and I will be able to help many of these consumers secure financing. The same holds true in blogging. I try to include something beneficial to the reader.

I blog for many reasons. And I fit in all three of these categories, is that possible? I talk blog about myself and my family, my local market, my comments aren't always 50 words longer, and I write about things I think consumers are interested in. What class does this put me in??? And what category are you in Leander, I think I will read your blogs and try and guess. I'll be back!

I think I'm definitely a Type 3 Blogger. There so much that consumers need to understand about our processto be successful. I like to help out with good information, but I'm imune to checking on the points :-)

Leander ~ Honestly, I believe you and I are in the same category. We are a little of all three, I could be wrong so don't get upset with me.

I just read and looked over your post and I think you are a terrific photographer! Your pictures in your posts are bright, clear, really, really nice!! Great job!

Terrie -You are 100% right. I am a little of all 3. There are days when I write about me, my family and what's important to me. Readers of my blog read about my wedding, one of my daughters and things about me. You have read my MEME, you have read my rants.

I also blog for points. Again, guilty as charged. I am very aware of the number of points i have and i am also aware of my competition. I read my competitions blogs and comment on them. I know if those close to me in points are blogging or if they have inactive blogs. I know if my competition is moving away from me in points or if I am closing in on them.

Finally, I blog for the consumer. The outside blog is one of the best things that AR came up with. Not all of my posts go to my outside blog....and then other posts are only for the outside blog.

So there you have it. I am a Type 1, 2 & 3 blogger all rolled into one

Have a great day

Leander

Just joined AR last week and was wondering why there we so many different blog types. Some had a lot of information that was shared with the group, others were about very random things, and some were just listings. We could probably csubcategorize your group, but all in all, this site has a ton of information, and I will be glad when I can navigate through a little more efficiently.

YEAH...a question to which I KNOW the answer!

Drum roll please....

It depends on the day of the week and my mood...but I'm definitely ALL THREE! I (oh my...I just used the word 'I'...and I did it again) write from my heart...about the things that matter to me...things about which I'm passionate. Some days, I write about my life experiences...my children...my struggles...my faith. Other days...I go out and spend two hours taking pictures of an area of town and another two hours putting together a Localism post. I share stories about my clients (after 6 years in the business, I have a LOT of clients) and other agents. I just write what is foremost on my heart and mind. For me...it works.

I've had a lot of clients find me for business because of my blog. Many of them have told me that they appreciate the real estate related posts, but they specifically chose me because of my life-related posts.

(WOW...this comment is getting long.) Okay...so maybe I'm not the points blogger. I tend to read at least 30 posts a day and comment on all of them. OOooooohhhh...and I've never reblogged anything.

Did I answer the question, Teacher?

GBU!

The best blogs have useful information for homebuyers and sellers. "All about me" and points blogging just fill the internet with junk.

Leander - most of my posts are localism posts about the market, local events, and home maintenance. I read posts to learn - and when commenting - I do not simply comment for the points - I have read many posts and do not comment when I don't have anything of value (or perceived value) to say - or when what I have to say is simply not appropriate. My focus is to keep it light-hearted, supportive and professional.

Well I guess I fall in to the last reason. I am trying to get as much information out about my community and drive business to myself. So far I am doing that.

I am a new blogger but plan on trying to focus on real estate issues but periodically mention life situations. Life goes on so I have to include life issues....

Stacey~

Leander,

You now have me analyzing how I blog, which could be a much needed thing. As I'm a toddler on AR my blogs seem to be in all categories. Just trying to find my voice perhaps' but your post is making me think more about how that message should be conveyed. So I'll let you know in another few blogs what I discover about why and who I blog for....

Hi Leander,

Very astute observation of the types of bloggers here in the Rain. Would like to think of ourselves as client oriented bloggers with alittle techie and community share thrown in. We believe that is the core of the success of Active Rain - there's something for everyone!

Hi Leander. I don't have a clue! Ha,ha! Just kidding. I've evolved into doing a lot of local stuff. I think (don't know) that will benefit me the most. But I love reading your blogs, So keep it up!!

I blog for two reasons -- number one -- to pass on valuable helpful hints, tips and information as way to say thank you to the rest of the bloggers that pass on valuable information to me and secondly, for the local markets and the consumers that visit your site for valuable information to assist them with their real estate search and transaction. Make it a profitable day

Thanks for the post.... Okay... comment: done! .... re-blog: done! Kidding! I am definitely aiming for type 3, but I am an imperfect bloke.

Leander- You are funny. You made me smile. You blogged for all of us today and I am going to read your posts with more scrutiny. What kind of a blogger are you?

SEP

2008

Yup...the all about me bloggers also stick links in other peoples comment sections. Points are beneficial if the blogger is writing great content ...to get up on their state page...The one for clients and how about the ones for peers...and friends we make here? This IS the only place that I know where we connect....with our peers...and many turn into friendships as well. I like that.

Elizabeth- Gold star for you. I think the BEST bloggers know what type of blogger they are and they stick to that format. We each have to blog according to what is most comfortable to us. I like to talk and I like to write, so writing comes easy to me. Others are not blessed in that area, so they have to blog accordingly.

OBTW....check out rebloggling. I dont do it for the points but for my potential clients. I tend to re-blog articles that are very well written by experts. I am not an expert in all areas, so information provided by financial professionals, definitely help out my readers....and then my Point Blogger side comes out...I like the 25 points

Have a great day

GBU

Leander

Leander - I think you are right; most people fall into one of these categories. I sure hope I am client oriented because that's what I am aiming for. Based on the response from the consumer seems I am somehow achieving that. This was a thought provoking post which could help some to refocus.

Congratulations on being featured.

Sally - you are so right. The all about me bloggers can't help but talk about themselves when they are commentting on your blog. I am guilty of sticking a link or two in other peoples comments...but that was before I knew better. Wasn't trying to be malicious :)

Eloise - I am a combination blogger. I am definately moving towards being more of a type 3 blogger, but the other types will slip out from time to time.

Stacey - Talking about life issues is good. You may help someone else when you talk about the situations that you are facing. It's just when you talk about yourself, just for the sake of letting everyone know how wonderful you are.....hmmmmphf. That could be a problem. We are all wonderful people.

Clients 1st, points 2nd....simple and easy and fun!

Thanks

Leander: I didn't see yours but saw the one that's gone now here :)

I don't know what kind of blogger I am yet!!! i just started.. but dually noted.. I am not going to be a points blogger.. I promise!

Sally - Uh huh...I see what you mean :)

Linda - keep it up. You will eventually hit your stride and find out what type of blogger you truly are. Good luck.

Bo - My brother, you always make it simple and easy. I like that. I still owe you a call, I didnt forget ya.

Brandon - You definitely have to have a sense of humor....and it's clear that you do. Thanks

So very glad to hear you agree with my earlier comments. I think it is great to be a blooger for all three reasons: the point blogger, the meme blogger and the consumer blogger. I guess we are just well rounded people....

APR

2009

Leander...

I'm so sorry to have missed this one. I am in a totally different class of Bloggers. Here's my story and I'm sticking to it :)

Way back when, my husband discovered AR. He, like everyone else who discovers AR, couldn't get enough of it. He was spending so much time on his laptop that I found myself concerned. I asked him what's up and he showed me AR. I liked what I saw. A few months later I joined and started Blogging for fun. I don't blog for business cuzz I don't want to compete with my RE Company and my husband the Broker. So, in an effort not to become a Lonely wife, instead of a Lovely wife, I started Blogging and My Crap-A-Rama was born. I blog for fun. When, for whatever reason, I'm not enjoying myself I stop Blogging for awhile. You may've noticed that sometimes this place can get a little tense. Those are the times I back off and go do something productive in the real world.

Now, as far as me taking the alternate route, that's truer than you'll ever know. I have a passion for doing things differently than others. It amuses me and keeps the 'ho hum just another day' attitude away from me. The day I stop traveling the road less traveled is the day I hand over my gun and ask someone to put me out of my misery :)

TLW...ROAR!

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Leander McClain: NJ Foreclosures & REO NJSouthRealEstate.Com

Cherry Hill, NJ

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Atlantic & Pacific Real Estate

Address: 103 Carnegie Center, Suite 300, Princeton, NJ, 08540

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