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"Start with Good Content" - The SEO of Blogging" (Simple, Effective, and Overlooked)

Jeff Turner was kind enough and technically skilled to provide us with a video feed from Dave Taylor's session at BlogWorld entitled "Ten Things You Need to Know About Search Engines & Find-ability." It's 52 minutes long, but it was clearly one of the better sessions during the conference.

I thought I would also share some of my notes and reflections from this session as well, so I'll be spreading it out over the next several articles.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Dave began with the most obvious and perfect foundational premise:

"Start with Good Content!"

With so many from the real estate industry jumping on the Blog Bandwagon, the clarion call for Good Content needs to be emphasized more than ever before! All too many times we approach blogging like we do printed advertising or static website content. We SELL, and PROMOTE, and BRAG! We take up all available space with our logos and jingles, our slogans and websites, our accolades and glamor shots.

Some (SILVERDALE WA REAL ESTATE) self-proclaiimed SEO expert (SILVERDALE WA REAL ESTATE) sold us a bill of goods, (SILVERDALE WA REAL ESTATE) and told us to stuff (SILVERDALE WA REAL ESTATE) our Internet presence with (SILVERDALE WA REAL ESTATE) relevant Key search terms. These little ploys (SILVERDALE WA REAL ESTATE) may trick some (SILVERDALE WA REAL ESTATE) into accessing your site (SILVERDALE WA REAL ESTATE), but without any good, meaningful content (SILVERDALE WA REAL ESTATE), they'll just click on through.

Dave continued by saying that it's content that drives Google (and by Google, he is referring to all search engines in general). Google analyzes semantic and contextual content to determine themes and topics. Semantics are 'What You are Saying' 'What Words You are Using' and 'How Frequent you Use Them.' Context refers to 'Who Links to You?' and 'How do They Link?'

Take just a moment and look at your blog archive. Look at your past articles through the eyes of today's savvy consumer:

Are you writing content that is interesting, valuable, and engaging?
Does your content offer any meaningful, practical advice or information?
Does your writing reveal anything about your unique personality, perspectives, or passions?
Is there anything that would compel your reader to return/respond?

I came across one of our member's blogs the other day where they had written nearly 1700 articles! With all that writing, how many comments do you think they had received? A thousand maybe? Several hundred? Nope, only two comments. Two comments in response to nearly 1700 posts!

Now I realize that our ultimate goal here is not to necessarily attract other real estate professionals as readers through what we publish to our blogs. Our intended audience should be potential clients - consumers. However, with only 2 comments over the course of almost 1700 articles, one has to believe that there's something sorely lacking with their content.

If you want to attract more readers, Start with Good Content.

If you want to keep them coming back for more, Start with Good Content.

And, if you want to convert your readers into potential clients, Start with Good Content!

(for the rest of this series, go to:

"Tantalizing Titles are Tantamount!"

"You Are My Density!...Keyword, that is!"

"The Name Game"

Posted by Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker on 09/24/2008 01:13 PM

Comments (79)

Blogging Seo in the Online Marketing Channel

the seo of blogging, start with good content, dave taylor, jeff turner, 10 things you need to know about search engines and findability

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79 Comments on "Start with Good Content" - The SEO of Blogging" (Simple, Effective, and Overlooked)

SEP

2008

Using good content is mighty important, I have read some weak blogs, and cannot even come up with a comment to them.

It is hard to introduce a new subject, because so much is covered here. We all seem passionate about much the same things.

Absolutely agree! Are we allowed to guess who has 1500 posts and 2 comments?!? I have to admit that many of my localism posts have very few comments, BUT they have very high numbers of views AND I get phone calls and click throughs to our main site. I am always working to improve my presentation and content - thank you for a great reminder, and for making the point that "keyword stuffing" may not get you anything but a shake of a head and a "back" key!

Rich - I also read Jeff Turners blog on this subject and I couldn't agree more. I remember a few months back someone kept making fun of me with a blog I did that kept re-iterating Crossville TN. Something like :

Why is Crossville TN the place to be? Crossville TN is the place to be because here in Crossville TN we have something for all ages. From Golf in Crossville TN to Boating and Recreation and Chuckles for the kids. Crossville TN has ensured this is the best place to call home. ( lol just an example)

After I started reading another Members comment about how I mentioned Crossville TN over and over I sat back and thought to myself, " Yup, I did my job " ! Not only did he catch the Crossville TN over and over again, he responded ! Ha !

Great information here and everyone should take this money making strategy and apply it to their blog world today !

Hey Rich so that's how you do it...just stuff a bunch of BOLD words about your area and make sure Real Estate is one of the words - LOL NOT!!!

Of course, I totally agree. From the start I know I tried not to sell myself but rather to offer insight and worthwhile to folks thinking about or planning to move to Lake Norman. Blogging is fun becauase it motivates me to learn more about my community, meet business owners, investigate and analyze. I have learn so much during the process I know I am a better Realtor because of blogging! Content is king...but add, as Missy wrote, transparency!

Rich: The blogger (if you want to call them that) who wrote 1700 posts and received only 2 comments was LAZY. How could I possibly call someone who wrote 1700 posts LAZY? Because it was not good content. Good content for the majority of us Realtors (non-writers) takes time to write. Its the difference between writing for the encyclopedia and writing with passion. Good Content takes time which is why we don't see enough good content.

Rich: I agree--I have peeked at a couple people who have very high placement in our state who have repeated the same post about 7 different way. I didn't even read - it was boring just to look at it. While I like to be positioned high, I just can't bring myself to write content just for that. If I attracted anyone with it, they would not be the type of clients I would want to work with. However, sometimes I over analyze what to write about to have it "meaningful" and don't find it unique enough--I need a balance.

Yay, yay, yay...can you hear me clapping?

Rich - thank you for the link to the video presentation. How can we view other presentations from BlogWorld?

Rich- I agree that it all starts with good content. But that starts with knowing who you're trying to target as good content can be subjective and depends on the audience. Bad content though is easy to spot and to see through. I can't believe someone wrote 1700 posts and only has 2 comments, that say alot. I wonder how many comments that person has made? Less than 20? I'm dying to know, although I'm not sure why:-)

You hit the nail on the head when you said, "start with good content." Content in King!

Kevin: I know that they had someone taping most of the sessions. I would go to their website, www.blogworldexpo.com, and look for any announcements/links.

I'm working hard to develop the good content that the consumers seek. It does seem tough sometimes to follow the changing "rules" on Active Rain. For Localism we are asked to write about things other than real estate, e.g. restaurants and when we do we are quickly run off the page by 10 identical market reports that weren't supposed to be there. Then we create a channel and quickly another blogger crams it full of "me too" posts. The good news is though that my content is at least getting eyeballs and I'm getting phone calls. Out this weekend with two buyers who found me through specific target markets in my posts.

Hi Rich --- this is a great introduction to SEO and blogging, I can't wait to get the rest of your articles! Also, I'm looking forward to meeting you in person here in Houston!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich that picture you put in this post of some downtown street looks just like some people's blogs when you open them up----you can't even find the content----so you wouldn't know if it is good or not:)

Cindy: Hopefully our 'rules' don't change all that often. It's unfortunate that not everyone follows instructions, or doesn't understand what bloggin is all about. The Market Reports and Listings will soon show up on their own separate page, so that will eliminate that distraction. All of us working together, by example, can show other members that blogging isn't about "US" but for"THEM"

As you know Rich, I've been vocal about agents misusing blogging, gaming Active Rain for points and "Black Hat" SEO, etc. God post here. Let's keep educating.

I have to admit though, Google has a LOOOOONG way to go. They are rewarding MANY sites in my area that are just plain out Spider Spam.

I know...I think that the content is all that really matters. Let's make great posts. My income has increased as a direct result.

Hey Rich,

Good meeting you at BW in LV. As for content, that was the one thread that ran constantly though each and ever session I attended. It just re-affirmed what everyone has always said.

BTW, I learned so much that by day-2 my head was spinning. I made a promise to myself that I would implement at least 3 new ideas this week.

WOW! Don't ya think that they may have gotten a hint after the first 500 or so articles? I'm not trying to be funny, but WHOA DADDY! Okay...are these 1700 posts actually public? Were they written in invisible ink? Are they written in English? I'm having a difficult time wrapping my brain around this.

Thanks for the food for thought...as always! GBU, Rich!

Great post Rich - I think the basics should be revisited often in blogging, both for beginner and veteran bloggers. It really is easy to get off track and forget what the purpose is behind it all in the first place (I was reminded of this at Blog World!). I love the questions you posted... if every blogger asked these of each post they wrote before hitting the submit button, it would really make for much richer and higher quality blogs around the internet.

Thanks for the summary - or at least the first part - I look forward to reading the rest:)

Rich, I've linked here in the comments from my post. :)

Rich,

Excellent as always. And while I am sure this may be basic to many. I can't hear this enough so I keep trying to improve my posts and SEO.

2 comments is very little. Though when I blog to localism I get very little comments.

Rich, I agree - Dave Taylor's session was one of the best. You hit the nail on the head - start with good content! As Dave said, why would Google want to refer someone to your website if you didn't have good content - write with that in mind!

Dave also suggested that we use the word "it" too much. Think about replacing "it" with the noun that it refers to and that will make a great difference and bring more google love.

The other take away from Dave's session was to write GREAT POST TITLES. They are very, very powerful. Make sure that the title captures the main concept of your post and preferrably has key words that you think people will use to search for your post!

Seriously, that wasn't my blog that you're talking about, was it? I mean... uh, if it was I didn't realize I was boring people to tears. ::dialing therapist::

Rich,

Thanks for the tip and the reminder ! Content is king !!!! That is for sure.

Hi Rich,great points for us to live by. My question is I noticed more and more we are getting these Video Messages, how do the Search Engines like these? As well as what kind of response do you hear from the consumers. I tend to look at what is the length if it is more then 1-2 minutes I skip them to ge back later when I have time. Needless to say seldom do I go back unless it is very important to me.

I am trying to develope enough content on my blog before I solict comments from clients and friends. I am almost there so my comment numbers should pick up. I currently have 153 post and 99 comments. I think those numbers will pick up as people learn the systems. I find few agents in my area even know what aan RSS feder is?

Rich...

I constantly tell those looking for SEO that content is key, yet they try endless workarounds to avoid the possibility of having meaningful content.

Excellent advice; I intend to focus more on my own content in the future. I've gotten lots of comments but know it can be improved.

I spent the day in a training class called Internet Lead Generation with Jack Miller from KW and he said the exact same thing. He said that your website probably will have static information and it is through your blog that you can write valuable content and "link" it back to your website. This makes a lot of sense to me...it is hard to create new content to a templated website so the blog is the perfect answer.

Rich: I try to start with good content in order to keep readers coming back for more of the local information for which they're searching! It seems that each and every day, things are changing about the search engine criteria but, if you stick to basics and start with good content, no matter the changes you should be okay! ;-)

Debe in Charlotte

Wow...I'm impressed 1700 posts with two comments. That is a record, but not a record that someone wants to go for...but it has to be a record of some sort.

I think it's a fine line about SEO and good content. If you can make it flow well, obviously go for SEO, but it doesn't always work and then it's a distraction. Integrating the two is a skill that takes time.

Rich, I'm always on the lookout now for something to write about just so I always have good content, and something interesting. I've found that I get the most comments from the Real Estate community when I write about a transaction issue or Active Rain issue. But consumers don't see those and they don't comment on the Localism blogs. So are we writing for 2 different "audiences" ? One for SEO and one for comments and points?

Great job on Active Rain, as always.

Linda

There is so much to post on. I try to post quality - it takes time, but it stimulates my own education. Feeling an obligation to post quality is a motivating force - to learn, to be more involved in the community. That by itself generates presence and business - getting out to get info for the blog, gets me out meeting people.

It has made be a better person, more excited about my world and my work.

Richard

Rich - Obviously, I agree with you that content is king. I wrote a post that clarifies this concept tonight, with regard to re-blogging. Thanks for the reminder, although I guess this was really directed at the person who wrote 1700 posts with TWO COMMENTS!

Rich, I have to say that Dave Taylor's session was by far one of the best sessions of BlogWorld, but not the RE BlogWorld.

Gee... what a revolutionary idea... content. You mean that I shouldn't reprint the directory of local malls in order to attract the people searching for the stores?

Rich, Dave Taylor's session was amazing and he is a great presenter and very passionate about his subject along with humor. The next session he moderated was the guys he kept alluding to that they would say he was wrong, he sat right behind me and I watched him write a whole blog post on one of his blogs while he was sitting there. Blogging on the run, but these top bloggers are driven to write quality content several times a day. All of BlogWorld was amazing and nice meeting you:)

Rich, I sure couldn't have said it better (SILVERDALE WA REAL ESTATE) and (SILVERDALE WA REAL ESTATE) I'm certain you are interested in (SILVERDALE WA REAL ESTATE) what I'm saying here..........he,he,ha,ha...

I do get it. I'm not sure everyone is though. I would love to be able to explain it in the way you did. Thanks for clearing that up.

Later in the rain~Deb

Great content, Rich. Thank you for the reminder. Content is King! Its not always easy to come up with great content post after post, but I still keep slogging away hoping that most of what I post can be considered good content. So much to learn...

Thanks for the reminder. I read somewhere that for every 100 words you are supposed to limit your "stuffing" to 1-3 times and make it flow naturally. Of course, content has to be your #1 priority AND interesting enough to be worth someone's time to read it (I meant THE BLOG, not it ;-)

I too aagree, Rich. I do try to inform my readers, as well as simply talking about things that are on my mind. I assume (often rightly) that what I'm concerned about is the same as others' concerns, and through discussion, we can help each other to deal with some issues.

I know of one blogger who zoomed to the first page of his list of local agents by posting daily definitions of basic real estate terminology taken word-for-word from our real estate law reference book - the one you study for your license. Lots of posts, lots of points, but not one comment on any of his posts. I doubt if anyone gained any helpful info from any of his posts.

SEP

2008

I'm headed for "Tantalizing Titles" as I believe this is an area in which I could use a little more work.

Good advertising is the fastest way to kill a bad product, If you draw people in and offer than nothing, they'll never come back.

If you just sit back and think about it - does or should anyone want content out on the internet that isn't quality? It is a personal reflection on the author and if you are trying to attract quality clientele, then you better write quality content.

It is amazing how many time this has to be repeated -- but hopefully it will sink in for a lot of folks.

SEP

2008

Wow 2 comments from 1,700 posts...not good stats. Content is definitely key I agree as i learn more and more from you guys. Appreciate the info.

I believe the phrase is Content is King?!?!? Ya gotta have quality. Kinda funny only 2 comments...did they just post every listing in their local MLS.

SEP

2008

I believe you are correct about content being the key. I have just recently started blogging and have not recieved any comments but have had a more than 60 people viewing the blog.

What are good numbers for visits?

SEP

2008

Agreed

SEP

2008

Rich,

I agree with you that Content is King. Everyday I look around me and see what topics I can write that are meaningful to the readers. It is not an easy task. I post to Localism for my real estate leads but I have to balance them out with other topics.

OCT

2008

Playing devil's advocate here- Does a lack of comments by readers suggest that the blog is boring/not meaningful? Anyway, I'm guessing that the blogger was doing weekly market reports... am I right?

OCT

2008

Dawn: It depends on your intended target audience. A boatload of comments from other member's here may not mean a lot if you're trying to attract consumer (potential client) traffic. However, some amount of AR member comments is usually a good indication that your content is creating interest and evoking some kind of response. Bottom line, the proof in the pudding is the phone call or email from that potential client responding to something you've written, and wanting YOU as their agent!

NOV

2008

Great reminder. Just because you're writing doesn't mean you're giving anyone the info they're looking for. That's where tools like Google Analytics or something like Get Clicky helps, so you see what brings people to your site, and where they're staying and reading, vs. bouncing right back off the page. Thanks!

I think that some people miss the fact that SEO is useless without good content. In fact I believe that great content is the best SEO and all the the 'tips and tricks' are just gravy.

DEC

2008

Rich, I see you are featured often on the Rain. I am working my bottom off for content and nothing. I feel like I am married to my blog - or on drugs I spend so much time on it. I guess if I keep builing, they will come? info@KathyToth.com www.AnnArborTalks.com

DEC

2008

Learning about SEO has been quite a learning experience for me! Meta tags for keywords? Who knew? Since starting up our website, I've discovered so many other articles that have said don't even bother about setting up these keywords on your html files. (it makes even less sense, since I'm using iWeb MAC software - I'd have to rebuild these tags every time I re-publish my web content to my folder, prior to uploading via the FTP) Search engines look at the content, and seek out their own keywords in what you write about. I also found out that the navigation bar used in iWeb is not recognized by the creepy crawlers...they weren't looking past my 'home' page. I figured out a way to build my own navigation bar by hyperlinking anchor text.

I keep forgetting who our true audience is, here on Active Rain... and who's eyes will be reading our posts. It is much more difficult to come up with great content, but then doing something well usually takes extra effort - it all goes with building a solid reputation, whether it's face to face, or by blogging.

DEC

2008

Rich - great reminder about good content. Good content is the key to developing readers.

JAN

2009

don't forget the photos. Blogs don't hve to be all serious to engage readers. they do like to look at the pretty pictures and business does happen that way too. Google seems to like them well enough too. My two week old photo blog is already coming up high in the serps.

TBoard: I covered that briefly in The Name Game. But you're right. Using good, relevant images is many times overlooked. I am amazed at the stats I am seeing for the number of uniques my WP blog is getting as a result of image searches!

Thank you for the blog today it's a lot to absorbe but I'll try to take it all in.

Portsmouth NH Real Estate

Hi Rich, I've read every comment here. I'll check out the BlogWorld when I have a little more time... I've read about the 'keyword stuffers'. Those pages really do look so obvious and silly. You know it when you read a post that is insightful, educational or just plain fun. You're working too hard. I think that you should have a cup of cocoa!

Great advice Rich. I see too many posts these days with lots of fluff and links to get more backlinks and repeating the keywords over and over again. And I understand that content should be interesting and engaging but these 4 page posts that people write on one subject are too much too! you lose me after 2 minutes

tryingt o get better at that content thing - LOL :) Good points of course!

A great post. Very inspirational. The key is quality of content I believe. That is one reason why I don't write more. I hope to figure out the balance.

JAN

2009

Rick, there is no way around it, a blog is all about content. You have to have something to keep people there, or your blog is a waste of time.

Rich - As always great information. I guess as we keep blogging we will improve our writing skills a little each time, as long as we are always striving to learn and grow in the proper direction. I guess the person with 1,700 posts hasn't learned anything along the way. I made my first video for a website yesterday, and learned a LOT. It only took me about 25 takes to get it where I wanted. So if I have learned, then next time it should only take me 15 takes, right??? :)

thanks for the info.. it is very helpful.. i am going now to read the other posts you mentioned.. is there anywhere we can get a copy of the video you mentioned? thanks for the advice.. happy blogging!!

Sheila: It's right up there in my article, up at the top.. the link that says "Ten Things You Need to Know"......

Rich-Absolutely right! Content is KING! If it isn't fresh, good, and in relevant context, it doesn't keep my attention.

All of us working together, by example, can show other members that blogging isn't about "US" but for"THEM"....

For the image searches.... I just plugged in Sunrise at Makapuu. Yup...it's right there!

Content is what makes me want to read a post, and I know it's important to Google - so it makes sense to work on it.

JAN

2009

In other words just don't write for the ske of points. Write like you have a point etc. Thanks.

Good content is what its all about and what buyers and sellers are looking for...information. Photos are a great added plus for those of us who are very visual.

Nice post, the picture really demonstrates your point! Content is king isn't it? You have the catchy title thing down pat I see!

MAR

2009

Good content is the king to get people to read about what is going on in your area.

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Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

Silverdale, WA

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Keller Williams West Sound Realty

Address: Silverdale, WA, 98383

Office Phone: (360) 499-6367

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Providing Knowledgeable Empowerment and Relentless Representation of Real Estate Clients throughtout the Western Puget Sound, including all of Kitsap County WA, and portions of Mason, Pierce, and Jefferson Counties.

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