Welcome to the next installment in our ongoing series "Making the Most of Your Localism Sponsored Communities." We began this journey shortly after the Localism Land Rush, as we raised our glasses high in celebration of our spoils. But quickly, we scratched our collective heads and asked, "We've Just Sponsored a Localism Community! Now What?"

"Finding Your Voice in the Blogosphere"

Making the Most of Your Sponsored Localism Communities - Part V

A huge part of your success in making the most of your Localism Sponsored Communities will depend primarily on two things:

• The Quality of the Content You Contribute

• The Manner or Style in which You Communicate

We'll talk about content the next time. In this episode, we'll talk about writing style, or voice. Much has been said lately about 'Finding Your Voice' as it refers to developing your unique style of writing in your blog. Just as with SEO techniques, you'll get a wide range of varying opinions, all well intended, of course.  But one thing I've learned on this Web 2.0 journey thus far:

"One Size Doesn't Fit All"

No two bloggers are the same, and that's really the beauty of conversational blogging - through our writing, no matter what the topic or subject matter, we convey our unique personalities, our individual perspectives, and our personal passions. Today's savvy consumers want good, relevant information that is interesting, intriguing, and engaging. But they also want to interact with a human element, someone with personality, who is genuine and transparent. A tall order, perhaps. But such are the realities of this medium. It demands honesty, and the willingness to be somewhat vulnerable.

There is Only One You!

Many are hesitatnt to enter the blogging fray for fear that they aren't gifted writers. Or that they aren't socially adept enough to engage in lively discussion. Perhaps one of the most freeing aspects of conversational blogging is that 'you' can be 'you.' Whatever your skillset, no matter your educational achievements, despite whatever flaws you feel may be limiting you, you can succeed at blogging. You don't need to possess the magnetism of a George Clooney, the eloquence of Barrack Obama, or the mind of Stephen Hawking. Just be yourself, in all your imperfect, splendid glory.

Don't Be a Copy Cat!

When members first join ActiveRain, they usually lurk and observe for a while. And, as typical, many begin to mirror what others are doing. We assume that what works for one apparently popular blogger will also work for us. So we attempt to mimic their writing style, or the visual 'look' of their blog posts. We add all the same widgets, gadgets, and fancy signatures to spice up our blog and dazzle our readers. We try to be as funny or entertaining or intelligent as they are. Unfortunately, our own unique voice gets lost in the process. Don't try to be something you're not. To Thine Own Blog Be True!

Conversation over Coffee

Probably the best advice I could give is to write like you talk. Imagine yourself at your favorite coffee-shop, enjoying a delicious Cup 'O' Joe, and having an informal conversation with one of your favorite clients. You still maintain a certain degree of professionalism, but you're more relaxed, and comfortable in your own skin. There's a rapport that you share with your client. You have become their trusted counselor and adviser. They consider you the resident local authority on all things real estate. But they've spent time with you, and they enjoy your company. How would you communicate with them? What things would you talk to them about to better inform them of the market? How would you best 'equip' them to make their buying/selling decisions?

Remember to "Have Fun!

Whatever you do, don't take things so seriously, or make the whole process such a strenuous effort, that there's no joy in the process. If your blogging is to be effective and consistent, it has to be something you enjoy doing. Otherwise, it simply becomes yet another 'task' on your marketing 'To-Do' list, and eventually, your blog will become a literary ghost town.

(To access the previous episodes in this series and learn about ALL THINGS LOCALISM, go HERE)