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I Write To an Audience NOT an Engine

By
Real Estate Agent with Cherimie Crane & Associates

I received a phone call today from a fellow Realtor/member of Active Rain. I must admit I had no idea exactly how to feel about his first few statements. He began by telling me how much he knew about search engine optimization. He went on to explain to me that I was wasting my time by posting to certain sites.

Ok. I thought, be nice Cherimie.

Thankfully, I didn't hang up on him.

He is a Beaufort Realtor that I haven't had the pleasure of meeting. After listening to him for a few minutes, I finally confessed.

"It isn't my goal to be the number one website on Google. If it were, I can assure you, I would be."

Silence.

It is the truth. Obviously, getting ranked higher is helpful to my goals of meeting great people, finding them a home, and then finding their friends a home.

My number one priority isn't to have the number one spot.

I explained to this gentleman that I am fully aware of Google juice; however, I write to an audience, not an engine.

My blog has brought me some wonderfully amazing clients, a few new Realtor friends, and a sense of accomplishment when readers take the time to comment.

After a few more minutes, I realized his intent was genuine. He is sincerely a nice man.

Glad I didnt' hang up on him:). I look forward to learning more from him as we get to know each other better.

So just keep in mind, people blog for many different reasons and rejoice over different results.

My posts are my way of introducing myself, connecting with past clients, communicating as only I can; Google can keep its juice.

 

 

Posted by

 

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Beaufort South Carolina, We know Beaufort. Our little coastal town has something for everyone.

 

843-812-2090

 

Anonymous
WandaMurray

I am just trying it all out! Why isn't my company name after my name, like everybody else's? Things like that. Someone is going to say because you didn't put it there Bozo and then I'm am going to say ,I don't know how to get back there. Why didn't htey have computers when I was in Elementary school! AAAAAAAAUUGGG??!!!

Mar 24, 2009 05:28 AM
#71
Craig Schiller
Trempealeau, WI

Cherimie,

I know no other way. It is the way I like to write.

Sometimes I feel it is not PC or "optimzed" way to go.

So thanks for reminding me to look down at the path that has worked so well in the past.

Craig

Mar 24, 2009 05:49 AM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Wow, Congrats on the feature!  I agree... the google juice is nice, but writing for the audience is better!  (and of course there is certain therapeutic value as well!)

 

Mar 24, 2009 06:31 AM
Anonymous
Amy

Chermie

You go girl, don't let them get you down.  Your doing something right because I picked your blog up when I went to sign in to my active rain account and saw you on the sign in page.  I had someone call a couple of weeks ago and tell me that my website was a little amaterish and that they could do way better with a new site for me at a low cost.  My answer to him was, "I'm getting more leads then I can handle now, why would I want my website to change".  You just keep doing what your doing!

Amy

Mar 24, 2009 06:34 AM
#74
Christine Wade
Christine Wade - Derby, VT
Operations Strategist / Online Business Manager

You show a lot of integrity of character in your post..and I really think that's great in this world.  And I see you've already been told that you can do both...post for you and for Google at the same time, so I won't reiterate that fact...you're doing something right, somewhere...and "if it ain't broke - don't fix it!" (Although it goes against all of the geekiness in me not to tell you to go after the Google juice!  LOL)

Mar 24, 2009 07:28 AM
Teresa Boardman
Boardman Realty - Saint Paul, MN

I have found that I can write to my audiance and still have the number one spot. it is the best of both worlds. It is people who use google.

Mar 24, 2009 08:25 AM
Diane Aurit
LKN Realty, LLC - Mooresville, NC
Lake Norman Real Estate

I didn't have time to read all of the comments but I do agree with Teresa above.  I try very hard to let my readers get to know me and my community but have been able to be at the top of Google while doing so.  It really is an art and there is no one size that fits all.  Clearly you are happy with your success and connections and that's all that matters.  Congratulations on the feature!

Mar 24, 2009 08:54 AM
Jacob Haddan
MCG Powered by MAC5 Mortgage - Englewood, CO
Jacob 720.210.7898 Call or Text - FHA HUD VA and U

Google tip. I often google myself then update anything that comes up to keep my name at the top of google. I tell all of my past clients to google me if they loose my number.

Mar 24, 2009 10:00 AM
Natalie Langford
Realty Negotiations - Winchester, VA
Winchester, VA Real Estate

You actually had some one in your own market calling you to help?  Did I read that correctly?  WOW!  That speaks volumes for the guy who called you.  Have you heard of Wuffie?  He deserves some!  And good for you for writing for your audience, not SEO.  However, I feel you can blend the 2 and no one would know the dif.  Of course, my blog's gone rusty lately, so don't go looking to mine for an example!  :-)

Mar 24, 2009 10:11 AM
Cherimie Crane
Cherimie Crane & Associates - Beaufort, SC

I am absolutely humbled by the response, advice, and support. Please know that I had NO IDEA that this would be a featured post. I want to make certain that I reiterate the fact that the gentleman who called me was sincere and quite knowledgable. I look forward to learning more from him.

I realize that my style doesn't fit everyone;however, it works for my clients and my goals.

I can only hope to learn from all the wonderful advice that has been given!!!!

Mar 24, 2009 10:43 AM
Debbie Walsh
SHAHAR Management - Middletown, NY
Hudson Valley NY Real Estate 845.283-3036

Cherimie-Kudos on the feature!  I agree with you on this.  How come he called you initially?  Just to offer advice?  Sometimes it isn't worth the stress to constantly worry about where you are placing in the search engines.

       

Mar 24, 2009 11:53 AM
Aaron Poling
Long & Foster - Martinsburg, WV
Working to get YOU the BEST Deal!

Everyone has their own system, I cant stand it when other people want to act like thier way is the only way

Mar 24, 2009 01:26 PM
Tom Burris
NMLS# 335055 - Baton Rouge, LA
Texas/Louisiana Mortgage Pro - 13 YRS Experience

I write to an engine so my audience can find me.

To each their own.

 

 

Mar 24, 2009 01:40 PM
Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Cherime~ There is no true right or wrong way.  I say do what works for you.  Be genuine and true to yourself and the rest will follow.  I think it is great the someone called you and genuinely wanted to help you.  You can't beat that!

Mar 24, 2009 02:23 PM
Kelsey Barklow
Hurd Realty - Johnson City, TN
423/948-9154

I loved this post. It's nice to be transparent and good for you for saying so!

Mar 24, 2009 03:36 PM
Courtney Cooper
Cooper Jacobs - Seattle, WA
206-850-8841

This is great:)  I like Google Juice - I have to admit, but an audience should always be the first priority.  You two will probably be great friends one day!

Mar 24, 2009 04:21 PM
Mark MacKenzie
Phoenix, AZ

Google juice is great, but ultimately, people want to work with a person, specifically a person with a personality.  You obviously know this. :)

Mar 24, 2009 04:38 PM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

Thanks for sharing this with me.  Good things!

Ginger of Southport

Mar 26, 2009 08:23 AM
Debbie Hutchins
Birmingham, AL

Spoken like a true "Southern Belle"!  May you continue to let your words flow!  You are a joy to read and I am sure that you draw in your share of the business with or without SEO!  And I am sure you are to nice to ever hang up on anyone! :o)

Mar 26, 2009 05:37 PM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

I am always open to suggestions and ideas.  Love to get new ones.

Apr 08, 2009 08:47 AM