A tool to engage with your readers that will ensure you're meeting their needs...
In a blog post that I did back October 2, 2008 I asked the question:
Think about the reasons you blog (what are yours?)
- To build a trust between you and potential clients
- To provide information and knowledge about your industry and area
- To network with clients and real estate professionals
Producing quality content for your devoted readers and subscribers is providing an essential service that is one of the reasons you choose to blog. You're meeting their needs by discussing things that are important to them - things they want to know more about and hitting a cord that validates why they started reading and following your blog in the first place.
Perhaps you've had one of those days or weeks that you just weren't sure what you should blog about and share with your readers. In addition to helping cure your writer's block this tool can:
- help you promote the fact that you blog
- help you target specific areas and topics that your readers want to know more about.
- Help you blog with a purpose ~ meeting your visitors needs
When I discovered the Skribit tool, I asked Brad Andersohnto help me investigate a bit further to figure out if it's something that could be used on an AR blog. Unfortunately due to the script code we can not use it in the conventional way but I did find a way that it can be implemented in your blog to promote interaction with your readers.
If you'll notice the sidebar of my blog, you will see this:
Note: You can also add it to your LINKS section on your sidebar.
Think of it as a Call to Action for your blog. Understand your readers and create that interaction with your readers - ENGAGE.
When you click on my sidebar it will take you to this screen:
What I also like about this tool is that you can get some great ideas for content whether someone is suggesting them via your blog by simply reviewing the Hot Suggested Topics further down on your dashboard. These topics are for anyone and all you do is claim the suggestion and blog. Talk about a great and easy cure for writer's block.
Chris Brogan wrote a great blog about how he generates great content for his blogs that is definitely worth reading. My point is that you have to ask yourself lots of questions and be clued into the questions all around you - whether they are presented to you in an email from a client, on a forum you participate on, on your blog or simply by reading other blogs.
Another great benefit of this tool is that it gives you the ability to link up as many relevant posts as you want and it's great for bloggers who are addressing similar topics in a series. In two words "Google Juice."
If you have other blog platforms that you use in addition to your AR Blog, feel free to discover how you can implement this tool within those blogs and either incorporate it the way I did here or utilize the widget if it allows script coding. Read more about Skribit here.
Remember when it comes to blogging keep these important things in mind:
- Write with the reader in mind.
- Are you providing advice that you yourself would take?
- Tell a story, make people laugh, provide solutions to their problems
- Share who you are - be honest, be yourself not who you think your reader wants you to be
- Pictures help tell your story - pick good ones that help you express exactly what you mean and that will have your readers relating to the topic.
I look forward to your upcoming blog topics and engaging with you on topics that speak to me and allow you to share your expertise with me (and all of your readers.)
Whether you decide to use this specific tool or not, at the very least I hope this post was just a simple reminder of the importance of engaging your readers and fulfilling their needs.
So my question to you is quite simple:
Do you have a topic you would like to see discussed here? You know what to do...
Do you feel this is something that would help you engage more with your readers?
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If it's not evident to you by now, consumers are very knowledgeable and computer savvy and are using the Internet to not only search for homes but for real estate agents and real estate professionals who they feel are like minded and can lead them to the results they are looking for.
As we all know, there are only 24 hours in a day to get it all done...are you focusing on the right stuff to grow your business and meet your client's needs? Contact us today to get started!
Ready to take your Marketing to new levels? Anne Marie Malfi ~ Malfi Marketing Solutions.com ~ Copyright 2009
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