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The Second Commandment of Blogging (Learned the Hard Way)

Reblogger
Real Estate Agent

Blogging SEO Tool Box

As many of you know, I am on an Active Rain mission for 2011. I am on a quest to Rebuild My Online Tools. In my search I have been led to various useful "Commandments". I found this one Posted by Margaret Woda back in 2008.
 

The Second Commandment of Blogging (Learned the Hard Way)

I'm adding this lesson to my Blogging SEO Tool Box and re-blogging it for your use too.

Rita's Blogging tool box

Original content by Margaret Woda

We all know the First Commandment of Blogging:  CONTENT IS KING.

'Not sure if I learned this the hard way (through the School of Hard Knocks) or the easy way (someone shared their wisdom with me), but I've known for a long time that good content attracts both google and readers.  It has been the "secret" to selling Crofton Maryland real estate in this market.

When I headed to Texas in June, my broker-owner Ed White was covering for me here in Maryland - After about a week, he said "This is crazy... Are you always this busy?"  I was sending him about one or two leads a day - all generated by my blogs.  This continued for another week, 'til I lost regular Internet connection when my daughter moved into her new house.  She had procrastinated on ordering Internet service for home, since she enjoyed access all day at work.  That's when I learned...

The Second Commandment of Blogging:  CONSISTENCY IS CRUCIAL.

No Internet connectionAfter two weeks without Internet access for blogging consistently about Crofton and real estate, those leads from blogging nearly dried up.  Checking email on a cell phone is one thing; blogging is another!  I realized, for the first time, the huge impact of CONSISTENT blogging.

At that point, my daughter shared her air card with me (a device she uses for Internet access when traveling on business).  That helped, and I posted a few times, but my place in google search results for "Crofton Maryland Real Estate" dropped from one and two for my Focus On Crofton and ActiveRain blogs to five and six during the six weeks I was away.  Even more important - new leads weren't coming in from ActiveRain, Localism or FocusOnCrofton.com at quite the same pace!

Next week, look for me to get back on schedule:  Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for FocusOnCrofton.com.. weekly (or more) for Localism... and, of course, ActiveRain.  If I wasn't convinced before, I know now that CONSISTENCY is just as important as CONTENT in blogging, even though I have a pretty substantial inventory of past blogs posted.

Yes, blogging is a big  investment in time - but it pays a huge return!  People who live in the Crofton area seem to be riding out this market in place, so I can't count on local repeat and referral business.  Relocation buyers are searching online for a community, a home, and an agent... and they find both Crofton real estate and me through my blogs.  

'Guess I'd better get started.  'LOTS of catching up to do, and many new posts have been inspired by my trip, starting with my visit to another Crofton - Crofton, Kentucky! 

PHOTOS:  Istockphoto

Copyright 2008.  All Rights Reserved.  Margaret Woda.  The Second Commandment of BloggingCopyscape 

Copyright 2010.  All rights reserved.

Homes in Crofton MarylandHome Values in Crofton MarylandRelocating to Maryland

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Margaret Woda, Crofton REALTORLong & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Crofton OfficeMARGARET WODA
REALTOR® and Associate Broker
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

Office:  (410) 721-1500 x 6245
Direct:  (301) 346-2923
Email Margaret Woda

'Still passionate about helping home buyers and sellers in Bowie, Crofton, Davidsonville, Gambrills, Fort Meade and Odenton, Maryland, after 30 years as a REALTOR®.

Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.

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DRE # 01867718

24 Hour Real Estate

Direct: (925) 457-4807 ~ Alternative (925) 997-6768  ~ Fax (925) 465-4143

 Email: rita@normanhillproperties.com

If you or your clients are looking for a saavy Realtor® to assist with any real estate needs in the Contra Costa County area including Walnut Creek, Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood and its surrounding communities, do not hesitate to call us

Mike: 925-997-6768  or   Rita:  925-457-4807

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Comments (7)

Jean Hanley
Coldwell Banker Kivett Teeters - Hemet, CA
Specializing in Folks Who Want To Buy/Sell Homes

Well, to you and to Margaret.....thanks for the information.  I need to go back and read all the commandments.  Happy New Year!

Dec 30, 2010 05:53 AM
Bryan Robertson
Los Altos, CA

Both of those commandments are spot on.  Consistent, high-quality local content is the best and really only way to build a strong online presence.  The key is making the topics so topical that they are found weeks or months after they're written.

Dec 30, 2010 05:54 AM
Wendy Richards
ProStead Realty - Charlotte NC Home & Real Estate - Charlotte, NC
at "NCCharlotteHomes.com"- Charlotte NC Home & Rea

I am on the same mission for 2011! Happy New Year Rita and best wishes to you and yours in 2011!

Dec 30, 2010 05:59 AM
Rita Norman
Walnut Creek, CA
Your Agent in Walnut Creek CA

Jean: If you find any more, let me know.

Bryan: Hence my Mission. I want to use these tools to drive my business, but I have to learn how to use them first. I know there are great tools out there and I welcome any suggestions to add to my tool box.

Wendy: I'll watch your blogs and maybe we can help each others fulfill this quest.

 

Dec 30, 2010 06:05 AM
Joshua Harley
Fathom Realty - Plano, TX
CEO, Tech Geek, Innovator, Disruptor, US Marine

Content and Consistency are BOTH very important rules to remember and great things to have in your toolkit!  Congratuations (Love Margaret Woda too!)

Dec 30, 2010 06:38 AM
Doug Anderson
Tucker Associates Real Estate Services - Danville, CA
Bay Area Real Estate Views

This is certainly a goal of mine for 2010 Rita. Thanks for getting this one back up. So many hidden jewels on Active Rain.

Dec 30, 2010 02:32 PM
Rita Norman
Walnut Creek, CA
Your Agent in Walnut Creek CA

Josh: I'm also finding that new friends like you and Margaret are also becoming a significant part of my toolkit. You helped us realize something very important... Thank you for introducing us to Eleanor Thorne. 

Doug: I am finding amazing jewels!!!... like Josh above, and Margaret and Eleanor. I'm going to have to start a Treasure Chest for these jewels.

Jan 01, 2011 02:53 AM