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When Blogging Efforts Go Beyond

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Beam & Branch Realty TREC #547752

In Texas, our state association still publishes a magazine that goes to all of the REALTORS® who are members. This publication is relevant, provides information that we can actually use, and keeps up to date with new laws, changes in our forms, and so much more. I enjoy reading this magazine.

I do keep older copies in my office, as I have found great inspiration for blog posts here in the Rain. What I didn't expect was that through my blogging efforts here in the Rain, I would be receiving a call from one of the writers of this magazine. 

The girl on the other end of the call let me know she was a writer for Texas REALTORS® magazine and had read some of my blog posts about renovating commercial property. From that point, we set up several phone interviews as she gathered the information that she needed.

While it took a while for the article to show up, it was really fun to see it in print. As I reflect back on all of the posts I've written here in the Rain, what a cool perk to have your work acknowledged by our colleagues. But, I have to say that without the blogging efforts here on this platform, this would not have happened.

So, when you wonder if your blogging is doing anything, you never know who is out there reading your posts. Active Rain has certainly provided me with greater confidence to write and to continue posting. Thank you, Active Rain, for giving us a place to be seen and heard in ways we could have never imagined!

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Comments(14)

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Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Paula, that is very cool, did you get some calls from your colleagues?    I was approached by NAR to talk about Walk Score after I did a post here years ago.   

Jan 28, 2026 02:25 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Joan. I did get several calls from agents around the state that I know. This has been such an unexpected surprise.

Jan 28, 2026 02:58 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Dr. Paula McDonald that is something to be very proud of, and who knows, now that they have written this first article there might be more down the road.

Jan 28, 2026 03:07 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

That is true, George. We shall see where this leads. 

Jan 28, 2026 03:19 PM
Kris Collis
Clarks Summit, PA
Classic Referral Group

Congrats on the recognition for your contributions Paula, well deserved.

Jan 28, 2026 03:39 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Kris. When we wonder if all of these blogging efforts pay off, they really do!

Jan 28, 2026 07:08 PM
Janice Zaltman
Janice Zaltman - Boca Raton, FL
Energy Efficient And Eco-Friendly Homes in Florida

Dr. Paula McDonald That is exciting. Congratulations. and a gentle reminder for us all to do what we love and enjoy because....ya never know.

Jan 28, 2026 03:45 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Janice. You really never know how this pays off.

Jan 28, 2026 07:09 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Congrats to you, Paula!  You're absolutely right...we don't know who may be reading our blog posts!  This is also a reminder to mind your P's and Q's when writing!!!

Jan 28, 2026 06:20 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

That is so true, Kathy. There are many eyes on what we write.

Jan 28, 2026 07:10 PM
Ellie McIntire
Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate - Ellicott City, MD
Luxury service in Central Maryland

So inspiring, Dr. Paula! Love how your blogging opened unexpected doors—proof that putting yourself out there really pays off.

Jan 28, 2026 08:01 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Ellie. You are right that when we blog, we really are putting ourselves out there.

Jan 29, 2026 07:33 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

That is really cool, and a really good testament for those wondering if blogging in the Rain works or not.

Jan 29, 2026 05:19 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Brian. I haven't had this kind of result before, so it is great to celebrate this to encourage us all.

Jan 29, 2026 07:33 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Paula, I got a call last year for an interview from Key Media who also told me they had read my posts on Active Rain. As you say, you never know who is actually reading your posts.

Jan 29, 2026 07:09 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Very cool, Nick. I am not surprised. Your consistency and your content are always wonderful.

Jan 29, 2026 07:34 AM
Vickie Teel
RE/MAX PALM REALTY - Port Charlotte, FL
Sharing Florida sunshine one homeowner at a time!

WOW Paula - this is truly a cool perk!!  Congratulations on getting published.  Your information must be highly informative and useful!  Maybe there will be more in your future!

Jan 29, 2026 10:26 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Vickie. I was honestly completely surprised when I got the call.

Jan 29, 2026 10:45 AM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.WarrenCountyOhioRealEstate.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Paula, always nice to get that extra proof that blogging still works!  It's been some time, but I've had local papers/magazines reach out for input, and years ago RE/MAX corporate used to feature the occasional post in their electronic newsletters.   Don't know if they still do that, but it would shoot views through the roof.

Jan 29, 2026 02:46 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I am not surprised at all! You always put out great content.

Jan 29, 2026 05:37 PM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

Great post and a reminder to us all!!

Jan 29, 2026 07:38 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Paddy. It's cool when the work pays off. Hope you have a great weekend coming up.

Jan 29, 2026 08:14 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I agree, Paula I also agree that all that said, I think the authenticity part is the most important part for sure.!!

Jan 29, 2026 09:56 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

You are absolutely correct, Laura. Remembering who we are and in our own words is essential.

Jan 30, 2026 01:23 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Paula. Congrats to you on contributing to your state association magazine. I have always been surprised at the reach of posts here in the Rain. And, at times surprised when people mention it. Enjoy your day. 

Jan 30, 2026 04:54 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Hi Wayne. When this happens, it is always a nice surprise and is continued encouragement for me to keep writing.

Jan 30, 2026 01:24 PM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

One never knows when one's writing efforts will yield unexpected results. Congratulations. 

Feb 08, 2026 06:40 AM