This is the 2nd part in a Series on the "Art of Engagement" which began by asking the fundamental question,....
"Why do we blog?"....
Equally as important to that question is "Who are we writing too?" and "What should we say?"
It constantly amazes me what some people try to pass off as blogging. As is typical with the newest marketing fads or trends, many folks jump into the blogging fray with both feet and little knowledge/preparation.
(If you're new to blogging, might I suggest that you simply 'Lurk' for a while, and casually observe. Take notes. Read articles by the Top Point Leaders in your respective State. Check out the writers who are heavily subscribed. They've all achieved their status/ranking for good reason)
Simply dumping your catchy logo, full-page glamour shot, and quick bullet paragraph on how you're God's gift to real estate, does NOT constitute effective blogging.
Additionally, while downloading your listings is permissible here on ActiveRain, I would recommend that the majority of your time invested here be focused on other pursuits. Consumers can find your listings in a gazillion other places. But here, within the confines of your blog, they can obtain valuable, beneficial, practical information and expert professional advice from someone intimately familiar with their market of interest - "YOU!"
YOU are unique. There is NO ONE like you. If you get nothing else from this brief tutorial, recognize that when you blog, you should allow your unique PERSONALITY, your unique PERSPECTIVE, and your unique PASSIONS to be conveyed in what you write.
* * * "YOU TALKIN' TO ME?" * * *
"Who is your intended or 'Target' audience?" "What market niche/segment are you trying to reach?"
Some of us participate on this network solely for the purposes of gaining greater knowledge and improving our abilities as professionals. The considerable wealth of good, solid, practical advice and experiences being shared through this venue is absolutely astounding! Others find this platform to be a excellent source for networking, and identifying potential referral partners. Then, there are those who simply seek a social respite from the stresses of everyday life/work. Yet others are hoping to connect with potential clients and increase their business.
One thing I have learned in the Blogosphere - "One Size doesn't Fit All"
While there are certainly basic fundamental principals that can be applied to effective blogging, each of us must apply them in ways that are most meaningful and beneficial to our own specific purposes/goals.
The purpose/goals behind "Why You Blog" will obviously determine "How" and "What" you write.
For me personally, I'm 'ALL THE ABOVE.' I joined ActiveRain to network with other like-minded professionals. The company that I'm affiliated with only serves the Western States, so I wanted to build a network of referral agents - people I could entrust with my valued clients. I was also hungry to 'LEARN!' I firmly believe that one NEVER stops learning. I wanted to gain greater knowledge from experienced, seasoned, successful professionals. And, of course, like most of us, I wanted to attract potential local Buyers and Sellers with my blog articles. As a result, my ActiveRain archive is fairly eclectic. In addition, you can't discount the social aspects of this platform. I have developed and fostered some very deep and meaningful friendships here that I know will last a lifetime!
* * * "WHAT YOU TALKING 'BOUT?" * * *
"But just WHAT should I blog about?" That seems to be the most common question for those new to the blogging phenom.
Let's say, for example, that you're doing business in Scottsdale AZ, and you want to attract retirement age golfing enthusiasts in search of gated communities. What kind of information do you think would be most helpful and beneficial to people searching for those kind of prospective properties? Well, most likely, specific details on the major gated communities in the area; country club & golf course membership and amenities; nearby services, etc..
Put yourself in the consumer's shoes. If you were relocating to a particular area, what type of information would you want/need to know?
When I first started blogging, that's exactly what I did - I remembered the times that I had moved. I thought of the questions and concerns that I had during the process:
What are the neighborhoods like? How do the area schools rate? Where are the nearest shopping centers or malls? Where can I go to get my car repaired? Is there a decent Sushi Bar nearby? Where can I take a family of 6 for an inexpensive meal? What is the real estate market REALLY like there? Is there anything different about buying a home there? The list of potential blogging topics is ENDLESS!!!
One of my favorite things is working with 1st Time Home Buyers. So shortly after I began blogging, I published a series of 10 articles entitled, "Adventures in 1st Time Home Buying." Since it was one of my passions, I really enjoyed writing about it. My past experiences with helping 1st Time Buyers provided me with lots of practical tips and advice from my own perspective. And as you read through each article, you can definitely become more acquainted with my 'unique' personality!
(If you want to preview some of the articles in this series, just click HERE.)
Don't feel pressure like you have to be the next Shakespere or Grisham and pen some 'Best-selling' novel/masterpiece. Just be yourself. Write as though you were simply talking with a friend or prospective client over coffee. Afterall, blogging is supposed to be an interactive conversation!
For your further consideration, allow me to direct you to two other recent posts that will stimulate your thoughts along the same lines:
Jeff Dowler's "Your Blog is Nothing but a Personal Ad"
William Johnson's "Are you Writing and Hoping to be Discovered here on ActiveRain?"
After that, I hop over to MySpace to answer any messages, catch up on the latest bulletins/blogs, and change my song. 