10 Benefits of Blogging !
We have been so busy this fall with our deals that we have not had the opportunity to blog as much. Our blogging is one of the main reasons that we are as busy as we are - it is quite amazing ! When I think about it, there are so many benefits to blogging. Those thoughts were inspried from being asked to do a training course at our office on Blogging. From that presentation, I talked about 10 Benefits of Blogging !
They are as follows:
1. Grow Your Business - Consumers can find you from your blog content ! For example, when a consumer types in certain key words such as "Philadelphia Short Sales" or "Fishtown Real Estate" see what happens (click on the links). One of the huge benefits of Active Rain is the powerful Google juice that is available !
2. Build a Referral Network- We have received a number of referrals from Bloggers and Rainers all over the country. We just recently received a terrific referral from a California Rainer for a lovely couple looking for a second home in Philly in the $600,000 range (thank you Active Rain !). In addition, we have referred out a number of leads in the last 12 months here. And if we have new leads for people looking to move to certain places in the United States, I already know who I would refer them to ! This is a huge benefit to be a part of a blogging community or network to participate in these types of referrals.
3. Education / Resources - I have found that the Active Rain blogging community to be the best place for me to stay on top of all the changes in the Real Estate industry - from changes in mortgage guidelines to technology updates regarding every possible topic imaginable.
4. Free- Yes, it is free to start up ! There are many benefits that one can take advantage of without spending a dime. Of course, if one wants to take advantage of the Google juice (benefit 1), they need to have a Rainmaker account which is very inexpensive and WELL worth the cost. For all the money that folks have spent on print advertising in the past or recipes or anything along those lines, this is the best investment a Realtor can make if they are serious about incorporating blogging into their business model.
5. Build a Stronger Online Presence- As a result of our blog and website, our SEO placement for certain keywords is very strong. Building that brand name presence is critical in terms of growing your business in the years to come.
6. Incorporate into your Listing Presentations - If you follow our blog, you will notice that we are doing many more specific blog entries regarding a new listing. How can you not with that Google juice ? And of the course, the sellers love it ! For examples see:
- 1240 Brighton St - Castor Gardens Area - First Floor Living Awaits You !
- Fishtown Real Estate - 1115 Marlborugh - Victorian Home with Original Features !
7. Stand Out Among Your Peers - By having that online presence, you can begin to differentiate yourself against your competition. Yes, many Realtors are on Facebook, but the percentage that have a blog (longer than a month or two) is very low.
8. Become a Leading Authority- Some bloggers have established themselves as leaders in a certain topic. For example, Katerina Gasset and Broker Bryant are both short-sale superstars. Bill Gassett is a tech and blogging guru and Matt Stigliano is everywhere on the Internet with featured posts on many sites and in the top 50 to follow on Twitter !
9. Broadcast your Blog Posts - Another advantage of having great blog content is the beauty of the Internet to broadcast those posts out to your Facebook page or your Twitter account or the multitude of other places you can send them to !
10. Have Fun ! - I know that Stephanie and I have had a lot of fun blogging. Because of blogging, we have met a lot of great people. In addition, we will go to many events and places and bring our camera to blog about the experience. Often times, without the intent of blogging, perhaps we would not have gone in the first place. In a strange way, it helps me be more social ! Who would have thought I would be speaking about this sort of stuff ?
For those of you that are relatively new to this, welcome to blogging and social media ! For those veterans, please share your blogging success in a comment !
What other benefits have you experienced as a result of your blog ?
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It is so true, but it always does seem to take a back seat when we are busy doesn't it? Thanks for the reminder ~ I'd better get blogging!
Hi Stephanie and Christopher, #10 is huge with me! The other nine things are good, too.
Nice summary of the benefits of blogging. In my opinion, one of the best things about social media is the speed at which one can become a local authority by sharing their knowledge through a variety of communications medium.
I thought it was just me. I've been busy, and AR was put on the back burner. If it wasn't for AR I would not be so busy. I have to rethink this process... I love to blog.. just have to find the time.
Nancy - Yes, so true indeed ! It is hard to keep up that consistent blogging schedule when business is so intense for a given week or period. I try my best to keep it a priority !
Shirley - # 10 is huge with us too ! It should be noted that the list is not in order for importance at all : ) . Although I really like # 1 as well : )
Christopher & Stephanie,
Thanks for the post and the salient highlights of blogging. Activerain's google juice is a powerful potion!
Blogging is like having your own website without worrying about paying any monthly dues. Blogging is indeed profitable with the right tools. Thanks for sharing and good luck on all your endeavors. By the way, I know a <a href="http://www.coachingbypeter.com?a_aid=ron">real estate coach</a> who could also help many in the real estate industry make money despite the current crisis.
James - So true and right on ! I like the way you refer to it as being a "local authority". It does not take a lot of time to get there and when you do get there, it is very beneficial for business.
Valerie - I hear you ! I guess it just gets back to the equation "prospect prospect prospect". If AR and blogging have been instrumental in your business and generating leads, it needs to be a weekly priority.
Hi Chris, This is a great list of bogging pluses and as you said, #10 is one that you must wrap your arms around! If it's not fun, don't do it!! LOL You've highlighted some of the best here and I tell those that I teach to check my subscription list so that they'll see who I follow and once you've read them all, they'll understand WHY I follow those! Such a variety of styles and personalities here--you never get bored, do you?
Have a great week...
10 benefits broken down very nicely, and accurate to boot. Your #1 is many folks #1 as well. :-)
To me, #3 is one of the biggest overlooked aspects of AR. There is so much knowledge and wonderful information shared daily by our members!
Christopher.... bah humbug to blogging.. I thinks me need to find a ghost blogger for myself. lol
Seriously, I will agree with Brad that this was very accurate and nice. Overall, it's hard to pick one over the other. I will say that blogging and this network, Active Rain, gave me a chance to not only get to know you, but meet you both. And I am putting something together now for the 2nd week of October. I will have it posted the middle of this week. Overall, great job with explaining all of the positives...
I love it that when people call me off of my blog they feel like they already know me. My personality comes through on my blog posts and I think that makes people feel more comfortable once they get to the point of calling me. That's just one of the MANY MANY reasons that I love blogging!
Thanks for such a great post. One of my first Tweets is a link to your featured blog.
http://twitter.com/harisdedic
Christopher, great points on blogging. I agree with the other members...#10 SAYS IT ALL.
This is a great list of all of the benefits that you receive from blogging. Active Rain is by far my favorite Social Media site because I think it is the most relevant, and from my experience, gives me more Google juice than the others. And I love it! I am a little new at it still, and it is sometimes difficult for me to find things to write about, but I love doing it! I love reading the comments received as well. Active Rain is such a great network.
Thanks for sharing....I do forget to blog during those busy times. I love it here on AR and have had lots of help and learned alot. Happy Blogging!!!
I've found I have to be "routin" about blogging . I treat it just as anything else I do. I schedule and make time to do it on my "to do list!" This way it does get done.
Patricia
Good afternoon Stephanie and Christopher, this is such a great post. I attended a training session a few weeks ago on social media and blogging was a big part of it. We sometimes forget what works best. We tend to get away from the basics with all the new tools we find. Ben Kinney (was in Ottawa) showed us how blogging can impress your sellers. Keep on blogging!!
Great blog post Stephanie and Chris! I too have been so busy that my blogging has been on the back burner. I need to get into a good routine. I just need to set aside a block of time to write a blog just like I would set aside a block of time to check my email and to check my social media. It's that simple. And once I'm in a good routine, I think I can keep it up. Nice to catch up with you! ~Nyssa
Thanks for honing in on all the reasons to Blog.
No 11? It teaches us all how to write again! I know I am getting better at it the more I do.
Stephanie and Christopher, thanks for this great list. Everyone is completely accurate and true. I'm with you, I get too busy and forget to take the time to do it. I have finally gotten into the routine, and I spend an hour a day on AR
Hi Christopher~ Yes, Activerain has opened a lot of doors for me! I need to write more, but it is all I can do to just keep up with the reading and learning. Those that do not partake in activerain just do not realize what they are missing!
Great Post. I am new to active rain (about 1 month) although I have yet to get a referral or any leads, I am dedicated to keeping it up because I do see the value. It is always nice to hear from other agents about their success as it keeps me motivated.
Thanks Stephanie and Chris for sharing your insights on blogging. I keep on keeping on (:
Hi Christopher and Stephanie -- You nailed it. I have gotten way more back than I have put in (and I have put a lot of time and effort into blogging) in the form of education, innovative products, relationships with other agents, some business and a lot of enjoyment and fun.
Gosh, I could probably think of ten more. Blogging can only be good for our business...with a couple obvious exceptions I suppose.
Thanks for this great information
Chris and Stephanie, all your benefits are so on the mark. You know blogging very well.
Christopher and Stephanie - I think this sums it up very well. I'm with Jeremy, #3 is huge. It's one of my favorite aspects of blogging. I have learned more than I think I would have if I hadn't dove into blogging (both reading and writing). It has benefited me more than you can imagine...some tangible, some not as tangible, but still very real.
P.S. Thanks for the mention!
Congratulations on all of your blogging success. All of your tips are great!
Great blog on why not get started...getting started is the hardest part and then it becomes like anything else you do daily to help grow your business.
William - You are welcome ! That Google juice is good stuff, isn't it ?
Jane - Good analogy regarding the blogging ! It definitely pays for itself and is more than worth the time !
Debe - You are so right ! One can never get bored here with all the great content ! Active Rain is probably one of the best kept secrets in regards to real estate education, especially on the technology and innovation side with keeping up with all the ever-changing tools, resources, widgets, etc....
Blogging has been the best way for me to reach new Realtors in the Los Angeles area that my be looking for a home inspector with a polished professional demeanor and tacked. I found your tips very useful. And will definitely use them all..
Hi Chris and Stephanie, as I said over in Facebook you both have found a true formula for success. Your posts are fun, insightful and you always have the focus on your clients and meeting their needs. In my mind most AR members need to study you two and by simply reading your blog they will truly understand that paying attention to their client, being involved in both your local and online communities they too can discover their own success. Awesome list and a well deserved feature! ~Anne Marie
Stephanie and Mark - Excellent post and right on the money... Blogging is essential to our markets currently and our marketing. You need the juice... Well done!
I'm just starting but it seems many of the blogs are just realtors posting their listings...
10 Great reasons!
Christopher & Stephanie - This was a good post that really is "in your face" - it's just do it. You should blog and these are the reasons why...I like that. Thanks for sharing your list and congrats on the feature!
I love the top ten style lists and it is always a great motivator. Thanks for your list.
Good info for a new blogger like me. Thank you.
Christopher,
I'm not quite yet at the 6-month mark and I'm already enjoying all 10! Haven't gotten a referral yet but have given one. So, it doesn't even take long to feel all the benefits!
I like blogging because it's another venue for me to feature myself online. Valuable content & interesting writing can help establish you as a local expert. I've received numerous calls when I've posted a string of articles on a hot topic, for example, short sales in my area.
Excellent post! I've been neglecting my blogging over the past several weeks due to business picking up. Not smart. It's mostly because of my blogging and web site that I am so busy. Time to buckle down and get back to ActiveRain -- consistently!
Awesome work! Congrats on your blogging success, that is very encouraging for those of us who are working at climbing the ranks in the blogosphere! Thanks for sharing your story and your advice!
Great reminder of why it is useful and simple. Thanks for the 10 tips.
http://www.pinellas-mortgage.com
Wow - you've hit the nail on the head with this post. All of them are important to me - all of them! We just closed on another referral last week and I believe there is another on closing this week next. I have had a ton of fun learning, growing the business and figuring out what's next. Excellent post!!
Love that Google Juice! Thanks for reminding us of the benefits of all our blogging and motivating us to do more.
Brad - It makes my day, week and month that I got a vist from an AR god ! Thanks for the compliments. I agree, number 1 is what is most important to most folks.
Jeremy - Agreed ! I think real estate continuing education credits should be allocated for those folks who spend time reading all the blogs ! I fell super honored now that 2 AR gods back-to-back responded on this post : )
Jeff - Thanks ! We appreciate it. Every once in awhile we come out with a gem per se ! LOL. I will look forward to the info regarding the AR get-together and certainly look forward to attending.
Emily - There are MANY MANY reasons we love blogging too. That certainly is a wonderful feeling, isnt it ? When consumers call you and already know you per se because of your blog.
Really great thoughts. You're singing to the choir, I'm a true believer!
AR definitely has its benefits...good advice, good friends and business growth!
Excellent post here about all the benefits. I am with you on the education, and the networking and friends for sure.
Hi Christopher and Stephanie. This is one of the best posts that I have read. A very good reminder for many of us. ~ Lana
I have been active on AR for almost two months now.....I have one sale that will close next Monday for my efforts.....I cannot complain about the rain!
Those are ten really great reasons for blogging and some other good ones have been added by those that commented. Thanks for a really great post!
Thank you for really great post! Your list is a nice summary of the benefits of blogging. We will keep them in mind since we just started a month ago.
Chris, sometimes I get so overwhelmed by the entire blogging process...I do enjoy writing, in fact, I love it! I'm not sure if it makes any difference where I blog, my web site? Active Rain? Facebook? I understand it all meshes together, yet where to actually start? Thanks!
Blogging allows clients to get to know you before you even meet them. It's a pretty amazing opportunity to grow your business, learn and develop new relationships. This is a great list- much appreciated!
Thanks Christopher and Stephanie,
I am a new active rain member that is getting his feet wet reading and commenting on blogs prior to my first blog this week. I believe in this forum and appreciate your informative post....thanks
Well stated on the 10 Benefits of Blogging. Active Rain is a great place to be !
I know, I know, I know!! How come I am still not doing it? Procastinating, I guess!! Nevertheless, your post is very informative and I am all set to take over the world....ooops...I meant, get blogging!!
Haris - Very cool ! I just followed you on Twitter ! Thanks for tweeting this post !
Rebecca - I agree ! At the end of the day, number 10 does say it all !
Renee - Active Rain is definitely my favourite social network as well, as it is easily the most relevant for business purposes for us. And offers the great resources to learn and network !
Aundrea - It is challenging to blog during those busy times ! Recently I have found more time to blog than to go to the gym : )
Patricia - Structure is definitely key.
All of your reasons for bloggin are why I blog. I find that blogging can be a release after a busy day. AR has been great because I've learned so much on this site, it's amazing.
I'm new to the blogging scene this year. The more I do it, the better I get and the more fun I have with it. You can't help but think it can only help your business as well.
great advice. I am new to this blogging thing and would like to use it as a tool to help my business and this is a great start.
Having fun is the key. The hardest part is getting started.
Chris & Stephanie - Those are really good reasons to keep on blogging. Our personality shows with each blog we do and the more you blog, they keep on getting to know you more and more. All my leads now come from my blogs and for those who do not embrace the social network, they do not know what they are missing.
Surprisingly there are folks out there without blogs and once I hear it and show them stats, research, etc. they immediately carve time to create and maintain one. The power of blogging is HUGE!
Surprisingly there are folks out there without blogs and once I hear it and show them stats, research, etc. they immediately carve time to create and maintain one. The power of blogging is HUGE!
Surprisingly there are folks out there without blogs and once I hear it and show them stats, research, etc. they immediately carve time to create and maintain one. The power of blogging is HUGE!
Surprisingly there are folks out there without blogs and once I hear it and show them stats, research, etc. they immediately carve time to create and maintain one. The power of blogging is HUGE!
i loved your post! I'm new on blogging and I'm enjoying it! I'll re-blog yours, ok? thanks!
All great reasons to be blogging Chris! Thanks for the mention although I am not sure I am a "blogging guru" - LOL!!
You nailed it, Chris. And I don't care what Mr. Gassett says, he's a guru:)
Jean - So true ! Keep on blogging to you as well !!
Nyssa - Nice to catch up with you as well ! Yes, getting into a "blogging routine" is very important. Once you are in it, it comes much easier I think.
Corrine - I like that number 11 !!
Jean - That is awesome ! Keep it up : )
Vicke - You got that right !
Theresa - Welcome ! Congrats on being new to AR !! Give it a little time and be consistent, and I think you will be very glad you are here : )
Chris - That is one of the secrets of life I guess. The more you give, the more you receive in return.
Arizona - Yes, the benefits are enormous.
Gary - We learn from you !!!
Matt - You are welcome ! I agree that number 3 is a huge benefit for all of us that does not get mentioned that much.
Cristopher and Stephanie:
Blogging causes the thought process to grow. I have really grown through the relationships and shared ideas with all my blog friends.
Richard
This is a wonderful reminder of what you can do when you blog. Right now I'm brain dead on blogging. This might help to overcome.
Folks:
Just discoved this group on AR. I am glad that this post was one the selected, It is full of food for thought. I have it bookmarked to return to it esisly.
Thank you for sharing.