Blogging As a result of today s session, you will be able to do the following: Define what a blog is How to start a blog What to possibly blog about Where to go to get started What is a blog? Before launching a blog ask yourself: Do I have the skills Do I have the time Do I have interesting insights into the market What do you want to accomplish with your blog What should I write about How much time will it take What will it cost How will I know if my blog is increasing my business for the time invested Why should you blog? Blog for Page 1 of 7
Blogging is centric. It s not all about you. Do on the sales pitch. Focus on the. How to get started: Read lots of blogs Start commenting on posts as you read Read books, online information and resources on blogging Create a niche: Consider the niche or audience you would like to target Create a list of ideas for content Write several draft blogs before going live Pick a title that will appeal to your niche market Blog Topic Ideas: The Real Estate Market- Local real estate market Home Price Comparison Index Home Values Now s the time to Buy! Now s the time to Sell! Buyer / Seller s Dos and Don'ts Local Community- Community highlights and history Special or little known facts about your neighborhood Upcoming Community Events Success Stories Name at least 3 blogging platforms mentioned that you may want to consider? Page 2 of 7
Blogging Dos: Build relationships. If you want people to read and comment on your own blog, make sure you the same for others. Keep up with comments. If your content is valuable, users will inevitably provide feedback. Make sure you are to these via your own comments, personal e-mails, etc. Personalize Your Blog. This lets people know they re connecting with a versus a. It s important that you are transparent and let people know your relationship with the company when discussing Century 21 or related matters. Just remember that if you identify yourself as a Century 21 agent, you are representing the company and your comments can be viewed by the corporate offices. Be a Valuable Contributor. Make sure any comments you make are and worthwhile. Never comment on a post to simply add a link to a web site, including your own or century21.com. Additionally, be genuine and ensure that your comments are not a sales pitch. Keep content fresh. Post quality content possible. Proofread. Your goal is to come off as a respected professional and your audience will have low tolerance for and grammar. Blogging for Lead Generation Meaningful content what do prospects and clients need and want? Issues affecting buyers, sellers and area residents Write regularly so you will remain top of mind Demonstrate your knowledge Have an opinion and share it openly Use statistics and local information Encourage visits to your websites through links Including your contact information Encourage dialogue and questions Write about community, housing and other issues that impact buyers and sellers Market your blog Page 3 of 7
Ways you can share your blog: How How can can I I share my blog? share my blog? Ways to enhance your blog: How can I enhance my blog? Finding content: Top News Stories Industry News and Resources 21online scrolling Industry news Inman News: http://www.inman.com/freedailyheadlines Realtor Magazine: http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/topstories/topstories Most Popular/ Highest Traffic Top Search Results Facts, Figures and Statistics Page 4 of 7
Some Real Estate related blogging ideas: Monthly Top 10 Listing Examples: Top 10 Whittier, California Homes for first time home buyers Top 10 Orange County real estate investments Top 5 Los Angeles Foreclosures How to implement this post: Use MLS data such as listing info, address, description, photos and video (if copyrights do not prohibit you) etc. Make your own brief analysis of what makes each home a best buy or good investment. Show Why Certain Homes Actually Sold This Month Examples: Why this Rancho Palos Verdes Home Sold in 3 Months How to get your Alta Loma house to sell just like this one did What makes a condo Solana Beach sell in under 90 days How to implement this post: This post is best done while or shortly after you compile your monthly market report since you will be looking at sold properties. Check out your recently sold homes and condos and pick one that would make a good example of good pricing, marketing, seller behavior and go to town. Detail each listing: Use MLS data like listing info, address, description, photos and video (if copyrights do not prohibit you) or take your own photos etc. Show the specific attributes of the home, the seller, the pricing, the marketing or the Realtor that made this home sell. Share your tips on this success story. Blogging Tips and Tricks for Realtors: http://lorelle.wordpress.com http://realestatetomato.typepad.com Page 5 of 7
Century 21 Marketing Blog Targets # Website URL 1 Duct Tape Marketing Blog http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/blog/ 2 Seth Godin's Blog http://sethgodin.typepad.com/ 3 All Business http://www.allbusiness.com 4 Suite 101 http://marketingpr.suite101.com/ 5 Business Opportunities Weblog http://www.business-opportunities.biz/ 6 Marketing Profs Daily Fix http://www.mpdailyfix.com/ 7 Bizzia http://www.bizzia.com/topic/marketing/ 8 About.com http://marketing.about.com/ 9 RotorBlog http://www.rotorblog.com/ 10 Brian Solis http://briansolis.com/ 11 Drew's Marketing Minute http://www.drewsmarketingminute.com 12 AOL Small Business http://smallbusiness.aol.com/marketing 13 WebInkNow http://www.webinknow.com/ 14 Social Media Today http://www.socialmediatoday.com/ 15 Web Strategist http://www.web-strategist.com/blog/ 16 ChrisG.com http://www.chrisg.com/ 17 The Social Media Marketing Blog http://www.scottmonty.com/ 18 SocialMedia.biz http://www.socialmedia.biz/ 19 Scobleizer http://scobleizer.com/ 20 Chris Brogan http://www.chrisbrogan.com/ Page 6 of 7
Century 21 Marketing Blog Targets (cont.) 21 Real Estate Marketing Blog http://www.houseblogger.com/houseblogger/ 22 Real Estate Marketing Tools http://realestatemarketingtools.org/ 23 Build Real Estate Results http://www.buildrealestateresults.com/blog/ 24 What's Next Blog http://www.whatsnextblog.com/ 25 Big Fat Marketing Blog http://bigfatmarketingblog.com/ Page 7 of 7