Blog, blog, blog….what’s the big deal about blogs? Well it’s no surprise that more and more of your potential clients find themselves online searching for homes before calling you. According to the “Internet vs. Traditional Buyer Report 06-07” provided by C.A.R., those who use the Internet as a significant part of the homebuying process has more than doubled from 2000, reaching 70% in 2006. Other news sources have estimated that number to be closer to 90%!  So, when buyers are searching for homes in your market….will they find YOU online? If you have a blog, there is a great chance they will. Blogs are fast becoming an integral part of your real estate business because they are the perfect solution for developing your online presence, among other reasons.If you’re a beginner blogger, or just getting started, I’ll be sharing my thoughts, ideas, and suggestions here to keep your blog-rolling! The following is a Blog Basics Overview. In future articles, I’ll be delving deeper into the blogosphere to provide you with more focused tips.

What is a blog?
A blog (web+log) is a website that is updated regularly with fresh content and posts are displayed newest to oldest. A typical blog combines text, images, internal and external links, as well as other media related to its topic (ex: featured listings, RSS Feed, etc.).

How does a blog differ from a regular website?
A blog is an example of Web 2.0 technology, which basically means that a blog allows readers to interact with the website content. For example, when you post a short article on your blog, readers can make comments creating dialogue between the blogger (you) and the readers (potential clients).

What are the benefits for real estate agents?
The main benefit of creating a blog for real estate is the development of an online presence. By updating your blog site with fresh content, you are continually making yourself visible to online readers (future clients). When a buyer searches your niche market, does your website appear in a favorable position on Google? In addition, to making yourself known on the Web, your blog can help you enhance your credibility, dubbing you the community expert in your market. You can also improve the effectiveness of your on and offline marketing and ultimately capture leads. 

How much time does it take?
That depends on your personal goal. A reader is not going to come back to your blog if there isn’t anything new to read. So set a goal of 1-3 times per week.  The best bloggers in the business find time to post every day. Writing and posting your content can take 30 minutes once you have become a well oiled machine. But when you are just starting, block off a good hour or 2 for each post. Another option is to start a group blog with other agents in your office, that way you can take turns posting and still reap the rewards.

Content Ideas:
Your real estate knowledge is a gold mine! Think of all the questions you are asked in a week and each of those could be a post. And when it comes to community, the options are endless (events, school info, new construction, city info, seasonal topics, etc.). The key is fresh content and updating frequently! For more ideas, check out RSS Pieces for their article on 365 blog post ideas.

What next? How do I get started?
Well, you need to choose a unique domain name and create a free account with Wordpress or Blogger. Discover and promote your RSS feed (Really Simple Syndication). Other start-ups tips include: put your blog on your business card, link to other resources, and begin commenting on other blogs/sites. There are more tips and tricks that can help you with your SEO (Search Engine Optimization), but I’ll get into those in future articles. If you are serious about blogging and getting the best results, you may want to consider some help. There are a few private companies that specialize in “Blog Coaching” out there. Pat Kitano and Kevin Boer from Domus Consulting Group work with top producers and brokerages.