I participated in a short presentation in Northern Virginia today for their chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors. I went for two reasons – first, I was asked by a classmate (archived: 2019) of last year’s class of the Virginia Association of Realtors’ Leadership Academy (no longer available) to do it with her. Second, I wanted to dissuade some from joining the ranks of blogging and encourage others.
Blogging is easy, but it is not for everyone. As with anything else worthwhile, it takes time, dedication and commitment. If you don’t take it seriously, you will fail on an international stage; likely few will see it, but your words will be there forever.
I hope that I was able to convey, in the short period of time I had, my passion for the business, for blogging and for doing things right – the first time (and learning from all the inevitable mistakes). I could have talked for much longer.
A few of the points covered:
– Why blog?
– Benefits of Blogging
– Transparency/Reputation
– Knowledge gained through blogging
– Local -v- National blogging
– Should you blog your listings?
– Potential Liability
– Where to get ideas?
– Above all, be honest in all that you say or do. Your words can be used for and against you.
I would be happy to email anybody my list of real estate blogs I read every day. Most, if not all are listed in my blogroll, but importing an OPML file would be easier. Any questions, please feel free to contact me or post your questions below.
There is so much more I would like to have covered, but hopefully at least one will start a blog and email me. Giving back is the best way to get ahead.
Update: this is an especially pertinent article from Inman: 45% of all blogs sleep with the fishes within 3 months: How to keep yours alive and kicking
Update 2: One of my favorite “local” real estate bloggers, Teresa Boardman is interviewed at the Tomato
As there are very few original ideas, here are a few of the sites from which I derived information and inspiration:
For starters:
Intro to RSS
Rain City Guide’s bloginars
When Your Website Just Isn’t Enough
Why have a Website at all?
The business blog -v- the real estate website
Your broker/manager hates your blog
Too many Realtors
Zillow’s (archived: 2008) series
Content is King, but the Voice is Queen
Wiki Wednesday
Setting up your blog
Avoiding Legal Pitfalls in Blogging
Blogging SEO and Syndication
Attracting a conversation: Blog Comment tips
Why Blog (two stories I have written)
Blogging’s expectations
Why Blog
Merv Forney’s Blog (no longer available)
Blogging Communities
Realtown (archived: 2023)
Active Rain
Book:
Interested in Learning More?
I have been been representing buyers and sellers in Charlottesville, Albemarle, and Central Virginia since 2001. Get local insight born of experience.
Dig Deeper
Refreshing The Blog – 21 Years Later
RealCentralVA has had countless themes over the years, and so many versions of WordPress. It was time for an overhaul. I started writing RealCentralVA in January 2005. Before social media, before the fragmentation of the interwebs, and before a lot of stuff. A key tenet…
Charlottesville Areas Market Reports to Start 2020
Super-quick takeaways Good inventory is low New construction is good, and reasonably expensive We need more skilled labor to build houses Prices are up, mostly. Do your due diligence. Some houses are going super-fast, some are not The real estate market in Charlottesville and Albemarle…
Blog Update – Still Here
I'm still here. Read, email, call - 434-242-7140. Subscribe to my monthly note. RealCentralVA isn't going anywhere, but I am writing here less, and focusing on clients and my monthly note more. So here we are.Why This Post?I felt like I've been neglecting writing here,…
Writing a Bit Less on the Blog
I'm writing less here, and that's ok. It's not for a lack of ideas (I have a long list of drafts), or time, necessarily, but I've been focusing on clients so much that my drafts are remaining drafts for a bit longer. As I wrote…