What does it take to make a blog? Is it the writing? Is it the colorful photos? What about readers and comments? Lately I have been reading a lot of blogs and keeping up with my own blog pretty actively. I've noticed a lot of agents still DON'T blog and a lot that do don't know how to blog. I see the same posts over and over, no flavor, no style.
What are you blogging for? Read What Do You Blog For? to see 
reasons why I blog. When you're blogging, are you looking for a marriage or a one night stand? Sure, consumers are interested in reading your blog about the local market report, that's very valuable information. But if that is all you are sharing, what reason do they have to stay? They will get the information they need from that one post and move on. On the other hand, adding a good balance of fun posts, informative posts and posts about local events and neighborhoods can help you cultivate the relationship. You need to harvest the relationship with your readers into a long term relationship. You want them coming to your blog to learn about what to do with the family on the weekend, when a good time to buy or sell a house is and to see your new listings. Your blog is your platform, you use it to set the stage for your business and your personality. Give your blog some style. I've been seeing some really great headers on blogs and people have been getting creative with their signatures adding links to Twitter, Facebook and their websites making cool looking buttons and graphics.
Really think about what you're posting and what you are posting it for. Turn those one night stands into a beautiful marriage for life!
Kathleen Cooper Best Option *** RE/MAX Professional Associates *** LICENSED IN MA!
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Many people do not have the patience for a marraige when blogging. I am looking for a marraige. Nice head line to attract attention.
Hi Kathleen,
Well the headline got me :) I am definitely looking for a long term relationship.
Good Post!
Hmmm. Can you have both?
Thanks Harry and Sharon! I agree, a lot of people just don't have the patience for a long term relationship. It's too bad because it can be really fun and good therapy for an otherwise stressful business.
Greg - Umm...I guess some people can! LOL In this case, you will always have those occasional one night stands that drop by to check out a post and never return, but the point of your blog should be for something more. Take for instance your blog. I spend more than a night over there from week to week...
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Hi Kathleen, this is a really great post and a super title. You are right and I have quit reading certain blogs because they are one boring plug or lecture after another. Variety is the spice of life!
Blogging takes a lot of persistance. Developing a following doesn't happen over night just like relationships so your analogy is great. I am going for the long term, quality v quantity!:)
Thanks Ana! My husband thinks I'm being harsh, but it's the truth. People need to think about the content of their blog when they are posting, not just slap stuff on there over and over without thinking twice. Sure market reports or just listed posts are important, but they should not be the only thing on your blog if you want to have a successful blog.
I want people to know who I am and the things I am passionate about. Real estate related and not. I feel it's a very important factor when growing these important relationships.
Have a great day!
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Kathleen - Great points here ! I totally agree that is makes sense to have a diverse base of content to keep those consumers coming back more and more ! A combination of fun, interesting and even a tad controversial is great I think. Super analogy for the long-term relationship versus a one night stand !!! LOL *featured in "Build a Better Blog"* ! ~ Chris
Thanks Chris, I really appreciate it! I was thinking of Greg when I wrote it, figured he'd like to have them both! ;)
Have a great night!
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Blogging definitely isn't for everyone, and some do what they have to just to "get by". I respect all forms of blogs, because i don't have the patience to even put the same thing on them over and over. I am the kind of person that would spend too much time just writing 1 blog, which I think defeats the purpose of the tool. Nice post and keep up the great bloglines. I am glad that you can do the things that I don't want to. It is nice having a great partner in this to complete the spectrum of our services.
What do you think the average time is that you spend on writing a post? How long should you be spending on each blog post for it to be effective in the tightrope balancing act of a Real Estate career?
James
Kathleen, just "found" your Blog while cruising through the Groups to which i subscribe. Title stopped me and I had to check it out. Nothing harsh here--I thought you were clearly pointing out blogging any way that brings satisfaction is OK, but when the time comes to settle down to business, get serious and demonstrate a knowledge base, service, and integrity. OK, and make 'em laugh as you do it.
James - It depends on the blog, as you well know. Some just come very naturally and can flow out of me within 30 minutes...others can take days to fully develop what I'm trying to say. I post them as drafts until I can complete them.
Sherry - Thanks! It is definitely better to blog than not, but showing your expertise and personality in your blog is key to having a really good blog that people want to return to.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Sincerely,
Kathleen