As one of our real estate board’s most prolific bloggers, and certainly one of the most active bloggers in the region, many people ask me questions about it. In this weekly section, I’m going to answer the W-5 (Who, What, Where, When, and Why) of blogging. I hope you’ll enjoy my commentary.
Q: Why do you blog?
This is an extremely common question. In fact, I’m sure I asked it of a few bloggers (both REALTORS® and other types) before I got into it.
I blog for many reasons. Blogs are a great way to draw traffic to your brand. And for those in small business, this can’t be underscored enough. I would say that there isn’t any other more cost-effective and efficient way to draw attention to your services and your expertise by writing a good blog. Search engines love blogs, especially those that are updated regularly. Why? Search engines like Google love content; and a blog is all content when it’s done properly. Search engines also love recent information and sites that are constantly being updated. Again, a blog by definition is constantly being updated with current information and stories. Seach engines also love links. A good blog will have lots of links to related information on the Internet.
That being said, it’s not at all about gaming the search engines. Google didn’t get to be Google by being easily fooled. Search engines know when they’re being gamed. Try and manipulate the search engines and you’ll get penalized.
A blog is also a great way to have a two-way communication with your audience. In my case, I want my current and future potential clients to read my blog and comment on what I have to say. Most blogs have a comment function which allows a conversation or discussion to occur. I have my opinions, you have yours. Let’s talk about it in the comments section. Beneath each post is a link to comments. Use it. Engage your audience. Ask for feedback. Write something controversial and see what happens.
Lastly, I blog because I like to blog. I love to write and I have opinions – what a deadly combination for a blogger! If you decide to start a blog solely for reasons one and two above, it will suck. Guaranteed. You’ll come off as cheesy and fake. You have to like to write and you must practice. It takes a while to find your voice. My number one tip if you want to start blogging for your business or anything else? Read lots of other blogs for a few months. It will help you define your voice. You’ll learn what to say and what not to do, and get a few ideas for posts.
Do you have any questions about blogging? Post them in the comments below, or send me an e-mail.
–Tim Ayres – Sooke Real Estate Professional
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