Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010
The Basics of BloggingGet Started, Get Noticed, Get Going
Part 1 – 1.4.2011
Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010
The Basics of Blogging
• Introduction to Blogging
• Blog for Business
• Blog Software
• Blog Topics
• Blog Structure
• Blog Do’s & Don’ts
• Blog Communities
Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010
Introduction to Blogging
• What is Blogging?
• Typical Blog Characteristics
• Encourages Community & Discussion
• Encourages Social Media Sharing
• Foundation Online Marketing
Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010
Blogging for Business
• Why Real Estate Blogging?– Majority of all homebuyers search real estate
online.– Brands the REALTOR® as the local expert.– Demonstrates the REALTOR® ‘s knowledge
of the real estate transaction– Consumer can Learn more about Real
Estate and Pre-Qualify Agents– Builds trust with Potential Clients– Cost Effective Lead Generation
Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010
Search Engine Benefit
• Websites are Regularly Updated
• Increased Search Engine Rankings
• Naturally Builds Highly Related Keyword Rich Content
• Ease of use to Syndicate Content
• Increased Exposures for RE Listings
Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010
Blogging Software
• Wordpress: www.wordpress.org
• Blogspot: www.blogger.com
• ActiveRain: www.activerain.com
• TypePad: www.typepad.com
All networks are free though Wordpress is, in my opinion, the best solution.
Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010
Blog Topics: Say Something
• Real Estate Statistics• Market Trends• Breaking News• Buyer & Seller Tips• Open Houses & Property Tours• Home Selling Checklists• Recreational Activities & Events• Share Pictures
Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010
Simple Blogging Structure
• 5 Paragraphs in Total: Not a Novel– Opening Paragraph: Tell them What Your
Going to Tell Them…aka...Topic– Content Paragraphs: Tell Them About the
Topic…4 Paragraphs– Closing Paragraph: Tell Them What You Just
Told Them.
Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010
Blogging Do’s
• Blog Regularly
• Stay Focused on the Topic
• Leverage Personal Experiences
• Engage the Audience
• Provide Useful Information
• Provide Help and Resources
• Find a Niche!
Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010
Blogging Don’ts
• Automatic Blogging Software• Automatic Commenting Software• Spam Other Blogs with Anchor Text and
Comments• Blog on Politics, Religion, or Non Real
Estate Related Controversial Topics
• Use of to many Widgets & Gadgets• Name Calling and Finger Pointing
Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010
Local Blog Communities
• ActiveRain.com: Founded in Bellevue and currently the largest collection of RE.net bloggers.
• RainCityGuide: Founded in Seattle and is one of the most successful group blogs in the real estate community.
• CitizenRain: A collection of blogs from around the community in a syndication feed
Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010
You Have Questions -
Answers not Guaranteed
Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010
Next Week
Social Media and Web Based Marketing
• Digg
• Flickr
• YouTube
• Foursquare
… SHARING & SYNDICATION
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