The Basics of Blogging

Presentation by Toby Barnett © 2010

The Basics of BloggingGet Started, Get Noticed, Get Going

Part 1 – 1.4.2011


The Basics of Blogging

• Introduction to Blogging

• Blog for Business

• Blog Software

• Blog Topics

• Blog Structure

• Blog Do’s & Don’ts

• Blog Communities


Introduction to Blogging

• What is Blogging?

• Typical Blog Characteristics

• Encourages Community & Discussion

• Encourages Social Media Sharing

• Foundation Online Marketing


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


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


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.


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


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.


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!


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


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


You Have Questions -

Answers not Guaranteed


Next Week

Social Media and Web Based Marketing

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Digg

• Flickr

• YouTube

• Foursquare

… SHARING & SYNDICATION