I have been so busy looking for business that I haven't had much time to write a new blog. I have been to AR
reading some blogs, but after weaning my self from my introduction to AR, I have moved on to working to create the business for this year.
Well, as I was checking my local competition I googled an agent name, who I know spends a lot of money in advertising. I could not even find her name in the first page. This is how I did it.
"Agent name, real estate Virginia Beach Va". Nothing came up, so I figured I check my name the same way and confirm that I still show up in goggle. Well the second listing is for my blog. After I wrote my previous blogs, I posted them in the members only sections, and I assumed only agents or members of AR would be reading them. Well, not so.
For the world to see, what you get to read about me are "My first Blog, I am lost" and "My son just missed the bus".
Wow, I sound professional. I can't help but laugh at my self, and put it in my daily list to write on my blog very smart and full of relevant real estate information. I have so much to do that I will start in two days, not tomorrow, I have appointments all day long.
To buy or sale real estate in the Chesapeake Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth or Suffolk, Virginia visit my website at www.TereRottink.com
Good point. The active rain must be on Googles favorate list. It seems like the blogs show up high in the rankings no matter what they are about.
Tere, Thanks for the advice. It makes sense. On the flip side, I personally am more inclined to do business with "humans" than with ultra-professional, all-business realtors, and I hope my customers feel the same way. Though getting the best deal is always paramount, in the end we all prefer to do business with people we like. Keep up the "real" blogging!
You're right Tere. But it's ok, I think it's good to let people see the real side of you- not just the you with your real estate hat on. I got 3 great leads from AR in the last few months, and in all 3 cases they said they found me searching the internet, read my blog articles and picked me because I seemed like a 'real' person that they could relate to.
So...keep writing about missing the bus too!
I made that mistake on Localism...not that I write anything odd, but my Laker's post didn't need to go on that. I pushed the wrong button. I do think that AR is a good way to show personality, and our website blog, maybe not.
Very true. Everything we write is archived somewhere and could be found by the public at any time. It sure does make you think before you go on a rant about the crankly lady in the grocery store doesn't it.
I think that a bit of personally related topics just makes you more of a person. Those searching for someone to help them with real estate are usually looking for someone they can connect with, and those posts help.
Terre, When you google, make sure you are logged out of Active Rain. Then try it. You should not be seeing members only posts! This post is not members only, btw:) I have to agree with the others, however, that some personal topics are probably helpful, as long as that's not all you write about. Have fun:)
Brent, I agree.
Clark, Kimberly, Jim & Maria: Great point. I personally like to work with people that let the "real" them show. I was caught by surprise when that was the first thing I saw about myself.
Ian: It sure does.
Karen: I think yes. I like to see a little humor in everything, but that is just me. but, maybe not.
Ian: You reminded me of something that happened to my very shy sister. We are from Colombia, South America, so our first language is Spanish. Years ago......many years ago my Mom and sister visited New York city and the US for the first time. They were in the elevator with a very good looking guy with beautiful blue eyes, and they started to comment and giggle in Spanish. At the end of the elevator ride and he was leaving the elevator he turned to thank them in perfect Spanish for the compliment. They were so embarrassed that the story is still laughed at every few years in our family reunions.
Karen: I had not visited AR for several days when this happen. And, I think you are right. I couldn't sleep, as I finally have in mind my first real estate topic. "Overpriced listings"
To All: Thanks for reading my blog, I am honored that you take the time to read and respond.
Howdy there Tere
I do believe folks out there, want to know they are going to be worken with someone. That does not hide things from them. So letten folks know we are also just everyday folks, like them is a good thing. I have stoped written members only posts.
I asked a good friend here in the AR community, about a post that had been written by them. As to why it was not a members only post, seen that most others here would have posted it that way. The answer that I got, sure made a lot of sense to me. Folks will think and feel you are hiden something from them, thats way. So after that even if the post was about something that I did not was right. I post them where every one can is and comment, if they would like to.
The dates are kind of funny!
I'm surprised. I've definitely written things I would not want my potential clients to read. I some times put details of sales that if a client were to read, might appear to be a breach of confidentiality. Thanks for the heads up
You are so right. I have also goggled myself and it's always interesting what comes up.
Hi Tere: Yes and No - I still like to read about your personal stuff makes you more human!
:)
Tere, I, too, have googled myself (funny, google wasn't even a verb 20 years ago), and came up near the top.
All my posts are "members only", because I've not opted for the outside blog.
When I am logged out, and all cookies are gone, cache is clean, .... I can google my name, home inspector, my location, etc., and find reference to my AR blog.