Part 1: Recapping CBUR Social Media Summit: “Blogging Fundamentals”

Jeremy Blanton Presenting on "Blogging"

This week, Jeremy Blanton of 210 Consulting presented on the subject of Social Media at the first annual Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS Social Media Summit.  I met Jeremy at a recent Coldwell Banker Convention and was really impressed with his knowledge and approachable personality.  Jeremy is considered one of the industry’s top social media advisors and brings a unique blend of both real estate and social media expertise to his presentations.

As a highly regarded and sought after social media speaker, Jeremy presented  dynamic presentations on the fundamentals of  “Blogging” and “Video” to about 130 Coldwell Banker real estate agents, managers, and key leadership team members.  The feedback from everyone was extremely positive.  Everyone left with a renewed sense of energy and passion for helping today’s changing consumer, who is using social media and the Internet to gather information well in advance of transacting a real estate purchase.

I wanted to share with you my personal take-aways from both presentations in a two-part series and share with you some links where you can get more information on the topics you are interested in learning more about. Although these presentations were presented to a group of real estate professionals, the take-aways apply across all sectors of sales related businesses.

Part 1:  “Blogging Fundamentals” -

• Why blogging is important for the real estate or sales professional -

1. It helps to build your sphere of influence.
2. It helps you connect with your local community.
3. It helps to gain a competitive edge over the “other guy.”
4. It helps you be found on Google.
5. It helps you consistently outrank personal websites.
6. It helps you become known as the “expert” or “trusted advisor.”
7. It’s a free form of advertising.

• Places to blog – Free Options
  

1. WordPress.com – Hosted by WordPress.  Free, but limited on themes and features.  You are “renting” space.  Can be taken down if you violate one of their community rules.
2. WordPress.org - Sign up for web hosting with BlueHost and get a FREE WordPress site and unlimited domains for only $6.95 per month.  Contact Stephanie Fessel for a one hour FREE coaching session on how to set up your hosted site today.
3. Blogger.com – Hosted by Google.  Again, free, but limited on themes and features.  Community rules apply.
4. Active Rain.com - Free – Allows real estate agents, mortgage professionals and brokers to create a free profile and post to about 212, 320 members.  When you are ready to take your career to the next level and post to consumers, search engines, customize a domain, then you will need to upgrade to a Rainmaker account.

• Customized WordPress Set-up Options – Provided by 210 Consulting
  

1. If you are looking for a basic WordPress install setup, check out Quick Start WordPress Setup for only $399, including plug-ins installed.  If you need content imported from another blog, such as Blogger, in addition to the basic install setup, the cost is $499.
2. If you are looking for a beautiful custom WordPress site like Charlotte Housing News or Momentum Sales Academy, check out Jeremy’s Customized Website Packages ranging from $750 on up, depending on your individual needs.

• Jeremy’s “5 Keys to Successful Blogging” - 

1. Pace Yourself:  Don’t expect lightning in a bottle.  Develop a writing strategy.  Be steady and consistent.  Blog a minimum of 3 days per week.  Don’t publish all 3 posts at the same time.  Schedule your posts.
2. Keep It Simple:  Personalize your posts.  Ignore “industry-related lingo & jargon.”  Write for a 5th grade reading audience.
3. Incorporate Basic Components:  How to Blog – Length:  300 – 700 words.  (This post is 657 words).  Layout:  White space is your friend.  Add a minimum of 2 pictures and label your pictures.  Use bulleted lists and short paragraphs.  Appeal to Search Engines:  Use link backs.  Use Geo-targeted titles.  Remember short tail vs. long tail keywords.  Use Google ad words.
4. Be Hyper-local:  Share on local businesses, communities, market reports, local events, or anything you are comfortable writing about.
5. Be Yourself:  Write how you speak.  Use humor appropriately.  Use discretion.  Write about your passions.

To view Jeremy’s presentation, view slideshow below.

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