Top 13 Blogging Mistakes Real Estate Agents Make
Did you know that 30 percent of news and information consumption comes from blogs, social media aggregators, and Twitter? This finding, published by a PAN Communications survey, reveals that a popular blog is your ticket to recognition. All you need to do is tap that market, build trust with your clients and seal the deal! Just make sure to keep it professional by avoiding these top 13 blogging mistakes.
Mistake #1 – Forgetting to Keep it Simple
Keep your blog simple and your audience will surely appreciate your efforts to keep it short yet informative.
Mistake #2 – This is not a Personal Diary
Always ask yourself this question: “Is this part relevant to my audience?” Find the balance between professional expertise and personal nuances.
Mistake #3 – Too much Negativity
Justified or not, negative opinions about another agent or company are likely to come out in your writing voice, and people will take notice. It can definitely can be a turn off.
Mistake #4 – Choosing Quantity over Quality
It is not the number of blogs posts you write, rather the conviction contained within each post. Stick to a well thought out, informative 200-400 word count post and break it up into a series of blog posts as needed (i.e., “Selling Your Home—Home Staging,” “Selling Your Home—Appraiser Insight,” etc.).
Mistake #5 – Your Blog Post Lacks Style
Visual appeal is the key to creating an interesting blog. You must allow readers to digest it quickly. Avoid long paragraphs by breaking up the text with bullet points, bold headlines, and photos or images that reflect your topic.
Mistake #6 – Weak Endings
The average person scans about 50 percent of any lengthy content, so giving your audience an all-inclusive summary of the blog post gives you one more chance at breaking through to them quickly and efficiently, in case they decided to skim rather than read.
Mistake #7 – Writing to the Wrong Audience
Identify your audience and then choose a “voice” that speaks directly to them. For example, if you are writing to first time home buyers then write about common questions and concerns to help them feel better prepared for the emotional side of buying.
Mistake #8 – You Lack Conviction
Be passionate about your writing and it will catch the attention of your readers. Think back to when you made your first sale. How did that make you feel? If you get excited about a great deal on a house share that news with enthusiasm!
Mistake #9 – Unintentional Stealing
Copying and pasting any content you did not write yourself will not only kill your ranking in the search engines, but you may also have a lawsuit on your hands. Instead, try writing a summary of information you find compelling, infused with strong search terms and keywords to create unique content. If you need to copy and paste a sentence or two, be sure to give credit by providing a link to the original source.
Mistake #10 – Overstepping your Bounds
Always respect the confidentiality and privacy of your clients. Ask for permission before speaking about sensitive business transactions or client names to avoid unwanted legal disputes and a tarnished reputation.
Mistake #11 – Too Many Hippos…or is it Typos?
You could write the most eloquent, engaging blog of all time, yet still lose your audience because of too many spelling and grammar errors. Always check, double check and triple check your work. Read it out loud, have someone else read it, take break and come back to it later. When it is as close to perfect as you can get it, make sure to save and publish it!
Mistake #12 – Forgetting to Syndicate
Treat each blog post like a press release and get it out to the masses. When you syndicate a blog post (via Facebook, email newsletter, Google Plus, Twitter, etc.), you put it in multiple places, giving you more recognition with the search engines as well as your audience. Basically, clicking on “share” or sending your blog post out through social media improves your search engine optimization (SEO) and hits a wider audience without putting in additional effort.
Mistake # 13 – Lack of Confidence
When you get a case of writer’s block, give yourself a pep talk and get back to writing. Remind yourself that you have a unique expertise that is hard to come by and takes years of practice. You understand people and what they need in a home. You have a say in helping people fall in love with their dream. Write with confidence and future clients will see you as the expert you are.
Blogging and syndication are just two of the many ways to get yourself out there without spending much money or effort. Talk about efficient! Just keep in mind some of the tips mentioned here and you will be well on your way. This is your opportunity to put your mark on the real estate industry. Best of all, you don’t have to suit up and hit the streets to prove that. Impress your next client by blogging with a purpose!
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