Blogging on ActiveRain has been a long road that brought me business as well as connecting with my peers. Blogging meant that I make my own ‘POP’ with content that will attract readers who wanted to know more about real estate, my local area and certainly ….a bit about me. Blogging isn’t just about me either. 
With consistency, dedication and a whole lot of hard work…
Came business from the consumer and referrals from my peers.
We all want to have many featured posts, to accumulate lots of points and have LOTS of readers and business from our blogs. Well, here’s a bit of news. It doesn’t come easy!
Writing on ActiveRain about my local area and real estate are a given but I started thinking about this…… My blog has to have a personal side to it because it defines WHO I AM as a person! It’s WHO the consumer will call because they read a bit about WHO I AM …and the person behind these written words.
I have to make my own POP to my blog…
…. and everything else will follow.
QUALITY CONTENT! This is NUMERO UNO on the list for creating readership. Writing a few words that have no real substance ( just to get a few points) will not create long lasting readership. Believe me when I say we can see underneath those few meaningless words. Your content will come from your heart, mind and soul…and you will create your OWN magic when being REAL! Transparency. When writing a variety of topics, write as if you are conversing with the reader.
ADD VISUALS! I take MANY pictures of our Hawaiian scenery (ocean, flowers, historic sites etc), local areas and just …stuff around me. Entering pictures into my blog gives the story a visual and personal side to my area and WHO I AM. A picture will give me idea of what to write about too! (i.e. A picture of a path through the woods could present a story about my pathway to professionalism) Get out there and take your own pictures to use in your own blog.
COMMENT ON THEIR BLOGS TOO! You want readership? Go and comment on others blogs too! Don’t just leave a ‘thanks for the post’ or ‘good post’. READ it before commenting…and I mean REALLY read it. Don’t just skim and leave a comment that has nothing to do with the whole story. Don’t expect to receive comments if you don’t give them too. Connecting with others in the community means to interact with them too!
These are just a few tidbits to start with amongst using great titles, tags and keywords for a blog. The rest doesn’t come easy but these are my own person rules of thumb for Making My Own Magic in the World of Blogging:
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Write with conviction, wit, humor, passion because everyone will read you if you do.
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Write with original content and your own pictures that you created yourself because everyone will read if you do. (and remember, PLAGIARISM means Stealing! Do not copy and paste someone else’s words, photos or videos!)
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Write with wit, humor and emotion because everyone will read you if you do.
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Write with the intent of giving back to the community because everyone will read you and give back to you and the community too. It’s not just about me, me and me. It’s about you too!
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Write with integrity, honesty and respect because everyone deserves it and so do you.
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Write a comment or two for the post you just read (show sincerity) and everyone will continue to come back and read yours too.
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Write from your own thoughts with facts and not assumptions because no one will read you if you don't.
Having a Blog that Pops….
Is better than a Blog that Flops.
It’s really up to YOU.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
All extremely good points! I try to inject humor most of the time. Life is just too serious.
Hi Sally - Excellent advice, and it is clear that you take your own advice. I try to do the same, and I do want my readers to know a bit about me personally. I don't have as many great photos as you do, but I do use free photos and clip art when I don't have my own photos. Nothing is as boring to read as a long post with nothing but "gray space" (solid print with no photos, charts, interesting fonts or anything to break it up and attract the eye.
Good points to share Sally. I am still trying to perfect my blogs. Sometimes I take the time to add the color and links (links a KEY). Othertimes I find it hard to even write a post. One thing is for sure, when I am consistent, so are my calls. So, its a good idea to keep active on this site.
Always good to read a refresher and absolutely correct with your bullet points Sally! And with writing consistently, it does help to find your blogging voice!
I like this ! Your color is nice too! FREE listing flyers can also be populated into your blog through many sources like our company or other online marketing systems.
Sally, I can't count how many times I throw out a blog and forget to put links and stuff into it. I also need to start writing to bring business in, not just goofing around.
Sally,
It is also quite clear that you spend a lot of time on your blogs perfecting them after completion.
Brian
Sally, I am so Grateful for seasoned bloggers like yourself, who can teach the path to blogging success. As I was reading your post today, I thought about our High School Class motto, "Life's Journey Begins with a Single Step". So, it is with our blogging efforts. In the beginning we are all amateurs in the blogging world, but as we began to be convicted with with more passion, wit and humor, and all those other things that you mentioned, our subscribers list will grow, and business will follow. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sally this is a must read for all new bloggers and us oldies as well. Excellent advice!
Featured in BananaTude
Great points. I couldn't agree with you more on that . Thank you for sharing.
Sally
You have captured the essence of blogging, IMO, so well in this post. I think it's useful for all of us to be reminded about how we can make the best use of our writing and do the things that will be most meaningful for our readers.
Thanks!!
Jeff
I love reading your posts - they are alway rich with content. Thanks for this post, it is very inspiring.
I admire the photos and richness you add to your posts and enjoy reading them. I m fairly new to AR and appreciate you sharing these guidelines for writing a blog that pops, thanks!
I need to get back into the swing of things with reciprocating comments. There is just so many great posts to read every day.
It never hurts to be reminded about what makes a good blog post. I agree that pictures are very important and that thee is nothing worse than just words on a blog page
A well deserved feature! Love the photo...leading us down the path....
Sally, That is a great post! It does pop and gives great advice for new and experienced bloggers alike! Have a great evening!
Sally ... It's no wonder that you are one of my favorites! Great Job on a Great Blog! Your ideas are perfect.
Sally - such a great reminder to all of us to keep our focus on the path ahead, and not get sidelined. It's good to keep our blogs fun for all in our community to read.
Congrats on the feature! Great tips on blogging , content and visuals. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Sally...I am not sure if I am having writer's block or simply too busy to really focus on blogging but I have not been active here for some months. I marvel at others, like you, that keep at it year after year.
Congratulations on the feature and thanks for the good advice. Now how about a kick in the pants to get me up and running again.
Kate
Hi Sally, this is probably the best post I've read about a blog's purpose and use of the right content. Fantastic job, and thank you!
Celeste....I don't want to underplay the simplicity of your post. It is simple. Very simple, but...it's succinct...and so on point! You have hit a massive home run, and, er, grand slam on what to do with in growing a snazzy A.R. blog!
Thanks for the info. Kristine
So appreciate all your comments and taking the time to do so! I'm running on empty right about now and have much reading before throwing in the keyboard for the night. Needless to say...I glad this popped out at a lot of you.
Kate....GET BACK ON BOARD! I found out that once I become complacent with writing...it takes a bit to get back into the swing of things. I'll email ya!
Celeste, What you describe is what I strive for in every post. But, I find it difficult to "speak" to both the AR audience and my local potential client audience. I think that they have different interests.
Mark....Not everyone will write the same ...for me it's like I am me regardless with clients or other members (peers) here. They may have different interests but the REAL me is a person...behind the words...behind the business. If I were to refer a client to you....I would also want to see what qualities you have not only in business but in communication, personality and so forth. No matter what...we blog and 'speak' in different volumes, tones and for different interests....good luck in your finding a happy median!
I think I do most of those things and I've gotten quite a few featured posts using a combination of humor, sarcasm, and honest discussion of issues. I still have to work on commenting but I'm getting better.
You know I was looking at my blog the other day and wow if you read through a person's blog you certainly learn alot about them! I am hoping that what that does is attract people just like me to me! That would be cool! So how is the new baby by now??
Hi Sally--great points from a great blogger. I agree, I do know a lot about you just from reading your posts. I have to work more on that. I love writing about topics, but the topic of me I have not written about.
Yes I can see if we add visuals it would make a big difference. I just find it hard to do.
Sally - some valuable points that we can all use with our blogs. Excellent...thanks for sharing with your AR family.
Sally, Thank you for sharing these great tips. I enjoy reading your posts.
I think a blog should have a good sense of humor, be well written, and pose a challenge or thought provoking ideas to its readers. I agree with you, well done.
Sally- so behind in telling you what an excellent post this is. This could very well be included in the Activerain "How to Write a Post" handbook. And so right you are.. let the reader "see" who you are. Well done!
Hi Sally....every post you write is a fantastic post for everyone to read.....congratulations on the feature....but it's no surprise.
Sally this is a very informative post with great reminders or new knowledge if you are newer to blogging. I read it a couple of times so I would not miss anything. I work on being myself and sometimes it is more difficult than other times, and the reminders, well, good advice for all of us. Loved it !
Sally, this has all the value of a how to do it right post. Being active with comments both ways will certainly gain readership and being a bit transparent will bring business.
Effort, time devotion, creativity and if you are having fun it shows. Reblogs, market reports (yawn) don't titillate. Like a dress, long enough to cover the subject, short enough to be interesting. Not bore but with a little excitement.
Sally:
I try to do what you suggest. I don't always succeed, but I do try. I am humor deficient. That is my biggest downfall. Need to work on that.
Hi Sally. Great post and beautiful picture. All very true. I have not yet begun to write substantive blogs (procrastination, at this point), but have very much enjoyed reading and commenting on others'. I have learned a tremendous amount in my short time here.
Someone recently criticized me when I said I like to take the time to choose the right photos or clipart. They, of course, said it's all about content. I agree content is important but some people are visual and if the post doesn't look good, the reader may click off and never even read the content.
Sally - Your posts always pop ..... just like the photo in this one it feels like you could step into the picture and walk up the stairs
Thanks for the truly great tips on writing a good blog. I'm always looking for new ideas.
Gretchen
Sally,
This is an important post and I am bookmarking for rereading regularly. Sometimes, ideas are not fully explored before hitting the keyboard (and I admit that this is referring to myself more than others) and I find awakward closings or points just superficially driven are the result. Clearly, more thought would benefit all bloggers, especially those of us without the "natural" tallent. In fact, I'm going to "re-post" this blog.... not on AR, but a printed version on the bulletin board next to my computer. Thanks. Am also subscribing to your blog.
Great post Sally that goes without saying and I have gotten many ideas thanks for sharing.
Sally, People wish to know who you are and keeping everything simple is best (my opinion). Content does matter (most of the time) and so does an appropriate photo (and positive attitude and message, if possible) gets you there! Sillyness takes over on some days...I appreciate what you represent, thank you!
You say it well, Sally. Wit and humor, commenting on others' blog posts, etc. It really is a very simple process but sometimes we think too much!
I have recently started adding tons of local photos. It took encouragement from Active Rain Bloggers Steve and Jan Backhman plus relentless determination in figuring out how to get the iCloud photo stream and iPhone Camera and Flickr embed code to work in harmony on my iPad. whew, working!
Cheryl: You're way past me on technology for sure!!!!
Hi Gary! No kidding...and thinking takes up time!
Brad...that was a thought out comment...and I appreciate that! It takes time to not only ready a lengthy post but comment with thought! Thank you much!
Tammie: Whoever said that has a wall of words on their post...and like you said...everyone is different. I find it hard to read something without pictures....including books!
Sally Forgive me. That was a great post. I promise to start adding pictures and comment more. I can see that you are striving for excellence.
Sally - Your posts always pop out at us! That is why we love reading them!
Sally, I'm a little late to the party, but hey... better late than never. You live in a beautiful area, and you remind us in nearly every post with your photos. Many of us have learned a lot from you.