Being an advocate for Localism has been one of my favorite past times on ActiveRain. When I first joined ActiveRain there were about 19k members. Localism was geared toward all types of local area writing. There were listings, market reports, local area points of interest, community happenings and loan information. We posted photos and created the communities and kept plugging away to get the Localism site full of content, views, scenery and more.
Then the launch of Localism last year caused a ruckus because it was going to be geared more toward Local Area Businesses and happenings.
Change always seems to be a constant battle for some and this time it was me. I remember crying to Bob Stewart on the phone because all my posts were.....gone. That was remedied and they also tried to accommodate everyone at once....and it just didn't get up and running the way they had hoped. They had to put it on the back burner to get the rest of the thingamajiggies going and though I wish it were instant gratification I know that my having patience will pay off when it does. (Thanks William and Rich for the pep talks!)
I just keep plugging away and keep posting my Localism posts. Why? IT CLICKED! I have to, because I love to write about Hawaii, the communities and neighborhoods. I want to pay it forward to the local businesses and people who live in my community and I also write so the consumer can walk beside me in my community. Feel what I feel when I'm writing about the sunrise and give the consumer and my clients a birds eye view before they Relocate to Hawaii.
This community is open to all types of writing and not just Real Estate ‘talk'. I believe that everything is relevant and everything is intertwined with our industry. I deal with people on a day to day basis. I walk in the community with my clients and give them suggestions for the furniture stores, restaurants, hardware stores, shopping malls, the doggie parks, beaches and hiking trails.
We hold ourselves in high esteem; walk with confidence and with an air of positivity surrounding us. Our clients feel comfortable with us knowing that we are human and not just business robots.
I don't know about you but I converse with my clients about a variety of topics.
And that is exactly what I do here.
We write about local businesses, people in our community, tourist attractions and points of interest with interesting and original content. We post beautiful , clear and related pictures to each post and create a great post that is attractive to the eye.
Writing about Local Market Expertise does not mean:
That I write a bunch of statistics that can easily be copied and pasted from the MLS. I get creative with a brief summary of the community, my personal experience in the community and then brief current statistics including Active, In Contract & Sold Properties with the average prices that they sold for and the number of days (DOM) the property was active on the market before getting into contract. Top it off with a couple of pictures and I spent a couple of hours on this baby.- It does not mean that I just copy & paste a bunch of current listings in line item form. Localism will one day have a section just for YOUR listings. And I will add mine too.
- It does not mean I write two liners and point to my website. I actually speak volumes about my community and keep the consumer interested and reading my post. They find me without leading them away to yet another site.
Giving back to the community can be very rewarding. Physically handing out meals to the homeless, volunteering to help a needy family fix or build their home or running for a cause give one a feeling of ‘doing our part'. Or I just pay it forward and write about the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, doggie park, restaurant, city hall or just post pictures of the ocean, a sunrise on Makapuu Beach. Then I give each post a personal credit for their mouth watering food, great service or just the beauty of the ocean alone.
It's called appreciation. Appreciation for what I have....not what I have not.
It's not just words. I give MY personal touch and a piece of me in every word I write.
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The following links and excerpts will give you more information on Localism. It may not be up and running for the consumer quite yet....but it will be. In the meantime, the consumer finds us through reading our quality content when they plug in that keyword from your posts into the search for Google. Try it. You'll see.
- ActiveRain Unveils the New Localism in which Jonathan Washburn, CEO of ActiveRain stated, No one has captured the essence and flavor of local communities online on a large scale. All the data points, pie charts, graphs and widgets in the world can't tell the complete story of a place. It takes content from the people who live and work there - which we have in abundance - to bring things to life. There are plenty of local review sites out there, but we're going beyond that to capture the full range of things that make communities unique."
- 10 steps to Localism success written by Jonathan Washburn in which he has 10 wonderful steps to writing for Localism and WHY.
- "What is Localism?"in which Rich Jacobson, Community Builder of ActiveRain states, is the valued point of connection, a place of meaningful interaction. It's where neighbors and local merchants share what's happening in their community. It's people collectively communicating the unique flavor and nuances of where they live, work, eat, and play.
And the rest of the articles from ActiveRain relating to all articles for Localism can be found here>>>>> The New Localism
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate 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 Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
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.
Hi there Sally. You do great with your Hawaii Localism posts and this article is a terrific guide for all with tips to better use Localism on that site and within Active Rain.
I love your localism posts. I have enjoyed doing them as well. Your post has inspired me to do more.
Sally- We get calls all the time from our Localism posts. I wrote for Localism before the new Localism and continue to do so, I don't worry about what is and what isn't in localism. Google loves localism and people find me and that is all that matters. The complainers can get a life.
As for you my dear friend, those photos are good enough to enter into a photography contest. Amazing color and depth. Love your photos! You are the go to agent for Hawaii!
Sally.... you make some great points... But overall, you just do an awesome job of writing about Hawaii... it's little secrets, the history of some things and places, and the awesome pics that you personally take. Thanks for sharing them...
What a great post. You put a tremendous amount of thought into this post.
Gary: Some may just not understand the relevance. We write VARIETY for the consumer...and you know what? They love when we do. It show a piece of us.
Joan: Hey there....good going...you do well with yours as well!
Katerina: Yup..I agree. No matter what we get found...and for our content. I don't like when people complain either. :)
Jeff: Oh, dear. I forgot to mention the history! Thanks Jeff...I love to research and do everything and anything about my home!
Steve: Thanks kind sir :)
What's up with Woltal? The guy is everywhere!
Sis - I'm going to say this honestly and won't pull one punch when doing so. You represent Hawaii very well and your stylings are cohesive and 'staged' damn beautifully. It's easy to see why you are so widely read and sought after... the Google Monster seems to like ya. As well it should. I've been mad at the Mortgage Industry for quite some time, yet it is a person like you that makes really realize everything is worth it.
By the way, you are still a suck-up;)
And, Sally, you do Localism SO well! No one's photos compare to yours--I'm NOT moving to Hawaii and I enjoy reading your Localism posts immensely! I KNOW your potential clients love your information--and as you say, the personal touch makes all the difference. Great way to lead AR too! We all appreciate you dahling!
I enjoy localism posts also, I love so many neighborhoods here in Manhattan and they are all so different and have certain aspects that make them special.
Hey lil bro! Just read Jenn's post...I am sooo happy for the both of you! LOL. A suck up huh? Okay....I guess that why you're still my little brother hahah.
Thanks for the compliment! :)
Debe: It is that personal touch and letting them know about the area and how I connect with my community makes a difference as well. Thanks much!
Morgan: I love to read others as well. It gives me an idea about others neighborhoods. Who knows...I may have a client to refer and will be able to tell them a little about their community as well ....and it also tells me about the person I'm referring them too!
Hi Sally, I had heard that Localism had changed, 'tho wasn't sure how. I really enjoy your pics and I just have to ask. What is that funny 'tufted' bird? It's amazing! You truly live in paradise.
Hi Sally,
You are a great example of what writing for localism is all about. You put it out there and I feel like I'm right there with you. This is an excellent guide! :)
Great post, Sally!
I'm very tempted to re-blog it, just for your beautiful pictures. :) I've been to Hawaii twice. I hope to visit again someday.
Sally,
A good ism...Localism...!!! Thanks, Fran
Thank you, thankyou, thank you! I am new to AR but I have been "traveling around" the community and didn't quite "get" what Localism should really be, as no one in my area has really been doing much with it. I am a little bit of a local history nut and I am going to have to get started on making my local Localism worth visiting. Great post!
I have never figured out Localism yet so I just write when I am moved about one of my communities that I find interesting.
Sally, my goal is to write several posts each week to highlight local businesses! Thanks for this great perspective (and reminder)!
Join my NEW group for professionals who work from their home office at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice
Regina P. Brown
As someone who is not intimately familiar with all the aspects of AR, and I like to read the featured posts, which I erroneously and originally (until yesterday) thought was "all things real estate" I now have a good overview of Localism.com and it's various facets due to your writing this post, and what a comprehensive and informative post it is. I still find AR a bit of a maze with no top-down and organized way to understand it's scope and relationship among the various capabilities this platform has to offer.
I finally understand a whole lot more about localism due to your post here Sally.
I also owe you an apology for my misunderstanding that localism.com and our AR blogs are not separated, but a post goes to both, and I mistakenly thought all things local should only be posted to localism.com. This illustrates that you know TONS and TONS more about everything AR than I sure do!
It's 2 below zero here in Cleveland, so your photos are a tad bit enticing about right now! :-)
Hi Sally,
Great info. I have been trying to focus my posts on Localism. I write about local events mostly. How does one get a Localism post featured?
Thanks!
Suzanne
Sally, what a fantastic post! Man oh man I gotta say you sure have inspired me to write with more focus on my home. You write from the heart and for that I want to thank you. I hope to bring the type of passion that you have to my Localism site! Take care and happy blogging!
Great Information. I am saving this for reference.
Have a great day!
Cindy
Salley,
We agree. We are working to enhance out localism posts to make them interesting for folks who want to gather more "local" info about out community and the neighborhoods. Localism is developing into a great tool!
Thanks for you wisdon on this one. You have focused me.
I do alot of posts on Localism. For my community. Very little comment activity but if you want to know something about my area I cover that!
Great post and great info - the better focused you are the better return you will get with your posts
Hi Sally:
Let's face it...there are so many wonderful things to say about Hawaii! Great job...
So pleased to have found this group. I am realtively new to AR and localims so I am gookmarking this .
Sally - Not only do I agree with you on your feelings towards Localism, but I also have to think - you've got a great Localism spot as well. I could spend days writing Localism posts about Hawaii just from my memories of it. Can't wait to go back again.
Sally - great post and great reflection too. I really believe that Localism is a sleeping jewel and could break out. Obviously, a lot of that success will be determined here by us... the Rainers... to continue to provide quality content and info to our communities. Is great that you are so passionate about it. Your energy gives us energy too so thank you !! ~ Chris Somers
Hi Sally - your localism posts are works of art, for both your words and your stunning pictures that you share with us. Most of my posts are writting for localism, and I was doing that long before localism came into being. I write stats pieces but always include commentary on the market and the area, and I also include posts on listings from time to time as well, and include commentary on those, too.
If we all just think about what we like to read, then we'll know what and how to write. No one likes boring numbers and wall-of-words posts - jazz them up with formatting, pictures, and great content!
Ann
You have just been nominated for the most excellent Localism poster and promoter in the Universe.
The votes are in........drum roll please.........and the winner is..........
Sally Cheeseman CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
Where DO you find the time???
Rob
Sally - You are correct about making Localism about varied topics. I need to go in that direction.
I spend about 50/50 of my time writing localism posts, vs real estate posts. I think localism is important, and I get more calls on localism posts than I thought i would. People call me about restaurants or coming events, and while that doesn't bring me IMMEDIATE sales, it establishes me as the local expert and it's for FUTURE business.
Sally, the personal touch in your writing is what makes it so engaging to read for me.....I know that your community must appreciate your efforts. I am finding myself more and more drawn to localism too.
An aspect of AR that I have pretty much ignored. But I will check it out and do better in the coming year...thansk for the info!
Sally,
Thanks I need to do more like you. I am not doing enough
Sally, I really respect your love of your beautful Hawaii, and you show us in word and photo why you love it so much! Localism gives us the opportunity to showcase our little corner of the world and I love to talk about mine also! Keep those wonderful photos coming!
Sally,
I have been all over this country and there is so much material out there for every member of Active Rain to do great Localism pieces and can't figure out why they don't or won't. Great post and congratulations on the feature.
... Hi Sally ! - you are certainly one of my favorite Localism posters ! --- it doesnt hurt of course that you have the gorgeous backdrop of Hawaii as your canvas ! ... but you seem to take on a Localism post a little different than most....and I really enjoy that :o)
Great job, and great feature
Morning Sally, It is so obvious that really care about your " Local " area. Your customers are lucky to have you !
I just keep posting there..I'm not worried if it's not shown...I know it's out there on the search engines.
Sally your first contact when relocating to Hawaii. You do an extraordinary job on the local aspect of Hawaii. I will be going this upcoming summer and have been rereading your post on the History of Hawaii. I chose to write local post vs real estate post. There are many writing about Real Estate and not many writing about my local area. Thank you for the reminder how patience and dedication will pay off.
You are a good poster regarless of where it is. I tend to do more localism too. Always enjoy the photos and the read.
Sally - really liked what you had to say about writing Localism posts. Posts for the network are fun to share, a great way to learn, and help connect us with friends on AR and, yes, lead to business referrals. But the Localism posts are the ones that the consumers want to read. These are the articles that help us demonstrate our knowlegde of the housing market and the community and a myriad of other aspects of the areas we service. Congrats on the feature - good reading, especially for those who are new to blogging adn AR.
Jeff
Sally, like you--I write about the Mississippi Gulf Coast because I love doing it, and I am compelled to do it. When I joined Active Rain my area of Localism was still seeing stars from being slapped around by Katrina. Some of my Slice of Life Stories, or anecdotes simply had the purpose of conveying gratefulness to volunteers, the "South Will Rise Again" Spirit, and most importantly--we are still an enticing place to live, be transferred to and/or relocate to. The idea of having a voice to the world that might be picked up on--kept me going, plugging away. Sheepishly, the hours spent with my laptop and digital photos were not spent with a "what's it going to do for my business" attitude, but the sole objective of conveying the pleasure of living here. Closer to 2006 during the first stages of recovery, I often wrote with both tears streaming and a spirit of gratefullness.
...Now, if I could just figure out how to get back in to my photos to replace some I would be so happy. Brad tried to help me, but nothing seems to get me back in. I hope I wasn't photo blacklisted.
PS: I seem to get more Localism clicks if I include Photo-Blog in my headline.
Sally--You and I have always been on the same page regarding localism...It is about showing others that you know the community you serve and what you know about it! That takes time and effort but the rewards are great!
Sally in my mind you have the best localism posts on Active rain. They are always jam packed with interesting information and you can see your passion shining through in each article!
Sally, It was your incredible Localism posts that made me finally go out and buy a camera and start doing my own Localism (which is SO much fun!). I love those posts and though they might be geared more toward a consumer, I really love seeing different places and experiencing the whold country through AR. Your posts are always spectacular!
Featured at Club Chaos
Sally,
I love your posts. You do care about your area and are giving great information to read and help us and your clients understand what your area has to offer. Keep up the great efforts.
Marian: I forgot the name of the bird. It was at Honolulu Zoo when we went in November.
Suzanne: Thanks much little woman....that's what I am for :)
Bruce: I know you will...if you are craving an island vacation!
Fran: Thanks!
Rick: You're welcome welcome! :) I love history as many others do....it's a great writeup for local and out of towners to read. Do you realize that I've lived here since 1967 and didn't really know but a little history....until I started researching for my blog????
Wonderful thoughts. I love really good localism posts. It shows so much about an area and about the agent that spends quality time to write about an area they love. When only those long statistical posts clog the pipeline, it lowers the quality of an area's localism and drives away readers in the general public.
Best: Great! You'll see that it will peak ones interest...add a couple of stats about the area and you have it incorporated as a great localism/market area post!
Regina: Wonderful...good luck!
Chris: I was hoping you'd come back and get a little info! I appreciate that you kept an open mind and see now that it's ALL relevant. :) You may want to read these for more info.
More Information
Suzanne: Just keep focusing on making your post visually appealing. I took a look at yours and you do have good info but when it transfers to the localism site there is a bunch of white space due to your pictures and text not together. Highlight with bold ..a few words that are important topics.
Jason: That's a very nice comment and good luck with your writing!
Cindy: Hope it helps!
Jim: WooHoo! You got that right!
Matthew: Great...good luck!
Laura: It's the consumer you want to read you. They do NOT comment ...but they are reading!
Great post. Most laugh at me about blogging. I then have them google my neighborhoods or me or my listing street names. Localism and Active Rain is everywhere....total domination.
Sally - Localism is indeed the way to go and I love reading all of yours! Between you and Georgina I feel a trip out there coming on one day!
Hi Sally,
Another great, informative post. Your pictures are always outstanding....
Hi Sally,
Your pictures are stunning! I especially love the second one with the sun peeking through the clouds over the ocean. Just beautiful!
Thank you for this information on Localism; I'm just now beginning to learn more about Localism. I think writing interesting articles about your community is a great way to show people that you are the expert in your market. I'm going to work harder on making my Localism posts more interesting and a lot more frequent.
Have a great day!
--Anne Rains
Sally you do a terrific job with your Localism postings. You really engage the reader with your words and magnificent photos. Sometimes when it is frigid here and I come across your post I immediately stop focusing on the cold and my thoughts turn to sun and beach.
Sally, I think you have one of the BEST Localism blogs in all of AR...I loved it when you said:
"I want to pay it forward to the local businesses and people who live in my community and I also write so the consumer can walk beside me in my community. Feel what I feel when I'm writing about the sunrise and give the consumer and my clients a birds eye view before they Relocate to Hawaii."
I think that says it all. All of us here in AR have so much to learn from you. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us, time and time again:)
Randall: Thanks...takes hard work, effort, some determination and consistency along with some gorgeous views and you got a nice local area post :)
Toula: There are wonderful things to say about your own area as well :)
Janice: Hmm..wonder which group? Good luck!
Matt: Thanks. It took a couple of years but I'm there. :)
Chris: I do as well ..and that is the truth. Later on the consumers may just give us a bunch of quality content as well. :)
Ann: And who do you think I learned from? You and a few others! I do the same....so obviously yours are interesting to me too :) Thanks ann...it does take some hard work and ....time. :)
Hi Rob! Believe me...I find the time like others find time to lick newsletters and pop in the mail. And ...kind sir...I appreciate your compliment!!!
Gary: Will look forward to them!
Erica: I'm with you on that! I've received many contacts and though not all are geared for real estate I love it when people ask me questions ..... they will tell their friends :)
Ann: Thanks Ann. It is a different aspect but when you think about it...isn't it all relevant?
Perrin: You're welcome..good luck!
Caren: It IS the essence of everything related :)
Julie: Because they believe this platform is only real estate lingo talk. It's not. It's everything and anything that gives a piece of you to the consumer. Personally, I love to click with like minded people...makes for a really smooth transaction :)
Sheldon: Thanks much. It does give a little oomph ...don't ya think?
Bill: Thanks bunches!
Neal: And you taught me well buddy.
Michelle: Try doing both in one. Area, interests, topics and happenings along with the community breakdown on your housing market. Watch..you'll grow :)
Eric: I do a variety with some balance in the equation. Works for me so I don't get 'bored' or writers block :)
Jeff: Look what happens :) Friends that connected!
You are another of my mentors for Localism....we got it going on...it's all of it bundled up into one!
Suzie: It's all about everything you said...and then some. We can't post photos to Localism anymore...too many already....and back then we got points and people abused that system as well. Just keep posting on AR with a story to it and you'll have photos....and your knowledge too.
Teri: No kidding...a long road it's been hasn't it? I remember when that reporter called both of us....that was over a year and a half ago. Since then we've just kep plugging away :)
Bill: Oh, well ...thank you. I appreciate you!
Carole: I remember your first photo stories....the park! Chinatown! in the rain! So much fun isn't it? Thanks Carole!
CTS: Thanks!
Sally you have mastered the art of writing Localism Posts with your blend of Posts on history and points of interest. I know that I always look forward to reading them.
Dorie: Thanks a bunch....that's what it's about :)
Ann: Me too...it really does show the effort we put into our writing....to convey our messages to the public...therefore, we must conduct business in a quality manner as well right?
Tim: Oh, they scoff and laugh...but in a couple of years they'll see how they were left in our dust lol.
BarbaraJo: Thanks much! And we'll be here to greet you!
Hal: Thanks Hal....so glad you enjoyed!
Anne R: Exactly...and we work hard at this and it is read...guaranty it.
Jennifer: Thanks much....maybe one day you'll visit!
Elizabeth: You're welcome! I'm sure this one post will help many others realize the significance of writing for their local areas....no matter what...google finds you.
Hey George! I know you do George...you came aboard awhile back and are always here to greet me :) Thanks for your undying support and kind comments...always.
Sally - I enjoy your posts, localism and otherwise, I wish I were the writer that you are. However, I keep plugging at it, and, the calls are increasing. Keep it up.