Blogging is Not a Sprint, It's a Marathon

By
Real Estate Agent with Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 REB.0759001

Blogging is Not a Sprint, It's a Marathon

There is a Challenge for October hosted by Carol Williams, Aura Alex and Leanne Smith to offer insights as to our blogging success stories. I would venture that better than 80% of the current members are still waiting for their first real business call from their blog and have great disappointment that they didn't get immediate results from their first efforts.

My secondary title: Aesop would have Been a Great Blogger, carries a clue.

Blogging is Not a Sprint, It's a MarathonA successful blog is developed over a period of time with content that educates and imparts knowledge to a reader that the author has credibility that would be helpful in their real estate adventures.

Lik the tale of the tortoise and the hare, it is an accumulation of information presented over time demonstrating the knowledge and the familiarity with the area. It was not one and done but the consistency of point specific blogs of the area coupled with the knowledge.

Like many others here, my adventures into blogging were tentative and for a long time more lurking and hesitancy to comment much less post. With early challenges and tutorials, many of which can still be read on ActiveRain University

But I digress:

I can remember the first call from a prospect that was generated by a Localism post I wrote on a condo complex in which I had a listing.  It was not specific to my listing, which was offered as a link at the end of the post, but a detailed description of the complex with styles, number of units, amenities etc.  It helped to get my listing sold, but even today, many years later that post and subsequent similar styles continue to get phone calls.

I have expanded that content to other complexes in the area all with similar success.

For me, the additional benefit which can be viewed as a primary are the contacts, I have made on the platform which offer great benefit with regards to referral. coming and going. 

When I was really active in my business, I had a refence with the largest brand in the country, and yet it was through ActiveRain that I would look to send a referral.

The character of an agent does not show through on a website, nor can it be appreciated in a phone conversation. The true person can be seen over time in their blog posts and the extent of their personalities are not hidden, and that is where a referral would best be distributed.

I would offer that my best contacts for business were with people right here in my state, none of whom would I have known if not for ActiveRain as their areas of expertise are well outside of my primary working area. Yet over the years, I have exchanged clients, shared business as well as made friends that I would have never met otherwise.

I can say without any hesitation that I can still find a qualified agent for any part of the country by just reading a few blogs, ad making a call and being recognized on the other end.

Blogging is Not a Sprint, It's a Marathon

Posted by

 

Edward (Ed) Silva
Broker Associate

Serving Central Connecticut Sellers and Buyers

My Blog
Email Me
EdSilvaCTrealestate.com


C:  203-206-0754
Call or Text

O:  203-758-6440

 

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Comments (24)

Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
Relocation to NW AZ with elbow room & more freedom

Reading a blog by Elise Harron is how we connected with her over 7 years ago. She became our buyer's agent and then my broker.  Pertinent information for those relocating is critical and builds trust.

Oct 25, 2022 07:50 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Great explanation Ed on how this "thing" called blogging works. Everyone finds what's best for their business, but blogging (no matter what you get out of it)  - WORKS!

Oct 25, 2022 08:03 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393

Hello Ed - as longtime members know, there are those who arrive in ActiveRainLand with lots of energy where massive posting becomes part of their initial routine.  Then they seem to disappear.  Some return. Occasionally or maybe with a different mindset. 

Each journey is a bit different with many twists and turns that can take us off course.  We can learn much from observing as a spectator as well as being an active participant.  

Oct 25, 2022 08:35 AM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Hello, Ed. Your post is at the top of Today. I couldn't agree more with you. 

While blogging works initially to attract new clients, consistency and quality of blogged posts take us to the next level of maintaining a client base through nurturing a long-term relationship. 

Thank you for your post. 

Oct 25, 2022 10:52 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Ed,

You hit this out of the park on so many levels.  Your title is SEO magic.  It will draw people in years to come.  The Aesop reference is also genius.  I also think that adding links to other info that can be helpful also draws people in.  Kudos!

Oct 25, 2022 11:08 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Ed I completely agree.  A good example is you and I.  We would most likely have never met if it were not for ActiveRain.

Oct 25, 2022 01:12 PM
Kat Palmiotti
406-270-3667, kat@thehousekat.com, Broker/REALTOR® - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Excellent thoughts. Blogging is definitely a marathon, and the contact we meet/met as part of ActiveRain have been/are priceless.

Oct 25, 2022 06:07 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Yes, blogging is a long-term commitment, not a short stint, simply to garner quick business. I really enjoyed reading your post, Ed!

Oct 25, 2022 06:25 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi- Ed- I love your post and you are absolutely right...blogging is not a sprint...it's a marathon. I remember the webinars that Bob Stewart used to give and that is where I learned how to blog. 

Oct 25, 2022 07:49 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

No doubt about that, Ed. Then again, so much of what we do in real estate is a marathon and not a sprint... farming, developing leads and relationships. We always need to be taking the long view.

Oct 26, 2022 05:28 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I agree with that, slow and steady seems to be the way to go and I like it the most.

Oct 26, 2022 05:59 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Ed Silva  Very well said it is not something that is done overnight and that is why many drop out. They are looking for instant gratification 

Oct 26, 2022 03:46 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Ed:

Well your title says it all in just a few words, but your post fills in the details any blogger should listen to! Congrats on the well-deserved feature!

Jeff

Oct 26, 2022 08:14 PM
Bo Zivak
Zivak Realty Group - Nashville, TN
Nashville Real Estate Broker

Blogging is definitely a marathon. I love your post and you are absolutely right. I really enjoyed reading your post. The contact we met as part of ActiveRain has been priceless.

 

Thank you for your post.

Oct 26, 2022 10:15 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Ed - that is an outstanding entry.  It is not a sprint is it.  I have gotten calls but I have also made connections.

Oct 27, 2022 05:46 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Ed !
You are absolutely on point with this post! 
A successful blog is developed over a period of time with content that educates and imparts knowledge to a reader that the author has credibility that would be helpful in their real estate adventures.

Oct 27, 2022 07:39 AM
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

You never know when something may develop from someone who might come across your blog whether it is from yesterday or years ago. I have also researched blogs for the perfect fit for a referral or a question on a certain area. Great post Ed Silva !

Oct 27, 2022 12:56 PM
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Not a sprint, definitely a long distance event.  I will finish the race unless someone tells me that the prize is not worth it. 

Oct 29, 2022 03:58 PM
BethAnn Long
RE/MAX of Spokane - Spokane, WA
Realtor, CRS, e-PRO, CLHMS Spokane Wa Real Estate

great analogy Ed! I started blogging here in 2007 and in more recent years have been far less active. When I log in and read posts like this, it does make me realize that AR is such a stable and long lasting platform with such great folks to get to know! 

BethAnn in Spokane

Oct 29, 2022 08:48 PM
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

One step at a time ... slow but sure ... blogging is a marathon and not a sprint.  I wish my blogging history was more consistent ... still working on that!  But I am hear and reading everyone else's blogs.  If I took the time reading and put it into blogging my own post I would be better off ... however, I love reading the blogs and then the next thing I know I have STUFF to do that requires my immediate attention.  Not an excuse.  Just how I am.  

Nov 03, 2022 04:26 PM