Carlsbad Real Estate News and Views

Here's the REAL scoop on living in Carlsbad ~ beaches, things to do, places to eat, community events, and of course neighborhoods, homes and the Carlsbad real estate market in general, including surrounding communities like Encinitas, Cardiff, San Marcos, Oceanside, Solana Beach and Del Mar.

The Hook of Using a Good Photo

Morning musings, over a cup of coffee, can sometimes lead to interesting thoughts. Or generate ideas for a post.

Such was the case just now, after getting a comment from fellow blogger and CRS Sam Miller. Sam is a very successful agent and blogger in the Knox Country real estate market in Ohio, and he knows about the power of the Internet in his business. 

Lake San Marcos in San Maarcos California 92078

I wrote a short article recently about Lake San Marcos and included a couple of photos (one shown above) I had taken plus a video. Sam's simple, but powerful comment a short time ago was "As soon as I saw the lake photo on your post I was hooked."

Think about that simple statement. 

Yes, it could be that Sam is particularly fond of lakes and, upon spying one, was inspired to take a look. Perhaps he wouldn't have if the photo had not been the hook that dragged him in. 

I think this is a profound example of the power of using a good photo in your blog posts to grab the attention of readers - something that MAKES them want to read your article.

Something that is highly relevant, and speaks volumes about what the article is about. And, perhaps, says more than the content itself...a photo blog can send a powerful message and generate emotions in ways simple words might not. 

Are YOU taking advantage of the hook of using a good photo?

 

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com

Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village),  Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego

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9 comments • Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Homes for Sale ~ 760-840-1360 • January 24 2010 10:53AM

What's YOUR #1 Tip for Someone Who Wants to Start Blogging?

If someone were to ask you what your #1 tip was for someone who wants to start blogging, what would you say? 

Could you come up with 1 tip that, above all other things you might advise,

stands out as #1? 

How do I get started blogging?

I think this is a pretty weighty question. If you have been a blogger for some time (likely, if you are reading this), my guess is this conjures up some intriguing thoughts, and reflections on your own experience. So put yourself into your mentoring shoes and read on. 

No, you can't say "Don't do it," although for some folks that might be the best advice you could share. Some people are probably better suited to other endeavors, for a host of reasons. That's for another discussion. 

I have my ideas - no surprise.  But refining the list to Number 1 is a challenge. It may become obvious as I write. You can vote. Or share your own ideas, which, of course, is the real purpose of this article. You can't say "great post" or "I agree with you," or similar nonsense. Put on that thinking cap and get your own thoughts on that screen.   

It may be that coming up with 1 tip as the best if not a realistic endeavor, but it does make you consider the relevance of all that folks tends to share about getting started in the blogging world about what really IS important? This is not a list of suggestions on how to write a good post, but the best tip to give someone who is just getting started.

Here are my thoughts: 

  1. Make a commitment - I THINK this is my #1. After all it you are not going to make a commitment to blog all the other stuff you do may not matter nor will it help. There is no magic pill here. You either commit, or it won't happen, just like any other marketing strategy.
  2. Read up on what's going on in the blogosphere - whether you check out ActiveRain (probably the best place) or other sites, you need to have a sense of what others are doing and what it's all about before you take the plunge.
  3. Make a plan - you need to have a formal on-line marketing plan tied into your overall business plan. What is your target audience? Where do you want to be? What are your specific objectives? WHY do you want to write a blog?
  4. Keep in mind WHO you are writing for - this is NOT about you, it is about what the consumers need and want. Remember- they want to know WIIFM. If you forget that, well, my guess is you will fail. 

What prompted this is an upcoming panel discussion I am honored to be part of on Tech Tuesday on the opening day of the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.) Convention next Tuesday October 6 in San Jose (If you will be there PLEASE stop by to say howdy!). There are some questions we were given as possible discussion points and this is one variation. It struck a chord with me, and I believe it is worthy of consideration for anyone who is writing on-line, and certainly for someone who is thinking about getting started.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad real estate, or about real estate in surrounding areas, the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

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All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

 

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365 Things to Do in Carlsbad (and Nearby) on Facebook   Lifestyle Search on AtHomeInCarlsbad.com - Jeff Dowler

Jeff Dowler's Flickr Profile  Jeff Dowler's Facebook Profile   Jeff Dowler's YouTube Profile  Jeff Dowler's StumbleUpon Profile  Jeff Dowler's Twitter Profile  Jeff Dowler's Friendfeed ProfileSubscribe to this blog Jeff Dowler's LinkedIn Profile

Click to Search for All San Diego Homes          First Time Home Buyer Central Website          Relocation A to Z blog

Home Owner's Short Sale Guide

 

   Southern California Chapter of Certified Residential Specialists (CRS)

 My New Brokerage - Solutions Real Estate in Carlsbad CA

 

ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE

 

If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com

Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village),  Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego

Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News

All content ©Copyright by Jeff Dowler. All rights reserved.

159 comments • Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Homes for Sale ~ 760-840-1360 • October 03 2009 11:08PM