Effectively Posting Your Listings to Your Blog.
Posting your listings to your blog is something that any agent loves to do. It provides exposure for the listing which makes the seller happy & also gives your blog an additional posting of content. However over the past few months of being on staff I have encountered this question more times than I can count. "How do I post my listings on my blog?" Because of this I have written this post that will walk you through what you should & shouldn't be doing when posting your listings on your blog.
What Not to Do When Writing About Your Listing
Before I share how to effectively post your listings to your blog, I want to start with a few things not to do. The biggest No No is to just copy & paste directly from your MLS. Copying & pasting can cause coding issues to your blog where giant paragraphs of funny text shows up. Also, this a violation of our Community Guidelines. The second way many post their listings is through using some sort of outside service where you input your listing information & are provided with a piece of html code that creates a pretty flyer like the one to the right.
While there are plenty of wonderful services available to place your listings on your blog, (postlets, vflyer, realbird, etc) they are not always the best way. Before I go any further, let me make this statement: There is nothing wrong with using those services! They are a great for posting your listings to many social media platforms like craigslist, twitter, & facebook. But in order to make your listings more attractive to consumers & also search engines, using those sites hold you back on your blog & here is why.
- Lack of content: Many times those services have a limit on the number of characters you can use in the description. They also do not allow you include links in the flyer. Since you can't link you are missing valuable opportunities for link juice.
- Lack of Creativity. While they create really pretty looking flyers that can be visually appealing, they hinder you from using any type of creativity in the layout or added features to your listing because of the set template. The ability to add extras to the flyers in out of the question.
- Layout Issues. Have you ever placed one of these flyers on your blog & the entire layout of your blog goes haywire? You know what I mean, your profile picture is at the bottom of the page, your post title runs over a picture, and text is going everywhere? Well this is caused by the html coding you inserted having the incorrect dimensions. Most everything you post on ActiveRain needs to remain under 550 pixels wide to keep from encountering this issue. Unfortunately these flyers are normally set for wider dimensions that the maximum allowed on ActiveRain.
Tips to Writing an Effective Listing Post.
In case you haven't figured it out by now, the best way to write bout a listing is to write an original blog post about the home. This way you are giving unique content about the property. You are the creator & can make it look & feel however you want. Here are 4 simple tips to increase the appeal of your listings for both consumers & also search engines:
- Include Community Info. Before you take the time to write about your listing, I would suggest taking time to write about some of the other local things in the community. Write about local attractions, amenities in the neighborhood, restaurants, & anything else about the neighborhood. By writing these hyper local posts before writing about your listing you will then be able to incorporate these things into your listing post. This provides great ways to link posts together & build some major google juice.
- Post plenty of Photographs. Pictures help showcase your listing. Adding these to the post bring things to life. Remember the importance of labeling your photos when placing them into your post.
- Don't be afraid of giving too much information! Many times agents fear that if they give you all the details of the listing that consumers will not contact them. Posts that include more content than the average listing posts will be the blogs that consumers come back to again & again. Because of new technologies, consumers can find just about anything they want to know about a property online. So if you do not give them the information they are needing, they will move onto someone else.
- Try adding a slideshow or video for an extra wow factor. Slideshows & videos give just an added dimension to the post. It allows the consumer to take a break from reading & just watch. Be careful though to not make the video too long or you can lost their interest. I would suggest keeping both around 2-3 minutes max.
- Title the post correctly. One of the biggest problems I see when looking at a post that is for a listing is that the title is done all wrong. It is so important to Address your listings properly for search engines. If you just title the post "Reduced 3BR 2BA home to $389,000" you are definitely not helping the search engines to understand what your post is about.
Add these 5 simple tips when writing your next post about a new listing & watch the difference in results. Consumers will spend more time reading & learning as well as google will like it more.
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I am the Co-Founder of 210 Consulting- Social Media Advisors. If you would like more information on any of the topics discussed in this blog, please contact me directly. Also, please visit my other online consulting blog for more social media tips, tricks and enhancements.
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Hi Jeremy!!
WOW!! A wealth of information in one Blog. Thank you. I use postlets, but I sure learned a lot from you today. I bookmarked this one! Happy Sales to you........
Hey there Jer, this is why I try doing them myself without templates etc. Now I need to figure out how to do a WOW just sold post.... hmmm. ~Rita
Jeremy --- great information and reminders --- I don't post listings, but am going to re-blog this so that hopefully more of my agent-owners will see it. Thanks.
Hey Jeremy, Great advice! Earlier today I posted one of my new listings...without even reading your post yet I think I hit almost all 5 of your points for creating a listing posting.
Have a great day!
Anne Rains
Thanks for this information and for the great links. I alway put the address in my title, but I never thought to put it in my tags.
Nice post, Jeremy! I'm guilty of posting my postlets into my blog, but I've stopped doing it because the layout looks horrible lately.
Jeremy,
And here I thought I was doing something great by having this fancy flyer hit the active rain blog. Gosh, I learned so much in just your one little post today. I appreciate this information and will try to spend some time in between showings this weekend to update some of my listings on my blog.
Thanks Again,
Hi Jeremy. I will be working on this. So far I have alot of room for improvement.
I've found using Postlets and then editing it a little to hold the right keywords, etc. works well to make a pretty post AND make it more findable on the web.
Jeremy,
Great tips. I am a recent Real Estate Showsuser and love how easy it is to incorporate either the video or the flyer into a post. While I had added more to my posts, you've just given me better suggestions. I'm all over it, Jeremy.
Any word on when the Localism listing feature will be in place?
Ok...haven't been to AR in a while---and what a great post. I'm sending it on to my assistant, now.
Interested in the Localism listing feature as well.
good tips! I recently wrote one on my listing and it went straight up to the first page:)
Thanks Jeremy-great tips! I'm a new blogger so appreciate all of the tips that everyone is so great about sharing!!
This is terrific, Jemery.
I have taken the easy way by using vflyer but this makes more sense, even if it takes some time. I always do a WordPress blog for each of my listings so this would enable me to link back and forth more effectively.
And geo-targeting is so important in the title - I usually end up with 1-2 pages on Google filled with my blog posts on a listing - sellers are always impressed.
Jeff
Jeremy - Thank you for explaining this, I'm still learning the ropes and this was VERY helpful.
Really great tips. I learned not to copy paste from mls... oppss now I know!
Hi Jeremy -- How do you recommend the average agent design/create/develop a nice listing presentation?
Jeremy: Nicely done, I'll pass this along to our clients... thanks.
Jeremy. .a very timely post for me. . .I'm working on a system that will bring my listings to the top. . this will include videos, school information and much more. I will be utilizing Active Rain as a platform to do this.
I will refer to this post for your excellent suggestions.. .
Question:
When posting a listing, would Localism of regular post be better exposure?
or depends what rank localism have in that particular city?
Does it make any difference what 5 groups you include the listing post ?
and finally, do you feel that meta tags for listings should concentrate in the address only . . or the city/zipcode where the listing is located. .
Thanks in advance for yoru valuable suggestions. .
Jer - You make some excellent points here! I probably need to make more effort to include community info when I do post my listings.
You will never catch me using one of those services you mention even though they are a time saver. Anyone who knows anything about SEO would write their own original listing flyer.
Jeremy, excellent tips and advice for agents trying to promote their listings on their blogs. Hmmm... Perhaps ActiveRain could contact vFlyer, Postlets, etc. to get a formatting template that would be work within the pixel requirements on AR? Just a thought...
I need some clarification. How is copying and pasting a listing from the MLS different from copying and pasting from Postlets or vFlyer? You say that using MLS content is "a violation of our Community Guidelines", and then that "there is nothing wrong" with Postlets, vFlyer, etc. In both cases, the agent is entering basic info (address, list price, features, etc.) and the platform (MLS, Postlets, etc.) is producing formatted content for the agent's use.
Jeremy, your post brings a lot to think about. I normally use either vflyer, RealBird or Agencylogic powersite services to post my listings on Active Rain. Love RealBird because it allows to conglomerate video, pictures and community info.
However, I mentioned that it's much better to bring someting more deep and personal into your AR listing presentastion in order to make it more efective and visible. It's better to write a story about your listing or - better - about the neightborhood where your listing is located. You can definitely incorporate the RealBird mini site or Flockr slideshow to your story.Thank you for your post!
Hi Jeremy,
Excellent post, and I guess I should stop being so lazy with my listings. I do use vFlyer for all of my listings, but I can see how I cam missing out on some great SEO. You are a pro!
-Lisa
Hi Jeremy,
I was just getting ready to copy and paste from the MLS, but just learned that is a no no.
Great post with so much information. Thanks
THANK YOU I hate when agents copy and paste from something as boring as their IDX or MLS - same goes with stats - I'm a visual person - as is many many buyers - spruce it up or I won't stay interested long enough to even see what it is.
This is very helpful. I need to find out tho, how people insert their photos nicely into the text of a blog. Mine always come out so contrived. Appreciate all the great info.
(un)luckily, I don't do a lot of listings... but I think it is more fun to write a little bit about them...
Jeremy,
Thanks for the tips. I normally use just the Vflyer and not anything else. I will be working on the additional local information.
I tried postlets only once and found I much prefer making my own and of course, I always watch what Bill Gassett is doing;)
Jeremy,
I found your blog to be a wealth of information. What I did notice is your widgets on your page. If you have the time I would like you to tell me how to do these. I like the view my profile on Facebook and etc. Thank you for all of your information.
I usually paste my postlets code into it, with a short description underneath. I will have to change the way I'm doing things!
Jeremy - Thanks for the tips for posting listings. I am sure that adding community info and more photos will also help with Google juice.
Thanks for the great tips. I think I will go try it now with my new listing.
Jeremy, thanks for the confirmation that the time spent on writing a post is worth it. Bill Gassett has been one of my early heroes so I copied him - turns out that was a great choice! But lately, I copied another agent I respect - then realized they had just used postlets - and that post just isn't as classy or effective as the others. You just let me know my original instincts were best. Thanks!
Sharon
Jeremy: Great information on posting listings in our blogs.. I never knew that posting the fylers in the post would set you back. Yes they look great ( Many times ) I see the value of your 5 steps.
I wonder if the code that I use to post my listings to Craigslist will work for posting a listing on Active Rain. Any ideas?
Jeremy - Thanks for the tutorial! You always write the best posts! That reminds me - I need to get back to RealBird and get the rest of my listings inputted!
It looks like I need to completely rework the way I do my listing posts here on AR.
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll be posting a couple over the next few days and will work to incorporate this.
How do you post a slideshow? That would be really cool.
Thanks for yor suggestions. Now I have to go look at other agents listings on AR for ideas.
Gosh, soooo much to keep learning!! It keeps us on our toes. I knew the importance of titles, but, it didn't enter my mind for Active Rain to be sure to use words from the Title when doing the tags. Thanks for all your info.
Sue of Robin and Sue
I use to use Postlets...but I love how Bill Gasset writes his post, and I will be following suit.
Awesome tips Jeremy. Again with the power of AR and some creative thought a listing can be highlighted in searches and found by the buyer's looking for it.
Man am I glad I found your post! I hit the "subscribe to blog" button immediately.
Great stuff - Many thanks!
Hi Jeremy-I have never used Postlets or V-flyer to post listings. Now I guess it was the smartest thing. Thanks for the tips.
Oops! I'm guilty! I will definately be making a few changes in my next listing blog!! Thanks for the great info!
Thank you for all this useful information Jeremy. This is why I love Active Rain. Best of luck to you.
Hello Jeremy, thanks for the pointers. I'm like Bill G. and prefer to use our own html to post our listings. The extra SEO juice is a benefit PLUS, we don't end up looking like all the other canned posting services. However, it would be nice if the AR blog editor was a bit friendlier, especially for us that use the Windows Media Player for our videos (i.e., RE/MAX corporate). Thanks! John
Jeremy - This is great stuff since I just posted another listing on my site... Thanks
Jeremy - This is great stuff since I just posted another listing on my site... Thanks
I do like the format and ease of use of ZingDings (ZingDing.com) and get alot of traction from them. Will start to test them on my blog and see if that traction carries over!
Hey Jeremy,
Great post! I always use postlets but I sure learned a lot today. One thing I haven't learned yet is how to get my photo to up in these comments!!! Oh well, I'll figure it out I guess.
Jeremy- Sounds like my listing posts:)
My listing posts are speaking to the buyer in a story form, then adding lots and lots of interesting and compelling photos, then adding a great Real Estate Show from Jeff Turner's RES with emotional music added to it, plus a great call to action.
These listings take me a long time to prepare, edit, crop photos, take the photos and all that. I would say the average listing post takes me about 3 hours to complete.
But Oh, how worth it they are! We get so many views! Not many comments, but tons of consumers are finding these and loving them. Plus the sellers love them too! Katerina
Thanks Jeremy - I don't use the flyers and always put a realestateshow or video. However, I could definitely write better descriptions to give more SEO value to the post. i will be much more aware of my verbiage in the next ones I write. Thanks.
Thanks Jeremy I have used various outside options and was never really happy with the outcome. I am sure I no doubt did something wrong but I like it better when I have control over the posting. Thanks again for great inf...
Jeremy,
Thanks for the information.
I had tried it in the past, but I was simply unsuccessful, so I gave up.
Now, I'm going to try this again.
Brian
Thanks for the great information!
Thanks Jeremy. Good stuff. I agree with the content notes: put it all out there for the consumer to see. They are going to find it somewhere else if you don't provide it.
Great info, Jeremy - I'm going to work on my listing blog this weekend!
Great info! I'm looking forward to showcasing my listings on Active Rain!
Well, I can see some things I am doing right, and others that I need to improve on. Great tips, Jeremy, thanks alot!
This is a great outline on posting my listings..I am going to print and keep at my desk...
Jeremy - Thanks for the tutorial. One of my biggest problems seems to be getting the photos to stay where I have them placed when I post the blog.
I came over here because I just got my first listing and I'm getting ready to enter the contest for local listings. Wish me luck.
Love it! Thanks for writing all this stuff. I am subscribing to your blog. I am also writing 2 entries for your listing contest. Look out!
Agreed, original content and layout is better. I've been using postlets and for the most part, their template does not distroy my blog. All the photos are clustered together at the bottom of the post though, so your recommendation of doing our own is certainly valid. Will give it a try :)
Jeremy - There is wealth of information on your blog. Thanks so much. I never copied listing from MLS because I didn't like how it looked. I like to write my own post of listings. I feel it's more personalized but I can use more of your tips.
After reading the pros' advice, I really need to learn how to post photos more creatively in my blog posts.
Thank you for the wonderful post. I am going to revised all my listings blogs. thanks
Great tips Jeremy! As a newbie to blogging I would have copied and pasted, however, now I am going to heed your advice and blog about my community first and have me a big, cool, tall glass of that Google juice!
Cheers,
Ryan
Hello - I'm new to AR and need a little help. When I post my AR blog URL in a browser I get a message that I have not made a blog entry yet. I have made an entry and I have also remembered to post it. Can anyone please tell me what I am doing wrong and how to correct the situation - thanks.
Jeremy, Thanks for the post. We have used Postlets because we use that flyer on different sites. It has worked but you're spot on about the limitations of the flyer.
Jeremy, Thanks for the information, I have not tried videos yet.
Columbus Ga Real Estate
Jeremy,
I'm new to all this and have a really dumb question. Where did you get all your social networking buttons?
Hi Jeremy,
I recently signed up to be a rainmaker through my SEO class and I'm really enjoying Activerain. I especially enjoy the information you post for everyone to learn more good stuff. Thanks!
Thanks Jeremy. I especially like the idea of blogging about the community first and then adding it into the listing. I may go back and edit some of my blog posts now.
Thanks Jeremy
This was very helpful to me! I had already been subscribed to your blog but had not seen this post. i will be doing my first listing post and this is really really helpful
Great job Jeremy. What I would have mentioned as well is the fact that creating your own instead using a V-flyer type give you the benefit of better SEO.