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Val Evans

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Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

Hi, Val. A blog is a compilation of posts. So a blog is like a diary that you write in every day. Each entry you write is a post. I don't spend hours writing a post. Most I can do very quickly, and I get comments on them. 

I understand new members may not have any comments at first. There is a group for new members and they can post to that group. That will help new members get started with forming relationships on the site, and help them get comments. 

Also it shouldn't matter too much about the comments. Yes...it's nice to get them, but who are you really targeting with your blog? Mine is targeted towards the consumer and getting myself to rank high on the search engines. That is what I'm really working for, and writing my market reports and about local events has worked for me. 

Dec 01, 2015 10:23 AM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Hello Val-I like the response that Debbie Laity gave you. I have been disappointed when I thought I had written a brilliant post and received few comments but none have ever taken hours. Then also a lot of joy just from a 100 comments on a pretty photo I have taken.

Dec 01, 2015 07:19 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I have crafted some really wonderful posts (this is my own assessment by the way) that got very few comments and it almost hurt my feelings. Then there have been others I threw together that hit a nerve and got tons of comments. The moral is you can't plan. It will be what it will be and don't stress over it. Write what you feel like writing and I hope you are writing to the public and to get business. That is where you will reap the big rewards in your paycheck.

Dec 01, 2015 11:33 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I write posts mostly about market reports for neighborhoods.  I don't expect comments.

Dec 01, 2015 11:28 AM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

i take like 5 min to do my blogs (and they read like it :)  )  so when no one says anything i dont mind. i learned to put a picture of a puppy in there and i gets lots of comments :)

Dec 01, 2015 11:21 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

One of the purposes of blogging here is to generate business.  Consumers generally do not comment on this site.  However, they are stil reading the public blog posts.  If they contact you to possibly handle their transaction then that is a great feeling and much more mutually satisfying than a comment on a post.

 

Dec 01, 2015 10:53 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,139
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

You will get more comments when you expand your network of members. Are you commenting 20 or more times a day with members who usually reciprocate with comments?

Dec 01, 2015 10:33 AM
Rainmaker
2,362,977
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Sad.

Dec 01, 2015 10:12 AM
Rainmaker
516,437
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in Conroe/Willis, TX

I agree with Debbie Laity.  Don't get discouraged about the comments, mainly focus on targeting your audience, and picking up leads.  That is what I do.  I usually don't spend hours on it either, but don't blog as much as I should.  I try to get quick content out there, mainly for my listings to get more exposure.  

Dec 01, 2015 08:13 PM
Rainer
140,560
Richard L. McKinney P.A.
Atlantic Shores Realty Expertise - Port St Lucie, FL
For Results that MOVE you on the Treasure Coast!

 I'm a man but I have feelings. I weep, I laugh, I cry, I love, I care .... just not over blah blah blogs. lol

Dec 01, 2015 07:53 PM
Ambassador
6,393,494
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Val I was feeling bad after reading this question and rushed on over to comment on a bunch of your posts only to find that they are not there.

Well I tried anyway.

Dec 01, 2015 12:09 PM
Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

There are a lot of people really good at reciprocating comments, so I've found if I leave enough comments, I nearly always get some in return.  Admittedly, I respond to most comments, but I'm not always good about reciprocating

Dec 01, 2015 10:56 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
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 Val,
It kind of feels crummy but I realize each blog post is just part of the bigger picture.  They all work together to create Google juice and that's how people ultimately find you... sometimes much later.  When I was an active agent and blogging prolifically, I rarely received comments on the blog but (as I mentioned yesterday) 75% of my business came from that source.  In the end, the comment section didn't really carry much significance.

I do understand, however, here at ActiveRain, we try to support each other and offer comments when we can.  We are all busy and there are so many blog posts per day, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle.  

Blog on...  

Dec 01, 2015 10:46 AM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I've been blogging for ages and I'm not going to deny it isn't the best feeling when no one comments.  I usually realize pretty quickly something my Mother used to say to me when I was little . . .  to get letters I had to write letters and it is the same with comments.   When I comment on others blogs, they usually reciprocate (usually!)

Dec 01, 2015 10:29 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Suzanne McLaughlin introduced me to the term "orphans" for such posts --- she is a wonderful part of AR.  Wish she, Ron Marshall and Don Sabinske would come back and visit.    The three of them would find posts of mine and make comments where there had been none.

It's nice to show support to these posts unless someone is doing a mass publishing effort with ten in a row.   Time is the issue for me.   

Dec 02, 2015 01:12 AM
Ambassador
3,169,508
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Val, If the post is aimed at the consumer (e.g. market reports/subdivision summaries), I don't expect any comments and am totally okay with none showing up.  For other posts, I just assume I mistimed when to post, or the topic didn't resonate as I expected.  Live, learn, blog again tomorrow :)

Dec 02, 2015 12:35 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

Makes me feel just fine...I blog to the consumer, not to be popular with agents.

Eve

Dec 01, 2015 11:01 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I feel like like I posted yet another one, over their heads

 

I've had 5 go Featured and yet others I wrote that I felt were as good, never get a look. But, ultimately, this blog is my professional journal. I love documenting what was occupying my mind at a given point in time. I feel every blog we post, hones our craft, therefore none go to waste. I've had some get comments months & years later too and i think... "Where did you come from?" 

Dec 01, 2015 10:20 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

It does not bother me. 

Dec 01, 2015 09:53 PM
Rainmaker
1,661,936
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

That would really bite 

Dec 01, 2015 09:46 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

You win some you lose some.  

Dec 01, 2015 09:34 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I would rather my blog reach consumers who call to hire me, but getting comments is a nice reward as well for ones hard work. Often comments can be just as informative as the blog. PS I went to check out your blog to leave you a comment, and you have not written any yet. Todays is a good day to start Val Evans 

Dec 01, 2015 09:25 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

It can happen and did early on when I joined AR. As I interacted more with other members, comments showed up like magic!

Dec 01, 2015 09:19 PM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Think of it as their loss if they didn't read it. Also, some "lurkers" read,  but don't comment. Just feel good about it yourself if you're happy with what you wrote.

Dec 01, 2015 09:15 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

At the start the response is "What's wrong with THEM!"

But in about six nano-seconds I realize 'I' have let my readers down.

What I had to say did not resonate with their need that day. I wrote in the confidence of my skill, not from the uncertainty of unknown need. That is on me.

It is my responsibility, as the writer, to create that from with the mind and spirit can feed. When I fail in doing so, the silence is deafening.

How do I feel? That I will be allowed to fail a few more times before the reader unplugs me. I feel grateful for being allowed a second, or third chance.

Dec 01, 2015 09:01 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Good morning Val.  While we all like to get comments on what we post the main thing is to keep posting.  It will come it may just take some time to get there.

Dec 01, 2015 07:53 PM
Rainer
213,263
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

A bit disappointed, but I understand.

Dec 01, 2015 06:53 PM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 Good Wednesday morning Val. It took me quite some time to get people to make comments on my posts. Hang in there.

Dec 01, 2015 05:15 PM
Rainer
80,653
Linda Guess
Keller Williams Tri-Lakes Branson, MO - Branson, MO
Branson area real estate sales.

I have looked over the list of blogs to see what to expect.  Many blogs get few or no comments.  Don't take it personally. 

Dec 01, 2015 02:42 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Val.

My first year on AR was that way.  No one paid attention to us, until one guy discovered us and started telling people about us.  I also had started commenting on people's posts which brought the occasional comment.  A

Dec 01, 2015 01:09 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

That only happened in the beginning.  It gets better.

Dec 01, 2015 12:23 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Bad, it happened in the first few blogs I wrote when I first joined Active Rain. I suggest making many comments on others blogs and they will get you back with a comment.

Dec 01, 2015 10:47 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

That rarely happens.  Start commenting on other people's posts and you'll see them start to show up on your own.

Dec 01, 2015 10:44 AM
Rainmaker
2,817,671
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

It doesn't bother me at all.  It happens often on my WP site. I'm writing for my target consumer and ultimately I get clicks and calls...and over time, I actually get plenty of customers commenting on my blog and asking me questions.

Dec 01, 2015 10:37 AM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

It's nice to get comments. No comments? I wonder if anyone read it..

Dec 01, 2015 10:31 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

part of the business

Dec 31, 2016 06:11 AM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Val - I am more concerned that people read my blog and find value in it enough to call and want to work with me. Many of the posts I write are basically just informational, so there really isn't much to comment on. I just hope I am providing value to people who are looking for information related to real estate.

Dec 03, 2015 02:55 PM
Rainmaker
519,324
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

Hi Val, 

It happened when I was new, but by commenting on others posts regularly, I found many would return the favor.  

Dec 03, 2015 01:29 AM
Rainer
68,845
Sandra Graves
Keller Williams Realty - Folsom, CA
Realtor

I don't think it has to do with the blog post itself, it's just maybe people aren't seeing it because there are so many to read. One day out of curiosity I went to see how many new blog posts there were posted on that day. I got through 20 pages and stopped because I was exhausted. I wonder how many actually get posted each day on AR, probably hundreds.

Dec 02, 2015 04:07 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Val Evans my first blog post got a comment after about 8 years - thanks to post from Anna Banana Kruchten !

The purpose of blog post is to attract the traffic to your site. If I get many comments, I am happy - but that's it.

Dec 02, 2015 01:22 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

It is true, you never know what trigger comments, likes and maybe a gold star in here. But active networking helps. If you read others' comments and leave your comments, they will come to check what you are up to. 

Dec 02, 2015 11:59 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I realize that I did something wrong

Dec 02, 2015 07:30 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

that's a tough thing to deal with, but if it happens, one needs to remember that the main purpose of blog posts is to make the phone ring.... 

Dec 02, 2015 06:03 AM
Rainer
417,221
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

Wait Val Evans "Has not published a blog yet"  I looked to see if you posted one and that's the message AR gives. Come on down the water is fine (the ice fisherman said) :)

Dec 02, 2015 05:47 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Not good.  Are you commenting on others?  That's the way to encourage comments on yours.

Dec 02, 2015 04:42 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Comments to me matter less than calls, emails, clicks and views. A blog is the tip of a massive iceberg of possibilities. You never know who is reading. I have had people call me 'out of the blue' to make an offer on a property, because they had me bookmarked for months!

Dec 02, 2015 01:37 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I've never spent that much time on a blog post!  Longest was I think about 45 minutes each for my market watch blogs to get them setup.

 

Personally, I don't always read the blogs if I'm on a time constraint.

Dec 02, 2015 01:27 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

I never spend hours compiling a blog.  They spring forth of their own volition!

Dec 01, 2015 10:56 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I experienced that in the beginning, and never knew the art of reciprocation.   Once you start commenting on others, most will come back, and you will develop a following.   

Dec 01, 2015 10:34 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Val Evans It happens, but as members get to know you better you will see more comments.

Dec 01, 2015 10:20 PM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

I think of it as scoring in sports and all teams do get shut out occasionally.

Dec 01, 2015 09:58 PM