TRAIN ME - REAL ESTATE COACHING TIPS

I am a novice at blogging.  Often, I write a post only to see that it only got one or two comments.  I then read a post and there are hundreds of comments.  When it comes to blogging, there are some writers who are naturals.  Their posts are short, clear, and concise.  They have a clearly defined point, are well-organized, and communicate the point efficiently and effectively.  Then, there are others like me who struggle with writing a blog post. 

Often, it appears that the number of comments has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the content of the post.  Rather, it has to do with the organization, structure and even writing style of the author.  I must admit, although I am equally guilty of the same errors, I tend to stop reading when the writer of the post uses 1000s of words lumped in a single paragraph with no headings, no structure and not even an interesting graphic or, as bad or worse, too many graphics that don't support the point.

So, I asked my real estate partner Michelle Silies, a former Notes and Comments editor for St. Louis University Public Law Review, to read my post and to give me some advice as how to become a better blogger.  Here are her comments:

•  Start and end your post with an emotional hook. 

•  Organize or even outline your points before you start writing. 

•  Order your comments in a logical sequence and structure your post, where appropriate, by using headers, paragraphs, and bolding or underline to emphasize a point.

•  Use short sentences with a single point or vary sentences between short and long sentences. 

•  Use active as opposed to passive sentences.

•  Use everyday terms and language. 

•  Use you, we or I as opposed to "salespersons". 

•  Avoid jargon or acronyms.  Define terms that may not be easily understood.

•  Use positive, inspiring language. 

•  Don't tell a point; show the point. 

•  Avoid negative words like "can't", "don't" or "won't."

•  Edit, Edit, Edit.  Wield the axe to eliminate unnecessary words. 

•  Keep it simple and concise. 

•  When finished, read it out loud to see if it is conversational and natural.

•  Personalize the text.  Where appropriate, use quotations.

•  Use readable typeface. 

•  Use graphics that support your point.

She then reminded me to use the statistics feature built into Microsoft Word.  It can be turned on by going to "Tools" then "Options" the "Spelling & Grammar" and then click on "Show Readability Stats" box.  When you spell check your text, it will tell you the number of sentences per paragraph, number of average words per sentence, number of passive sentences, and readability using the Flesch Reading Ease score (60% is goal for plain English).  However, you can take this tool to new level by downloading the Bullfighter software developed by Deloitte Consulting at www.fightthebull.com.   In addition to the Flesch Reading Ease score, it also includes the Bull Index which identifies "bull" words (ie. jargon, overused terms, etc.) and provides some simple tips to improve the readability of your post.

Now, it is time to practice what I preach.  If you have some tips for new bloggers to learn the Art of Blogging, please post your tips in the comments section.

GENERAL DISCLAIMERS

Credits:  Photograph provided courtesy of www.publicdomainpictures.net.

Review Note:  The opinions and statements contained herein represent my personal opinions and observations.  These blog entries are not reviewed, endorsed or approved for publication by Gilded Age, L.L.C., Gilded Age Sales, L.L.C. , Preservation Real Estate Advisors, L.L.C. or any affiliated companies.

Real Estate Licensure Note:  Ryan Shaughnessy is a licensed real estate attorney and Preservation Real Estate Advisors, L.L.C. is a licensed real estate brokerage in the State of Missouri.  The contact information for the brokerage is:  1802 Lafayette Avenue, Suite 200, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, (314) 771-7233 x13 (office), (314) 771-4085 (facsimile), or ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.  The website pages and blog posts are provided for informational and discussion purposes only and shall not constitute the listing or offering of any property for sale or rent or the performance of any activity for which a license is required outside of the State of Missouri.

Legal Advice Disclaimer:  The author is a licensed attorney.  However, the opinions and statements contained herein are for informational and discussion purposes only and shall not constitute the provision of legal advice.  Nothing contained herein shall establish an attorney-client relationship.   Readers are cautioned to seek legal counsel in their state before using or relying upon any of the information contained herein.

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