User116456_2_t Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)
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My main website is built on a TypePad blog, so I receive their newsletter.  Today they had a great post about how to come up with new blog topics.  I often sit here, staring blankly at my computer screen, willing my fingers to type...I'm sure that lots of you do as well.

I have just listed their 10 Ways below briefly; however, you really should read the entire article for all the details.

  1. Answer questions from previous blog comments that people have posted.
  2. People love lists - like this article "10 Ways", or my holiday blog post "12 Ways of Christmas", "Top 3 Things", etc...
  3. Review previous smash hit posts, write a new post on the same topic, but from a different perspective.
  4. See what other popular blogs are talking about - it will give you lots of ideas for your own posts.
  5. Read non-real estate blogs for inspiration too...
  6. Mix it up...change your format, run a poll, do a give away, etc...
  7. Guest Authors...invite one to post on your blog...take some of the pressure off yourself.
  8. Walk away from the computer, stop trying to think so hard of a topic - get out into the real world and one will probably smack you in the face!
  9. Current events - get up to date on what's going on in the world, keep your eyes and ears open for interesting topics.  (remember to choose topics that aren't likely to offend your target audience though)

  10. Keep a running list of topics - as you're out and about, you're apt to come up with something.  Have a list with you that you can add to where ever you are.
  11. Ask your VA to keep a list of possible blog topics from her travels around the Internet!  We are online so much and read so many blogs, that your Real Estate VA should be able to help you come up with fresh topics easily!  (Their list only had 10, but this is one from the perspective of a Real Estate Virtual Assistant!)

Don't forget to go read the whole article as written and submitted through the TypePad newsletter here!

As always, if you are looking for a Virtual Assistant for Real Estate Support Services, feel free to contact me via the links at the right, or visit the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce and submit an RFP for a Real Estate Virtual Assistant to help you with your specific needs today!

 

 

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81 Comments on 10 Ways to Find New Blog Topics

Hi

Great insight on how to develop effective blog topics, very helpful.

Good luck and success

Lou Ludwig

11/18/2008 02:03 PM by Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates)

I am trying to be a better blogger and I listing to c-span and try to write for the "normal" person. 

11/18/2008 02:14 PM by Aida Pinto Real Estate and Loan Consultant (ReoLicensedSpecialist.com)

Lou - thanks for the comments, I thought TypePad came up with a very good list.  OH - and thanks for adding me as an associate!!! 

Aida - thanks for commenting on my blog!  Listening to the media is a great idea, I think that's one of the most often used methods of bloggers to come up with topics.

11/18/2008 02:18 PM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

Sitting in front of the computer and trying to come up with a topic is a bit like watching and waiting for water to boil.  It's definitely best to not try to hard to come up with ideas and let them hit you as you drive around, look at homes, etc.  I find that many of my ideas unfortunately seem to hit me just as I'm trying to fall asleep.  One more reason to go back to the computer.

Keith Kyle

11/18/2008 02:18 PM by Keith Kyle (South Bay Brokers)

Very helpful list. I know from experience that I'm drawn to #2 People Love Lists. I'll click those quicker than anything else. Even when I'm not totally interested in the topic.

11/18/2008 02:20 PM by Trunda Rogers, Richardson Realtor (Summit Realty & Mortgage)

Keith - thanks for commenting!  You should keep a pen and paper by your bed, you could just sit up, write it down so that it's out of your head but not lost...then blog about it in the morning after a good night's sleep!  You're lucky, actually...I seem to think of things in the shower...paper doesn't do well in the shower.

Trunda - I'm with you...give me a quick list of steps to follow and I'm on it!  Thanks for commenting!

11/18/2008 02:26 PM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

I read this blog because it was a list.  That's unscientific proof that #2 is valid.  Thanks for improving their list by adding a number 11.

11/18/2008 03:58 PM by Karl Peidl (Superior Mortgage Corp)

Thank you Christine!  I'm saving this one for future reference.  Have a great week!

11/18/2008 04:00 PM by Charlie Harden Columbia, SC - Search All Homes & Land! (The Leo Windham Agency - home@charlieharden.com)

Karl - thanks for commenting...and for liking my #11!!!

Charlie - glad you found the topic useful...it got my attention when I read the newsletter so I thought I would share!

11/18/2008 04:06 PM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

Great blog Christine, I'm new to blogging and found your list very helpful.  I often sit with a dumb look on my face in front of the computer and can't think of anything to write about.  I read a blog the other day that I thought was just hilarious and have returned to it several times for the comments.  Maybe someday one of mine will be that good.

11/18/2008 06:49 PM by Erika Rogers (St. George GMAC St. George Utah)

Erika - thanks for posting and your nice comments!  If you come across the hilarious blog that you were reading the other day, please share the link, I would like to take a peek!

11/18/2008 08:58 PM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

Thanks Chris, I try to think outside of the box on some blogs.

11/18/2008 10:50 PM by Julie Staradumsky CREN (Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore)

Julie - it's always good to think outside of the box, right?  Thanks for commenting!

11/18/2008 10:55 PM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

Christine... sometimes blog topics are just lurking below my thought pattern.  I will check out your links.

11/18/2008 11:03 PM by Roland Woodworth "Clarksville-Fort Campbell Area Realtor" (Exit Realty Clarksville)

Great ideas, I'm really tired of hitting my head against the Monitor.  But it feels good when I stop!  LOL

 

Bill

11/18/2008 11:04 PM by W.A. (Bill) Jones - Realtor® Airdrie & Calgary Area Homes and Condos (Century21 Castlewood Agencies)

Christine, Thanks for the inspiration. Time to get blogging.

11/18/2008 11:04 PM by Keisha Hosea- Realtor, Chino Hills, CA (Keller Williams Realty Chino Valley Market Center)

Thank you for sharing Christine... I'm looking for ways to broaden my blogging and this article is helpful. 

Bob

11/18/2008 11:09 PM by Bob Bentley (Bentley Realty Group, LLC)

I find the consumer questions to be the best source of blog posts for my consumer blog... it is what people want to know. 

11/18/2008 11:13 PM by Lane Bailey - REALTOR & Car Guy (Diamond Dwellings Realty)

OH my gosh - I just realized that this post got a gold star!!!  That's so exciting!  This is my 2nd one...

Roland - thanks for commenting, I completely know what you mean...I often have ideas "right there", but I just can't quite reach them!

Bill - LOL - that's too true!

Keisha - you're welcome, thanks for commenting!

Bob - glad you found it useful, I thought some of the ideas were great!

Lane - exactly...people comment on what they are interested in and want to know more about!

11/18/2008 11:22 PM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

great ideas...will keep the list nearby

 

11/18/2008 11:48 PM by Pat Tasker Realtor Milwaukee Metro Area WI (Shorewest Realtors)

I can't imagine that most agents can't come up with a list of posts just from their daily exchanges with clients and other agents.  Some of my best posts come from these interactions.  This list is worthy, don't get me wrong, but there is so much material in our daily activities it can boggle the mind.  I've almost got too much to write about that there isn't enough time in the day!

11/19/2008 12:13 AM by Reba Haas (Team Reba)

Christine, these are some great idea. I'm new to this Blog thing and I will try what you have suggested.

Thanks,

Rick

11/19/2008 12:24 AM by Rick Huffman (Countrywide)

Reba - I guess you're one of the lucky ones who's never at a loss for words ;-)  Thanks for commenting!

Rick - thanks for the comment and good luck with your new blogging regimen.

11/19/2008 12:33 AM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

Christine - This is a solid list for aspiring bloggers.  Good job!  Also, I noticed that your second button doesn't have a link attached yet.

11/19/2008 12:43 AM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)

These are several great ideas for the days when writer's block prevents blogging.

11/19/2008 01:00 AM by Christine Donovan Costa Mesa Real Estate (Broker/Attorney) 800-610-7253 (Donovan Blatt Team - Donovan Group Realty)

Jason - thanks, I fixed the Visit My Website button!  For whatever reason, creating those buttons and popping them in here has been a thorn in my side...patience is a virtue, patience is a virtue...  Thanks for reading and commenting!

Christine - you have such a wonderful name ;-)  We all have those days, don't we???  Thanks for stopping by!

11/19/2008 01:10 AM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

I may not always have a good 'idea' or reason to write.  However, I can always find new and interesting posts to read, hence this comment.  Thanks for sharing!

11/19/2008 01:43 AM by Melody Botting Real Estate Network

Hi Christine - I didn't really see anything new in 1-10 ... but a good VA can really bring value with #11!

11/19/2008 02:00 AM by John Novak - Las Vegas and Henderson NV Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace)

Melody - thank you for your kind words...they're much appreciated!

John - to some #1 - 10 are new, to others they are simply a reminder / reference point...but I truly appreciate your comment on #11!

11/19/2008 02:05 AM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

Coming up with blogs that are informative and personally somewhat interesting is a challenge.  A dear diary entry doesn't ever work right for me.  Thanks for the ideas.

11/19/2008 04:03 AM by Morgan Evans-New York City Real Estate Expert (Prudential Douglas Elliman)

I seem to have a lot in my brain to spill out into several blogs.  The quality of some of my blogs is not as good as the quality as some of my other blogs.  However, that is life.  It still amazes me to know I could probably write two to three blogs a day just out of my head, and yet I love all the ideas your post gives me.  My fingers are rarely stuck!

11/19/2008 05:52 AM by Brien Berard (Remax Allegiance)

Christine-Great pointers in your post.  I will definitely keep them in mind when I am writing my next post.  Thanks for sharing.

11/19/2008 05:58 AM by Emily Lim (Weichert Realtors/New City)

great ideas - great post -- number 8 is one i have had to do before -- thanks for sharing JE

11/19/2008 06:05 AM by Jason Ellis (Legends Real Estate)

You posted some very good ideas. Many AR bloggers I have spoken with would also like more meat and potatoes and discuss issues facing our industry. I enjoy the majority of posts but too much fluff well is too much fluff. Enjoy the day Rich Charlotte NC

11/19/2008 06:10 AM by Rich Ferretti ABR QSC Realtor/Broker Charlotte NC Mint Hill NC Relocation (Jamison Realty- Matthews North Carolina)

I agree with karl, GREAT list! I've lost my will to blog of late, but maybe I'll just try a new direction thanks for the ideas.

11/19/2008 06:23 AM by Cat Zwicker-Grant, P.C., your Central Oregon Real Estate Professional (Desert Sky Real Estate, LLC)

Great for writer's block. This list I'll actually save.

Thanks for the help.

11/19/2008 06:26 AM by Richard Shuman P.A. www.SKIPtheBULL.com REAL Estate without the "BULL" (Relocation, New Construction, Resale Homes, Foreclosures)

Christine,

Thanks for the tips---I totally agree that someitmes I go for days without any good blog topics coming into my mind then all of a sudden, I think of several. 

11/19/2008 06:36 AM by Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton (Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)

  Good ideas...we know that we will see some of the same holiday ideas and we need to scratch our creative brains to come up with new approaches and ideas...happiest of holidays !

11/19/2008 06:37 AM by Sally & David Hanson WI Realtors Res.\Comm\Short Sale\414-525-0563 (First Weber Group)

This is a great great post! I feel inspired. I'm new to AR and have yet to write a blog. Now I'll be able to thanks to you! 

11/19/2008 06:38 AM by Ubong Attah (Attah Realty Group - Ready Real Estate, Dallas)

Thanks, Christine!

Might want to talk to you further about what you do.  Will check your site out later.

Appreciate the list - as, often, I, too, find myself staring at the screen!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

11/19/2008 06:58 AM by Dean Moss - Dean's Team Chicago Real Estate Team (Dean's Team - Keller Williams Lincoln Square Chicago)

Hi Christine - thanks for a great post as I am sure this is something a lot of people struggle with.

Fortunately, I am not one of them.

I think the common denominator with all of these suggestions is that you need to be able to express who you are and what you are about - your personality.

People will find almost any topic interesting as long as there is "personality" to it.

Give people a story - not just statitics. :)

11/19/2008 07:11 AM by Mark MacKenzie Real Estate Planning

Christine, thank you for the excellent tips - this is a really good list!

11/19/2008 07:45 AM by Lisa Friedman Central New Jersey Real Estate (Pinnacle Realtors)

I am very new to blogging.  Thanks you for this insite and helpful information.  I will look at the web site also.

11/19/2008 07:47 AM by Lubbock Homes

These are some great ideas -- some I'd never thought of before -- thanks for sharing!

11/19/2008 07:55 AM by Margaret Oscilia-Home Stager, Salem Oregon (Creative Concepts and Contracting, Salem Oregon)

I definitely get ideas from other sources...the problem is I haven't written yet about all of the ideas I have right here in my own head!

11/19/2008 08:04 AM by Sonja Adams (Samson Realty, LLC)

Thanks for sharing Christine. This would make a great post on Bright Ideas! http://activerain.com/brightideas

 

 

11/19/2008 08:11 AM by Greg Gorman - Naples Florida Real Estate (John R Wood Realtors)

Thanks for sharing the ideas!  I keep a runninng list of topics but not having much experience with blogging, I end up discarding most of my ideas.  Better pull some of those lists out of the trash and look at them again!

11/19/2008 08:25 AM by Bruce & Mary Smith, REALTORS® Savannah Lakes Village McCormick, SC (Savannah Lakes Homes)

I will be taking some ideas from this and hopefully coming up with some new blogs.  Thank you for the great post!

11/19/2008 08:36 AM by Jason Fleming (Farm Bureau Financial Services)

Very helpful ideas Christine.  Often times, I think of a blog topic when I am doing something totally unrelated like hiking outside.  You're right, sometimes it's wise to just step away from the computer.

11/19/2008 08:37 AM by Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Prudential Professional Realtors, GRI)

Thank you Chrstine, great topic and great ideas hopefully I can use them to get some ideas to blog on myself.

11/19/2008 08:46 AM by Kevin Schamel (Coldwell Banker United Realtors)

These are excellent ideas.  Thanks for sharing.

11/19/2008 09:11 AM by Mark Menzella -We build websites for Realtors (RE/Advantage)

I find that talking to other agents about experiences always stirs up an idea, never a shortage of amazing stories from the field

11/19/2008 09:16 AM by James Wexler, Scottsdale AZ Luxury Homes (Coldwell Banker) (wexzilla.com)

Pat - I missed you in my earlier thanks - appreciate you stopping by :-)

Morgan - I know what you mean, I'm not a "Dear Diary" type of gal myself...at least not in a professional venue like this.  It's just too personal and seems inappropriate! 

Brien - thanks for the nice comment about the ideas, I am amazed at people who don't have to work to come up with topics :-)

Emily - thanks for the comment, it's much appreciated!

Jason E - I think we've all had to walk away from our computer for awhile at some point.  Whether from frustration that it's not doing what we're telling it to do or because we can't magically fill the blank white screen in front of us with witty intellect.

11/19/2008 09:19 AM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

Rich - see, with this list out there circulating now, perhaps there will be less fluff?  Thanks!

Cat - love that line, "I've lost my will to blog"...LOL - hopefully you will find it again soon!!!

Richard - thanks for saying you'll save the list, that's the best compliment!

Diane - I know what you mean, I seem to have turned Tuesdays into my blogging obsession day...and sometimes I end up with several posts on that one day.

Sally & David - it's hard to remain unique in the sea of holiday posts, too true...but as long as the heart that is writing them is your own and you're not just regurgitating a common sentiment without a dose of "you" in it, then I think we'll manage fine :-)

11/19/2008 09:25 AM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

Ubong - thanks for the kind words, and I'll look forward to reading that first post!

Dean - very nice of you to say...I look forward to hearing from you - you know where to find me :-)

Mark - another person with no problems coming up with topics, huh?  I'm so jealous!  You're right, whatever you write about has to have your personality in it.

Lisa - thanks for commenting and stopping by!

Ella - I appreciate your comment, thanks!

 

11/19/2008 09:30 AM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

Margaret - glad to provide some new ideas, thanks for stopping by!

Sonja - sounds like you need to add blogging to your calendar ;-)

Greg - tried to check out "Bright Ideas" but it says it no longer exists???  Thanks for commenting.

Bruce and Mary - never throw anything that comes from "you" away - that's like saying you don't value your own ideas!  Dig them out of that trash can and hang them on the wall in front of the computer to inspire you to get busy blogging about the!

Jason - thanks for the comment and for reading!

 

11/19/2008 09:35 AM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

Lists are good! Learning to walk away from the computer..... Easier said than done :)

Bobbi Gaudette & Rachel Graham

11/19/2008 09:35 AM by Bobbi Gaudette (Bobbi Gaudette - RE/MAX Country Properties)

Great suggestions!  I need to keep a pad of paper in my car, because that's when I usually think of great blog topics... and by the time I get home I've usually forgotten them.  :-)

11/19/2008 09:36 AM by KERRY LUCASSE - Your Intown Atlanta Real Estate Consultant (Keller Williams Peachtree Rd)

Patricia - thanks for commenting.  I hope you have one of those little memo recorders so that you can save the idea while you're out hiking!

Kevin - thanks, I appreciate you stopping by!

Mark - glad you enjoyed the list!

James - see, networking with other agents is great for something besides referrals!  LOL  Thanks for commenting!

11/19/2008 09:38 AM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

REALTORS provide a service...your customers want information. You don't have to entertain them..just blog about your area..what it is like, show them video and images to build the picture in their head between their ears! Good DIY blog!

11/19/2008 09:48 AM by Andrew Mooers | Northern Maine Real Estate / Aroostook County Broker (MOOERS REALTY)

I enjoyed this post, Christine, in part because I've been going through a period of blogging feeling like Real Work -  I need to get back to enjoying it so that I'll do it more.  So I really identified with #8. 

My problem is, I come up with great ideas for a blog while I'm driving down the road between two semis but they disappear by the time I get to a computer, only to resurface at 3 in the morning.   That, and the necessity for photos to illustrate my blogs. 

 

11/19/2008 09:51 AM by Tricia Jumonville, EcoBroker® (ERA Colonial Real Estate)

Thanks for sharing some great tips.

11/19/2008 09:51 AM by GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors)

Christine - great list of suggestgions for blog topics. I try and always have my camera as well so I can take pictures - that helps me to write blogs too.

11/19/2008 09:54 AM by Sharon Paxson (Prudential California Realty)

It is always nice to read a post that is designed to help others with brain freeze. Thanks

11/19/2008 10:59 AM by Team DiMuria, Katy Texas Realtors (Prudential Gary Greene Realtors)

Hey Christine - congrats on having this post featured.

11/19/2008 11:21 AM by Karl Peidl (Superior Mortgage Corp)

Bobbi - isn't everything easier said than done?  LOL  Thanks for commenting!

Kerry - I think every agent needs to have something to write with / on in their car, or preferrably an audio recorder of some form...if not just call yourself and leave yourself a voicemail (or use a service like Jott).  Thanks for stopping by!

Andrew - I really like the idea of touring around town with your camera and coming back and popping a couple of images into the blog and writing a few paragraphs about the area.  That works great for agents, but we professional service providers have to give you guys tips and resources and items of value to entertain you with...or you would sadly write us off like yesterday's blog (news).  LOL

Tricia - don't let the lack of photos zap your creativity!  Go open an account at somewhere like iStock...you can get pics for as little as $1 each to use in your blogs.  But even snapping a quick pic with your camera phone would add interest for your area to your blog posts.  Don't put too much pressure on yourself.  And by the way, blogging is work...some may enjoy the work, but it should be scheduled into your week and tackled like any other item on your To Do list!

Gita - you're welcome, thanks for stopping by!

Sharon - I need to carry my camera around more...even though I'm not an active agent, I still have valuable info about my community for Localism and you just never know when you'll see something funny or different that could be used in my blog that could be of generic humor or interest.

Jeffrey and Mona - brain freeze, great phrase, that's exactly what it is...brain freeze against blogging!  LOL  Thanks for commenting.

11/19/2008 11:25 AM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

Karl - thanks!!!  It never gets dull, does it?  I think that the post just happened to come at a time when people are looking for something besides politics, the holidays, and the state of the economy to blog about!!!  Thank you for stopping in :-)

11/19/2008 11:27 AM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

Christine, I've had an account at istockphoto for ages, and use them liberally.  But sometimes they don't have the photo and I know what the photo should look like but can't take one because it's the wrong season or what I need to photograph is 50 miles away or whatever.

Sometimes I just do a plain vanilla post, because it just flat needs to be said, though! 

 

11/19/2008 11:28 AM by Tricia Jumonville, EcoBroker® (ERA Colonial Real Estate)

Christine, here's the blog that I found so funny.  I've actually had a couple of these things happen to me.  You can't believe what some people will do. http://activerain.com/blogs/bocaratonfloridarealestate

11/19/2008 11:37 AM by Erika Rogers (St. George GMAC St. George Utah)

Tricia - I completely know what you mean...don't you wish you were an amazing artist and could whip up the picture exactly as it is in your own head? Like you said, better an unembellished post than no post at all...

Erika - thanks for sharing - I have visited David's blog before and you are right, it is very entertaining!  Thanks for coming back with the link...

 

11/19/2008 11:50 AM by Christine Wade (eRealty Network, LLC - Real Estate Virtual Assistant)

These are all good!  Especially the first two!  Those are really easy and very readable!

11/19/2008 12:47 PM by Tony and Libby Kelly, CRS, ABR, ePro, SRES, CLHMS, CNHS (Keller Williams Realty Portland Premiere)

Hi Christine!  What a great list!  My favorite is 'Walk away from your computer!"  OH, so true!  Everytime I'm out and about, I find something rel