Multiple Blogs Translate to Sales in Los Angeles CA Suburbs
There’s an ex-police officer, turned real estate agent, in the Los Angeles CA Suburbs and he’s defining how the successful use of [real estate] blogs can drive real estate sales. Connor MacIvor proudly served the Los Angeles community for 17 years before he decided to focus his energies on local real estate and the Paris911 brand.
As marketer he doesn’t necessarily think in terms of websites or blogs, so much as he does the best means to create a highly visible & human local web presence. He feels, “If you’re a Realtor, Car Salesperson or anyone else out there that wants to reach the masses, you cannot forsake blogging. When you write about things you believe in, it is a very natural platform for the conveyance of your ideals. You’ll see results. 1% of the Realtors in the world embrace technology and blogging. Those that do are going to remain the most successful!”
We’ve spoken with MacIvor about Real Estate Blogging successes in the past and continue to marvel at his web- based marketing strategies. Particularly his various blogs, for which he credits an average of 15- 20 solid leads and 12 ‘in escrow’ sales per month since September 2007. It’s impressive stuff and Connor’s the kind of guy who’s always willing to share… so we’re calling on him again to discuss some of his experience. Please read on.
REBs: “Having established a highly visible local web presence, why create additional blogs like REO Engine and iBlog911?”
MacIvor: “Without a doubt, Blogging has caused quite a stir for us and continues to be our main thrust for generating leads and securing contacts. You and Kristen have been the catalyst for my belief in consistent and “on-topic” blogging and, if anything, REO Engine is on-topic! In the current marketplace, REOs and Foreclosures are definitely the flavor of the day. Some days we see a multitude of requests at our own MoreThanForeclosures website. I can take that information [provided by one of the four Boards Paris & I are currently members] and publish it to our highly focused REO Engine Blog [i.e. strictly foreclosed and distress properties.] With REO Engine, I can leverage links back and forth to MoreThanForeclosures.
By the way, I have used a lot of “free” blog services. They have their place, but I cannot post something on a free platform and within minutes see myself surface in Google [usually page no. 1] for the key words I target like I have with Kinetic Blogs. With the Free platforms, we’re buried deep and that’s a waste of our time… which is money.”
REBs: “So, linking between your blogs & websites has helped to drive visibility?”
MacIvor: “Yes, where appropriate. We can also leverage our primary website, Paris911’s Main Blog and iBlog911.com.”
REBs: “And sharing more information on the web, in your view, is the successful strategy versus less… or hording it?”
MacIvor: “I see myself as one that is not into the “steering” of clients. Clients are much too savvy for that. We give freely all of the information available for the “client” to make their best decision. When we do, we believe they’ll have ample opportunity to qualify us as genuine. Particularly with regards to first time home purchasing, investing, downsizing, selling to move up or even away. REOengine is actually a driver for us with this segment of the marketplace. Furthermore, it provides another foundation to emblazon our brand Paris911 to the masses, which is something that makes us different”. Obviously there are a lot of Realtors in Los Angeles, too many that have fallen off the map. We’re respectful of causation and keep a watchful eye on our client goals, always placing them in high regard.”
REBs: “Has the use of social networks served your business locally?”
MacIvor: “If you take a look at sheer numbers related to FaceBook, for example, there are over 100 Million subscribers. Those numbers are huge. With it, Twitter, Plaxo and others we have a very far reaching approach to branding and the implementation of our relational business model. Being members of the social networks, becoming friends of others out there in the world, globally, nationally and locally has definitely benefited us. We’ve established Paris911 brand recognition and connected with folks looking to utilize our services.”
REBs: “Do you leverage linking there too?”
MacIvor: “Sure, it’s a conglomeration of hyperlinks back and forth. It certainly helps to rank our independently branded web presence higher for keyword searches.”
REBs: “Do you feel that you’ve established a trusted local brand?”
MacIvor: “I think the story of Paris911 is unique. I quit the LAPD 03/2007, when I started to see how the expansion of my former part time [my wife's full time] brand ‘Paris911′ would be effective. I believed in technology, but our start was with a focus on Law Enforcement – LAPD to be specific. Our claim in the beginning was to exclusively serve Law Enforcement, Firefighters and Educators, but NOW it envelops many others who utilize our services.
I don’t check others stats, listings, or productivity. I am focused on our clients, first, and I am not about to water down the formula! Branding is much more than a fancy logo – it needs to be something that subscribes to the “world view” and our stance is to provide a platform that best serves our clients. Clients are researching people that provide real estate services and blogging makes us human. So yes, blogging has established a trusted local brand for us with our clients.”
Related Posts:
- Real Estate Blogging Success Story: Santa Clarita Realtor®
- Business Blogging Interview: Santa Clarita Realtor Connor MacIvor
chris@kineticknowledge.com
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Comments
What a great blog, interesting topics! I love reading this material.