Real Estate Forums

Jared · 02-28-2008, 06:41 PM

WordPress is the best blog solution on the web and I can not only prove it I'll give you space on my server to run yours before you consider another. Its the best hands down.

No blog is worth $3k out of box unless they add in SEO features like Mack does for his Blog Design clients. And even then we use WordPress with some clever CMS features that make it sing and dance in the search engines.

My advise.Save the $3k

~ Jared

SEOWolf · 02-29-2008, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by castlelady

Oh - also what is a good blog company to use to create my own local real estate blog? Is wordpress good enough. I had a guy from real estate tomato try to convince me their blog was worth 3k. That seems steep for a blog? Am I nuts? Is there really something so special about their blogs that it's worth that?

Before spending anything on a blog WHY NOT TRY BEFORE YOU BUY?

Blogging is not for everyone so even $100 is too much if you don’t use it and keep it updated.

A blog needs to be kept current and you need to gather back links for it just as you do your website. I have seen many REALTORS® start a blog with good intentions only to abandon them for lack of time or interest.

Why not see if it is your cup of tea before you spend a lot of cash.

I agree with Jared. Wordpress is the absolute best IMHO and is free. You don’t even need to change the stock theme or templates until you are sure that blogging is for you. If you decide that you are really into blogging a designer such as Jared can do a nice blog design or a design to match your existing website. Then all you change is the templates which change the theme and appearance of the blog.

All of your blog post, comments and archives remain in tact.

I could go into it further but I really don’t want to highjack Jared’s thread so if you have more questions on starting a blog please start another thread and everyone will try to help I am sure.

~Mack

castlelady · 03-02-2008, 03:23 AM

Thanks - I didn't see this reponse and asked similar questions on another page - so I think I understand this blog thing better now. I have seen a few local realtors who are ranking higher for their blogs than my website does - so I feel like I have to do it to - to keep up with the competition.

So back on this topic, who are some good seo companies that do the right thing - for a reasonable price? Do you guys have any to recommend? Is that allowed here?

SEOWolf · 03-02-2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by castlelady

Thanks - I didn't see this reponse and asked similar questions on another page - so I think I understand this blog thing better now. I have seen a few local realtors who are ranking higher for their blogs than my website does - so I feel like I have to do it to - to keep up with the competition.

No problem castlelady. By trying your hand at blogging before you spend any cash you still start the SEO process by building content and back links. Nothing is lost when you re-skin your Wordpress blog if you decide to keep blogging.

Quote:

Originally Posted by castlelady

So back on this topic, who are some good seo companies that do the right thing - for a reasonable price? Do you guys have any to recommend? Is that allowed here?

Yes it is allowed here. This is an open forum and the forum has no products or services for sale.

We encourage vendors (including SEO Professionals) to participate in this forum. The more choices our Members have the better IMHO. Competition keeps pricing in check and improves service.

I have SEO clients but am not taking on any more at this time. HHI Golf Guy is our “Go to Guy” for SEO. He is a heck of a lot better than most (including me) and engages only in “White Hat” tactics. You might PM him for a consult.

There are also Canadian SEO firms that cater primarily to U.S. REALTORS®. One of the major complaints I hear with using Canadian vendors is the difficulty and cost of litigating should you have the need. So “Buy American” isn’t just a patriotic slogan it is good business sense.

~Mack

Jared · 03-03-2008, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by castlelady

Thanks - I didn't see this reponse and asked similar questions on another page - so I think I understand this blog thing better now. I have seen a few local realtors who are ranking higher for their blogs than my website does - so I feel like I have to do it to - to keep up with the competition.

So back on this topic, who are some good seo companies that do the right thing - for a reasonable price? Do you guys have any to recommend? Is that allowed here?

Keep in mind its quality not quantity when pursuing those types of ventures. I'd strongly suggest you contact Mack in a PM to get the low down on how to build one of these.

Although blog designers are a dime a dozen, the difference is in the details. Also be aware that many design firms will unfortunately seek to possess you, your wallet, and your time though tactics that may work beautiful at first but catch up later.

I'm guessing you are seeking LONG term results.

Just my 2cents.

~ Jared

HHI Golf Guy · 03-03-2008, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SEOWolf

I have SEO clients but am not taking on any more at this time. HHI Golf Guy is our “Go to Guy” for SEO. He is a heck of a lot better than most (including me) and engages only in “White Hat” tactics. You might PM him for a consult.

Thanks for the kind words.

I don't want to come off like a jerk, but I don't do any SEO consulting anymore - even for a fee. I am so swamped with my current portfolio and development work I simply don't have the time. I have aleady cut some month-to-month clients this year, and I have been turning away new clients in droves.

I wish I had time for all of the work, but this year I promised myself I would spend more time with my family. I even hope to play some golf this year!

Occasionally I will drop in a site specific obsvervation via the forum, but that's about it.

Again, I don't mean to tick anyone off or alienate anyone. There simply isn't enough time for me to do a decent synopsis of a site along with my other clients and projects.

SEOWolf · 03-03-2008, 11:31 AM

You don’t sound like a jerk at all HHI Golf Guy. There is only 24 hours in a day and we all need to place our family higher in our priority list.

I was not aware that you were not taking on any more SEO Clients. I do understand but what a shame for our Members. You are one of the very few I have any trust or respect in for the SEO industry.

You are a straight shooter no non-sense guy and I like that.

Still, we are honored with your presence as a Member in our forum and I genuinely mean that.

~Mack

castlelady · 03-03-2008, 12:06 PM

Yes I too can understand that life is too busy to take on more than you can handle and would rather have someone tell me that up front than to try and take on my project and never finish or not give it their best shot - because they're too busy. So I hope you truly get more time with family and golfing this year!! Take care,

Mert · 03-03-2008, 07:43 PM

HI Colombus, i was wondering how you found my blog. Now I get it.

castlelady · 03-03-2008, 08:09 PM

Yes - I am some how just awakening to this whole internet social networking thing and am trying to learn all I can about real estate seo stuff. God knows my website needs the help. I do truly appreciate everyone's advice and willingness to be so helpful here!!