This post comes as the result of an answer to a comment left by a reader named Robert. He thanked me for the answer and suggested that in addition to emailing it to him, I answer via the blog. So, here is my answer for all to see.

COMMENT:
I have a real estate blog on my site, so the title of this book caught my eye immediately. However, when I clicked on the "more" button on the post, it didn't really provide any more information. Before I decide to buy or not, could you provide some description for the book? In particular, as I've read quite a lot about blogs, what time of information does this book provide that is specific to real estate blogs?

ANSWER:

Dear Robert,

Here is some information that you might find helpful:

• Press Release
• Amazon Realty Blogging book page

Book Description:

Unleash the power of blogging in your real estate business

Are you blogging for your real estate business? Realty Blogging shows you how to fully utilize this powerful, direct-communication marketing tool, giving you all the know-how you need to capture the interest and business of local homeowners, buyers, and sellers.

Drawing upon their extensive experience in blogging, real estate, and online marketing, authors Richard Nacht and Paul Chaney reveal how to:

• Develop an effective Internet marketing strategy
• Generate leads consistently at almost no cost
• Define yourself as an expert in a particular area
• Serve your market niche
• Establish long-term relationships with your customers
• Create content that attracts major search engines
• Create buzz about your blog in the media

Plus, you receive a FREE blogging platform and instructional sessions to get you blogging right away!

From the Back Cover:

"Nacht and Chaney are the first ones to specifically address the huge potential blogging holds for real estate professionals. The authors go beyond the hype and explain in detail the tangible benefits of real-estate industry blogging when used as a strategic marketing medium."

John E. Featherston
REAL ESTATE Magazine, Publisher
President & CEO, RISMedia

Book review:

A great resource for real estate professionals, January 3, 2007

Reviewer: Joe Wikert (Fishers, IN)

Real estate agents certainly have a much harder job today than they did in the pre-Internet days. I often wonder how so many of them continue to make a living when there are a variety of online solutions for buying and selling a house. How do they justify their commission? Stand out in the crowd?

One way to become better known as the local real estate expert, and a very good one, I might add, is to consider getting into the blogosphere. Become the well-known real estate expert in your community. Offer all sorts of great insight on how to prep your house for sale or what to look for in your next home purchase.

If you're in the real estate business or know someone who is, Realty Blogging is a "must read." The authors do a fantastic job of putting everything you need to know about blogging in general, but aimed at the real estate market, in a book that's less than 200 pages long. Much of their advice can also be applied outside of blogging (e.g., positioning yourself as the expert and exploiting niches). Another nice touch is that they not only offer coverage of the more popular blogging platforms, they also set up their own, where readers can start a blog in an environment that's very realtor-friendly.

The best real estate agents also seem to be outstanding at personal networking. Blogging is a natural networking extension, but with the added benefits of being much broader and offering 24/7 access. I know a lot of the real estate agents out there are "old school" and all, but I think any agent without a blog is really missing a huge opportunity. If you're the new real estate agent in the area, what better way to build brand recognition and a following than starting a blog to share your real estate wisdom and advice?

I also like the form factor of this one (small trim size, less than 200 pages, inexpensively priced) and wonder what other vertical segments might be right for a blogging book like this.

Here are some sites we've built for clients:

• http://www.realblogging.com
• http://www.macombcountyvoice.com
• http://lasvegashighriseblog.com