Comments on: I’m Going Local and I Think I Like It.

By: Creating a Hyper-Local Monster: Mix A Blog Energy Drink | national real estate opinion column - agentgenius.com

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:46:07 +0000

[...] was inspired to go local purely for the challenge. I defined my target geographic area, decided on a platform (WordPress), [...]

By: Laura Cannon

Laura Cannon — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:38:51 +0000

There is something very intimate and rewarding about a hyper-local blog. I have one, and I really enjoy writing it. It makes me feel connected to my community. My clients like it because it makes them feel connected to me, and more importantly, to something larger than I am, i.e. the online community that visits the blog. In turn, this helps me build trust and authority with my sphere.

I think that one of the most important aspects of a local blog is local pictures. I change my blog header picture about four times a week, and I add local photos to my articles. People in my area are not used to seeing their village up in lights and the beautiful parts of it highlighted on the internet. They are flattered to be reminded of how lovely their community is. I get more feedback on my pictures than anything else. I bring my camera everywhere, and I love capturing the “under-the-radar” beauty of my hometown.

I look forward to seeing your project unfold.

By: Steve Simon

Steve Simon — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:17:42 +0000

Local is a relative term. the amount of work that blogging requires is vastly under estimated.
Done well its a couple of hours a day.
If you have three and four blogs that would mean you might need to invest six to eight hours a day to do them justice.
I am not talking about sitting down for six minutes and banging on the keyboard until tow or three posts appear.
I’m talking about picking your current topic target, reading eight to ten top sources for input and stimulation then forming you own synthesis; and ultimately getting to the page.
Then there is the tech aspect of blogging, making sure your read is clean, you have made it easy for readers to share, keeping pace with the evil doers (spammer, hacker, etc) and of course the ever present need for SEO.
Google has changed the way they do certain things fifteen times since I have been watching! That doesn’t make them bad, but it does mean unless you read the Google forums you will be left behind..
Just my thoughts

By: agentgenius.com- national real estate opinion column » Blog Archive » How Local Should You Go?

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 06:19:32 +0000

[...] you tuned in before you would know… My quest is to uncover what it takes to build the ultimate local blog. I want to attract a pretty hefty [...]

By: ines

ines — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:17:42 +0000

When I created miamism, the concept was to be hyper-local….but it’s not easy – I’m still trying to answer all the questions you asked.

Of course hitting it from the non-Realtor side like Curbed does is an amazing concept.

By: Jack A

Jack A — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 02:17:47 +0000

I am in the middle of implementing an entirely new business plan with deep roots in hyper-local community and real estate website, structured follow-up programs and tons of video. I am from 13 generations of ere and love the community. The bennefit is that by creating this type of site and philosiphy, you create the PERFECT venue for promoting real estate and invaluable and unique services to buyers and sellers. I ave enjoyed the video from Connect that I have seen on successful blogging. I am going the route of finding good, local authors to contribute to the cause.

Consider the market downturn as an opportunity to prepare for the next generation of consumers and be first to the punch in your local market.

By: Lani Anglin

Lani Anglin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:23:24 +0000

Carson, I think that your project is an amazing way for your small city to connect and having been a local and your watching it explode over the years gives you unique insight.

It will be helpful to EVERYONE to read a chronicle of making a hyperlocal blog because we typically only see an unveiling and never learn what it takes to make it happen behind the scenes.

Hyperlocal blogging is definitely time consuming, but the readers and writers here are always quick to come up with suggestions if you hit any road blocks. I have a really good feeling about your site’s future success!

By: Benn Rosales

Benn Rosales — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:19:02 +0000

Carson, having looked at what you’re doing, I have to say- you are the man… I am glad to know you’re getting close- hurry up! Our readers will want to see this… (no pressure ;] )

By: Mariana

Mariana — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:18:34 +0000

I have a city-blogsite (for the city I work in), as well as a couple hyper-local blogs. I really should have made them ONE blog, but I decided to keep one purely real estate focused and one strictly community focused. I promote them in my newsletters and when I deliver things door-to-door in the area. People LOVE the sites, and I always get awesome feedback.
LivingInGreenhaven.com and GreenhavenRealEstate.net … if you wanted to see what I put into my hyer-local blogs.
Good luck!