I rarely toot anyone’s horn, but when I see something great it just must be said. Based on my recent post Whats Dad Doing Here? I wanted to follow up with a real blog example that visibly documents what I am describing and I did not want to post it within the confines of my post because I felt that this would better feature it.
Many of you know her as The Housechickblog, House Chick, or just plain Kelley. She’s in Arizona (no surprise) quietly taking real estate blogging by storm. No, she isn’t ranting about all things National; shes smart, she’s focused in on her niche in some pretty creative ways- There is no way she’s an elephant in the social networking room. In fact, she demonstrates the factors I describe that consumers will grow to love and respect.
Here are a few examples:
- She blogs locally on important and some not so important issues- it’s all about relating to the consumer in a sincere way.
- She describes who and what she is, stands for, and what she loves.
- She knows and identifies with her audience.
- and most importantly– She brings the consumers in by staging their private pages right there on her blog; giving her clients a reason to stay engaged in the conversation, even if they don’t chime in. While they are there they can see what Kelley is up to- this is what interactive functionality is all about and it is so simple (no hammer required).
I invite you to wander over and view this post in particular as it is exactly the type of conversation that will most attract a consumer with this type of interest. With HGTV and others so popular right now with DIY shows, Kelley taps right in- what a fantastic conversation starter. You’ve may have already read this post, but now you can see it in the context of where your blog can go if it hasn’t already…
Humor, wit, makes fun of herself, great pictures to grab your attention, reasons to return, and best of all, she’s real… Perfect.
Benn Rosales is the Founder and CEO of The American Genius (AG), national news network. Before AG, he founded one of the first digital media strategy firms in the nation has received the Statesman Texas Social Media Award and is an Inman Innovator Award winner. He has consulted for numerous startups (both early- and late-stage), and is well known for organizing the digital community through popular offline events. He does not venture into the spotlight often, rather he believes his biggest accomplishments are the talent he recruits and develops, so he gives all credit to those he's empowered.

John Lockwood
June 9, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Dude, you may have the blue brain, but closing for buyers and sellers with private pages — that’s totally genius! Thanks for pointing that out. I agree with you, that is the smartest use of a real estate blog that I’ve seen since Gary Woods learned me the art of making money this way back in ought-three.
Housechick and I have chatted a bit but I never really got past staring at her cute picture on MyBlogLog. (Sorry, there I go being transparent again). Now I have to really make an effort to be read her and be pals with her in the hope of ensmartening myself.
Sock Puppet
June 9, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Kelley is good.
-Athol
Kelley Koehler
June 9, 2007 at 5:50 pm
(blushing) Thanks for the fabulous review!
B. R.
June 9, 2007 at 10:38 pm
John > I hope you would never believe I would consider myself a Genius. Actually, REG is all about the Genius of Realtors, and Kelley gets the blue brain award.
>Kelley, awesome blog, way to use your noodle. I know your blog will grow rapidly.
John Lockwood
June 10, 2007 at 12:23 am
Another award? Dang. Not that I don’t think Kelley deserves it, I’d just hate to see it be standard because I don’t have TIME for another popularity contest.
What’s a grade junkie to do? First it’s Google I had to dominate, now I have to kick Active Rain’s point system butt, and I’ll probably never win a BlueBrain. I know I’m not going to catch the Tubesock A Train what with my soporific market updates and my “hoopla”.
My hands will fall off. That’s it — I’m packing it all in and going to smoke some crack.
B. R.
June 10, 2007 at 10:06 am
I wasn’t being literal with the blue brain award, we have no award to give. Just our acknowlegement when someone is using their blue noodle.
I sense some blue tint in your aura, John…
Barry Preusz
October 24, 2008 at 5:36 pm
She is very descriptive in her writing. That is what finds and keeps and audience.