« Thanks for spreading the word! | Home | Blogger Spotlight; Phil Leto »
Blogger Spotlight; Vali Wimberly
By Todd Carpenter | July 9, 2007
I read Vali Wimberly’s blog. Why? Because Vali writes to me. By that, I mean she writes about what I’m interested in. Specifically, she writes about what’s up in Denver. So many RE & Mtg agents spend so much time trying to prove they are an expert, they miss at gathering a readership. You don’t need to focus on real estate to have a great real estate blog. Something we will focus on during Blog Fiesta!
What inspired you to create a real estate blog?
My blog is focused on giving people the scoop on what’s going on in the Denver community with real estate and everyday happenings.
What do you like to blog about?
The good things happening in the Denver area and to spotlight that the real estate market is not nearly as bad as the media makes it seem. My theory is you don’t have to sell the tar out of Denver—It sells itself just show all that there is to offer and that is a sale’s technique enough.
Where do you go, or what do you do to find topics to blog about?
Blog topics come about in everyday living and daily activities. If I’m out hiking a mountain enjoying Colorado it’s something people may want to know more about or may never get to do so I blog about it. New housing projects are always a great topic because people can drive around and see something going on but they don’t know exactly what it is being built so I try to write about the projects.
How does blogging fit into your overall marketing plan, or does it?
My vision is not a traditional real estate agent ‘market yourself’ plan but rather to sell my knowledge and specialization in the downtown Denver area.
If there was anything you could change about your blog to make it better, what would it be?
Well, my blog is new and I am constantly changing things and adding items on a daily basis. I still have yet to determine the layout that I want and that is something I am deciding on now. I’m trying to give value added information and links and yet not giving so much that it looks busy and gives the reader a sense of information overload.
In addition to your own blog, you also contribute quite a bit of content to Active Rain. Can you explain the motivation or strategy behind this?
Active Rain is a huge real estate community that I feel allows agents from all over to connect and learn from one another. It’s interesting to learn about how RE is done in other parts of the country and share experiences.
What are some of your favorite blogs?
Denver Infill, St. Paul Real Estate Blog, Rain City Guide and Inman News
What web sites, blogs, tools, or people do you find most helpful in building your blog?
Typepad has been a great platform for me. Feedburner & Technorati are some behind the scenes necessities and optimization. As for an information resource I like the Downtown Denver Partnership’s site.
On a scale of 1-10, 10 being Bill Gates, one being my great grandmother (bless her heart), what level of computer savvy would you say you have?
I am probably a seven (and occasionally a 2). Blogging doesn’t require that you’re a techie just that you have a good working knowledge of computers.
Do you have any tips or advice for a fellow real estate professional that’s looking to get into blogging?
Don’t ‘search’ for your blogging voice just write and let your unique personality show.
Topics: Colorado |
July 20th, 2007 at 6:09 am
Thanks for doing such a good job at the Blog Fiesta! It was nice to see you, a fellow blogger taking part!
Good luck on selling Denver! Any bites yet?
kk