Blogger Spotlight: Missy Caulk
Whenever I do a set of theses interviews I always ask for bloggers to step forward if they would like to participate. This time around, Missy Caulk, of Ann Arbor Real Estate Talk was actually nominated by another blogger. That should give you an idea of the impression Missy sets among her piers.
Hi Missy, why did you adopt blogging as a marketing medium?
It was only when I started blogging on Activerain that I began to get business from blogging. Both from other agents as referrals and from local people finding my posts. Now it is the 2nd most important venue I use for generating business.
You’re an active member of Active Rain. Which came first for you, Active rain, or your own personal blog?
I actually set up a blog on blogger, long before I had run into Active Rain in December 2006, but really didn’t “get it” until I started using Active Rain consistently. My personal blog Ann Arbor Real Estate Talk was just launched in November. When the whole issue of Move buying Active Rain hit the press, I knew I wanted something that was truly my own, just in case…..
What made you decide to contribute in both places? (AR and your own blog)
I rarely duplicate content, occasionally. Honestly, I’m still trying to get ranked in search engines on my own blog. I sold a house to a Google employee back in August. He was in charge of Google in Poland and he told me Google didn’t penalize for duplicate content and I believe him. My Ann Arbor Real Estate Talk Blog I am trying to have just strictly focused on Ann Arbor and Saline, market, real estate, events, human interests. Active Rain is a great place to learn and the relationships are phenomenal so it is probably more social to me now. It is a great platform to bounce real estate issues off other people and pick up new techniques.
I noticed that you occasionally include your listings on your blog. There’s a lot of debate about if this is a good idea. Have you ever received any negative response for doing so?
No, not at all. I am a Realtor, I sell houses, and blogging helps get great backlinks for my sellers on their homes.
I know you’re also a Flickr user. Would you share with us a little about how you use Flickr to promote your blog/business?
Todd, I am just getting my feet wet on flickr. As soon as it gets warm and we have green grass, I am going to do sets of things around Ann Arbor, like art fairs, music events, shopping, schools, University of MI and group them all together in sets. Then I plan on when I get leads send out the set to people relocating to Ann Arbor in my email responses. But, I really want green grass, flowers and full foliage. Ann Arbor is a beautiful city, they call it Tree Town.
What are some of your favorite blogs?
Well currently I subscribe to 153 in RSS. I learn from many of them. I love Sellisus and 4Realz.net, Agent Genius, 1000 Watt, Pro-blogger, Transparent Real Estate, Word Press SEO and Blog Marketing, Blog Fiesta, Common Craft, Real Estate Zebra. Gee, I can’t name them all, but I am really enjoying Twitter too, it has introduced me through links people publish to lots of good blogs.
What advice do you have for prospective bloggers who are looking to start a blog.
Join Active Rain, learn, read, comment and jump in. You will grow and it is a good place to find out if blogging is something you love and want to be a part of your marketing plan.
A parting shot.
I think we are still at the beginning stages of blogging, as far as many agents and Brokers that don’t understand or “get it”. I’m very thankful that I found it early. My world has been enhanced and enlarged.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Thank you for this interview with a very talented person. Missy’s blog is great and she shares her knowledge freely. I know she treats her clients with the same kindness.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Todd, I know Missy well through her Active Rain blog and Twitter and appreciate you posting this interview so I could learn even more.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Todd - Great interview - Missy is such a role model for a Real Estate Professional and adds so much to our “community” and the blogosphere. She’s one of the most giving people - a real gem!!!
P.S. We met on Active Rain blogging.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Todd Thanks for the interview. Missy always has wonderful advice and lessons to learn from!
March 30th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Missy is da bomb!!
March 31st, 2008 at 9:39 am
I had the pleasure of meeting Missy in February and what a GREAT lady! Congrats on the spotlight!
( http://flickr.com/photos/vocabu_lady/2260719835/ )
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:53 am
Todd, thank you so much for the interview. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. LOL
I just realized today, I forgot to thank you, when I was reading your last interview. Opps.
See ya on twitter.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Great info. Thanks. Martha
June 29th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Great interview–the color difference between questions and answers makes it easy to follow too.