Ricardo Bueno

Online Marketing Strategies for Real Estate

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Why You Should Write List Posts

Want to know a quick, sure fire technique for getting your blog posts read and shared… Write a list post. Yep, it’s true! In fact, when I sit back and look at my content over the last couple of months, it becomes pretty clear to me that it’s a fact that people love list posts. See for yourself, here are the stats:

12 Ways To Improve Your Marketing in 2011 (26 ReTweets | 18 Facebook Shares | 11 Comments)

15 Ways To Market Your Blog Effectively (80 ReTweets | 7 Facebook Shares | 17 Comments)

13 Must Have WordPress Plugins for Every Website (69 ReTweets | 5 Facebook Shares | 25 Comments)

Do you know what makes list posts such a traffic magnet?

  • They’re scannable – Heck, I’ll admit it…I have a short attention span and when I’m on the web, I tend to skim through lots of content. A list post is easy to scan and read through because everything is neatly organized into a detailed list.
  • They succinct – A lesson I learned from The Big Lebowski: Brevity Rules! In a list post, each point has a beginning and an end with no rambling in the middle. Everything is delivered in detail and on point.
  • They Look Neat – Ever come to a site and see just a big block of text? No photos, just a run-on paragraph that doesn’t seem to end? Do you read everything word for word? Yeah, well, neither do I. List posts make it easy for me to scan through the content on a site. So naturally, I’m more likely to stay there and skim through the content if everything is neatly organized into a readable, scannable format.

Today’s Action Step:

You guessed it… Today’s task is to write a list post! I’ve already shared an example of a few up above. Here are some more examples from blogs in the Real Estate Industry:

11 Expert Tips To Make Small Rooms Feel Larger

6 Pricing Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Miami Beach Homes Sales – February 2010

Bonus Reading: 10 Steps to the Perfect List Post

If you don’t finish your list post today, that’s ok. But you should finish it at some point this week. When you do, come back here and post a link to it for the rest of us to read and share! Oh, and feel free to toss me a Tweet… Just CLICK HERE TO TWEET IT.

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Kirk,

      I love good photography! I could get lost skimming through Flickr just admiring a good photographers work. Anyway, all of that to say that I loved your list post on amazing photographers worth checking out on Flickr! Great job!

      Reply

        • Thanks man, lookin' forward to it!

          P.S. This is just a minor detail, but it'd be cool if you linked to the Authors of those photos in the list post. For example:

          1. Kirk Fuson (hyperlink to their Flickr Account)
          <insert here=”” photo=””>

          Takes a little extra time, but well worth it and easy for all to skim through.

          P.S. I saw your Tweet on the Flickr incident with a deleted user account…that totally sucks. Can't believe they wouldn't have a way to easily undo it. With that many photos, seems such a shame and a loss for the user :-/</insert>

          Reply

  4. Ah, this brings back good memories! It must have been a year since I was last there with a group of friends…we had a blast!

    Now, I noticed two things: 1.) I think you reverted back to your old theme (I liked the new one), 2.) It seems you created this as a page, not a post so I can't comment :-/

    Anyway, good post! And thanks for bringing back some great memories 🙂 (Now imagine how other local readers might resonate with content like this).

    Reply

    • Richard: Great write up! All solid points and exactly the right kind of due diligence I'd do if I was hiring a loan officer. Now here's an idea, how about including this post in the signature to all your emails (nice subtle way of driving traffic to your site when you send out an email) 🙂

      congrats on rocking out Day 2!

      Reply

    • Yep! Some people call it lazy, I just call it efficient. With a list post, I can skim and read the meat of what's there. I don't have to read and muddle through the rest of the text word for word, heh. 🙂

      Now, as for your list of tips, I LOVE it! You gave me a ton of great ideas for improving my own snacking habits. As of today, my snacks include: easy mac, a bag of dorritos and two (yes two) cans of Redbull. ::sigh:: Yes I know, that's very unhealthy.

      I didn't know popcorn was considered a healthy snack! I suppose I can replace my chips with popcorn in the future and I can definitely pick up a few of the other foods/snacks you suggested, so thank you!!

      Congratulations on rocking out the task for Day 2! Now remember to save this post to publish on your “Best Of” page which I'm sure you'll create in the near future 🙂

      Reply

  8. I never scan any posts I read. But I probably read less articles too.

    Here's the problem I have with scanning when reading blog posts: You don't get one of the most important benefits: Improving your ability to write blog posts.

    For example, one of the reasons I read every Copyblogger post is not just for the info given, but so I can internalize good writing techniques for blogging.

    I prefer reading less blogs and opting not to scan.

    Reply

    • Hey @bambooforest, I'd be lying if I said I don't scan posts that I read here and there throughout the day. I read a ton of real estate tech blogs, some other industry blogs, my “Inner Circle” blogs, etc.

      But I do read every post that comes out of Copyblogger for example (once or twice over even). But as for the others, yes, I skim here and there.

      I guess that you can say that in a way, I'm all over the place. But it helps me pick up some fresh ideas too.

      Agreed that the more you read, the more you have the opportunity to improve your own writing style. There's a great quote I read somewhere:
      “Write when you dont' feel like it. If you can't write, read.” – anon

      …in my opinion, those are two of the best ways to improve your writing skills (by doing and by seeing others techniques).

      Thanks for chiming in! Always appreciate a fresh perspective 🙂

      Reply

    • Strange… I tried leaving a comment and WordPress wouldn't let me. It kept saying my session timed out :-/

      In any case, I love your diverse taste of blogs that you subscribe to! This one in particular caught my attention: Holyoke Home. Love the description.

      Great job on today's challenge! You can do so many things with it… Share your Top 5 “Anything” really.

      Reply

    • Love the fact that you shared a video to “Groundhog's Day” with Bill Murray (epic movie)!

      And yes, I agree, a little spontaneity is totally a good thing. Loved your list too… I have a hobby and I try to help everyone that I can in any given day. If I've done that, I feel fulfilled, ya know?

      Great list of tips Jaclyn and great job rockin' out to today's list post!!

      If I may offer one suggestion…your blog doesn't allow comments by “Name/URL” so unfortunately, I couldn't easily leave a comment :-/ Maybe you can open that option up?

      Talk to you soon… And happy Groundhog's Day!!

      Reply

      • Ok, I think I fixed the comment issue. Will do one more Google search on blogger to verify. Thanks so much for the feedback and pointers. Most of all, thanks for taking the time to help us all out!!! What is your hobby? Do tell!

        Reply

        • Jaclyn: it's my pleasure and it's great to have you all here! It's so awesome to see each of you participating and willing to help one another out. That more than anything is the most thrilling part of it all 🙂

          Now as far as my hobbies? Hmm… In my free time (when I manage to get any), I love to:

          – Read,
          – Run (I play in a basketball league on weekends),
          – Watch movies (if I can, I have a healthy dvd collection),

          …and well, I just love to enjoy life!

          Reply

  12. What is your buying power?

    With the latest national foreclosure crisis still looming it is imperative that a home buyer is aware of their buying power before beginning their search for a new home. Homeownership is suppose to be a major part of the American dream, but for many this has become their worst nightmare.
    Let’s look at a few tips to help you determine how much of a monthly mortgage you can afford .

    1.Draft a budget – don’t forget to include the things that you currently enjoy such a manicures, pedicures, movie night, make up and if you own pets you must account for them.
    2 Select a local lender

    3 Down payment- depending on the loan your down payment can range from zero down on a VA loan to an FHA loan that requires 3.5%
    Calculate current rent (avoid payment shock)take current rent and multiply by 1.33
    (house logic)
    4 Consult a REALTOR®

    5 Have fun

    There will be unforeseen life occurrences, but the better prepared you are in the beginning the better equipped you will be in the end.

    Reply

    • Hi Tracey,

      Great write-up! If I may offer some suggestions…

      – Bold your titles on each of your tips (you know, so the headline stands out),
      – Include a picture

      As a general rule of thumb, your opsts should always include (at least) one picture. It's a great way to break up the text and catch readers' attention. A great photo, goes a long way!

      Congrats on completing the challenge for Day 2!

      Reply

  14. Hi Ricardo, good luck with your speaking proposals. I just finished another blog list post. I have followed your advice on visiting other blogs to read and comment on their posts. This has turned out to be a great experience. I'm looking forward to the next challenge.

    Here is my new list post: “20 Haunted House Portraits.” http://designbyone.com/2011/02…/

    Reply

    • Thanks amigo! Have my head buried deep trying to crank them out. One of them got accepted, I just have to edit the description (w00t!). I have set a personal deadline for noon on the other one but I'm feeling confident 🙂

      Anyway, wanted to hop on over and check out your list post! Awesome idea for a holiday post… Heck, someone can spin off and write “10 Romantic Things To Do for Valentine's Day” or something. Anyway, dig the haunted house thing! We do that often out here and it's always a good time.

      Reading other blogs and seeing what they're doing always sparks some good ideas. In fact, that's sorta in line with what today's task is. You can always pick up some creative ideas that way…

      Catch ya soon amigo!

      Reply

  17. Here is a list post I did several months ago where it is educational and took me some time to get this going on my websites. I moved some of my sites and the one with the most posts is not working right so I need to figure it out but want to get these other blogs going. Doing this challenge is the light under my feet to move me forward
    http://www.freelancetourist.co…/

    Reply

  25. I looooove writing list posts.  I wrote two in the past seven days:

    4 building blocks of predictable project execution
    http://itmillennial.com/2011/07/01/four-building-blocks-of-predictable-project-execution/

    4 ways to make your summer internship work for you
    http://itmillennial.com/2011/06/27/4-ways-to-make-your-summer-internship-work-for-you/

    Great advice.  Not only are list posts easy to read, they provide a structure that makes them easier to write.

    Reply

  26. I’m working on this one – since I write product reviews, I used a 5 questions format to explain the benefits of using the product. Since it’s for work, I have to get approval before I can post it, but I did do it! Once it’s posted, I’ll share the link here.

    Reply

    • Hey Paul,

      First of all, I dig the message of your post. To quote Yoda: “Do or do not. There is no try.” The sooner you try, the better. And if you fail, pick yourself up and get to it again.

      As for your post structure and layout… It’s perfect. Great use of bold text and sub-headings to break up the text. The only thing I’d add is an image earlier in your post but I see that you including one in the end. Generally speaking, I advise people to use (at least) one image per post. In many cases, a picture truly is worth a thousand words and helps convey the message in a post. It also makes reading the posts gentler on the eyes which increases the likelyhood someone will stick around to read it.

      Anyway, well done and thanks again for being a part of the 31 Day Challenge!

      Reply

  28. My post from this weekend (I guess I just knew this lesson was coming!)
    “If I Only Knew” – 7 Simple Tips to Improve Your Drupal Skillshttp://rickmanelius.com/article/if-i-only-knew-7-simple-tips-improve-your-drupal-skills

    Reply

    • Ha, I guess we can file this under “great minds think alike” 😛

      Great post and write-up Rick! I’m not a drupal user, but if I was, or was interested in getting started, you lay out some solid advice I can follow.

      Now, I did notice a few things in reading through your blog and the homepage. Some (or rather most) posts have a thumbnail image displaying on the homepage. Your Drupal post doesn’t. I’d make it a habit to add a featured thumbnail image to ALL of your posts if you’re going to display any of them at all on the homepage. It looks cleaner and consistent that way.

      Hope you don’t mind my feedback 🙂 

      Reply

      • Not at all! I was a track and field coach, so I know how feedback is essential for us to grow stronger and better. 

        Good call on the image. I did get sloppy here, not adding an image when I could have taken 5 minutes and thought of something creative. So yeah, I’ll make sure to add one here and in the 2-3 other posts with missing thumbnails.

        Thanks for the note, and this 30 day process. It’s forcing me to tweak things I’ve been procrastinating on!

        Reply

        • Heh, no problem. I use thumbnails here and on our company blog. I can’t tell you how many times I forget to add a featured image (someone almost always reminds me at least once a week). I will say it looks neat and slick when they’re there.

          Anyway, thanks again for being a part of the 31 Day Challenge! I’m glad it’s helpful, if everyone learns something or gets something out of it, I’m happy… I feel like I (and we) have accomplished something. And I’m also glad we stuck to a M-F schedule because even I feel like I’m playing catchup, heh. 

          Reply

  29. Wrote a list post on the top 3 ice cream places in my area but not published yet because I need to edit a bit more…link below, not sure if it will show if it’s not published yet.
    http://sanford365.com/?p=3088&preview=true
    Still trying to come up with a topic for the real estate blog. I think I might “copy” the idea of the most expensive homes sold in June…

    Reply

    • Tell ya what Claudia, here’s a series of potential list post titles for you 🙂

      10 Ways To Stay Cool This Summer Free Summer Concert Series6 Pricing Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

      5 Ways To Systematize Your Home Purchase10 Things I Learned About Successful Investing7 Style Tips From Highly Creative Home Decorators10 Reasons Potential Homeowners Walk Away

      There’s a handful of potential titles to get ya started. I also dig the idea you have… A list of the most expensive homes sold in June always makes for good chatter.

      Link me when you publish your blog post!
       

      Reply

  30. Here is my list post. Stuck to the wonderful world of WordPress. http://www.nextlevelinnovation.com/5-ways-to-get-more-done-with-wordpress/ 

    Reply

    • Hey Mark,

      I really dig your list post. Great, straightforward advice for the WordPress newbie. Now here’s a few recommendations (if you don’t mind me sharing, heh)…

      – Create a new category for your posts titled: WordPress 101 (or something similar). I dig the format of your post and it would serve as a great start in a similar post series.
      – Once you’ve written a few posts, consider building a landing page for it to encourage people to subscribe and to give them easy access to the rest of your content. That’s what I’ve done with the secondary navigation you see here on my site (stats show me that people are accessing content that way)

      Anyway, other than that, well done! I hope I’ve given you an idea or two 🙂 

      Reply

    • Ok Marina, here’s the deal… I think I’m falling in love with your blog and I really dig your writing style. You really know how to tell a story (it shows in your list post and in your About page). Very well done!

      I dig your list post because it tells an engaging story and delivers some solid, useful advice to anyone in a similar situation. Not only that, but you ended with an additional pdf that people could download for further reference (way to deliver an added bonus though I did experience some trouble accessing this myself).

      Anyway, great job on your post and thanks for being a part of the 31 day challenge!

      Reply

      • Hi Ricardo, 
        Thanks so much for your vote of confidence.  🙂

        I re-checked the PDF download – you are right – something went wrong with the token and it stopped working.  It’s now fixed.

        Reply

    • Hey Dakota, diggin’ your list post!

      If I may add two suggestions however…

      1.) I wanted to comment, but you don’t have Name/URL enabled so I couldn’t. I don’t use any of the other available profile options :-/

      2.) Left align your text. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s easier to read if the text is left-aligned.

      Other than that, thanks for sharing your musical treats/re-discoveries!

      Reply

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