Submission for Blog Makeover
Posted in Bloggers Connect NYC '09 Blog Makeover Contest By Kevin Tomlinson, Thursday, November 20, 2008.Ok, I'll play ball.
I'm interested in being "ripped apart":
1. Because I can take it
2. I'm wondering if I should go to a two sidebar format
3. Since I don't know everything---maybe I'm missing something.
submission:
http://www.southbeachrealestateblog.com
Kevin Tomlinson
http://www.kevintomlinson.com
http://www.southbeachrealestateblog.com
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Submitted by Marcie Berson on November 20, 2008 - 12:50pm.
The blog you need to make over is right here:
http://www.realtown.com/marcie2/blog
Why should my blog be the one you make over? Oh, where to start...here are 5 good reasons:
1) I picked a title & now I feel that it's too limiting, which gives me bloggers block
2) I'm not an html expert, so my blog doesn't look as clean & easy to navigate as I'd like it to be
3) It doesn't truly reflect me and my personality
4) I need to figure out how to add more interactive content (video, slide shows, etc.) and make it look good
5) I'm a good student, open to criticism & determined to continually improve not just my blog, but myself
I hope you'll pick my blog, but even if I'm not the winner, I'd love any feedback on my blog. :)
Marcie Berson, REALTOR, ABR, e-PRO
RE/MAX Heritage
Email: Marcie@BersonTeam.com
Web: http://www.BersonTeam.com
Blog: http://www.RealTown.com/Marcie2/Blog
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MarcieBerson
Licensed Connecticut Real Estate Broker
Submitted by Susan Milner on November 20, 2008 - 1:45pm.
I need a blog makeover because I have been left in some la-la land in between providers....desperate huh?
I have a current design that cannot move anywhere and a backend that doesn't function properly.
I'm semi-techy but want to focus my energy on my real estate business.
The blog that needs a makeover is www.Florida-Future-Realty.com
Twitter @FloridaFuture
Yours in Success,
Susan Milner
Florida Future Realty, Inc.
www.Florida-Future-Realty.com
(239) 542-8521
Susan@SusanMilner.com
Submitted by Michael Daly on November 20, 2008 - 4:20pm.
mee too...
www.beachamptons.com
Submitted by Garreth Wilcock on November 21, 2008 - 9:53am.
I spend hours blogging each day.
I want to blog smarter not harder, and I think my pre-historic blog could definitely get more results with a makeover.
While sick in bed last week, I became addicted to makeover shows on HGTV, and the analytical side of my brain was screaming past the Tylenol "But what are the results???? Give me some numbers!"
So going behind the scenes for a blogging makeover would cure my ills and I've certainly got the energy. I'm a motivated blogger and I want to go further.
Check out my Post Blog Makeover predictions in this handy chart: http://budurl.com/mjf9
Garreth Wilcock
Keller Williams Realty
http://garreth.featuredblog.com
http://garrethwilcock.com
Submitted by Craig Ernst on November 21, 2008 - 10:12am.
Hey Garreth,
First thing I'd suggest-- and I always suggest this to anyone's who's blogging. Make sure that you're main blog is a self-hosted WordPress blog where you own the domain and the content and page rank(so to speak).
Blogging over at ActiveRain or RealTown or wherever is fine for extra exposure, but why work so hard to add traffic and page rank to their site when you could be doing it for your own?
Just something to think about.
Craig
Craig Ernst
Agent Profit Systems
http://RealEstateSuccessPath.com
http://www.Twitter.com/CraigErnst
Submitted by Justin McHood on November 25, 2008 - 3:47am.
Greetings from the Desert.
We need a makeover!
We have been blogging for about 6 months now and our blog has developed one main problem.
Too much Justin, not enough Tammy.
http://www.ArizonaMortgageTeam.com
Let's be honest -- if someone is going to have to read a blog that is about mortgages, we might as well offer them a pretty picture or two of someone to look at.
Tammy = hot.
Justin = not so hot, but still tries hard.
Certainly, we can provide references on the truth of the above statement if needed -- starting with @PhoenixREGuy or @RailLife or @SteveBelt or as many others as you need to verify the fact.
So for us -- if we "win" this contest -- the blog makeover will need to feature as many sultry, steamy, professional, snarky (sorry, borrowed that term from you-know-who) shots of Tammy and maybe a favicon somewhere of Justin.
Or however else you see fit I guess - heck, you guys are the pros.
Oh, and as far as going to Inman '09? If we win, we are going to need 2 passes! No way can I give a girl a blog makeover and then send her out to hang out with the RE.net crowd in NYC alone.
SHE MAY NEVER COME BACK TO THE DESERT.
Submitted by Elizabeth Newlin on November 25, 2008 - 6:49am.
My website could not be more perfect for this contest.
www.elizabethnewlin.com
My husband, the uber-techie dork Web Developer, helped me create my blog when I first got into the real estate biz about 3.5 years ago (back when it was still super cutting edge and high tech to have a 'blog'). Fast forward to today, when I have one more child (to make THREE boys), a successful, but ridiculously time-consuming real estate career and an all but abandoned blog that is so outdated that even my tiny little 'About Me' paragraph is short a child.
I've recently rededicated myself to maintaining the content of my blog, but unfortunately, my poor husband has been too busy chasing after our boys while I'm out showing houses and keeping up with his job that actually pays him to be much help with the desperate needs of my sad (but full of potential) website.
And thus, I throw myself on your mercy. ElizabethNewlin.com is ready to be overhauled, it just needs an expert to help! Help me get poor Jonas on the site before he is old enough to get a complex ('Yeah, my mom doesn't even love me enough to claim me on her blog... so I'm going to dye my hair purple and shoplift.').
Submitted by Eliese Pivarnik on November 25, 2008 - 9:01am.
Elizabeth,
With all due respect, where is the real estate? Your blog is perfect for family and friends to catch up with you and the kids, but if I'm buying or selling real estate, I would rather see facts and information.
Plus, real estate content will help infinitely better with SEO than your current information.
Steamboat Springs Real Estate Blog
Submitted by Elizabeth Newlin on November 25, 2008 - 9:12am.
Eliese,
Thanks for the feedback. When I started this site my vision was one of a real estate/mommy blog combo that almost resembles the snailmail newsletters that agents have always sent. A little bit of local events, a little bit of recipes, a little bit of local real estate (heavy on my experiences) and a little bit of my family humor. My audience is my sphere plus anyone looking for recipes, local info and hey, if you want to search the mls, I've got that too. I'm looking for the longterm reader, who then will remember me when they have a house to buy or sell, or know someone who does. They come for the pictures of my kids, or the links to local events, or even my personal stories about what I'm seeing in the market, but they feel comfortable emailing me when they have specific questions.
I know it's not the facts and figures that a lot of Real Estate blogs currently have, but I'm hoping that will set me apart. Although I always appreciate advice.
Submitted by Matt Wilkins on November 26, 2008 - 5:38pm.
My Blog (http://mattwilkins.typepad.com) definately deserves a makeover. It is the victim of a busy real estate professional that alhtough had good intentions for it is not seeing the results even after several months on the open internet market.
I already know it sufers from the deadly sins of being a subdomain AND being a typepad blog. Those are things that I would like to fix but just canot grasp where to start. I feel a more customized blog with a catchy domain name would be a slam dunk especially as I am the only blogger Realtor in my immeadiate area which is fairly educated nad tech-savvy.
I'll stop my whine and rant now. I hope Inman can give me a absolutely AWESOME early Christmas Gift :)
Submitted by Geordie Romer on November 26, 2008 - 5:52pm.
Me too Me TOO!!
The blog I want to have a make over is www.myLeavenworth.com
It's a 4 year old Blogger blog and it really has bumped against the edge of its usefulness.
What's that Mr. Cronin? Oh yeah, I AM in the middle of re-designing a Real Estate Tomato Wordpress blog. I agree with you that the brand new www.IcicleCreekRealEstate.com will be the envy of all the kids on the block.
Maybe if I win my bill will disappear. Talk about Bailing out Main Street!!
I wouldn't mind free tickets to Inman either...
Submitted by Dean Ouellette on November 26, 2008 - 5:55pm.
Fairly new blog here but is it ever to early to get a makeover?
www.deansellsaz.com
Thanks
Submitted by Lori Bee , Owner/BIC on November 26, 2008 - 6:13pm.
www.WaxhawBlog.com
Sheesh, I need it remade over cause I'm to embarrassed to even promote it or use it now.
I want to win to meet all my Inman,Twitter & Facebook Friends, most for the first time! But I don't want them to see my current blog (please, don't look... just step away from the link!).
LORI BEE - BEE REALTY
Owner,BIC,ABR,CSP,e-PRO,RLI
Lori@BeeRealty.com
Submitted by Chris Shouse on November 26, 2008 - 6:19pm.
Oh I so need help with my blog http://comehometolasvegas.com There is so much information and I am having trouble organizing and making this blog what it could be. I am on my hands and knees begging to be picked as the winner of a blog make over. I feel the potential and need the direction!
Chris Shouse
Chris@ChrisShouse.com
Submitted by Wayne Harriman on November 26, 2008 - 8:26pm.
Our blog is http://wallingfordwired.com
We recently moved from a free Blogger blog to a self-hosted Wordpress blog and are very pleased with the new look, but feel it could be so much more. We basically want this makeover because:
1) we want to learn from the best,
2) we want to give our clients the best possible blog destination for RE info, and
3) we want to totally, utterly, absolutely, and completely DOMINATE our market.
We appreciate being considered for this honor.
Pat and Wayne Harriman
Wallingford, CT
Submitted by Patti Smith on December 9, 2008 - 8:55am.
My blog is in desperate need of a makeover. See for yourself http://www.cnyhousehunters.com/
Why it needs help....
1. I am using a free template that I don't really understand and it doesn't fit my needs for a blog.
2. I am not an expert on WordPress or HTML and reading code makes my head explode.
3. It's ugly and not very useful.
4. Because it is ugly, I neglect it. It is hard to be motivated to work on something you are not happy with. I go in to work on content and end up messing with the format only to get nowhere. It is an endless cycle.
5. I have great ideas in my head for my blog, but don't know how to implement them.
6. I want to learn from the best and pick up great tips at Bloggers Connect.
Submitted by Tim O'Keefe on December 9, 2008 - 9:13am.
The best thing anyone can do first on a blog is to expend time and effort on content creation and not get so worried about the look or platform.
If you cannot produce content that is unique and useful to your audience then what is the point?
Additionally, once you find your voice and tone, then that often will dictate your look.
Tim O'Keefe
Spider Juice Technologies
Real Estate's SEO
http;//www.spiderworkz.com
http://www.houseblogger.com
Submitted by Dale Chumbley on December 13, 2008 - 5:14pm.
Clark County Real Estate Guide's Quest For De-Vine Wisdom
Real Estate Tomato and Bloggers Connect, http://www.ClarkCountyRealEstateGuide.com needs your de-vine wisdom and inspiration. My blog lives in a real identity crisis and it needs your de-vine touch to solve this crisis. We are NOT in Canada and we are NOT in Las Vegas. Make us over, do your magic and help solve Google's confusion.
Please watch this journey to locate the de-vine wisdom that only the Real Estate Tomato and the amazing minds of Bloggers Connect can bring.
The journey begins here: http://www.viddler.com/explore/DaleChumbley/videos/6/ (yes, this video is my submission into the Blog Makeover Contest)
We hope this journey continues on January 7th, 2009 at Inman Connect NYC 2009 during Bloggers Connect.
Submitted by Cindy Marchant on December 13, 2008 - 7:50pm.
Blogs exist for a few reasons:
1) To educate and converse
* I have virtually no comments occuring on my blog.
2) To receive business
* I have yet to receive a single referral.
3) To rank higher with SEO and Google
* I have yet to crack Page 1 and am strontly considering PPC which would be a tragedy if all I really need is a better blog.
4) To consistently write great content with killer titles and pictures that tell a story
* The only thing I consistently do is breathe and eat unfortunately!
If making over my blog can change any of these; then I am ready to hear the criticism, evaluate my options and execute the plan.
So, here is my blog: http://www.marchantteam.featuredblog.com
Yes, I named it "me" rather than my geographical location or something that would draw a crowd.
If that isn't the ultimate in mistakes that qualify for a makeover, I don't know what is!
Sincerely, Cindy Marchant
Submitted by Richard Silver on December 14, 2008 - 8:27am.
Feel free to rip me apart...I am right now in the process of working with Jim and the Tomato on a new skin and learing more about Blogging.
Working with the Tomato and being part of the Soup is an incredible learning experience. Check out my content at www.DowntownTorontoBlog.com but remeber it is a work in progress. I am working on upping the content while Jim is working on my skin...Looking forward to meeting you all in New York soon!
Richard Silver, Sales Representative
BOSLEY REAL ESTATE LTD. BROKERAGE
mail@richardsilver.com
416-322-8000
Cell 416-587-3300
www.RichardSilver.com
http://blog.RichardSilver.com
Director-at-Large, Toronto Real Estate Board
Member of the MLS and Te
Submitted by John Allen - Sarasota Florida Realtor on December 14, 2008 - 9:19am.
I have a very basic blog that is part of my website: http://www.buysarasota.com/blog/
My current blog is about as basic and boring as they come. It does not have much personality or branding, other than it has the same look and feel as my website. My current blog does not have any type of loyal following or subscribers. It also does very little to showcase my personality, knowledge or authority.
I've toyed with the idea for a while of doing a stand alone blog that is branded with a Sarasota Florida lifestyle theme. It seems to me that the top bloggers out there all have stand alone blogs. Many seem to have catchy names and branding. This is one more area that I am currently lacking.
I'd also like to get other professionals in real estate related fields to contribute to my blog, but I've struggled with how to accomplish this. I often work with top real estate attorneys, interior designers, bankers, etc. They would all be willing to contribute if I had a special product that could benefit there business. It would help me provide interesting and useful content to my readers and it would help me build the content and authority of the blog.
In addition to a style makeover, my content needs real help. There is really nothing exciting about any of my posts. I have the same old boring information that most other blogs have. I've never incorporated any video or podcasts in my blog either. It is no wonder that I do not have any loyal readers out there.
I'm ready to take my blogging to the next level. I would love the opportunity to work with the Real Estate Tomato team to develop a blog that will draw people in and keep them coming back for more. Given the opportunity, I will dedicate the time and effort to help make this new blog something special.
John Allen
http://www.buysarasota.com
Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.
Sarasota, FL
Submitted by Ryan Hartman on December 14, 2008 - 10:54am.
Without trying to brag, I believe my 2 month old baby, PropertunityKnocks.Com, provides a nice example of how to quickly create business via the consistent (though not too time consuming) addition of wacky personality-rich niche-focused content.
That said, I realize I've got a long way to go with the site and am very open to having it torn apart by some experts so that I can put it back together more better....
Gracias,
Ryan Hartman
Reo Complete Real Estate Inc
Philadelphia Pa
Propertunity Knocks!
Submitted by John Womeldorf on December 14, 2008 - 2:16pm.
I want to marry my Blog…here are my wedding vows.
Oh Blog, how I love you.
I can tell you anything and talk to you for hours.
You never tell me I’m boring and YOU just become more and more interesting.
I gaze at you, glowing, mesmorized,
Sometimes I am so enraptured that I forget to shower, shave or clean the cat box for days.
You fuel my life- your words.
The history we have together gets stronger everyday.
My google rating has never been higher and I owe it all to you soulmate.
We all have our faults- I know I do,
But we can work on them and grow.
Forever yours-
Mr Williamsburg
You can tell how strong my love is for my Blog, but love is blind. My Blog unfortunately is…well…ugly, among other things. A makeover for my Blog would make everything perfect and we could live happily ever after.
John Womeldorf/ Mr Williamsburg
Liz Moore and Associates
Williamsburg VA
http://MrWilliamsburg.com
Blog: http://WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com
A website redo would be nice as well !
Submitted by John Womeldorf on December 14, 2008 - 2:19pm.
I wish I had used spell check !
Submitted by Karen Highland on December 14, 2008 - 3:07pm.
I would be so psyched to get a blog makeover. I am sooo the makeover type...What Not to Wear, Extreme home makeover...anyone...PICK ME! I have a huge heart, great passion and ambition, and I love blogging. (Who wouldn't like telling people what they think en masse all day?!)
But, alas, my creativity starts to wane after wordsmithing and knitting. All I need is a little guidance from the masters and I think I can eventually become a master too.
Thanks for your consideration.
http://www.karenhighland.com
Submitted by Connie Brzowski on December 14, 2008 - 3:23pm.
Please consider my blog: www.conniebrz.com
I'd love to increase traffic and up income, but not a clue how to accomplish such things. I can make the trip to New York and have tons of motivation to followup over the coming months.
Thanks~
Submitted by Pam Dent on December 14, 2008 - 3:46pm.
Well they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks but this old dog would definately like to learn some new tricks. As someone who has tried very hard to quickly get up to speed in the world of blogging and social networking, I still have sooooo much to learn. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I think that my blog could use help in all aspects and I would especially appreciate any tips on SEO.
My blog is: www.CharlottesvilleHorseFarmsandCountryHomes.com
Please help!! Would begging do any good?
Pam Dent
Real Estate III
Charlottesville, VA
www.JumpintoGreenerPastures.com
www.CharlottesvilleRealEstateTalk.com
www.CharlottesvilleHorseFarmsandCountryHomes.com
Submitted by Maureen Francis on December 14, 2008 - 4:11pm.
I really, really, really, would like to win this blog makeover. Detroit needs a little love these days. My blog needs it too. My entry is here:
http://mioaklandcounty.com/blog/2008/12/14/blog-makeover-needed/
Take a look. I need help, and Jim Cronin and the experts at Inman's Bloggers Connect have a willing participant in me.
Maureen Francis
SKBK Sotheby's International Realty
248.430.4450
www.miOaklandCounty.com/blog
Submitted by Bruce Hahn on December 14, 2008 - 4:24pm.
American Homeowners Grassroots Alliance
I like your website - it has a nice open and friendly feel. I have a friend with a pretty interactive VA website (SteveSober.com) in Woodstock VA, (n. of Harrisonburg) that might be worth looking at for other ideas.
Submitted by Michelle Sarabia on December 14, 2008 - 6:52pm.
I feel like my blog is not at the level I would like it to be.
http://www.sumnerfrontporch.com
The title is Sumner Front Porch and I love my subtitle "Sippin' sweet tea and talkin' Sumner Real Estate". The template I used does not give it justice! I envision so much more.
I love using wordpress, but the column design and other gadgets I would love to have I don't know how to put them on the blog. My MLS search I have it as a link to my main website and I have no idea how to set it up.
I just want something professional, yet something that readers will want to come back to!
Thank you and Good Luck to everyone!
Michelle
Michelle Sarabia
Martin Realty House
687 Nashville Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066
Direct: 615-594-3171
Submitted by Shar Rundio on December 14, 2008 - 8:33pm.
I have compiled a "Top 10 List" of compelling reasons Inman & the Real Estate Tomato should choose my blog: http://www.speakingofphoenixrealestate.com for a complete and utter makeover.
10. I had a nifty video created but haven't been able to compress it enough to upload to the web...definite proof that I need help!
9. I'm in the process of re-branding myself and this is perfect timing. Let's face it: re-branding sucks! I'd love to get everyone's input into where to take the blog and my brand.
8. I'm native to ARIZONA, seeing me in NEW YORK in January would be quite a sight and is worth the prize right there! Do they make fur lined flip-flops?
7. My Blog is a FSBO. No, not a For Sale By Owner but, similarly, with my Freak Show Blog Original I know just enough to be dangerous.
6. I truly believe in the power of blogging and the blogging community! I promise to give back to the community that has given me so much already!
5. I understand that beautiful design is just the flower before the tomato. I'd greatly value the input Jim and his team has to offer regarding content and everything else there is to learn.
4. Even the infamous “T” benefited from a pick-me-up courtesy of Tomato Blogs.
3. I am a learning based person who believes in sharing what I learn. This will be a gift not only to me but to anyone who will listen to me babble on and on about Inman & Tomato Blogs.
2. As I mentioned, I live in the Phoenix area...you know, home to the likes of Jay Thompson (The Phoenix Real Estate Guy), Steve Belt, Jonathon Dalton, Russell Shaw, Candace Robinson (AZ Real Estate Blogging Network) and let's not forget Greg Swann at The Bloodhound Blog. I am in desperate need of a kick-a** blog to get in the game and vie for a piece of the market. (Actually, I've met most of these guys & gal and have benefited from their knowledge and sharing. I am truly indebted.)
1. My kids and husband think I look like this: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l3JOfrpKDWo8I-xO8a7gcA?authkey=GMi-... With a “perfected” blog just waiting for content, I'll be able to get out there and sell some more real estate. More importantly, I'll be able to show my face to my wonderful family.
There you have it! Thanks for the wonderful opportunity! Looking forward to wearing my fur lined flip-flops in NYC!
With Your Success in Mind,
Shar Rundio
Keller Williams Integrity First Realty
Mesa, AZ
480.560.7255
www.SpeakingofPhoenixRealEstate.com
www.ANewThreshold.com
Submitted by Carole Smith on December 16, 2008 - 10:06am.
All women want a makeover - some need it more than others and my blog is no exception. It needs to get to the next level. It's elementary at best.
Won't you take pity on this basic wordpress blog o' mine and make it shine? Imagine the publicity you'll get on the before and after case study?!@#
http://carolesmith.wordpress.com/