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I belong to both, and I like both. They're very different, but they both have the same idea - if you're helpful without being pushy, and you clearly know what you're talking about, most people are more likely to want to work with you.
As real estate agents, we already have a strike against us just because of the perception that we're "sales people" - it doesn't help to act like it, and that's what soliciting in violation of the TOS - any TOS - is. You wouldn't behave in such a fashion in someone's living room (deliberately violating their rules of behavior) and expect to get any business from them; why should it be any different here?
I'm a member of both sites. Funny how they all jump to defend her and comfort her when she clearly violated the TOS of CD. I'm not a big fan of AR. And as for the "offended" (or "offending" as in the TOS) agent if you ask me she needs to toughen up. Realtors need a thick skin or they won't be happy in life. I've picked up a few deals from here and I don't solicit. Like CD better for it honestly.
I have learned a lot on AR. I follow a few bloggers there.
Don't underestimate the value of a high ranking there.
And they do great SEO.
But, it was better before many of the early members determined they were farther ahead to post their content to their own sites.
I have learned a lot on CD.
CD does great SEO, too, although I think a lot of it is organic due to the size of the site, the amount of content.
Then, there is Trulia.
I rank #1 in Cary and Wake County and number 5 in North Carolina, for free, and they want to sell me Pro at $400/yr, when all but 1 of the "Pro's" rank below me.
I've learned from both but like you said they are different. I actually rank #1 in my area on AR. I don't use Trulia for anything but posting listings. I assume I don't rank there w/o blogging.
AR is the #4 driver of traffic to my website. It is an incredible business tool. CD has one of the highest time spent on my website. CD sends a lot fewer folks my way, but those that do check me out spend a lot of time on my site. AR sends quantity, CD quality.
Both work.
Trulia for me is about 10th for driving traffic. I don't do much with the big Z. Gotta actually work with people at some point.
I've learned from both but like you said they are different. I actually rank #1 in my area on AR. I don't use Trulia for anything but posting listings. I assume I don't rank there w/o blogging.
We get a lot of folks asking real estate questions on Trulia in this area.
I get email alerts when a local questioin is asked and I answer quite a few questions.
Answering questions on Trulia gives points.
It is not unlike hanging out on CD and choosing to be helpful or merely to troll for leads. And soliciting is allowed on Trulia.
Some agents use the opportunity to answer the question with helpful information.
Some agents avoid helping by teasing and offer the old, "Call me because I think I'm brilliant, and I will tell you. Well... I'll sell you."
Either Trulia method gives points, but I can't attribute any results to the #1 ranks. And, being eligible, I just might attain Level 1 VIP status.
Well, I thought about it overnight, and did finally post, trying to remain drama-free.
You done good...
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