Blogging has been touted as the new answer to giving the consumer what they want. The first 10 years of the web was all about static information. Many are barely keeping their heads above the rising tide of available information and have found without interpretation, it is something to fear downing in without finding the foothold that leads to knowledge. The web has entered what's been dubbed as Web 2.0 and no, it isn't a program to buy or download. It is a description of the new way the web is being used: as an interactive playing field where community and participation bring opportunities previously lacking.

So what's this mean to you? NAR has estimated there are only 4% of real estate agents currently blogging. Two of the largest real estate related platforms, RealTown and ActiveRain each have slightly over 100,000 members and many of those are using both platforms, so the numbers are quite small. As with any new technology that is part of a larger, important trend, the early adapters have an edge.

At their most effective, blogs can give your business some solid benefits:

• Increase your status as a local expert

• Increase your website traffic

• Create interaction with your target market

• Provide the consumers with current, valuable information and resources

• Create prospects

But, blogging isn't for everyone.

To decide if this is what you need to do, ask yourself a few questions:

• Are you willing to make a commitment to spend time weekly?

• Do you enjoy writing?

• Do you want to build some Internet business?

• Are you willing to invest in the learning curve to get up and running?

If the answer to most of these questions is no, blogging would probably turn into a chore that makes you feel overwhelmed and guilty. One solution would be to outsource it. There are ghost bloggers and ways to have others maintain and create your content. This is not as personal, but does give you a presence, although the costs will be much higher.

If the answer to most of these questions is yes and you haven't started blogging, you should consider this a part of your overall marketing plan and see where and how it fits. If building Internet business is part of your business plan, blogging makes sense and would be a place to budget time and money that was previously being used in other ways, like print advertising or postcard campaigns. In today's markets, a realistic appraisal of what is working and what isn't and some new strategies might be the answer to staying very competitive. Blogs help you inexpensively create that expert status that attracts client interest and builds your credibity.

To Blog or Not to Blog? That is the question! I believe gives an agent the differentiation and positioning to be successful with what the public is looking for in 2008 and beyond! What do you think?