We're going to guess that many of our blog readers are also blog writers. Blogging is part of a complete real estate social marketing strategy. It keeps you relevant in your market place, boosts your SEO and gives you content to share on social media. Your blog also gives prospects a way to learn more about you before they interact with you, functioning as a sort of indirect sales agent for your personal brand.

But, we'll be the first to admit it: blogging isn't easy. It's certainly not for wimps. Or quitters. But neither is real estate.

This post is inspired by all of you out there that bravely face the blank page, whether it's once a month or once a week. Today we have five real estate blogging tips that will, hopefully, make your blogging life just a little easier.

Don't have a blog yet? If you've been hesitant to get started, let this be the push you need to take the plunge.

1. Brainstorm

Stop! Step away from the keyboard! Before you do anything, take just 15 minutes to disconnect from everything (except your cell phone – clients always come first!) to brainstorm potential blog content. Grab a pencil and paper and make four lists:

• Questions buyers frequently ask you
• Questions sellers frequently ask you
• Real estate things you know a lot about – terms, niche markets, mortgages, etc.
• Real estate things that interest you (but you may not know a lot about)

Ta-da! You just came up with piles of content for your blog. Way to go! Keep these lists somewhere handy so you'll be ready to add to it anytime inspiration strikes. Did a prospect ask you something you had to look up? Add it to the list. Read about a great new house-hunting app? Put it on the list. Now you've got the swing of it!