Social media and tech expert Doug Devitre covers “Social Media: Power Prospecting and Renewing Referrals” at the IAR Convention, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2010, in St. Charles, where he’ll show REALTORS® how to find prospects, clients and referrals on the Web using social media.

Here are two tips from Doug’s article “Make Your Blog Work for You” from the October Illinois REALTOR® Magazine (viewable online or via mobile device).

• During the course of the day you reply to many e-mails answering questions from your consumers. Browse through your ‘sent’ items of your e-mail software. Chances are other people can benefit from reading the long answers that you type out for one client. Just be sure not to include personal information or specific details of the transaction, and edit the e-mail to be more conversational.
• Blog about your own experience. Think of all of the things you learn about real estate and try to explain them as posts on your blog. For example, explain the home buying or selling process, supply and demand, the effects of unemployment on the housing stock. Borrow from your listing presentations using anything that leads people to action (e.g., 10 Steps for First-Time Homebuyers, 7 Steps to a Successful Sale of Your Home, 10 Things You Look for in a Home Inspector, Creative Financing for Military Veterans, etc.).

About Doug: Doug Devitre, the Chief Experience Officer of Doug Devitre International, Inc. helps real estate professionals, brokers, and associations save money, time, and create value using affordable technology solutions.