I came across a post by Denise Wakeman that mentions her reasons for choosing TypePad over Blogger. In her post, she argues that TypePad has more features, is more customizable, and stable (actually she makes a reference to how Blogger may periodically delete posts). All this and TypePad is worth the five to fifteen dollars per month.
Professionals Need Professional Templates
I’d have to agree that TypePad is more flexible, which is a definite must for professionals. Unfortunately, many of the real estate blogs (i.e. professional blogs) that I see out there are on the more limiting Blogger and use default templates. Although a few have customized their templates (kudos to them), the standard templates often make the site appear too common.
Common isn’t always bad. But when you’re trying to stand out from the crowd, common makes it a little difficult. When I’m looking for professional information (i.e. real estate info), the more it looks like a cookie from a cutter, the more likely I am to leave the site in less than 10 seconds. The more customized a site is, the more likely I am confident in the information I am about to read… and stay a little while.
Your Blog Template and You: The Stumbling Presenters
You see, when I’m looking for good information, I [mostly subconsciously] assume that the person that shares the information will put some time and effort into presenting the information well. Have you ever gone to a conference where the keynote speaker was obviously not skilled in public speaking, stumbled over their words, and misplaced their notes? If you have, you would have lost some confidence in the speaker. Fortunately for the speaker, they have a little more than 10 seconds before you decide to walk out.
Spend the Time to Customize
When it comes to websites (blogs included), the overall design will induce a certain expectation. If your site template is common, the visitor might expect common information. If you spend time developing your content, yes, they will come. But if you spend a little more time in customizing your templates, they will stay.
Just getting started with blogging? See my recent post on Real Estate Blogging.
