I noticed I have a lot of great ideas when I'm not blogging. And then when I sit down to write the blog all those ideas have escaped my brain. Even after I've written them down then I have no inspiration again.it drives me crazy

Too many ideas...too little time.

Lori- Writers block and feeling of writing a quality blog. I have been here on AR since 2010 but I am often challenged thinking my writing is not up to par and spending way too much time on a post. This hurts my effort as I don't write enough or often enough

Getting back into the routine of blogging!

For me it's setting aside the time to do it.  I'm trying to continue to have a set schedule.

For me it's setting the time aside to be able to write something of quaility. Posting listings and market reports are a bit easier, but I prefer having more indepth posts and those take time to produce.

Finding the time to comment on 20 others' posts every day!

Researching quality topics and then writing a blog post that adds value to the conversation. Research, writing and editing takes time. I have several websites so that even triples the task. I like to get this done during my morning coffee before the day gets busy.

My biggest challenge is coming up with daily content and bring consistent.

Being consistent and fresh ideas.

I think after you have blogged for awhile its getting a mix of topics which in my area includes lots of local events plus some Real estate stuff which potential clients will find useful. What is a good mix and what do you need to include? i have had several folks tell me they do not read the RE technical stuff at all. Thats my job is what they have said! When I first srrated blogging it was getting over the fear of writing a lousy blog! Besy way to get over this is to just do it on a consistent basis. Daily is a good pattern to adopt!   

Quality content...What will stand the tests of time? The Egyptians had to ask and then answer this question...Now, we have to. Will the post, comment or blog have meaning? Will it hold? Does it work under all conditions? Will it serve the broader audience? Depth & Purpose guide me

Being consistent

Most people believe - TIME is the biggest challenge. And one you get addicted, time is perhaps least of the worries!

Seems like a universal problem is quality and consistency.  I'm right there with you!!  I have found if I just don't overthink it and start writing, I can do it. Why then, don't I do it more often???? That's the million dollar question.

By the way, Christi Farrington I read on another blog awhile back about iClipart and I just signed up for a year.  Check it out.  I think it will save lots of time from trying to find "free" images.

No doubt, biggest challenge is deciding on a topic that I think will be of value to readers & that will generate lots of buzz or clicks. Finding the time and the actual writing is easy for me, I admit.

Like Richie - quality content -  that plays well in my markets.  I read constantly to source good content that I can read and then develop my opinions and viewpoints around.  I then write something different using my voice and targeted to my audience.

Finding relevant topics and what will cause a response.

Ah, I'm with Scott on this one.  Plus, I'm concerned that it won't come across as professional enough.  Sometimes I just like to write 'fun' things vs statistics, etc.  Additionally, I don't know where to find some of those cute cartoon characters or a photo to put with the post to make it more interesting.  Actually, I have a post in 'Draft' waiting for me to decide what photo to add, if any.

Sounding good or fear of not sounding good.

Lori, I tend to blog mostly at night when I am apt to nod off over my computer keyboard and then wake up not remembering the great post I was about to write!

I think blogging is one of the best things you can do to build your brand, and I think a key is not to overthink it. 

A couple of you said you weren't sure what to write about, Lori starts off with some great points, blog posts on some of the most common questions your prospective clients have is a great place to start. Think of it this way, with so many people first searching online they spend a lot of time looking at keywords and asking specific questions, thinks like "first time home buyer tips" or "what is PMI" these are great places to start with content. 

It's also great to write about your local area. Many of the above reponses are right, have a little bit of fun with it. Write about happenings and events in your area, it doesn't all have to be just listings and market reports. Many people pick an agent because they like them, so just showcase your own great personality!

If you're struggling finding photos, check out http://pixabay.com/en/ it's a huge listing of free photos and graphics, I use it a ton for my blogs and almost all the pictures are attribution free. 

Here's another post that will give you a bunch more ideas for some blog topics to try out.

I think like a lot of other people, quality blogs would be the biggest challenge.

Short but sweet (sour): Time. My biggest challenge is time. I am sure I am not alone in this boat. 

Lori~ at first it was my "lack" of writing skills, then it became writing too much, and now it is finding the time 

For me it's finding good topics in a consistent basis. Second challenge is time!

My biggest challenge discipline. Usually I visit AR late at night when I'm already tired. I need to book an hour a day just for creating a blog post and stick to that routine. Consistency and quality of posts ~ I believe is a key to success.

Being consistent, quality content and writer's block.  I am so new at blogging that I need to spend more time researching and then making it a good read.

The biggest challenge is relevant and interesting topics. Sometimes it may seem like a great idea to blog about but putting it down in a way that buyers and sellers understand can be challenging.

Lori,

For us, the challenge is some days, we have so many ideas!  Which one to choose?  We research all the changes and gather data and sources to make sure that we are advising is based in fact, so those types of posts take more time...I have several in mind for which I am doing research.  A

My biggest challenge is getting over the process of starting out poorly and improving with each post. I am not a perfectionist, yet I do feel I can always improve a post, even when it seems to be just fine. Thanks for the question Lori Ballen! 

My challenge is finding enough time to write a post.  I spend more time than I should researching, writing and rewriting.  I have files filled with ideas for future posts.

topics and time!  They are both difficult to find.

One the biggest challenges for me is to find time to reciprocate when I receive comments on blogs. I may need to discontinue this long time practice.

The biggest challenge for me has always been what to write about and not just throw stuff up there. There are days when the topics just come up and then some days when I just can't think of a think.  However, always, I write with my own voice and wouldn't think of hiring a ghost writer.

Making the time to gather all my thoughts and not making it too long. I have lots of ideas and topics, but sometimes have difficulty putting all the words together.

Mine is quality content. Trying to orchrastrate answers to questions that those outside of the Real Estate Industry can easily understand. I think blogging/writing should be part of the Real Estate Courses when getting your license. I have had my license coming up on 2 years Jan 1 and I have really grown and become more confident in my knowledge of the industry since I started blogging. I have a lot of new agents ask me what they should do when they first get their license since I am newer and young. I immediately say write down all the questions you have about Real Estate. Then go one by one and find the answers and write the answers down. They then ask why? And I tell them because I want you to start a blog and this is the best way to start. All buyers and sellers will have these same questions and will search the internet for the answers. While searching they may come across your blog and use you as their knowledgable Realtor in their next purchase. But even more importantly than gaining business in the beginning is gaining this knowledge that you will use day in and day out while working in this Industry. 

I try to do it for fun and for business too. Keeping focused on writing those market reports and fact filled posts when they are not much fun is my challenge. Lori Ballen yes I know they are the bread and butter of blogging.

I find it difficult to find time quality posts. I just write market reports as they don't take much time. I love the contests each month because they are an incentive for me to write a post about other topics. 

Currently, my biggest challenge has been the fact that I feel like I've already written it all.  

Being consistent and grammar ...  I know its a pet peeve of many and I also know that others see grammar mistakes as a "poorly educated person"  when in fact I have a double major in programming and systems/business management.... looks like I should have minored in English 

Finding the time to write a quality blog is definitely a challenge on some days.

Nice tip about iClipart Kathi #13. Thanks for sharing that.

Often times I run out of things to write about. That's my biggest challenge. 

Finding the time and be consistent. Market report are so essential for our local market and I just need to be more consistent in putting out those types of blogs. 

Finding the time to write. I really should time block for it, but that just doesn't seem to work for me. I've made it a priority the last few days and that seems to be working for me.

Lori ...Mine is just finding the time ...I keep a pad that I right down topics so that when I do have the time I will not have to think of a topic.

Great question!

Finding the time to settle myself, come up with a plan of action and then putting it down.  I seem to get into the blog and the next thing I know I've spent alot more time than I had allotted (in my mind) and then I have to work even harder at catching up on my real estate business. Any suggestions from my peers would be awesome!

Rotations of keeping the several platforms fresh, pertinent and cross pollinated so each helps in the overall strategy of the group. So challenge is which four primary blog platforms today need feeding and with what in the round robin rotation to stay balanced, develop and keep the following you want to grow. It is not just blogging something, anything. It is feeding the audience and singling them out one by one to give them what they need to save money, educate, not waste time.

Keeping the habit.

Learning to blog!

Time!

Consistency!

Deciding on relavant topics to your target audience and communicating clearly yet concisely. Best way is to brainstorm topics, then pick one and write write write. Then proofread and finalize!

Happy blogging!

For those who need more blog topics, I suggest taking more photographs in your home community. Every photograph provides a subject for another blog. 

I have enjoyed reading the comments.