Special offer

Spam prevention
Rainer
276,044
Susan Jacobsen
The Alliance Group Realty - Hilton Head Island, SC
20 Years Providing WOW Real Estate Service

Jeff - I really kind of think that the title comes first but sometimes my journalism training comes in and I write and then try to think of a title that captures the point that I'm trying to make.

Jan 25, 2015 07:53 AM
Rainer
329,576
Donald Reich
Prudential Centennial - New Rochelle, NY

It's the idea that comes first. Both the post and the title stem from that.

Jan 24, 2015 11:57 PM
Rainer
7,895
BlueGrape Home Staging
BlueGrape Home Staging - San Diego, CA

I know what I am inspired to write about so the title comes first and then the post. But after the post I do re-look at the title and improvise it if required. 

Jan 25, 2015 12:54 PM
Rainmaker
1,139,819
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

I believe the idea of the blog, then some how you must tie the title into good key words.

Jan 25, 2015 09:55 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,470
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Depends on the muse, sometimes, we have a great title to begin with, and sometimes the title evolves from the post.  It is always a surprise.  A

Jan 25, 2015 08:56 AM
Ambassador
5,044,753
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Gabe Sanders  - sounds like you have a pretty consistent strategy.

Inna Ivchenko  - both statements are true

Sharon Paxson - I like writing posts just based on photos sometimes

Alan May - thanks. It pays to be flexible doesn't it?

Jeff

Jan 25, 2015 07:36 AM
Rainer
87,383
Christina Botteri
REeBroker - Roseville, CA

Often, I'll mull on an idea for a while before I start writing anything, so by the time I log in to blog, I'm basically taking dictation from myself.

I write the title, then the blog - although the truth of it is that I'll usually have the idea for the title as I'm thinking about the blog.

Does that make sense?

What about you, Jeff Dowler CRS?

Jan 25, 2015 01:58 AM
Rainmaker
5,862,877
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Morning Jeff, definitely the post, and then I put a title on it.  Sometimes I can be creative, other times no so much.

Jan 25, 2015 01:09 AM
Rainmaker
2,238,261
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Often easier to build around the title that sets the tone, gives direction. But have started with one header and then as the hunt and peck wraps up below, pulled out the ladder. To slider it over into place and tweak or totally replace the title. Because it started out fitting, then did not.

Jan 25, 2015 12:03 AM
Ambassador
6,380,446
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

An idea.

Sep 17, 2019 11:34 PM
Rainmaker
273,986
Malendaz Coleman
FLAT MLS LISTING SERVICES - Port Charlotte, FL
FLAT FEE MLS LISTING SERVICES - LIST LOW AS $69.00

The title is key to how much traffic your blog will get. Great Post!!!

Jan 28, 2015 10:32 AM
Rainer
356,182
Tom White
Franklin Homes Realty LLC (615) 495-0752 or www.FranklinHomesRealty.com - Franklin, TN
Franklin Homes Realty LLC, Franklin TN

Jeff, most of the time the title comes first, along with the idea for the blog. However, I often change up the title to make it more interesting after I've started writing the post. 

Jan 28, 2015 04:20 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,252
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Usually title, but not always and often I change the title when I am done.

Jan 27, 2015 01:29 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Jeff, often it's the photo or graphic!  And while the title comes first, I often wind up changing it after I finish the post.  

Jan 26, 2015 10:41 PM
Rainmaker
2,357,625
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

It depends wth me - but usually the blog has a working title and then i go back and fix the mistakes! 

Jan 26, 2015 11:41 AM
Rainmaker
786,080
Claude Labbe
RLAH / @properties - Washington, DC
Realty for Your Busy Life

Either. Both. Neither.

As others have already said...sometimes the title is a draft title, sometimes the title changes with the post.  Sometimes the post starts w/o a title.

They have to be consistent, and the title needs to be "attractive/alluring", otherwise the post will never be found and never be read.

Jan 26, 2015 10:17 AM
Rainmaker
781,674
Jill Sackler
Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500 - Long Beach, NY
LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate

I've done it both ways but, one thing for sure, I put a lot more thought into my blog title than I did in the very beginning, when I didn't realize just how important it is. It can actually make or break your post.

Jan 26, 2015 07:21 AM
Ambassador
5,044,753
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thanks for all your answers. It's been interesting to see how much variety there is

Jeff

Jan 26, 2015 07:17 AM
Ambassador
2,336,263
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

The blog and the title together

Jan 26, 2015 04:30 AM
Rainmaker
878,609
Kevin Mackessy
Blue Olive Properties, LLC - Highlands Ranch, CO
Dedicated. Qualified. Local.

Blog post always.  Then I make the title from the highlights of the post, and inside the title bar.  That way I know how many characters I've spent.  

Jan 26, 2015 02:52 AM
Ambassador
3,507,000
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

I will have both an idea as well as the first title draft.  As the post evolves, the title will get better defined based on what was highlighted in the post.  It's almost the chicken or the egg principle

Jan 26, 2015 02:44 AM
Rainmaker
449,976
Dana Hollish Hill
Hollish Hill Group, JPAR Stellar Living - Bethesda, MD
REALTOR * Broker * Coach

Usually I have an idea for a post, start writing and then the title comes to me. 

Jan 26, 2015 02:38 AM
Rainmaker
2,759,871
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Makes absolutely no difference to me.  

Both are probably going to be edited anyway.

Jan 26, 2015 02:06 AM
Rainmaker
1,417,649
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

The title gets the readers. The content, if good, gets the call to action answered. So both are important. However, if the title is not catchy no one may read the post. 

Jan 26, 2015 02:03 AM
Rainmaker
474,192
Bill Dandridge
MKB, Realtors - Roanoke, VA
GREEN, ABR, GRI, EcoBroker

I write the blog first, and then come up with a title.

Jan 25, 2015 11:51 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Sometimes I write the post first and then the title. For market reprots I write the title first.

Jan 25, 2015 10:53 PM
Rainmaker
680,679
Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert
Zion Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Broker/Owner of Zion Realty ZionRealtyAZ.com

The title is pretty easy when it's just a market report or subdivision write-up but for other posts I usually write the post first then match the title to what I wrote. 

Jan 25, 2015 10:52 PM
Rainmaker
977,386
Brigita McKelvie, Associate Broker
Cindy Stys Equestrian and Country Properties, Ltd. - Lehigh Valley, PA
The Broker with horse sense and no horsing around

It's usually the blog post that comes first for me.  The title is last.  I try to have a title that catches the readers attention and pertains to the post as best as possible.

Jan 25, 2015 09:28 PM
Rainer
217,662
Ted Glover
Alderman Classic Realty, LLC - Moultrie, GA
ABR in Moultrie, Georgia 229-854-5422

As for me Jeff Dowler CRS its the title first. It had made me think I wanted to share this and go from there.

Jan 25, 2015 09:02 PM
Rainmaker
869,112
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

To me title is most important.  The catchier the title and interesting, at least you have a shot of gettting someone's attention to at least read your content

Jan 25, 2015 07:59 PM
Rainmaker
5,102,824
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Definitely my blog post! I hate writing titles and am very envious of AR members who are soooo clever with their titles!

Jan 25, 2015 07:59 PM
Ambassador
3,167,333
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Can go either direction, but more often it's the concept of the post that's first and the title follows.

Jan 25, 2015 07:45 PM
Ambassador
2,430,413
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I write the entire blog in my head, and then when I am ready to type it all up, that's when I come up with the title.

Jan 25, 2015 07:09 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,536
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

The blog usually comes first for me followed by one or two titles Jeff Dowler CRS  

Jan 25, 2015 12:57 PM
Rainmaker
2,012,678
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Jeff - I've done it both ways though I often write the post first.

Jan 25, 2015 12:47 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

Usually it is my title, but sometimes after I finish the blog I think of a better title.

Jan 25, 2015 12:41 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

The thought or concept comes first and sometimes the title changes 2 or 3 times.

Jan 25, 2015 12:21 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Jeff Dowler CRS - the first comes a thought of a topic and then I search for a catchy title (though I have a very limited blogging expertise...I like to read and comment.)

Jan 25, 2015 11:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,026,854
Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

First the topic, then the title, and finally the content. But it's not ususal for me to tweak the title after the blog post has been written.

Jan 25, 2015 11:08 AM
Ambassador
5,819,861
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

The idea comes first but I definitely work hard on the title!

Jan 25, 2015 11:02 AM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

The idea for the title comes first, then the title and finally the blog...then come the comments!

Jan 25, 2015 10:58 AM
Rainmaker
750,057
Rob D. Shepherd
RETIRED - Florence, OR
RETIRED

I write a catchy title first but the idea of the blog came first.

Jan 25, 2015 10:50 AM
Rainmaker
826,944
Lanre-"THE REAL ESTATE FARMER" Folayan
Samson Properties - Bowie, MD
I don't make promises.I deliver results.SOLD HOMES

Jeff Dowler CRS -I just discovered this cheat sheet here today. It is called Headlines Hacks. It is supposed to help you come up with catchy titles for your blog. I hope this helps you come up with catchy titles.

Jan 25, 2015 10:32 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

The title for me, then I flush out the body.

Jan 25, 2015 10:27 AM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

The subject of the post always come first for me.  The concept I want to write about.  Then the title, something catchy.  Then I write the post.

Jan 25, 2015 10:16 AM
Ambassador
3,852,661
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

I have done it both ways. Sometimes a title hits me and I jot it down...most time it is the idea and I just start writing. Like Ron & Alexandra Seigel it is always a surprise.

Jan 25, 2015 10:11 AM
Rainer
51,536
Marilyn O'Donoghue
Long & Foster Avalon - Avalon, NJ

I always start with the title since it is the main idea and I build from there.

Jan 25, 2015 09:14 AM
Rainmaker
280,549
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

Always the blog.  I think about what I want to say and then try to come up with a catchy title.

Jan 25, 2015 08:50 AM
Ambassador
2,160,048
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

I know what I want to write about and start with the title.  However, it's not unusual for me to change the title before posting.

Jan 25, 2015 08:04 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,011
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Good question, most of the time i have a story and soend more time thinking about a catchy title but other times i a title comes to me and it inspires a blog

Jan 25, 2015 07:46 AM
Ambassador
3,343,466
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

It depends, Jeff.  I often find that after I have written a post I change my title. I can be an iterative process for me.

Jan 25, 2015 07:46 AM
Ambassador
2,056,301
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

That's a really good question.  Most of the time I write the post first, and then, hopefully, something in the article speaks to me and tells me what the title should be.

Sometimes I write the title first... but most of the time it's the other way around.

Jan 25, 2015 07:22 AM
Rainmaker
1,026,994
Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate

For me the topic, then I create the title, then the post. And photos always help me write!! I am a visual writer.

Jan 25, 2015 07:07 AM
Rainmaker
1,621,596
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Catchy title attract people to open that link. Title does matter. Yet, if you are continuously deliver solid posts, you'll get loyal followers and create a good online reputation.

Jan 25, 2015 06:45 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

First comes the post.  Then the title.  And then more often than not, the post is changed some and again a change to the title.  Repeated until I feel good about it.  

Jan 25, 2015 05:15 AM
Ambassador
5,044,753
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Joan Cox  - sometimes I have a tough time coming up with a title I like

Alex Piccirillo  Always?

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Call 631-805-4400 (c)  - we'll see

Debbie Gartner - often true for me, but other times I have an idea, write the post and then have to come up with a title I like

David - no trick, just curious how it is for others

Christina - makes sense to me. Sometimes I have a vague idea and just start to write, other times it flows easily since I alrady have it written in my head. And sometimes a great (im MY opinion) title just pops into my head and the post fows from there

Jeff

Jan 25, 2015 02:20 AM
Rainmaker
940,545
David Alan Baker | Laveen & South Phoenix Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Phoenix - Laveen, AZ
Your local Expert

That almost sounds like a trick questions.  For me, I come out with an idea of what I want to write about, and it generally becomes my title.  I write from there.

Jan 25, 2015 01:42 AM
Rainmaker
2,817,665
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Generally, the title first as that is the idea behind the post. 

Jan 25, 2015 01:36 AM
Rainmaker
4,327,018
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

The blog post...then the title. However, I just heard an old song the other and thought...now that's going to be a feature!

Jan 25, 2015 01:35 AM
Rainer
130,752
Alex Piccirillo
Nest Seekers International - East Hampton, NY
Associate Broker

Blog post.

Jan 25, 2015 01:12 AM
Ambassador
5,044,753
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Andrew Mooers I sometimes start with the title, although it may get modified and other times the post comes first, sometimes inspired by a photo.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson Funny how the shower is such a great spot for thinking for so many of us

Jeff

Jan 25, 2015 12:53 AM
Rainmaker
3,340,443
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Can be either....sometimes a title strikes me "in the shower" or we will have a situation...and David will say..."Now there's a blog"...can go either way

Jan 25, 2015 12:28 AM
Ambassador
5,044,753
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Well, true.

Jan 25, 2015 12:02 AM