Blogging Best Practices: Attract Visitors and Capture Leads
A step-by-step guide to turning blog posts into powerful lead generation tools through strategic content, SEO optimization, and marketing.
Table of Contents
Summary
This article provides a complete roadmap for turning Sierra Interactive blog posts into a powerful lead generation tool. You’ll learn how to:
- Create blog posts that are relevant and searchable
- Write and optimize posts so they attract and convert readers
- Market your blogs effectively to drive more site traffic
For step-by-step instructions on creating blog posts inside the CRM, see How to Create and Manage Blog Posts in Sierra.
Why This Feature Matters
- Capture early-stage leads: Buyers and sellers search online before they’re ready to commit. Blogs help you meet them early.
- Build local authority: Consistent, helpful posts position you as the go-to expert in your market.
- Boost site performance: Search engines reward websites with fresh, relevant content.
- Generate leads: Optimized posts with clear calls-to-action can bring in prospects directly from your blog.
Step-by-Step Framework
1. Create Blogs with Intention
While creating a blog in Sierra is straightforward, choosing the right topics is what makes it effective.
Tips for strong blog foundations:
- Choose keyword-rich titles. Example:
- Instead of Neighborhood Spotlight, write Best Neighborhoods in Louisville for Families in 2025.
- Write for early-stage buyers and sellers who are still gathering information.
- Keep posts focused, clear, and useful.
🔗 For Sierra-specific instructions, see How to Create and Manage Blog Posts in Sierra.
2. Write & Optimize for Lead Generation
Most blog visitors aren’t ready to transact yet. Blogs capture their attention early, giving you time to build trust.
Strong blog topics include:
- Neighborhood comparisons (schools, cost of living, lifestyle)
- Homebuying basics (pre-approval, down payments, mistakes to avoid)
- Market trends (interest rates, inventory, pricing explained simply)
- Renting vs. buying and budgeting guides
Tips for effective writing:
- Keep language conversational and simple.
- Use headers, bullet points, and visuals to break up text.
- Answer common questions directly.
- End with a call-to-action (e.g., Download a buyer’s guide or Set up property alerts).
- Include personal insights—Google favors content written from real experience.
Optimization techniques:
- Link blogs to neighborhood pages, listings, and related content.
- Offer downloadable resources (checklists, guides).
- Add local photos, charts, or graphics to keep readers engaged.
3. Market Your Blogs to Drive Traffic
Publishing is only half the work. Promotion ensures your blogs actually get read.
Where to share blogs:
- Social media: Share snippets, quotes, or visuals (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok).
- Email newsletters & e-alerts: Send new posts to your database.
- Market updates: Add links to relevant blog content.
- Internal linking: Connect blogs to site pages and other articles.
Best practices for promotion:
- Repurpose each blog into multiple social posts or short videos.
- Refresh evergreen posts regularly (e.g., Tips for First-Time Homebuyers).
- Use eye-catching visuals (charts, Canva graphics, local photos).
- Track performance — views, clicks, and conversions — to double down on what works.
Best Practices
- Use the Create → Optimize → Market framework consistently.
- Focus on real questions clients ask. If one person asks, others are searching for it.
- Stay consistent. A steady cadence builds long-term SEO and brand authority.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- “My blog isn’t getting traffic.”
Promote across multiple channels and refresh evergreen posts. - “I’m stuck on topics.”
Use Google’s People Also Ask, client FAQs, or trending topics on Zillow/Redfin for inspiration. - “Leads aren’t converting.”
Strengthen calls-to-action and link blogs to property searches or guides.
FAQs
Q: How often should I blog?
A: Aim for 2–4 posts per month to keep content fresh and support SEO.
Q: How long should my blog posts be?
A: 800–1,200 words works well — long enough to be valuable but easy to read.
Q: Do blogs really generate leads?
A: Yes. While they often attract early-stage buyers, optimized blogs with CTAs can directly generate leads and feed your pipeline.