At one time, I was one of the purists who insisted that hiring ghost-bloggers was unethical. Today, I understand the importance and difficulty of producing lots of content for my website, blog, social networking sites, content sharing sites, etc. and I see nothing wrong with hiring a ghost-blogger. Just make sure you read and edit all the posts carefully.

If you want a good local writer, try Craigslist. Or check with one of your local colleges. The English or journalism departments are probably filled with students who would love to mke some money on the side.

Dee,

I recommend Ruth Macklin (MyREAssistant.com) and her team of Virtual Assistants.  They are excellent resources.  They write great content and understand real estate and already know how to blog and use a blog.  It is typically as easy as giving them a brief overview of your business, area and your blog login.  They can start ASAP and don't require training from you.

Joan,

Oh the purists. When I covered this topic a year ago- people were fired up and very dismissive of the idea.  But, I think after another year of blogging people see how difficult it is to come up with fresh content each day and supplementing your blog with a ghost writer is less offesnive.  Also- as your blog starts getting results and you get busier- blogging yourself just becomes more difficult.

Scott,

I don't think it is all that distrurbing.  When you consider that there are Realtors out there that are simply too successful to take the time to blog themselves, it is not all that suprising. These agents/brokers understand that value of a blog, but smply don't have the time to dedicate to it.  They do, however, pay good money for great content that gets results.  And at the end of the day- tat is what matters- if you don't have the time to blog yourself- you can find a ghost blogger that can do it for you.

I, personally, blog as a ghost writer for a well known Fortune 100 executive.  No body would ever guess that this person does not blog themselves. 

I for one have never been against the idea of paying for content. But I'd be honest about it.

I doubt a consumer would ever realize certain content is being ghost written, but a competing agent might fugure it out. If they do, I think you'd have a problem. Article 12 of the NAR code of Conduct warns against making misrepesentations in "real estate communications". I would think blogging would certainly apply.

If you are taking other people's writings, then representing them as your own, I think you're playing with fire. If it were me, I would disclose the true author as I doubt most consumers are going to care anyway.

It's certainly not meant to be an attack Mary. Just a different point of view. But there is a difference between fireing off traditional advertiseing and writing a blog post. Specifically, paying for someone else to write a post, then taking credit for it as you're own.

I'm just saying, that if it were me, I wouldn't take credit for the posts. Maybe attribute them to the "Spreangfield Real Estate Staff" or something like it.

I think it’s a great idea for many, but for me, writing is an outlet and a way to address common questions and concerns.

I’m no superwoman, and my time does get streatched pretty thin.  So when I have time to write, I’ll write a week or two’s worth of posts and schedule one for each day ahead.  This is another option for those who, like me, truly enjoy real estate blogging but naturally have a shortage of time.

I also find that mornings are generally pretty quiet.  It’s when i take the time to catch-up on news and blog.  Two things that are truly best done in conjunction.