In this day and age, marketing yourself in real estate is an involved process- and, definitely not one that can be overlooked. The internet has become a key source for marketing and for recruiting clients and it's not enough just to have a simple website with stock content.

Being on the competitive edge of the internet is all about being unique- having unique content that'll stand out from the endless redundancies that exist out there. Now, if you're an agent but don't consider yourself a writer, chances are the word "unique" is enough to send you cowering, child-like and terrified into a dark little corner. Many people assume that the ability to write well is an innate one, and if you don't have it, well, then you never will. This is simply not the case, and there are some easy steps you can follow to help you get the ideas and the ink flowing. Don't be afraid!

Being unique is all about sharing your personal experience and your personal voice, and as clearly as possible. Initially, the process of becoming a good writer is less about worrying about the "technique" of writing and more about discovering what sorts of things make you laugh, interest you and "turn you on". Through discovering this voice, your own fetishes and sense of humor, you'll be on your way to honing your own personal and of course unique, voice. After all, there's only one you out there who sees the world through your glasses.

Now, this may all sound somewhat nebulous, ethereal and maybe you're thinking, " Oh, well thanks a bunch. Now how about you write me up, The Top Ten Ways to Hone Your Unique Voice, and I'll take it from there". It's not as easy as that, but the following exercises, if followed consistently, will help you to open up your sense of expression and get you writing unique content.

You'll want to keep a few different journals, note pads and documents. Each will have a specific purpose. Begin with a journal in which you'll just "free flow" write. Set aside a time each day where you'll write for a good 20 minutes to half an hour. Mornings are often a good time, as you're usually at your most open and vulnerable.Your dreamy sub conscious has yet to be beaten out by the doldrums of day to day reality. Put your pen to your paper and write about whatever comes to mind. Do not censor and do not stop- even if this means writing an epic paragraph on how you have nothing to write about. This is also called the stream of consciousness technique. All you need to know about this process, is that it will help you in the long-run. It's sort of like the calisthenics a boxer needs to do to keep in shape. It's your everyday writers work-out.

Now, as you are already immersed in the the world that you are aiming to write about, it's of paramount importance that you begin to use your real estate experiences in your writing. Keep a note pad, computer, or sounds recording device on hand while you're at work. If something strikes you, document it. An idea might come in the form of a title, a sentence of even a quirky image. When you have a chance, jot it down. You'll explore it later.

Study the experiences of your clients. They will become rich resource material as well. Just as you want to have empathy for their particular experience as their realtor, as a writer you'll want to gain an inside understanding of their experience. Some of the best stories you'll write, will be ones derived from these true experiences you've had and witnessed in the field. Of course, these insights might just be great starting points. You don't have to write the absolute truth of an experience, but a small kernel can explode into a great imaginative circus. So, keep alert.

Begin to gather samples of writing that impress, inspire and incite you. Keep a separate document for these- a sort of scrapbook. Whenever you feeling blocked, you can go to this material, read it and hopefully it will invigorate your imagination. Again, tune into what it is that makes you laugh, what truly interests you and intrigues you. These elements are your unique perspective, illuminated. And, if you can eventually create content that explores these angles, then you'll be bringing something fresh to your writing.

Keep on top of what is happening around you. In a coffee shop you may over hear a conversation between a young couple who are house hunting. Listen in and take notes. These sorts of real life situations are where you'll find the best material and inspiration. Read magazines, and newspapers. Read, not only the real estate sections, but take in all that is going on around you. The broader range of knowledge you have, the more perspective you'll be able to bring to your stories.

When it comes to actually writing your articles, go back to your document of real estate ideas and begin to flesh out and draw up some simple outlines for these ideas. These outlines do not have to be elaborate- just a few central points under your main idea. This document will become the golden source for all your content. From here, you can begin to write your articles.

Now, you have the unique and personally inspired ideas for your content, and your have some central points to extrapolate on in your article. You have all your need, so don't let the idea of perfection stop you from writing. You will only get better by writing and then writing some more! Just do your best, have a friend or spouse proof-read your work, read it out loud yourself, make the necessary changes, submit it, and move onto to the next. Keep the ball rolling and you'll be on your way to becoming a better writer and someone who enjoys the creative process of writing!