What's so GREAT about Localism? It's a TREASURE....
There are some people, especially "Newbies" to Activerain that may not see the Advantages of posting to Localism. As a Feng Shui Consultant who lives and play on Long Island, NY and in New York City, I love writing about the different areas I find myself in.
I have many New York City locations including posts on Central Park and different parts of Manhattan. As I travel all over Long Island, I capture pictures and write about Feng Shui in a particular place or just about this lovely Island itself.
Several months ago I realized I was getting emails from people I don't know. They would ask me about a particular place in a post I'd written or for further information. I didn't think much of it as I answered the Emails except that I realized that Consumers WERE reading my posts....and obviously enjoying them.
Late one night when I was signing off the computer for the night, I went to check my emails and had one from someone who was quite upset. She asked me if they were tearing down the Jones Beach Water Tower, one of Long Island's beautiful monuments.
Jones Beach Water Tower, Wantagh Long Island New York
I was shocked. I knew they were restoring the Water Tower at Jones Beach but certainly not tearing it down! We have little enough left of Long Island now. I went online to research it and did in fact find a blog that said it was being demolished as the costs were too high to repair it.
Fortunately, I have a friend at Newsday, our lovely Long Island Newspaper. I've written about Newsday before and decided to email my friend....nothing gets by him! If they're tearing down the Water Tower, HE would know.
He answered me right away; he hadn't heard anything about it and I hadn't either prior to the email. I wrote this person back to give her the information when it dawned on me that after all this time (and all these posts) about Long Island, I had become the "Local Expert."
My blog Growing up Levittown Growing Up Levittown New York: The Way it WAS by Feng Shui Consultant Carole Provenzale got the most responses in my emails. It seems that many people were fortunate enough to grow up on Long Island and had a ‘Levittown NY' life and it brought back so many fond memories. They were kind enough to take the time to write me and thank me!
I thought back to the many other questions I've received over the years relating to Long Island, New York that I'd answered without giving them a second thought. If you write about your Local Areas and post them to Localism, you WILL be found.
You'll also be thought of as the "GO TO" person for further information. You'll become the LOCAL EXPERT. That's priceless!
Oh, about the Water Tower at Jones Beach: They are restoring it. The top is off because of the extensive repairs it require but it is NOT being dismantled. (When YOU become the Local Expert, check your facts : )
Have any Questions about Long Island New York? I work in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties and you're welcome to email me anytime!
I'm a LOT happier then she is : )
http://www.LongIslandFengShui.com
Long Island Feng Shui Consultants
http://www.FengShuiManhattan.com
NYC and Queens Feng Shui Consultant
*Carole Provenzale is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island & NY est. in 1997. As a Certified Feng Shui Expert she provides on Site Feng Shui Consultations for Long Island NY for Homes, Businesses, Retail and New Construction. She is also available for pre-inspection of a New Residence and Blessings Ceremonies.
Laura Cerrano is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant for New York City NYC and Queens NY. She also consults in the Tri State Area.
Localism is great because it is another stand alone site that all of us can have our local expertise be front and center:)
Good post, Carole. After being "AR-lazy" for a while, I've been posting more and adding Localism. I do have a question, from your experience on this: Do you narrow your Localism down to the county, or do you narrow it to the state?
Great blo and I agree. Localism is key to successful blogging on AR
I post in localism as well. Sometimes I narrow to a subdivision and sometimes to the county.
I am a FIRM believer in Localism and it has offered me MANY opportunities! I would say 98% of what I post is strictly for Localism!
Great information. I use localism also but not to the extent you do.
Great information. I use localism also but not to the extent you do.
Localism is a wonderful source for me also Carole .I get many calls from there.When I ask people where they found me they usually say LOCALISM...I love it!!! Again i think we have to Thank Bob Stewart for this..
HELPFULHANNAH
Localism, although still in it's infancy stages, is essential to growing your business.
It, along with the SEO it provides, makes you the expert in the area you post to.
Well done Carole!
And, I'm so glad the Jones Beach Tower isn't being torn down. It's a true Long Island landmark.
We post there as well Carole :) your blog is a great example of the ROI from using localism . Isn't it great to connect with people that grew up or once lived nearby - so much relatability there!
Sincerely,
Grace
Carole, You are such a wealth of information! People know where to find you and they enjoy reading your posts - I know I sure do. It's great to find an expert in the area and people really appreciate it. I love Localism, as it's such a great way to get our names out there and let others learn about our area.
Hi Carole,
Great information about the value of Localism! That is the most beautiful water tower I have ever seen. I have never seen one made out of brick. So good to hear that it is NOT being torn down.
Next step. When are you running for office?
Carole - I am a huge fan of Localism, for all the great reasons you mention! Someday in the distant future, I have a vision of some archeologist finding a decrepid mainframe computer in a cave somewhere. On it will be the history of local communities and history, as presented by Localism and ActiveRain bloggers of present day:-)
hi Carole,
What a beautiful, insightful post! I flagged it as it is so well written (like all of your posts) and shows newcomers to AR just how valuable being the local expert really is.
You're amazing. ((-;
Jo
Hi Carole! Your post is encouraging and precious... it's a reminder to ME... to get back to showcasing the area we service... when i can put the time in.
Carole, everyone needs to listen to you, because you are a Localism expert.
Bill, We can share all little unknown facts about the places we live in to so many so easily :)
Steve, I usually narrow it down to the County unless it's a New York City post...I don't narrow that down to a neighborhood usually.
Janice, its greatand it defintely works :)
Gabriela, Yes it can all depend on what your aiming for
Leesa, Localism is wonderful because your able to target specific areas in your state and get your name out to a variety of people.
Pat, Fortunately I've found much of my business has come from Localism posts.
Hannah, It absolutely was a great idea to create Localism blogs!
Craig, Thank you! I know, I was so relieved as well...there are so few landmarks left on Long Island.
Grace, Localism can connect you to people from so long ago...like friends from high school...amazing :)
Sandy, I couldn't agree with you more, your're able to accomplish two things at once.
Bruce, It would be so upsetting if they were torn down. I don't think they except honesty and fairness for that job title :)
Myrl, Wow..that's a fun theory! And maybe even a possibility :)
Jo, I had no idea anyone was thinking along those lines...but when I got the email about the tower a lightbulb went off!
Gary, Oh, if only that were true...but I'm trying!
Carole, Outstanding post. And what a win-win for everyone. Your local area gets the free advertising and you do too! Plus you are writing about something you are genuinely passionate about. Cudos!
Carole
Localism gets us right out in front; I didn't realize this until I Googled and found so many articles under Localism posts.
Thanks Carole, you put a new importance on "Localism" we will try to get better about posting on our City.
Great blog Carole! Oh, and I'm sure you are happier than her :)
Carole- I've written quite a few blogs about Apex and am now getting emails wanting information also. Write about what you know, and the people will come.
Great job!
Carole--I get interesting calls from localism posts. One recent was an out of state lady who needed the number of the place that sells the white bear statues so she could order one as a gift.
Carole you do a great job with your Localism post. Like you I get most of the email from Localism post even from the pictures. I too hope the new member will value your advice.
I love that water tower picture.
I'm only beginning to understand Localism. At first I thought it was where I would put all my posts, but it's not about me, it's about places in the area I serve. I'll get better.
Carole ~ Localism is a great place to post. Most of my referrals from AR have come from post I have done on localism. It is a great way to reach those in your community and beyond.
Susan B, I love exploring LI, NY and sharing the fine treasures it has to offer. You never know what you'll come across each day :)
Tom, Localism is wonderful...it pulls up so much "Google juice." Just keep posting and get your name out there.
Al and Peggy, That sounds like a great idea. Try and find events or even landmarks that people didn't even know about...you have the power to teach and share new experiences with people from all over.
Jackie, Thank you, I really do enjoy informing people about New York City and Long Island. There is so much rich history and even more to learn about.
Linda, We've become local tour guides :) "If you build it, they will come" I love that movie :)
Teri, It's funny that you mention that. One time I received a call from a man in Colorado and he wanted to know where he could purchase a piece of furniture he saw in one of my blogs. It described furniture placement in your home. You never know who you can connect with :)
Jennifer, Much of my business has come from the Localism posts, its very helpful. I hope this information can be of help to the new comers of ActiveRain with future clients.
Jim, exactly..your the explorer & messenger for people not from the area. Absolutely enlighten them about what your area has to offer them :)
Joan, I agree 100%. You have the capability to branch out even beyond the United States :)
I love those kind of calls and emails! Sometimes I am amazed that I am the source of information for people. Many times it's only because the business or school or home owner association doesn't have an online presence. People are thirsty for information and if you are providing it you become their de facto expert.
I love visiting NYC and next time I will have to go see the Jones Beach Tower. It looks spectacular, and I am happy to hear it is not being torn down. Congrats on becoming the local expert. It is a well deserved title and you wear it well!
Betina
Clearly you're the Long Island go-to gal, Carole! Who else has an ace reporter in her back pocket? If you don't know, you have someone on speed dial who does...
Continued success to you, my friend.
You ARE the local expert, so of course they're going to call you.
Congratulations Carole! How wonderful! We have been trying to make sure to put lots out there on localism. Glad to hear about your success and that they are face lifting the water tower!
Hi Carole,
It's so true that we project an image online. You are so good about writing consistently, and your stories are very interesting.
Just had to add that the tower (though taller) looks eerily like a pastel of the Cabot Tower from Bristol, England, which is hanging on my wall. I wonder if there's a connection?
The majority of what I post is for Localism and have received phone calls as well. It is a great site. I am doubting, however, the benefit of being a Localism sponsor. As the site has been down for over two months as a sponsor, I am unable to upload new photos. We have so many wonderful things happening in Vilano (gotta go post now!) that our landscape has changed. Do you see value in being a Localism sponsor? Let me know your thoughts and experience.
I am just starting as a rainmaker. I went to the page on localism and read everything but I didn't see anything about costs? Can someone steer me to the right page.