Compulsion.
It's pathological at this point.

Oh, and to establish and maintain a presence.
So I guess that's a 1, half of a 2, 5.

1.

2.

5.   Maintain an internet presence. 

To express my professional opinions, promote my business, have fun.

I share what I know....

it makes the phone ring....

we're listing agents, and our seller clients like the video and slide shows of their homes...

I also like the networking on ActiveRain....

I enjoy writing - It is a humbling opportunity to share my thoughts and to hear the thoughts of others..
The end-result is not necessarily the goal - for me, it's about the 'journey' of learning, growing, and hopefully sharing valuable, thought provoking, and encouraging content with the reader(s).  
Thank you for your question Sarah.

Sarah,

It would take me a long time to answer this question in writing it. 

Primarily number two, followed by number one.

As far as number three, I'm not in a niche where affiliate income is a viable option.  Debbie Gartner, our local flooring expert, is in a niche that could benefit from it.

Number four, the website isn't something that could be sold as a stand-alone item.  It's something that would be sold as part of selling the business, if I were to build a brand that was able to be sold.

I like the response from Candice A. Donofrio. 

1 and 2. Mostly 2 - and to be noted as the expert in our market.

Hi Sarah!  1, 2 and 5. #5 would include brand recognition and the fact that I enjoy having a 'database' of material to send my clients. For example, I have a post about seller preparation on my website that I send that link to my sellers as part of a next steps email to prepare them, once they go under Contract. I also enjoy writing daily so, blogging just 'fits' me!

As for #3 - I don't participate in affiliate income

#4 - I will prep a family member to take over my business when the time comes so, it won't be sold, nor do I believe it will be worth much money when I retire! 

1, 2 & 5 (brand exposure, which drives to more of #1).

Habit for one and it also stirs my imagination.

For me, #1, 2 and 3. As Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA  I've been pushing affiliate/ads lately and this month it looks like I will be earning 5 figures on the blog just for that.

I don't think I'd ever consider selling my site...as it is creating a lot of passive income for me.  So, I intend to use it as my retirement plan.

I blog to get new leads. Blogging makes me equal with the biggest of companies and agents. It gives me a platform and way to market myself locally and nationally. Of course what you blog will affect if anyone reads it never mind reaches out to you. I like a combination of stories with tips, concerns, answers and solutions. Consumers can relate and avoid issues by reading a variety of posts about buying and selling. Mix in some market reports and i get new clients weekly direct from my blog.

Leads and SEO, and I am addicted.

I have nothing else to do & I'm feeling unloved today.

1 - 2 & 4.5 lol, who sells their website when they retire or anytime for that matter.

1, 2, and 5 (brand recognition)

I second your response, Tony Lewis 

1. To improve the value of your website for resale
2. Learn inventory by heart by doing market updates

1, 2 & 4 - for business. 

1, 2, 3, and 4

For "street cred."

passion....

Sarah Layton | Copywriter & Inman Star Contributor - for me, just my market reports showing my expetise to consumers - to 'convert' leads.

Why indeed. I think I'll go blog about that...

This is a good question but lets look behind the standard answers....

Primarily in the order you list them 1 then 2 but haven't tried 3 and would consider.. but need to learn more about it. Sarah Layton | Copywriter & Inman Star Contributor 

My phone rings, interaction with fellow Rainers.

Keeps me on the front page of the net in my area...call it what you want

Door #6

1, 2, 3, 4,

5: branding, credibility, and feedback. 

To netwrok and learn from others all the time.

For me, contact with my friends here in the Rain!

It has become a habit.

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