Results of the 2014 Reader Survey

Two weeks ago, I launched my first ever reader’s survey.  My goal was to better understand my readers so that I can provide better value in my content.  You have responded, and I am grateful.  Hundreds of you took the time to take the survey.

Young businessman

I am going to share with you the results by profiling my average reader.  If you don’t fit this profile, don’t worry.  You are welcome.  Frankly, I don’t fit this profile.  So let’s take a look at my average reader, and then I will draw some conclusions.

My reader is male (77%) between the ages of 45-64 (58%).  He has a bachelor’s degree or higher (78%).  He is most likely a CRE broker or business owner (69%), and he lives in the United States (95%).

He makes over $100,000 a year (63%) or even $200,000+ a year (27%).  He is predominantly Christian (80%) attending church at least once a week (59%).  His faith is very important to him (69%).  He does not have a blog (77%) and reads 1-2 books a month.  As an aside, my wife says that you need to pick it up a bit.  She read 144 books in 2013 – incredible!

It is no surprise that I just described the Commercial Real Estate industry.  It is dominated by 50+ year old white men who tend to be behind the curve when it comes to technology.  CRE needs more women.  CRE needs more diversity.   CRE needs more tech.

Observations

  • Main topics of interests in order:  Productivity (62%), Prospecting (56%), Personal Development (53%), Life Lessons (52%), and Creating Presence (50%).  I am very glad to hear that these are the top ones.  Most of the content I have planned for this year fall into these categories.
  • More content – The number one comment I received regarding improving my blog was to give more content.  For the first part of 2013, I was posting 3 times a week.  It burnt me out and I ended up taking the summer off.  That was a big mistake.  My goal for 2014 is one post a week.  However, based on the feedback I received, I will throw in the 2nd weekly post on occasion.
  • Videos– I had a surprising amount of requests for videos.  I’m not sure what to do with this.  Video isn’t easy for me to do.  I don’t really own the equipment.  I have a brother that can do it all, but he’s a cruise ship performer (tough gig!).  I would love to create video content, however.  If you have any suggestions on how I might look into this, please let me know in the comments.
  • Readability – Readability was the comment I received the most when I asked what you liked best about the blog.  I’m very pleased with this response as I try very hard to create content that is very readable.  
    My absolute favorite response to the question of what do you like best about my blog was:  “your my son whats not to like.” My mom is a grammar queen so thanks Dad! I love you.
  • Can’t please everyone – I don’t often get accused of trying to please everyone.  Frankly, I think it is futile, counter-productive, and impossible.  This is true with this blog as well.  Some people are asking for more pictures and links.  Some are asking me to take the clutter out.  Some want me to eliminate the talk about my faith.  Some want me to use more scripture.  Some love the variety of topics while others want me to focus on just one thing.  I can’t please everyone so some things I will just be going with my gut.

I’m so very grateful to those who participated in the survey.  It was so very helpful to me.  It has given me the data I was craving so I can create better content for you.

Question: Do you have any other suggestions? If so, I’m all ears! You can leave a comment by clicking here.

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Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

  • David Monroe

    Congadulations Bo! Great survey. For a suggestion on video, try techsmith.com and look into Camtasia Studio. It’s an inexpensive product that allows you to record your screen,so you can talk, or teach, from a powerpoint or any other platform you wish to use. Powerpoint even has a Camtasia setting built in.

    All the Best,
    David Monroe
    Commercial Investments
    Mobile, AL

    • David – thanks for the suggestion. I actually have Camtasia. I’ve just never used it. I actually wasn’t thinking about screencasts when I was talking about video so I’m glad you brought this up. Thanks!

  • Rod Santomassimo

    Bo, great blog post and very insightful survey summary. The thing I like best about your blog is your blog. It speaks to a wide spectrum of business and personal issues, while also focusing on commercial real estate. Like your dad I too am biased. I am proud you are part of the Massimo Group coaching team. Regarding the video idea, as some one once told me “you have a face for radio”. No, seriously, your videos would be great, but like all mediums, even video has it’s limitations. Keep up the great work.

    • Thanks for the kind words, Rod. They mean a lot coming from you! I am proud to be part of the Massimo Group – coaching is one of my favorite things!

  • Digsy

    Great post, Bo. We’re finding the same information confirming your results. We look forward to more posts!

    • Thanks for the kind words. Digsy seems like a really cool concept – reminds me of 99designs for office space. I like how clean your site is as well.

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  • Mark

    Thanks for posting your results Bo. Do you have the demographics info available in Google Analytics? Is the information similar to your poll results?

  • Stephanie West

    CRE definitely needs more women! This newbie is grateful to have you as a coach! It’s tough getting started.

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