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How To Create and Maximize Your ActiveRain Blog Post

How To Create and Maximize Your ActiveRain Blog Post

The AR community has grown and evolved with thousands of new members, millions of posts, some really cool features, and great SEO and consumer traffic.  Many of the members who sign up and join ActiveRain start off very excited and ready to Blog, but then find themselves stuck.  We have many members who ask What Should I do Next?

Having a profile setup and then just lurking around the community, not knowing where or what to do next, seems to be an age old trend.  "What should I Blog about?"  "I don't have the time!"  "I'm not a writer or blogger!?" and "Why Should I Blog?" are just some of the common questions and concerns I hear time and time again.

It's time to get some answers.  It's time to get your "Blog" game on!

ActiveRain members have created a very powerful on-line resource for both members and consumers that is second to none.  There is ton of information here covering a wide variety of topics and discussions.  So where do you find out what makes the ActiveRain Blog Post different than any other Network or Blogging platform out there? 

What tools and options are available and how do you use them?  How is Blogging on ActiveRain different than blogging on Wordpress or Blogger?  Do you have questions like these and are you trying to make cents sense of it all?  In just one hour, we're not just going to tell you, we're going to show you.  If content really is King, then knowledge about content and "How To" must be Queen!

What's taken years to learn (through trial and error) will be shared with you in a "flash" of time, if you want it.

Click Here To Learn How To Create and Maximize Your AR Blog Post

* The Blog Cycle and Purpose - Connecting All The Dots
* What's The Difference Between a Website and A Blog
* Finding "Your" Blogging Voice and Transparency
* The Keys to Building Your Blog Resourse Library
* Where to Find Unlimited Content for Blogging
* What To Write and Blog About and Why
* How to Create Powerful and Inviting Blog Titles
* What Makes Bad Content vs Great Content
* How to Generate MORE Traffic and Leads
* How to Track Statistics and Use Analytics
* Strategy on Using Keywords and Tags Effectively
* Why Achor Text and Back Linking Are Crucial
* Using Channels, Groups, and Topics as Tools
* What is The Truth and Power of the ReBlog
* The Evolution of Posting Listings - What's Changed
* When, Why, and How Often To Create New Posts
* Using Syndication to Get Maximum Exposure
* Understanding SEO on ActiveRain and Outside Blogs

The purpose of ActiveRain and this vibrant network is to provide a community atmosphere where Industry Professionals can network, have fun, learn from each other, share their knowledge and experiences, and grow their business via referrals, SEO, and Blogging.  If you're new to ActiveRain, or you've been lurking around for months now, or you've left AR and now you're back, or maybe attended a RainCamp and you're just not sure what to do next, I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity and join us.  It all starts with YOUR Blog!

Important Note: This training is open to any and all members. Some tools and information we'll be sharing will only apply to RainMaker memberships. We'll explain the differences, and also provide you the opportunity to explore the "RainMaker" membership with no risk or obligation if you're interested.

EDIT 6/1/10 10:00pm 
"Try This Link To See If You Can Watch The Recorded Session"



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Comments

Hey Brad -- Can you start recording these for 24x7 playback?

Posted by Chris Olsen Broker Owner Cleveland Ohio Real Estate (Olsen Ziegler Realty) 3 months ago

Hey Chris - for this particular class, I may be able to record it and then send it to all those who attend or register.  Thanks! :-)

Posted by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) 3 months ago

Hi Brad,

I would love to be able to attend this but I have several appointments scheduled for that day. 2 of which I have been trying to set for a long time and I'd rather not reschedule. If I register can I get a recording of it or is this one that you will host again?

:)

Posted by Jody Keating Connective Realty,LLC, Bryan/College Station,TX 3 months ago

Connective Realty - I'm sure we'll have similar classes in the future, but each is unique depending on who attends, the questions asked, and the topic details we try to cover.  I wouldn't want you to register just for the recording, I'm not positive that it will be made available, but you'll find numerous posts centered around what we'll be discussing through-out the AR Network.  One post you might find helpful would be How To Create a Blog Post for Consumers and Search Engines, and I'm sure there are many others too.   :-)

Posted by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) 3 months ago

The recorded message idea would be great! I will register and then try to get the recorded message later. Will that work? Thanks for the hard work!

Posted by Scott Haynes (Century 21 Sweyer & Associates) 3 months ago

Thanks Brad,

I appreciate that and I'll check them out.

:)

Posted by Jody Keating Connective Realty,LLC, Bryan/College Station,TX 3 months ago

Brad,  I posted something in the Newbie section with some tips on blogging, titles, font and use of color in a post...always trying to lend a hand to the new kids. I'll look in to you info more thoroughly right away thanks.

Posted by Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. 3 months ago

Brad,

Even though I'm an "old hand," I just registered. Always get something new (or something I forgot...) from these sessions!

Posted by Irene Kennedy Realtor® in Northwestern NJ (Weichert) 3 months ago

Gonna try to make it, but if not I hope you can do that recording! :-D

Posted by Pat & Wayne Harriman - Broker/Owners Wallingford CT Real Estate (Harriman Real Estate, LLC (203) 672-4499) 3 months ago

I like the idea of recording it. We can listen to it as often as we want to.

Posted by GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) 3 months ago

Brad,

You list things that many of us who have been here for awhile would like to listen in on...

Posted by Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 3 months ago

Brad, you're absolutely right about learning from trial & error. Long ago I learned stuff from you & others because we had no training!  It's something that you should take advantage of if you can.  I just went to school last week!

Posted by Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) 3 months ago

Tomorrow afternoon?  Yeah, I'll be there.  I'm always interested in doing a better job and Active Rain proves that together we are better!

Posted by Vic Steele - Broker, Orange County, CA (Valet Real Estate Services) 3 months ago

Thanks Brad,

I have been doing this for 3 years now and I am always looking for tips to make it better. I will attend and have registered.

Posted by San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-Pro CDPE (RE/MAX Associates) 3 months ago

I'm all registered! Thank you Brad :)

Posted by Jackie Connelly-Fornuff Century 21 AA Lindenhurst NY Real Estate (Lindenhurst Babylon West Babylon N. Babylon West Islip Islip) 3 months ago

I can always stand to learn some new tricks to optimize my blog. I can actually make it tomorrow, so unless I forget, I'll be there.

Posted by William James Walton, Sr. Greater Waterbury Real Estate (Century21 Access America) 3 months ago

I'd love to attend if I'm able.  A recoring would be great however if I miss it.

Patricia

Posted by PATRICIA AULSON, REALTOR Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes (PRUDENTIAL VERANI REALTY- Portsmouth NH Real Estate ) 3 months ago

I registered because I need it. But I totally expected to pay for it. You guys rock.

Posted by Ellie McIntire Real Estate in Howard County Maryland (The McIntire Team of Long & Foster) 3 months ago

Brad...I'll echo many of the comments about recording the sessions and making them available for playback. It can be a benefit to those that register.

Take me for example...I just registered. I'm on "vacation" in Montana visiting my Mother, and I'm now sure how crazy she's going to be about me sitting in on a webinar tomorrow. I'm going to try....maybe I'll have to set my computer up in the garage? LOL.

Thanks for AR University! It's great!

Posted by Thomas Ramon Realty Midtown Atlanta Real Estate 3 months ago

Thanks for the encouragement and the tips.  I think sometimes we feel we might not be too interesting or knowledgeable.  But my thoughts are go for it, you don't try you will never succeed.

Posted by Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) 3 months ago

Brad:

Looking forward to it. I've signed up and put on my Google calendar.

Posted by Lorraine or Loretta Kratz-Certified Negotiation Experts, (Crescent Moon Realty, Inc. & Land N Sea Auctions.) 3 months ago

Great content for this class. Just signed up. Whenever possible, I love to take advantage of learning all this in one hour as opposed to trying to figure it all out on my own. Thanks, Brad, for all the quality offerings!

Posted by Barbara Altieri Connecticut Real Estate (RealtyQuest) 3 months ago

This is like the old days of getting a booster shot. I need one and thanks.

Posted by Joe Pryor.com REALTOR® Oklahoma Investment Properties (Redbud Realty) 3 months ago

Brad...

It's like cold water in a pool ... you just have to dive right in!

Posted by Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate 3 months ago

Brad-I look forward to it. Thanks for this post.

Posted by Mike Baltierra (RE eBroker, California) 3 months ago

Thanks for this. It really helped me out, I didn't realize how lost I was before!

Posted by Kathy Mendham-Meathrel 3 months ago

Brad: This looks awesome, but I am so slammed right now. I may register anyway, and hope to make a webinar out of it.

Posted by Agent Aaron | Hill Country TX Homes For Sale | Austin TX MLS | Avoid Foreclosure (Austin Texas Homes, LLC) 3 months ago

Brad, I just wrote a post about being true to yourself and finding your voice. What a coincidence! Definitely hope to be able to attend this ~ we can never get enough learning.

Posted by Frank & Sharon Alters, CDPE-Short Sales Jacksonville-Orange Park-Fleming Island (Watson Realty - Clay County, Duval County, St. Johns County ) 3 months ago

Brad-Thanks for providing this. I did register, however I have a meeting toward the end and won't be able to stay for all of it, but would like to get as much in as possible. Thanks again.

Posted by Sherry Laursen (Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate) 3 months ago

Thanks for the notice Brad!  I am signing up right now.  Looking forward to it!

Posted by Tom Ramsey (Century 21 Northland) 3 months ago

Yes, someone commented that I'm not very active on AR, because I have 4 other blogs ... so maybe I can learn how to connect at least one of them.

Posted by Tina Gleisner (Association of Home Professionals) 3 months ago

Thank you for sharing this post, a good how-to is always welcome.

Posted by Lawrence Kansas Real Estate Rob Lang CRS, GRI, ABR, ePro, REALTOR® (At Home Kansas / www.AskRobLang.com) 3 months ago

Brad

Thanks for the opportunity to listen to this webinar.

Posted by Jim Braun Surprise Az Sun City Grand Homes For Sale, Adult Community Expert (Ken Meade Realty Sun City Grand ) 3 months ago

Just registered! Excited for the webinar--thanks Brad. 

Posted by Marcy Moyer (Keller Williams) 3 months ago

Seems like the more I learn.  The more I need to learn.  Of course there nothing wrong with learning. 

Posted by Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) 3 months ago

Brad..  I bet you can guess what I'll be doing tomorrow, Tuesday when I have a few minutes to spare.  Thanks for sharing.

Posted by Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR ~ Cromwell, CT Real Estate ~ 860.883.8889 (Johnson Real Estate, Inc.) 3 months ago

Thanks Brad, I think I could use a refresher too, so I'm off to investigate your links.

Posted by Vickie Nagy, Realtor, Pre-Foreclosure Specialist Certified, CDPE 925.407.7987 (Keller Williams Realty in Danville CA) 3 months ago

Brad,

There are a few gems in here that I want to collect for myself. I will block an hour and sign up!

 

Posted by Kathryn Gorham Emerald Isle NC Crystal Coast (Sun Surf Realty) 3 months ago

Brad,  Just registered.  I always learn something new in AR classes.  Thanks for making them available to us!

Posted by Elyse Berman (Realty Associates Florida Properties, Boca Raton, FL) 3 months ago

Thanks again for the wonderful information, I just registered, but it is already shaping up to be a crazy day. I hope to be able to attend.

Posted by Steve Baklaich (RE/MAX Realty Source St Cloud Mn real estate) 3 months ago

Brad ... you are the same online, on the phone and in person ... THANK YOU for all you do ... you are a huge assett to AR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Pippa MAC, The Woodlands TX Real Estate Remax Real Estate Spring Texas Realtor (Remax Realtor, The Woodlands and Spring) 3 months ago

Brad, as I was reading this post...I said please don't let the training be tomorrow....and IT IS!  I will be attending a funeral tomorrow of a dear friend and will miss this training.  Will you have it again or on video?

Posted by Rebecca Gaujot Lewisburg WV Realtor (Coldwell Banker Stuart & Watts Real Estate) 3 months ago

Brad, would love to be able to attend this one, but I'm all booked for tomorrow.  Hope you'll be doing a repeat if you don't record.  Love all your classes - they're always so chock full of useful inofrmation.

Posted by Lora "Leah" Stern, Realtor Rockland County Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) 3 months ago

Brad,

Man, That's tomorrow and I absolutely can't do it, and I need all the help I can get. Can it be recorded?

Posted by Terry Chenier (Homelife Glenayre Realty) 3 months ago

Brad, I just signed up and I am looking forward to it. Thanks for doing it.

Posted by Randy DeLaMare (Utah Select Realty, Inc.) 3 months ago

I second the comments regarding recording ARU and having it available in a download or podcast area of the site.  Could be something available only to rainmakers eh??!?!?

Posted by Realtor - Robert May Realtor and Mortgage Broker (Canada First Mortgage/ Rainbow Realty) 3 months ago

Oh I am signing up and hope I can make it. As you know a Realtor's day doesn't always go as planned.  I too vote with both hands for recording. Much appreciated.

Posted by Dick and Dixie Sells, Your Tampa Bay Florida Connection (Future Home Realty) 3 months ago

The Recording option is going to be wonderful...  Thanks for putting so much time and effort into OUR education:)

Posted by Wilmington NC Real Estate, Homes - Barbara Kornegay (REMAX Essential) 3 months ago

Hate that I will miss this one.. Will be on the road traveling today.... :(

Posted by Roland Woodworth,SFR - Clarksville Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource (Exit Realty Clarksville) 3 months ago

Brad - No conflicts today (so far) so I'll be there! :)

Posted by Marc Swartz, CA, CPA, Real Estate Broker Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario (Sutton Group-Heritage Realty Inc., Brokerage (905) 471-2000) 3 months ago

I signed up!

Posted by Fred Sweezer Sr. (Property Inspection Services) 3 months ago

I am so sad that I will not be able to attend.  But I will be there for the next one!  Looks like it is going to be great!

Posted by Kathryn Maguire (Rose and Womble Realty Company) 3 months ago

Brad, i just registered, but might not be able to make it. Will this be recorded for playback later?

 

Thanks, Bill

Posted by Bill Buettner (Century 21 HomeStar) 3 months ago

Get your blog on indeed Brad ! It works well especially when the momentum kicks in and the cycle continues !  As usual, phenom post !

Posted by Christopher and Stephanie Somers - Realtors - Philadelphia Real Estate (Owner - RE/MAX Access) 3 months ago

Hi Brad...let us know where to find this and others you have recorded for 24/7 Viewing..I'll try to come.

Cheers

Posted by Victoria Oak Bay Realtor Fred Carver 250-598-2963 for Victoria Oak Bay Homes (Re/Max Camosun Oak Bay & Surrounding Area Real Estate) 3 months ago

This was a good reminder. I always forget how much more there is to learn here in The Rain.

Posted by Mark Montross (Catamount Realty Group) 3 months ago

I would love to attend the webinar today but we are visiting family and have plans during the time of the webinar.

Posted by Val Vista Lakes Gilbert Homes for Sale Bill Travis (Remax Homes & Investments) 3 months ago

Wow! Have we met? Have you been here looking over my shoulder? You have me pegged. Maybe I should start listening!

Another Brad

Posted by Brad Rachielles (Century 21 Prestige Properties) 3 months ago

Hi Brad. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend this one since I am meeting with a buyer who found my Active Rain blog LOL Active Rain Rocks. Thanks for the helpful webinars.

Posted by Lana Robbins Realtor ®, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, New Port Richey, FL (Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC) 3 months ago

Brad-I registered, but won't be able to attend after all...if it can be recorded, it would be very much appreciated. Your info is always so helpful and very much needed. Thanks again and sorry for registering and no showing up.

Posted by Sherry Laursen (Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate) 3 months ago

Hi Brad,  Recording for those who cannot attend is a terrific way to extend and enhance the AR reach.

Posted by Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) 3 months ago

I won't be able to make it to the meeting so I really hope you can record it and send it to those who have registered. I'm sure it has very useful information.

Posted by Erik Elsea-Jones & Co. Realty 3 months ago

I read this just in time, just backed off my lunch with my daughters so I can attend.  Then we will be off to Tepanyaki, hmmmm, for my middle daughters birthday!!!  Thanks for giving this course, I know I will learn a ton!!!

Posted by Kim Darling Realtor,GRI, "Your Home Team" Fresno/Clovis Real Estate (Keller Williams Westland Realty) 3 months ago

I have registered before and could not access when time arrived.  What do you need to do go to meeting?

Posted by Linda Hinson Realtor (Coldwell Banker Sloane Realty) 3 months ago

Thanks, Brad. Great class. Concise but extremely useful. No offense to Steven Graham but this class should be the one required for all new Rainmaker accounts.

Posted by Jeff Lorenzen (Keller Williams Park City Real Estate - Park City, UT) 3 months ago

Great content, Brad - and well delivered.  I enjoy attending the training whenever I can!

Posted by Christine Wade (N. San Diego Cty. RE Agent & Real Estate Virtual Assistant) 3 months ago

I really need this!!! Please record!!!:)

Posted by Krista Barnes (Carolina One Real Estate; SFR) 3 months ago

Wow, sorry....I just read this and totally missed the webinar.  And, God knows, I need lots of help.  I'm with the others.....can we get these archived so we can view anytime?

Posted by Jean Hanley (Allison James Estates and Homes, Hemet/San Jacinto) 3 months ago

great post... here is another way, post your blog links, THAT ARE RELEVANT, on comments... HERE IS ONE, OF COURSE IT IS NOT RELEVANT, lol

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1670645/just-returned-from-a-memorial-day-weekend-barbecue

 

Posted by Akos Straub (The Straub Group at Jameson Real Estate) 3 months ago

Akos - Just a quick note that it is against ActiveRain's Community Guidelines to include links in comments.  If it is relevant and the author allows it then great but if not.....you should expect it to be deleted.  

Posted by Kerrie Greenhalgh (ActiveRain) 3 months ago

That looks like a good class. I want to start taking some this summer. See you al lin DC next week.

Posted by Cheryl Ritchie, Southern Maryland Real Estate (RE/MAX 100) 3 months ago

Thanks for all the great training you guys provide!  It is EXCELLENT!

Posted by Patsy Overton (Stage, Show & SELL Home Staging Co. Atlanta, Georgia) 3 months ago

Thanks Active Rain for the wealth of information and resources!

Posted by Stephen P. Panczak (Keller Williams of Palm Beaches) 3 months ago

Hello Brad, thanks for recording this.  I had so many interruptions during the playback...I know if I attended the live session I would have missed tons of great stuff.  Thanks!  John

Posted by Alexander-Slocum REMAX Team - Vancouver WA Real Estate (RE/MAX equity group, inc. - Vancouver Washington) 2 months ago

Help, Brad!    1.When I "Search" in blogs for my own blog, by name, it does not appear in the list.    (It is "Jumpstart YOur Business")  

2.    When I just posted a comment on your most recent blog entry, my photo did not pop up on the comment.   

and, thanks for all the info you post!

missy vanderbitl

 

 

Posted by Missy Vanderbilt (RE/MAX) 2 months ago

Hi Missy - you need to be a rainmaker member for your photo to show in comments. The search tool will pick up your blog, profile, and posts, sometimes it takes a while to get indexed by the search engines.  :-)

Posted by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) 2 months ago

Here I come, bringing up the rear.  I guess better late than never.  Got some great tips Brad and was able to listen to the recorded version.  Thank you.

Posted by Donna Yates, Associate Broker, GRI North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains (Coldwell Banker High Country Realty) about 1 month ago

I didn't even get three minutes into the video and I saw how you loaded a picture into a blog on AR and have since done that...less than 24 hours after posting on a blog that I had to try and figure that out.  Thank you..will continue to pick up other tips and get better at this.  For me...it was turning off my popup blocker for AR.

Posted by Mike McCann - Nebraska State Wide Ag & Farm Specialist - 308-627-3700 (Mike McCann - Broker, Kearney, Nebraska) about 1 month ago

Mike  - that dog gone pop up blocker will get ya everytime!!  lol~  Thanks for the comment. :-)

Posted by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) about 1 month ago

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