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”

Top 50 Google Tools for Business

The Top 50 Google Tools for Business

This compilation is for all of you out there who use Google for searching and SEO, but may not be aware of all the other tools and services that Google has to offer for your business.  My inbox used to get so many questions about many of the links and tools below, it seemed like a good idea to bring them all into a single location for your review and use. 

I know you’ll find some of this information helpful or useful to you and your Business.


Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

  1. Google Alerts – Get email notifications from any keyword or phrases used on the web.
  2. Google Buzz – Start and share conversations about the things you find interesting.
  3. Google Blog Search – A sophisticated way of searching the web specifically for Blogs.
  4. Google Books – Google has a ground-breaking agreement with authors and publishers.
  5. Google Business – All of Google’s On-line Business solutions for small and large Business.
  6. Google Checkout – Find it online, purchase it with Google’s Checkout tool.
  7. Google Chrome – The fastest and cleanest Web Browser for PC’s and MAC’s.
  8. Google Custom Search – Create your own custom search engine for your Website/Blog.
  9. Google Desktop – Take control of PC or MAC Desktops, find anything faster and easier.
  10. Google Dictionary – Don’t knock it till you try it, watch out Webster.
  11. Google Directory – The Web organized by Topic and placed into Categories.
  12. Google Earth – Explore and share the World in 3D. Add your photos and Videos.
  13. Google Finance – Track and Edit your Portfolio, Charts, and Graphs.
  14. Google 411 – Dial Directory Services and Information from any phone for FREE.
  15. Google Health – Organize all your medical records and store them on-line.
  16. Google Images – The Ultimate Image search on the Internet.
  17. Google Maps – The best way to map out directions and share with others.
  18. Google News – All the news you’ll ever need and find in one location.
  19. Google Patents – Every US Patent is search-able with the full text.
  20. Google Product Search – Find any product in one location instead of searching sites.
  21. Google Scholar – Looking for a specific paper or Scholarly articles, find them fast.
  22. Google Toolbar – Allows you to add search, share, and contribute to your fav browser.
  23. Google Trends – For those who want to know details about search engine trends.
  24. Google Videos – Used for searching only Video and Vlogs on the Internet.
  25. Google Web Search – Still the #1 search engine tool with the #1 advanced features.
  26. Google Web Search Features – The best search tool for movies, music, books, etc.
  27. Google Code – This is a developer tools, used for APIs and other resources.
  28. Google Labs – One of the best Online Tech Playgrounds on the Web.
  29. Google Blogger – Create your own Blogspot Blog, it’s easy and free.
  30. Google Calendar – Setup and use a Global Calender that you can share with others.
  31. Google Docs – Create spreadsheets, presentations, documents, and more.
  32. Google Groups – Use Groups to connect with others and share ideas and discussions.
  33. Google Knol – Write a Knol and Share what you know with others. Learn too.
  34. Google Mail – Google mail has so many great features for email, and it’s FREE.
  35. Google’s Orkut – It’s a Google Social Network, stay connected with others.
  36. Google Picasa – Upload and store, find, and share your photos and images.
  37. Google Picnik – The newest online Photo and Graphics editing addition to Google.
  38. Google Reader – Delivers everything you want to know from the web back to you.
  39. Google Sites – Create your own websites and group wikis for private or public use.
  40. Google SketchUp – Allows you to Design, Build, and Create 3D models and images.
  41. Google Talk –  Talk to friends, send IM’s, communicate with others via computer.
  42. Google Translate – Helps you and visitors to view any site in any language.
  43. Google’s YouTube – The second most searched site in the World. Youtube.com.
  44. Google Mobile – Take Google on the Road, & don’t leave home without your phone.
  45. Google Maps for mobile – Just as good as GPS, view maps, directions, get un-lost.
  46. Google Search for mobile – Search the web from your phone anytime from anyplace.
  47. Google Pack – Get the entire Google Pack for your PC or MAC.
  48. Google Voice – The best way to manage phones and services FREE. (invite only)
  49. Google Wave – The future of email and real time collaboration. (invite only)
  50. Google Wonder WheelA Wonderful Wheel of relavant search terms.
Take a few minutes to explore what some of these great tools can do for you and your business, then make sure you keep an eye on Google in the future, their development team creates and produces new products at the speed of light.
Did I miss any?  Do tell!  What is YOUR favorite NEW Google Tool or Product?

Stay on top of everything Google is DoingGOOGLE

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ActiveRain University Training Calendar

The ActiveRain University, ActiveRain’s BEST KEPT SECRET.  But Why?  Why would anyone not want to attend some or ALL of the FREE classes being offerred?  Your business and personal schedule is the only reason I can see that some might not be able to take advantage of these sessions. The other thought that has crossed my mind, maybe some folks just don’t know these are available, especially new members, and those outside ActiveRain?

Please help us get the word out!  With an average of 300+ people joining AR again daily, you can help us spread the word a couple of ways.  Reblog the original post and calendar, use the “Like” button to share on Facebook, use the email envelope option to send to a new or associate member, or just tell someone about activerain.com/university.  There’s even a link to this calendar on the ActiveRain Main HomePage.

Just look at some of these classes coming up and who’s presenting them.  These are some of the Top Producing and most Influential people in Real Estate and Social Media.  ActiveRain University is also currently working on the “Professor Roster” which will feature ALL the guest speakers and presenters along with their credentials, bios, and contact information.  I hope you’ll pay it forward and let others know.  Friends don’t let other friends drive on the Internet unless they’re educated and informed, here’s a great way to do that!  🙂

Via ActiveRain University (ActiveRain University):

ActiveRain University offers a wide variety of on-line Real Estate and Social Media training sessions/classes for Real Estate Industry Professionals. Classes are designed for new and experienced members of the Real Estate Industry.  Come learn about the various tools on ActiveRain, enhance your Social Media skills, learn about successful business applications, and grow business using the knowledge, experience, and tools used by other TOP PRODUCERS and experts in all aspects of Real Estate.

Click On ANY Class Below To Register or Get More Details!

We offer FREE classes and special guest speakers every week. Come Listen, watch, engage, and learn from some of the most influential people and teachers in Real Estate who will share their tips, valuable tools, and teach you the secrets of their successes.

The New "Like" Button for Facebook on ActiveRain Blogs

“Like” WOW,  I’m “Like” Totally Stoked – The New “Like” button for Facebook on AR.

If you haven’t seen it yet, you will, and it might just be because you saw it on someones Facebook Wall.  The new “LIKE” button on AR has now been added to every public post for you and all your friends, comrade’s, associates, and subscribers to share on Facebook. 

It’s easy to do!  If you like the post you’re reading, scroll down to the first area where you would “Flag”, “Bookmark”, or “Email” the post, and just click on the NEW “LIKE” button.  That’s it!  The link and post will now show-up on your Facebook wall.  You can even like your own if you want to do some shameless self promotion of your AR Blog Posts on Facebook.  Imagine all the possiblities and positive results this could have on you, your AR friends and associates, and the content you can now share with others on Facebook!  I THINK IT’S VERY COOL!!

 

Hey – I really think I “LIKE” it, how about you?  If you do… you know what to do!! LOL~  (Big Smile) :-))

 

Winner Announcement of the "Life! By Design Contest" By Tom Ferry

Winner Announcement of the “Life! By Design Contest” By Tom Ferry

This past weekend at RainCamp LA, the winners were announced of the “Life By Design Contest” that was being promoted over on Bob Stewarts Blog Post.  It was announced on Saturday that Tom Ferry’s Book “Life By Design” is now a National Top Seller ranking #4 in the Nation.

Congratulations Tom, and thank you for joining us and speaking at RainCamp in Los Angeles.  We have received great responses from all those who attended, and your presentation was over the top! We were honored to have Tom Ferry as a part of the RainCamp LA event.  Tom’s humor, insights, stories and content was “Top Shelf!”  We have a good suspicion that the “Life! By Design” book will soon be the #1 National BEST Seller.  Why, because Tom said so, and if you know Tom, then you know he’s going to make it happen!

So here’s a repeat of the contest description and rules:


THE CONTEST:

1. Read the preview chapter of the book found here: Chapter 4, The Problem of No Problems

2. Choose one of the following exercises and write a 300-500 word blog post about your experience with the exercise.

  • The exercise on page 39 of the excerpt
  • The exercise that starts on page 46 and goes to page 48. Pick one of the three areas: Professional, Lifestyle, or Health and Vitality and complete the exercise for that section
  • The exercise on page 54 (pick one question and write 300-500 words for one question or feel free to pick more than one question and submit smaller answers to multiple questions in one post)

(**completing the exercise itself, doesn’t qualify you for the challenge. You need to have a 300-500 word blog post about your experience with the exercise. What did you learn? Did you realize something you had previously been ignoring? Did this bit of reflection cause you to want to get more introspective? You get the idea, right? Get something out of the exercise and share it with us)

3. Blog posts should include ‘My LIFE! By DESIGN’ somewhere in the title of the post.

4. At the footer of your post, please include this (including the picture):

THE PRIZES!

2500 points for every post submitted

  1. one (1) Apple iPad (16GB) ~$499
  2. One (1) hour of consulting with Tom Ferry via skype or phone (If you are local to Tom you can come into the office) ~ $1500
  3. One month of Power Coaching ~ $499
  4. Upfront seat for 2 at Tom’s Success Summit ~ $598
  5. Expired Edge program and one month service of MojoSells.com (auto dialer system) ~$369
  6. Copy of Tom’s Home Study Course ~ $75
  7. Autographed copy of LIFE! By DESIGN ~ Priceless!

The contest will end on April 23rd at Noon Central Time. Any posts written after that will not be eligible for the points or the prizes. Each post will be given one entry in the drawing for these great prizes. We will announce the date of the drawing soon, but it will be shortly after the conclusion of the challenge.

(RainCamp LA was the chosen place and time for the contest drawing!)

THE WINNERS!!

Now I could just list the names and what they won, but watching the actual drawing seems so much more exciting and something that everyone would probably enjoy more.  So here it is, a live recording of the drawing which took place backstage at RainCamp LA with Tom Ferry, myself, Lauren Bernstein, Doug Ching, and Jon Washburn as witnesses to its authenticity.

Congratulations once again to Tom Ferry, and to ALL the winners of the contest, especially the “winner” of the New iPad.  I have to admit that I was a bit jealous, and had I not been doing the video recording for this post, I think I could have out-run everyone there.  I could actually visualize and see myself snatching up and running off with one of Tom’s books and the new iPad he was sporting for this drawing!  lol~ 

Using Gmail Email as a Blog Post and HTML Editor

Using your Gmail Email as a Blog Post and HTML editor.  

First of all, what in the heck would make someone think of this?  Same way the Reese’s Peanut Butter cup was created!  It was a total accident. (at least that’s what they wanted you to think)  Somebody dropped and got their chocolate dipped in someone else’s peanut butter and there you have it!  The Reese’s Peanut Butter cup. 

Today, I did the same thing, dropping my email onto this Blog post, and realizing how easy it is to create a post using your gmail email editor.  You can add “live” links and anchor text, images, photos etc using gmail’s “Compose Mail” option.  You can change font colors and sizes and more.  Just copy and paste from your email to your Blog post, (email it to yourself as a backup, or to be used again sometime in the future)… and that’s it. 

It was a breeze. 

 You can use the Toolbar in Gmail’s editor to customize and add some Fun to your posts.

The process is easy, there’s no hidden HTML codes that won’t work with the AR Platform, and to be honest, some of our best Blogging content, ideas, responses, and experiences are sitting right within your email IN or OUT boxes. I don’t suggest you do it all the time, but as you can see, creating a post like this is different and even kinda fun!!

Use the mini-animations and graphics from the favicon toolbar as well.

It’s Pretty cool if you ask me, or at the least, something different.  (well, maybe I over did it a bit on this one!)

I hope this email Blog Post finds you all well,   it might be useful to those who can’t use scribefire or some of the other HTML third party applications and software’s out there to create cosmetically different and customized posts for their AR Blogs. 

(This post is dedicated to and created for AR member Laura Coffey)  Great to meet you @RainCamp LA.

Warm Regards,

Brad 


   Brad Andersohn – Community Manager
P. 707-646-1876  E. brad@activerain.com
My Blog | My Profile | My Web

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PS. This entire blog post was created using my Gmail email editor!

ActiveRain University – Welcomes Some Very Special Guests

ActiveRain University is starting to really make some headway!  Our classes are proving to be beneficial and impacting the lives and businesses of those finding the time to attend our FREE online training and support campus.  We have had over 5500+ Industry Professionals register to attend these classes over the past couple of months, and we’re getting more interest, attention, registrations, and attendees than ever before.

If you haven’t been checking the ARU Campus Schedule, here’s a quick reminder to do so on a regular basis.  We have some really exciting classes coming up with some awesome and very influential Industry speakers and presenters. The ARU Campus doors are open to ALL Industry Professionals.  I hope you’ll take advantage of the FREE education and information we are working so hard to provide you.

Here’s Just A Few of the Upcoming Classes You’ll Want To Attend:

Thursday, May 13, 2010 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PDT
Kevin Kauffman and Fred Weaver will be teaching a 5-part series about Short Sales. “The Short Sale Power HourSession One” These classes will be very educational and take all the myths and mystery out of the Short Sale process. This Thursday will be the first in a series of informational webinars that we’re making available to those who want to master the “Short Sale.” Your best bet is to simply…REGISTER

Wednesday, May 19, 2010 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PDT
Katrina Benton, a third generation a Top Producing REALTOR from Prudential, will be joining us to share how she’s “Cashing In On Social Media” in an Industry surrounded by new and powerful Technologies.  Her specialty and focus will be on “Lead Capture” and “Lead Conversion”, something every on-line business individual needs to master! If you have challenges getting, converting, or managing leads, you might want to… REGISTER

 

Friday, May 21, 2010 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PDT
Stefan Swanepoel
is the Real Estate Trends Master and Expert. He’s recognized by the Industry as a Top Leader in and amongst his peers and associates.  Stefan is joining us to discuss and share “How Social Media Starts to Develop it’s Place in Your Business.” Stefan is currently ranked in the Top 50 most Influential Real Estate Professionals and Speakers by Inman.com. I suggest you… REGISTER

 

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PDT
Laura Monroe
from Creative Agent Solutions will be sharing “Managing Your Business Virtually” a must for any and all Real Estate Professionals who want to get more done “virtually” using the tools and technology that are currently available. If you’re not sure what a “Virtual” business can and should look like, you better… REGISTER

 

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PDT
Kendra Todd
, Winner of NBC’s Apprentice needs no introduction.  Kendra joins our professors at ARU to share “How To Brand Yourself as an Expert and Build a Six-Figure Real Estate Business.” Her experience and knowledge on the topic have been tested and proven.  She shares facts, not just ideas, and gives tips and tools on Building a Brand and Business that will succeed! She’s an ALL-Star Speaker, Presenter, and Top Producer.  My Advice is to… REGISTER

 

I hope you’ll take the time to join us and these very special guests.  You’ve got nothing to lose, and everything to gain. You owe it to yourself!!  Also, if you’re a part of any organization outside the ActiveRain community, please help us spread the word that ARU is all about providing help, support, training, technology, and coaching.  We want to arm you with the information and education regarding a wide variety of tips and tools that are needed required to be successful in this fast paced, ever changing Real Estate Industry.  

~ Come Learn, be Inspired, and Thrive ~

RainCamp Is Coming To The US Capitol – Washington DC

RainCamp Is Coming To The Capitol of the United States of America

Come join us at RainCamp DC for an awesome educational opportunity that will take your Real Estate Business to new heights.  Lots of folks have been screaming for RainCamp to come to the East Coast again, specifically Washington DC, and we want you to know we’ve been listening.  It’s been confirmed!  Time to get the “Air Force One” ready for travel, or at least a really nice Boeing 747.

June 10th – The Kellogg Conference Hotel
Gaullaudet University
 
(ranked top 10 worldwide)

800 Florida Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002

RainCamp DC will be everything you’ve heard and expect it to be.  Great speakers, New and powerful technology, Special Guests, How and Why to use specific social media tools, and a laser targeted plan for your Real Estate Business that will be essential to your success today, and in the future!

These RainCamp Testimonials are great, but unless you can experience this event first-hand for yourself, you’ll never really understand the power and potential this type of education and information can and will have on your Real Estate Business.  There’s none quite like it!

Remember To Register early, previous RainCamps have sold out, and the platinum seating is always at a premium.  You can Register here, or at: @ActiveRain.com/RainCamp. Either way, make sure you register fast.  It’s no fun getting emails from those of you who miss these.

We look forward to bringing RainCamp to the US Capitol next month.  It’s an event good enough to be held at the White House, unfortunately, their venue is very busy and booked with other educational and informational events.  We’ll just have to settle this time with the Kellogg Conference Hotel.

YES!  We are coming to many other cities too, so before you comment with “When are you coming to…..”  you can be rest assurred that we’ll be posting all the information, dates, venues, and locations at the RainCamp site.  🙂

Come Learn, Inspire, and Achieve!

ActiveRain Member "WINS" Extreme Landscape Makeover Contest

ActiveRain Member WINS Extreme Landscape Makeover Contest

Please join me in congratulating ActiveRain member Martha Kolko of Keller Williams Realty in New Jersey.  She was the finalist and winner selected for the SavATree.com Extreme Landscape Makeover Contest held back in July of 2009.  The ActiveRain community played a large role in supporting and providing entries for this contest. On behalf of SavATree, and the entire team here at ActiveRain, we want to thank all of you who participated and entered your clients homes.  The response from our members was awesome, thank you.

Over 50 properties were submitted for consideration. They selected Ms. Kolko’s client’s property because they believed it would benefit the most from their services. The trees and shrubs were significantly overgrown and the lawn was overtaken by weeds. Together with Tom O’Shea of Tom O’Shea Landscape Design and Paul Calicchio of Landscape Supply, they transformed the overgrown and unruly landscape into a beautiful buyer-attracting property.

 

Here’s What They Did:

 

  • Conducted an assessment of the trees, shrubs and lawn to diagnose and treat disease, insect infestation and any other health and safety concerns.
  • Removed trees and shrubs that were not salvageable due to disease, overgrowth or improper care. New shrubs and colorful plants were added.
  • Pruned to create an attractive, more balanced, landscape that complements both the look of the outside of the home as well as the view of the front yard from the living room window. This will allow more sunlight to enter the home.
  • Expended the size of the flower garden and added a second to add color and beauty.
  • Gave three applications of fertilizer over the course of three months to thicken the lawn, rid it of weeds and restore its vigor.

Here’s A Before and After Slideshow of Martha’s clients Home:

Both the homeowner and Martha where thrilled with the results.  “You only get one chance to make a first impression! When selling a house, curb appeal is one of the most important factors ― no doubt [SavATree’s] services improved the curb appeal of this home”, explained Ms. Kolko. The home is set to go on the market soon.  A very special thanks goes out to SavATree for letting our Real Estate Community and members be involved in their contest.

CONGRATULATIONS To Martha and to her Client, we wish them both all the best in the sale of this home!

SavATree.com, offers tree, shrub and lawn care services throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

RainCamp LA – The Happiest Place on Earth

Well we might not have a giant mouse, space mountain or things that stick to the bottom of your shoes, but less than 1 hour away from Disneyland, Activerain will be bringing you Raincamp, and it will have outstanding speakers, thrill rides of its own, and you might even find something that will stick to the bottom of your shoes.

  • Do you want to learn how to succeed with Facebook and not just build the biggest and best Farmville?
  • Do you need to learn more about using twitter and how to generate and build your followers and Klout?
  • Do you desire to know how to blog for the front page of Google without spending $5.00 per click?
Then RainCamp is the amusement park for you. Forget the screaming kids at Disneyland and join us with ALL the screaming adults learning how to put social media and Blogging to good use for thier business. 
Here is what some people have said in line waiting to get on the RainCamp Ride:


“Must Be 40” Inches or Taller To Ride!
“Raincamp is one of the best ‘catalyst’ conversations for understanding contemporary real estate marketing in the country today. If you want to be on the forefront and learn what ideas, methods, and technologies to adopt, then this is the place to be. Rene Fabre | ARFCO MEDIA – Social Media Consulting
“This is not your typical Real Estate seminar with “new tools you can use” that wind up being a program someone is trying to sell you! So go, learn, implement, and see the benefit. Unless of course you are one of my competitors in my market, then you should not go, ever!” Chris Fetrow RE/MAX Four Corners
“It is one of the best seminars that I’ve attended and it really has changed the way I’m going about my business. I highly recommend going to one, it is a sound investment.” Shirin Sarikhani, ASP, IAHSP, Seattle Staged To Sell
“I have to say that of all the industry seminars and boot-camps I’ve been to over the years – this was BY FAR my favorite !” Sheldon Neal – That British Agent – RE/MAX Real Estate Limited, Bergen County, NJ
“The AR team is unbelievably good at what they do and I appreciate all they shared us. The best thing is no one tried to put the hard sell on the various products that were being showcased. Can’t wait for round 2! The platinum seating was worth every dollar! Thanks AR!” Becky Johnston | Colorado Real Estate Brokerage, LLC

For more Videos, Blogs, Posts, and Comments, grab the next amusement park shuttle, and come visit us over at the “Big Eye In The Sky” … because it’s a small world after-all, it’s a small, small world!

  See you there!  🙂