Everyone has their own style of writing and finding their way around ActiveRain. My favorite line is 'we live and die and it's what we do in between that matters'. Same goes for blogging on this platform. We become members and what we do with it after (the in between) is what matters......lest the blogger dies.
The following tidbits are some of my secrets to blogging on ActiveRain.
- If you are a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain, then you most likely have been consistent in writing some good quality content. In other words, you KNOW that you don't post a sentence or two and have a couple paragraphs of ad line to squeeze by for your 200 points on a blog and really believe that everyone is going to read your ‘stuff'.
- If you are a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain, at some point you must have realized and you now KNOW that if you do write with quality content, it includes adding a piece of yourself (as if the reader is walking along side of you) and not just a bunch of text info. How else are readers going to ‘feel' who the person behind the words is? You have fun too....you laugh.
- If you are a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain, you KNOW that the more you read others
posts and comment the more you will gain readership and they will read yours. In return, you not only get the 200 points for your x amount of words that created a post, you gain more points for the comments your readers have left. Subscribe to members blogs that you find interesting. - If you are a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain, you KNOW it's not about being POPULAR, it's about being respected by the community as a contributor, being part of a support system, connecting with peers, blogging for business and connecting with businesses in your local areas.
- If you are a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain, you KNOW it's not about how many points you have, but how you got them. The ulterior motive to getting them. We are human and by all means have a piece of us that is competitive and surely love to see those points add up. You have to ask yourself....how you are going about it.
- If you are a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain, you KNOW that it take time to get readership, make friends with peers and getting business from your blogging. There is no instant gratification if you are not doing it right. LEARN from your peers here about everything you need to know about getting traffic to your websites and blogs. There are MANY posts and groups about SEO tips.
- If you are a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain, you KNOW that everything is not perfect on this platform and you have patience for structural changes and KNOW that the benefits far outweigh the burps and blurps we occasionally go through.
- If you are a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain, you KNOW that you are not entitled to automatic fame and featured posts for writing a few posts. You work for it just like anything else in life. It took time to build your business and the same goes for blogging and your readership.
If you are a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain, you KNOW........
It's really no secret how you can become a dedicated member and blogger on ActiveRain.
You work for it.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Sally - You got it right. It is work. Some work harder than others and they reap the rewards!
Great article. I am trying to use this as a learning and networking tool to supplement LinkedIn and your input is valuable. Thanks for sharing
Gary: I get resentful when people act like I'm on a chat room....and they don't even know.... :)
Rob: Maybe one day you'll start seeing the benefits of AR and use LinkedIn to supplement AR :)
Hi Sally, all very good points from you who has been a dedicated blogger for quite awhile. People need to be patient and work the points as you laid them out here. Great advice.
Sis - And few are as dedicated as you. I must admit, it isn't easy writing about Real Estate over and over again. It is actual work a lot of times. AR is fun though, which makes it easier than it would be otherwise. You personify dedication in this chat room community;)
Gary: There are many more points...MANY...and they all can find it right her on AR :)
Lil Bro: I am, aren't I? LOL...yeah...it really is a 'social community' isn't it? If not for that personal connection we would not have become siblings lol.
I must be uneducated now since I just haven't had too much time to post or anything. I remember When I could post 8 or more posts a week.
Hi Sally-This is an awesome post and very well said. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I love that Shangri-La pic. Have a great Friday. <SMILE>
Sally I knew all those things ......... do I get any points for that :)
To benefit from this site you need to put in the work, short cuts don't work in the long run.
Neal: I think many of us are falling behind.... but it doesn't mean we aren't still writing awesome posts!
Sharon: Thanks Sharon....
George: You get an A+ George!
HI Sally, Very nice post. I agree with all you have said and working on becoming better at AR. I spend alot of time reading what all these wonderful people share. Amazing!
Hi Sally - I agree with every word! I have recently welcomed some new bloggers whose first posts I happened to see, and they haven't yet learned these things. Short posts with little content of interest and no photos or bolding or anything to catch the eye.
I have tried to point them to the newbies group and suggested that they read other blogs and comment on them so they can learn what makes a successful post, but I don't see that they have improved and they aren't commenting on anyone so I don't know if they have looked around at others. I do try to work on my posts to make them worth checking out, but you are the champ at this.
No name: That's nice. Reading is good...participating gives you practice :)
Susan: Not really...there are times I get overwhelmed with so many readers I waste much valuable time clicking in and out.
Sally I am slipping just not enough hours in the day. I do try to check in and comment on the post of dedicated bloggers like you.
Aloha Sally,
Good info on all counts.
I especially liked what ou said about "adding a piece of yourself (as if the reader is walking along side of you).. How else are readers going to ‘feel' who the person behind the words is?"
At times I had a little trouble with this myself, becoming less clinical. Yet to me that's why ghost writers do not have the same impact.
Jennifer: I try my best as well :)
Hey Lynda! I love your area reports and info....you give what they need...
Ah, just pay a virtual assistant to write yer blog and move on to other things...
I was thinking of you today! I was at a humongous auto auction in our County and saw a trailerfull of Ford Mustangs, all with Hawaii license plates. Thought that was a long trip to go to auction...
Jeff...I remember many a debate on that....seems like a lot of that nowadays....auction with hawaii plates?
Woo Ho, Another well spoken articulation. I am a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain, and know that is OK and normal to get writer's block. The best cure for it is to write about it and I was doing that and ran into your post,lol. I got several post I am working on but I am in the throws of doing website and new IDX contracts and taking classes and and and and and and, it just takes more time than I have but I am getting through it and I will make a big comeback just any moment , now, :-)
My Birds are sitting on 2 eggs in their nest and she flew off today for something, maybe a change or clothes or something and the two eggs are scrunched up into the edge of the nest. I thought that might be the case since she is trying to sit on the eggs half in and half out of the planter. If she flys off tomorrow , I now have plastic gloves right by the nest, a stool in place and as soon as she leaves I will move the 2 eggs to center of the nest where she can be more comfortable. And it will give the babies a better chance of survival and not be up against the edge of the planter. In the morning I am calling the ornithological society to confirm the move before I do it but I recall years ago of them suggesting I move the eggs ( with a sterile plastic gloved hand) away from the edge of nest where they could have fallen out. So if it was good to do then , I suspect they will tell me that it is OK to do now. The eggs are now 2 days old. I was going to do an updated post but seems with all the work I still have to do tonight, I don't think it will happen.
I have been so inconsistent. I need to get back on that pony. I have started. I have lots of pictures. I have ideas. Now to find the time lol
I know you know Sally and you know I know too! This is a great post to get out to all AR members. Thanks for sharing yourself and your "SECRETS" SHHHHHH you said that a little loud didn't you?
Who could argue with anything you've said? Your comments are indeed "right on".
Great Information. Thanks as usual for the great advice and help. Have a great weekend.
wow william! you're always running around doing a whole bunch of things... a lot on your plate. I just had two cortizone/steroid shots in my foot on Tuesday so maybe I can run around more too :) :) Looking forward to the sequel and finding out what's going on with the little family!
Sarah: Believe me...I have a hard time even during slow periods!
haha Paddy! Yup...it's not a secret....everything is a learning lesson :)
Thanks Tom
Hey Terry..you too!
Hi Sally,
I always enjoy reading your posts, and reading this one today was no exception! Thank you for bringing up many good points for new members and reminding the veterans of AR how to rock their blogs!
Yes, Sally, I know...and I am still learning so that I will continue to know. Thanks for the pep talk!
Hi Sally, I am still fairly new to blogging. You made some very good points there. English is and always will be my second language (or fifth for the matter of fact:)), so I find it a great exercise to polish it by writing the posts.
Thanks Michael ...it really is for old and new members....a pep talk so to speak :)
Hey William: Ah....a veteran member who sees value in a pepperoni talk lol
I am VERY new to blogging and I just printed this article because I am planning on following what it says to do and not to do. Part of why I have been hesitant to BLOG is I read many of them that are "just a bunch of words" and I am not good at that. Any other advise to a VERY NEW blogger?
Thanks in advance for your advise.
Timely post. As a newbie to AR it helps to see what has become obvious stated, or written. As I get the hang of this it tends to get a little easier. Thanks for the 'chat' Ooops, communication Ooops, blog
Sally - You are so right - good points. I have found that as a blog more, I throw away content I might have posted at one time because it's just not worth posting. Thanks!
Mary
Sally - aaah, the wisdom of a long-time and scucessful blogger. Some secrets really ARE worth sharing.
Jeff
Hi Sally. Thanks for the inspiration.
I am feeling a little blue today. Perhaps burnt out on work.
Thought I would pop on AR and see if there were any good posts.
I am glad I found yours.
Thanks for writing,
Ken
yeah yeah great blog. But you live in Hawaii! How Cool is that!
Hi Sally
It's unfortunate that there are so many who just want the 200-odd points but have nothing very much to say, but then there are also those who reply to every post they can to get the points for commenting.
While it's not just about being popular, it certainly does help and the point system carries within it its own justice because, in the long-run, the points do separate the committed from the non-committed. You get out what you put in.
Aloha!
Dave
PS - I refuse to believe anyone who doesn't get at least a little satisfaction from seeing their points/rank go up. It may not be the reason for blogging on AR, but it's a nice validation that you're doing something right.
Sally,
Congrats on the feature! I always enjoy your posts and you practice what you preach:)
Thanks for this post. I am learning now and your post actually helped me understand the concept of ActiveRain much more. Thanks for writing it. I really enjoyed it! Now to think up some good posts of my own!
Great post. You are absolutely right, it takes time and consistency to be a dedicated member of AR, but there are plenty of rewards!
If you are a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain, you KNOW........ that you have to read a lot of good, quality blogs like the one I just read by Sally!!!
Sally..you hit the nail on the head ..as usual..that is why you are one of my favorites ..you are a real person.....someone I feel close too..even if you did wear that silly hat..but someone i could tell my troubles and my triumphs to..thanks for a great one
HelpfulHannah your friend in Philadelphia
Dang, you mean nobody makes a name for themselves writing Market Updates 12 times a week? Well, actually there is name for that...boring! I figure if I don't want to read me nobody ELSE will want to read me either! Thanks for the confirmation!
"Markets are conversations," say Chris Locke, Doc Searls, David Weinberger, et.al., authors of The Cluetrain Manifesto. http://cluetrain.com/
If that is true, then conversations through blogs are niche markets in their own rights. :)
Another great post, Sally - and you didn't even have to wear a hat this time. Hope the foot is doing well.
Good stuff....the hard part is finding the time to write the material and provide new and useful information.
Sally...
I agree with almost everything you say, except that I LIKE being popular! lol
Aloha Sally. Thanks for sharing some insight about blogging in the industry. I've been in the business for 11 years, but I'm new ( about 1 year )in the blogging arena, thank God for a young techy assistant :)
I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
Tap
www.TeamTapper.com
Great post and......I guess I am not dedicated enough.....I have work to do...
Bettina
Me, a veteran? Nah...I'm still getting my feet wet. But I sure could use a pepperoni talk...with some pepperoni pizza and a cold glass of crystal light!
Hi Sally~ Yes, it takes a lot of hard work to be successful in here or anywhere for that matter. If it was easy,everyone would be doing it. I think AR is one of the best things I have come across since I have been in Real Estate. I don't knowhat I ever did without it! There are so many fantastic writers and educators in here!
Sally, Common sense post but it sometimes needs to be in print to go aha!
Oops, I didn't do a spell check either. Yikes, what is happening to me? BTW, My trial period is up with Market Leader and I seriously think it is fantastic so I believe I will staying on with it. Mother's Day is Sunday so if I forget to tell you between now and then, Happy Mothers Day. I do think you should take the day off and do something wonderful with your family.
Hi Sally !
I love this Pe Talk Post !!
It's great advice for all, and I'm happy to subscribe to pretty much all your points :o)
Cheers Sal !
Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day !
Sheldon :o)
Whoa...
Cheryl: Write how you would be talking to someone face to face. Talk with them....not AT them :)
Ed: I recommend you look at my first post lol. It does get easier...and as we all have learned...it takes some following guidelines and getting a feel of how transparent we allow ourselves to be online. IT DOES GET EASIER :)
Mary: I did too..until I found the value of looking at older posts to see how far I've come :)
Jeff: Well....you already know as you are a long time dedicated blogger too :)
H i Ken...you can always find some inspiration here :)
I am a dedicated blogger and A|R contributor.
2009 is the year that I decided to focus on blogging/commenting here. I take a lot of time to not only think about what I am going to write, but to create value for others!
I am not sure if I am succeeding yet, but am dedicated to improving daily!
Thank you for sharing Sally!
Have a Profitable Day Everyone!
- Harrison Painter
Marcus: Real cool..lol.
Dave: For one thing...any member can comment as much as they like but ONLY get points for 10...that's always been the limit. Anyone can write a bunch of two paragraph posts and rack up points...the others who have worked hard on their writing to actually say something of substance...and still rack up the points have been here for awhile...dedicated, loyal, committed and hard work.... that's where my almost 500k points come into play. over two years of consistent blogging. I like my points....because I worked for them :)
Thanks Mike...I appreciate you :)
Good for you Stephen! It does kind of make a light go on when we read something and the clarity hits :)
Integrity: Yup....and the rewards are forthcoming as long as everyone knows...it does take some time :)
I agree with Dave Segrove's position as he wrote above. Good job, Sally.
Sally-I don't think there will be anything to tear me away from here! And some of the best people I know I met right here on the rain! :) And you know and I know...what a benefit it is!
Sarah: I suppose there are some consumers who like to read market reports...the only market reports I will do includes local area info and fun stuff...and then a little stats and pictures and tours...oh, just let me loose on a Localism post :)
Lee: Wow...that's a great way to look at it. :)
Hi Irene. Thanks...the foot is doing awesome! First time in over a year and a half without throbbing! (the hat did give me a different look though :)
Doug: I turned this part of my business into WORK. We spend so much on advertising...put so much into our marketing plan....and THIS my friend...is a big part of that for me :)
Richard: Oh Richard....I just said it nicely...being popular....being respected by the community = readership = lots of friends lol
Tap: You should be almost addicted by now lol...
Bettina: Well, for us who understand this concept...this IS work. It's the whole concept behind blogging for business. 85% of the consumers look online before actually contacting anyone. And if you have a serious online presence...you pretty much have clients. On top of that we network with our peers here. Referrals from other members is another big part of this whole concept. Work? I work hard....and it's also fun. Gotta like what we do...
William W: Oh...the pepperoni talk sounded real good...I ate my smart ones pizza (no pepperoni) and now I'm thinking about ordering one lol! Have I told you lately your little one is one gorgeous toddler?
Jim: Ah....and what might yours be?'
Vicky: No kidding...you wouldn't believe how much I have learned. Not just about real estate and the industry...but about everything and anything you can think of....all right here :)
Judi: I feel the same when I read some and get a smack upside my head :)
Hey William: Well, my friend ...we are doing our family thing tomorrow... wait until you see :)
Sheldon: And I know you do! Happy mom's day to your wife...and hope you all have a nice day :)
Harrison: Good for you....keep us updated!
Thanks Erica...it's a long road to being successful in whatever we do...including blogging :)
Midori: Hey there sister! Yup...we die hards remain...and loyal are we huh?
Blogging is about consistency and providing good information to others. Readers will come
Russ...you got that right :)
Mahalo Sally!! What a wonderful blog article.
I've been a member of AR for 2+ years and have gotten more active at blogging this last year. I'm trying to be consistent with the posts. Thanks for the great post today.
Patricia Aulson/Portsmouth NH Real Estate
Sally:You hit tha nail on the head... Nobody ever said it was a fast road to the top and becoming a sucessful blogger.... Heck.. I've been at it just over a year and I'm still wet behind the ears :)
Sally you put this so articulately and I like the idea of what we do in between. I have also heard that it's not what we leave behind, it's what we leave as we go along! Great post and I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!
I wanted the automatic fame. I'm famous, right? Or just infamous.
If you are a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain, you KNOW it's not about how many points you have, but how you got them.
I like this! It's taken me a long time to get to 100,000 points (I'm not quite there yet, but close enough) because I care about what I post. You were right on all counts, but I like this one the best.
would you look at that.....this dedicated blogger is far down on the comment list that everyone has already said they agree with you :) So, guess I can just say...."Nice Post" and get away with it LOL :) Working at our Blogs really is the key, and knowing what we're talking about when we write is quite helpful also :)
WooHoo Sally! Congrats on that little gold star! More importantly, congrats on your success with blogging--you GET it! Not only that, you SHARE it. You're such an awesome contributor to the community and I for one, appreciate all you teach us here.
Have a fab weekend and a wonderful Mother's Day!
You do have to put a piece of yourself into every post. I actually started doing that after I watched "Marley and Me". In it, the writer actually become popular once he starts finding his own voice and stops fighting what he thinks he should be. Thanks for the post.
This dedicated member has put blood, sweat and tears into her WORK here. And believe me, it's work! Do I feel appreciated? Sometimes. My blogs are usually geared toward the public, and most other Rainers don't "get" anything from those posts. And with the huge amount of bloggers that are now here, that means there are many more posts, and fewer comments to go around. I blogged this last week. One of my clients called and asked me why there were few, or no comments on the posts that were the most important. I had no answers for him that didn't sound shallow.
I thought I'd made some friends here, but with the recent changes, we seem to all be in a bit of confusion. For me, that confusion has translated into frustration, and questioning if I really have what I thought I had. Yes, I'm feeling pretty down in the dumps lately. And it's becoming increasingly more difficult for me to continue here. And the worst part is that I've lost my position in the state of Florida, which means I've lost exposure. And that exposure and ensuing clients, is the motivation that gets me through all the silliness and drama, and lack of appreciation I sometimes feel.
Now there is my plain, unadulterated, honest, truth! I guess it won't be motivating anyone, any time soon.
What can I say Sally... Some folks just don't get what ActiveRain is all about. I will admit that because the season has picked up, I have been a bad blogger...
Your building consultant for life in Nashville, TN
Sally - you are the personification of a good blogger ... the perfect example ... your heart and soul shows in every post you write ... you have captured the essence of active rain in words for all to share.
Sally,
Your point is well taken. If your are a active activerain blogger you are part of the forum. There is so much positive exchange that takes place on the rain that is invaluable to Realtors and many of the other active members. Keep up the good work, it keeps bringing us back.
Steve
Sally,
Once you get started, it is easy to continue maintaining your blog if you make it a part of your daily routine. This strategy has worked for me so far. Thank you for a great post and look forward to seeing more of them.
Melissa
You are so right and I love the purple monkey pic! This is a great post and an encouragement to me, as I joined active rain last year but got serious in 2009 when I wrote into my goals and business place to blog here every day! Thanks!
thanks Cathy :)
patricia: I'll have to check it out...:)
Roland: I thought that a year ago too :)
Russell: I try :) Our legacy....it is all over the internet :) Thanks...i will!
Lane: You are famous in your own right :)
Gail: That IS why a lot of members can brag....they worked for it.
Kathy: Nice comment lol.
Debe: I love little gold stars. ....It makes me popular LOL. Have a nice mom's day too :)
Hugo: i got pieces of me all over :) I loved that movie!!!!
Lisa: Appreciation comes from within and from the here and there tidbits that add to it. It's the expectations that gets one in a bind with turmoil within and then starts looking at all things outside of self to blame or get mad at. You should have asked your client if they left a comment. Sometimes informational posts don't get much attention or there is nothing left to add. You write detailed posts and by time the reader is done there is nothing to add. I understand that others comment on so many others now (there are MANY good writers here) that they may not have the time...I understand that biz is picking up for many so they definitely do not have the time. I have slowed while others picked up...that's okay....I utilize my time boosting my blog, my website and everything that I need to in this in between period. One thing I do know....letting go helps clear the way for newer and brighter things. and because you're going through these feelings....it doesn't make it better...unless you do something about it. I certainly am not going to be unmotivated because of your comment. In fact, it motivates me to jump up and go enjoy my day! Happy Mom's day (tomorrow) Lisa!
Michael: It doesn't make you a bad blogger! your biz picked up and we wait for you to come back....I'm sure you do the same for others when you see them pop up again :)
Kathy: Oh...far from perfect :) :) I try to show ME...with that heart and soul...no matter what I write about. Thanks kathy....need to head over to yours and see what you're up to :)
Hey Steve...that's the spirit (of Aloha lol)
Melissa: It is a daily routine of mine...no ifs ands or buts :)
Exit: I love it too! These are the kinds of pictures I take for my posts ....so it's ALL mine :) Good luck picking back up!
I agree with your comment about adding a bit of your personality to your posts Sally. People have to get a little glimpse of who you are from your posts. I try to include stats from our local market, information on points of interest here, some stream of consciousness posts, and some fun stuff too. One can not live by real estate alone. Great post, always a pleasure reading your stuff, and keep up the great work.
Wonderful post. I learn so much on active rain. Thanks to all for sharing their knowledge and experience.
Jerry: It's imperative to give a little us in it...otherwise...how would they even begin to see what kind of person we are. I tend to attract clients who have the same personality. How about you?
Anonymous: Great...hope you get what you are working towards!
Sally,
Quite a few new members believe that just by signing up with AR will do the trick. Well, wrong. It takes plenty of effort, learning and time to make blogging here pay off. Effective marketing is in fact work.
Ironically I had tried to always be politically correct on here, although I am opinionated about many things, and just this week after reading another post with this driving point, I decided I needed to let a little of the personality out, work in progress...
Sally, What a perfect way to get across that AR is not a popularity contest. It's more about the way you earned the points and I absolutely agree with everything you said so eloquently. I may have, at times, shown a bit more of myself then necessary but I didn't notice that it turned anyone away...in fact, it was the opposite.
I have not been consistant lately due to work and other things but I spend as much time here as possible. Still, it's Spring and the call to play more is here :)
Hey since when do little Gold Stars make us popular...heck what have I been missing all this time LOL :)
I have not been blogging regularly like in the past. My schedule has gooten so tough lately. I need to cut back on other things to free up more time in the future. Great post!
Esko: Yeah...I've seen that.....too bad they don't realize the value :)
Heather: We all have 'personality'... it's all in the manner of how we use it...and handle it :)
Carole: Yeah..it's hard to get that time....it's really getting harder because of the massive membership now.
Kathy: Yeah...it's a popular thing LOL
Hey Randy: I know...you're addicted to Facebook lol. You have a lot on your plate....
Great post Sally. Ok I guess I get my 25 points now ;)
This post is very thought provoking but it is no secret; everything worthwile takes some work. In fact you have just inspired me to post a blog and hope it will bring some folks some encouragement. You sure have. Thanks again!
Thanks Sally, Love the monkey!