Before you post on your Blog, here's five principles that may help you get more views, readers and comments, and (no promises), featured on Active Rain!
First off, put some thought and effort into your posts. There are so many things you can write about IE: your business, events, personal experiences, travel, technology, other members, the Market etc.
If you invest a small amount of time "thinking" about your post and your readers, their perceptions and what you are trying to get across, the better your posts will be.
Don't knock yourself out, and remember, you'll never know what kind of response you'll get until you just "Go For It!" This is how you will learn, grow, and improve your Blogging Skills.
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This is very important! Look at it like the HEADLINES of your newspaper, or like the subject line of your email, it will determine if your readers are going to open it and read it or not. Coming up with a good title, is often times over-looked and under-estimated. Put some time into creating a title that "GRABS" the readers attention, but is also on course with your subject! If readers like your title, they will at least breeze through your post. 
Make sure you DON'T create posts that are 1000 or more words, all clumped together on one page! Very few will read it! Your post needs to be pleasing to the eye, and easy to read! Follow this rule of thumb (in my humble opinion), never have more than 3-5 lines of text before you have a paragraph break. I know this isn't what we learned in our grammar school English class, but for Blogging, it 's acceptable. 
It's unlikely that you'll get any value from your posts that are only 25 words or less. You need to be able to engage your readers without teasing them in a short post, or boring them with a long one. You'll find your way, it does take time. Understand that other readers, viewers and members can tell a lot about you by your posts. Your intelligence, your intentions, and your personality. I would also use the spell-check on AR, we all make typos, but there's a tool here to help you minimize them in your posts. 
This is essential in creating a good post and more importantly, creating returning viewers. This is more important than points, comments, or any other compulsive things that may cause you to Blog on Active Rain. Content must look, feel, and flow smoothly, but also take your readers to a final ultimatum. They'll either just read it, or read it and comment. Ultimately, you want them to also subscribe to your Blog and add you as an associate!! 
These are items to help enhance the view and attract-ability to your post. Photos and graphics tend to set a mood and often times can engage a reader even more. BE CAREFUL, you don't want to over do it here. Also the size of your photos and graphics should be proportionate to your text and content. Use Links to other members, topic related materials, and any other useful articles or websites to increase your "Exchange In Value" on your post. Same with bolding, underlining and italicizing text, important, but use in moderation.
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TIP: Make your profile page your "BEST POST OF ALL!" When someone reads one of your post for the first time, often they will go to your profile page to read and learn a little more about you. I suggest making it like a website! Detailed information, links, testimonies, useful bookmarks, and photos or multimedia. You want to have "stickiness" on your profile, just as you would your web-page. Make it better than a webpage.
In closing, Blog safely, wisely, and often, but more importantly, BE REAL, follow your instincts and intuitions, and maximize your potential and possibilities here! :-))
All Content Copyright Protected © 2007 
Wonderful post, Brad. Timely reminders for not only newbies, but experienced bloggers as well. You covered all of the most important points of writing a good blog post exceedingly well and it was a very enjoyable read first thing this morning.
Jo
Excellent post, Brad. These reminders are applicable to all of us...
Tony
Brad, I know, you have been to my profile page and are waiting for me to update it! Do you ever sleep???
I don't know how to find enough time in the day to get everything done. I do love to blog and have learned so much since being on AR. My weekly newsletter is personally written and out by Thursday. My clients anticipate it's arrival it now! It's hard to figure out what takes priority beyond that. Life is good! Hope you have a happy 4th of July!
Brad,
Thanks for helping out...I know my responsibilities busy me a bit and your help on this subject will surely help new members looking to improve content and style. Keep it up...because I do not have anymore time to come up for air as you said to me. You helped me in the past also. Rock on Dude!
The Real Deal
Hi Brad - this is a great post - very well-thought out and very well-written about each of the points you made. I LOVE that graphic - that should help get your points across as well. I need to pay more attention to my profile page. I sorta forget about that part of all this. Thanks for the reminder.
Happy 4th!
Ann
Brad -- Wow! Thanks for this! May I put a link over to the Practice Group? I think that many members would benefit that if they are tentative and want to have help, there are several members that pop in and try and assist members with their writing.
It would be neat if some of the more experienced members would pick up the phone and help a newer members with a post. There is a bonus to doing so. You gain a friend for life..... I know that there are several of you paying it forward! What a great gift!
Brad,
Tremendous post! I went back and bookmarked all of the free graphics sites for future use. Thanks for the easy to understand principles.
Great summary, Brad. This will be helpful to new folks as well as those who are more experienced but perhaps not doing the best they can.
Have a great holiday!
Jeff
You're an inspiration and a real asset to this community, Brad! Thank you for taking the time.
Where is the reference to the free graphics sites that Diane references above?
Thanks Brad. Now I'm going to re-do my profile, and try to make my posts more visually interesting. These tips are very valuable!
Vicki
Ashley- I think our profile page is always a "work in progress" ...so is finding the time!! LOL
Allison - thanks! :-)
Jo-Anne - I need to be reminded of these 5 principles myself from time to time, thanks for your kind words.
Jason - thanks for the 5 my friend, wouldn't it be great if every time another member gave you a five, it was added as points to your Blog? Members giving other members points based on a rating...hmmmm??
Are the rain Gods listening? :-) Thanks!!
Tony- you are right, I have seen some long-time veterans of Blogging write some pretty questionable stuff! Sometimes I think they are after points, or maybe just in a hurry to gt their thoughts out there!!
Becky- looking at some of the other members profiles will help you get some more ideas on how and what you might want to update on your profile page. I think each of us should review our profile page monthly for updates and modifications. Our lives change frequently, so should our web-pages and blogs. thanks for your comment here, I'll be by your blog later to drop you a visit!
Margaret, thank you. I have to confess, these posts don't always start off so easy-to-read!! For me, I have to get it all out onto the screen, then edit, edit, edit, walk away, come back and edit, edit, edit...post!
They take more time to do it this way, but I feel better when I look at the original and then the final post! Thanks for confirming my theory of making these easy to read. Now if I could just do that with my comments....they always seem to digress back to "A Wall of Words" like this one is starting to!! LOL :-)
Lizette - Great to hear from you, have you been sleeping? LOL ;-) I think your profile page is fine, if you were to add anything, maybe just some links to some of your posts or favorite stuff in Kentucky. Maybe even a link to your newsletter for your readers....like me, who would love to see your newsletter too. Have a great and safe 4th of July Holiday!! You've been missed here lately.. :-) and no...I don't sleep! Who has time for that!?!
Neal "The Real Deal" - always glad to help out my friends on AR! Can you believe my verification word for this comment is "lovi-lovi"? I feel the lovi-lovi, do you? Thanks Neal, always great to hear from you!!
Ann - thanks!! The graphic in this post took me longer than anything else. The picture in the middle is my son years ago at the Monster Truck races in Oakland, CA. They were so loud, you can see his response. I thought it might represent some of us who don't want to listen to reason sometimes. A subliminal message there... LOL! Thanks for noticing it, sometimes I put too much effort into the little things, but it's nice to know when their appreciated. Happy 4th back to you and your family!!
Colleen - This Buds for you!! ooops...I mean "this Blogs for you"! LOL! Feel free to put a link anywhere you like, as always, I am honored when you do that! I try to pop into that group when I can to help others, just been traveling and really busy lately. There is more truth to the "bonus" than you know, I have gained many life-long friends on the rain. It may very well be, the most "taken-for-granted" benefit of this network. It's Nice to have you as a "bonus" friend!! :-)
THOUGHT TO ALL - For those about to Blog, we salute you!!
Diane - it's good to know that some readers actually click on the links we work so hard to create! I myself tend to read and then comment without really utilizing the links in other members posts. You have made me realize this from your comment. I'll try better now, Thanks you! Enjoy using those graphics and photos, but also take your own pictures and create your own graphics. It's easy and fun...and it's ALWAYS legal!! LOL!
Todd -thanks! To use links, just highlight your text with the mouse, then click on
above. When the next screen pops up, just type in the URL for that link IE: http://activerain.com/zerocommission. I see you have some on your profile page, you should use them in your posts too! Thanks for your comment!
Jackie- thanks for saving me from the dreaded "13th" comment, though I am not very superstitious, I am grateful that you are... LOL! Would you have commented otherwise? :-) Regardless, I am grateful for your comment and will repay the favor shortly!! Thanks!
Patricia -thank you and you're welcome. Enjoy the Holiday today!! :-)
Darlene- I'm glad this post helps you, that is the sole intent of me doing it! Let me know if you need any additional help with posts, links, etc. Glad to help out. Just shoot me an email or a call on my cell! Until then, have a Happy 4th!
Brad:
Great post! It reminded me (again) that I have more work to do. LOL Don't you ever take a break? Happy 4th of July!
Missy - WOW! Thanks for the "FANTASTIC" comment, you sure know how to make a guy feel good!!! I hope that many new members will benefit from this post, if so, then my goal and purpose will be achieved!
For the past month, I have been welcoming new members everyday. It's very interesting to read their first post! So many varieties, and so many variations. Some too long, some too short. Some very well written but some that just say,
"Hi, My Name Is Brad" and that's it!
I do hope this helps generate better posts in the future for our moderators, and for us Bloggers here on the rain!!
Have a F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C- 4th of July Holiday!! Best to you always!! :-)
Brad~ You are so super cool for posting this. And so visually appealing!
DID YOU CATCH THE NEW THEORY ON LINK LOVE???
You'll notice that at the end of each of the 5 principles, there is a RELATED ARTICLE(S) >>>>> link.
Here's a great way to give "Link Love" back to multiple members on the rain. By doing a search on the rain of related articles, you can link to multiple members, and let the readers choose which ones they wish to review. This is also a great way to get comments and ideas from some of (y)our older, but useful posts!
I was waiting to see if anyone would comment or notice.... :-)
Bruce - You're Welcome. :-)
Jeff - excellent point, I will have to refer back to it often as well. Great to have your comment, thanks!!
BTW - Jeff, did you know that your post was the first one that I ever read on Active Rain? It was just 4 months ago when you did your post about "Not Getting The Listing". Seems like just yesterday...
Have a great Holiday too, enjoy your Independence!! :-))
Marlene - that's great to hear and know!! Thank you, enjoy your 4th too! We're off to see the fireworks from a hilltop that has a 360 view of the entire valley. 4-wheel drive sure pays off on the 4th of July!! :-)
Brad,
Great name! Thanks for the helpful post. I am still a newbie to blogging and I am trying to learn as much as possible to improve and become a better blogger.
Brad Snyder
FYI - you are one of the veterans of the rain that I am inspired by and look up to very much!! Thank you for your posts, your blog, your wisdom and your comment here on my blog! I am truly honored and appreciate all "YOU" do for members like me. If I get a comment from Sharon on my post, I do get excited!! (Big Grin!) Have a great 4th with your friends and family Sharon!!
Brad -- I really liked the way you made the message short, simple and to the point. Some of these "how to" or "don't do" posts get a bit preachy -- I am going to book mark this one as there is some great reference information. thanks for taking the time to put this together and enjoy the 4th.
Brad, as always a very well written and informative post. I will have to revisit my profile page, and see what I can do to make it more informative.
As far as link love, I really liked Maureen Henry's post about linking for SEO as well. I liked that alternative she offered in case we link to her website or to her post. This time I'm doing a link love to her actual article so anyone can check it out that is interested and missed it.
I'm giving you a BIG 5 for this one, and bookmarking it! Thanks Big Time.
Brad!
You put in a lot of effort into this--I did notice the links but I wanted to thank you first. Great links and bookmarked! Congrats on being featured in the Newbie Group!
Hi Tracy - nice to see you here. The link for the graphics link is above in the post where it says, "RELATED ARTICLES>>>>>" Number #5 principle takes you to the post which gives you info on where to get these for FREE! It will be the first of many posts to come up once you click on it. You can also go directly to that specific post by CLICKING HERE! Thanks for your wonderful comment!
Steven - BOLD is good but remember, only in moderation, otherwise it can make any post very difficult to read. I use them more for important points, or sub-headings. It helps viewers to breeze through the post more easily. See what I mean about moderation? LOL!! :-)
Jim and Maria - thanks for the high expectations...nothing like a little pressure. LOL!!
What's really funny is, you've given me an idea for my next post...are you ready?
TITLE: When a couple or Team like "Jim and Maria Hart" leave you a comment
on your post, how do you know which one to respond to? Jim or Maria? hmmmm... LOL!!
Thanks to which ever one of you wrote the comment above! I wish you both a safe and happy 4th!
FYI - if you both are posting, maybe you'll need to type your name in the comments you leave or....maybe you just like putting us through this torture!! RFOL (BIG SMILE!!!)
If you want to improve this is an excellent place to start. Read the post by the founder for the rules.
Look forward to seeing you there!
EXCELLENT TAG-TEAMING Colleen, you never cease to totally AMAZE me!! Where others might call this SPAM, I honestly appreciate the "TRUE VALUE" you're bringing to this post!! Thanks for all you do!! YOU ROCK!!!
JOIN MIKE's PRACTICE GROUP!! It's a great place to really get up and running in a non-threatening environment, where other members like to help!! I am a member there myself...and on top of all that, Mike Mueller is a personal and dear friend who has helped me a great deal with blogging and many other personal and business issues. Thanks Colleen and Mike!!!
Brad -- it is a great resource! I wish I had a place when I first started to get advice on how to write a post...
Have a great 4th of July!
Brad,
This is great information for everyone. Thanks so much for taking the time to do the research (all of the related articles) and pulling it all together for us. With all the free advice we have at our fingertips to improve our blogging, we should all have quality blogs posted. I'm working on it and think I have improved a little -- still not where I want to be, but with all the help we have here how can anyone fail -- unless they just don't do it!
Brad- Thanks for the tips. I see that sometimes it takes a couple days before you get a lot of comments.
Hey Brad,
We all should follow your lead :) and thanks to Colleen for creating another great Group to learn from!
Brad - Trying to figure out which type of blog entry will get people to interact with the author is quite challenging.
When I post something semi-technical, I don't seem to engage anyone. I'm had a post about CAP Rates and P/E Ratios, and another about mulit-family valuations up for quite some time -- neither has drawn a comment.
Then, I posted something to ask whether people were thinking about going to see "Sicko", and that drew a lot of comments. Some who can't stand Michael Moore and others who were willing to really try and talk about the issues raised in the movie. Last count, I had over 20 comments so there was a fairly lively discussion for that political lightning rod and not any for what I'd really like to talk about -- the real estate business.
Go figure, but ... good luck to you!
Broker Bryant - thanks for the confirmation, coming from you, that is very re-assurring!! I hope I was able to back this one up with good content! :-) Your comments are always appreciated...hope my widgets didn't slow you down any today!! Happy Fourth My Friend!
Dave - glad you enjoyed my profile page, as I stated earlier in these comments, it is actually due for a facelift. There are so many great examples of AWESOME profile pages, I need to take mine to the next level too. Thanks for the comment!! :-)
I HAVE TO PAUSE HERE FOR A MOMENT TO SALUTE AMERICA AND OUR INDEPENDENCE!
TO ALL ACTIVE RAIN MEMBERS, READERS, VIEWERS, COMMENTORS, MODERATORS, RAIN GODS, GOD HIMSELF, AND EVERYONE ELSE I MAY HAVE MISSED.......
Have a Safe and Blessed Holiday!!
Bob - Thanks! Any relation to my Driver Friend John? Thanks for the bookmark and comment!
Laura - thanks, I think you're the super cool one, afterall, you took the time to not only read this, but you took the time to comment as well. And a nice comment at that! Thank you for being so cool!! :-)
Elaine - thanks for the tips, I'll have to go check out Chris G and Mariana W. profile pages. Thanks!!
Oh, I'll have to check out yours too! I'm sure it's awesome. Please help one other member with theirs if you ever get the chance. If every member, helped just one other member, we'd take our blogging community to the next level. That's what it's all about, helping others! Would ya do that for me? :-)
Brad- great name back!! LOL! I do hope this post will help you even if just a bit to feeling better about your future posts and blogging. I look forward to seeing your future successes out here on AR. I'll be watching for your posts, and dropping by your blog from time to time, always here if you need help or just have a question!! Thanks for your comment! :-)
Joan- I know what you mean, I have written a couple of those myself knowing that it was TMI. (too much info). I have found the trick is to edit, edit, edit, walk away for a while, come back, edit, edit, edit, preview one last time, then hit the upload post! Seems to be working based on your comment. Thank You!! :-)
Teri- thanks for the kudos! Love Maureen Henry's blog, posts and writing. I have seen that post and many others she has written. She is an incredible resource to us all, and she's really a great person too!
Thanks for commenting, I'll check out your profile page later and have a wonderful 4th of July!!
(Big Smile to the Lady In Red!!) :-))
Yolanda - thank you, I appreciate that and hope this helps the folks in the newbie group...that's my old stompin ground, a group I'll always call home!! You're the best!! Thanks again! :-)
Tony - glad you found this post then, hopefully it will help you even if in just a small way! I'll be checkin out your posts and profile as soon as I get out of this post. I also have to go catch up on another post I did about the "Fruit Being Gone"! Looking forward to seeing you again soon! Thanks!
BTW - Did anyone notice the temperature on my widget over on the right? It's 103 degrees outside right now. Just went out to the truck to get my cell phone and it was melted on the floor boards!! LOL! Not really, but it was too hot to pick up without palying Hot Potato with it! LOL!
Brad -
Thanks for the helpful information. I have a lot to learn and improve on. It's wonderful that you're always sharing and being so helpful. Have a great 4th!
great information!
I think we need to offer a primer for formatting...
and point penalties for breaking the rules.
Rich - thanks for your comment, practical is something I am not...well, except for this post!! LOL! :-)
Colleen - I am glad Mike started the "Practice Here Group", I fully endorse it too! Thanks!
Judi - thank you, that is our intent and goal here. If we all improve just a little, then AR improves a little. If (I) can improve alot, then hopefully other AR members can improve alot too. It should be each of our individual goals to improve a little each day, and help other members improve with us. I personally do not
have time to be a part of "Project Blogger" and get coached all the way to success, but I can watch from the sidelines and learn a ton, and grow as the other writers do too. My daddy always use to say, "Watch and Learn my son!" I have watched so many others and had the chance to learn from their failures and their successes! Glad I joined this awesome network, and got to meet people just like you. Thanks again. :-)
Pamela - a picture really does tell a thousand stories! I love using photos and graphics on my posts. Don't think I have ever done a post without one. Thanks for commenting, your comment is picture perfect!! :-)
Sally - Aloha! I think the Title is so important, you're right, they won't comment if they aren't attracted! Glad this one sucked you in, and even happier you commented!! :-) Thanks!!
Shaun - it can take a few days to collect a few comments, but I really think it depends more on your content. If you go to any group, look at the views -vs- comments, it's shocking in many cases. I just saw one that had 4525 views and only 12 comments. The writer had great info, wonderful layout, but no reason for the reader to engage and comment. I reviewed the post to see why, and it was because every bit of that post was non-engaging! I learned alot from reading and evaluating that post! Oh, by the way, the post I am referring to was one of MINE!! :-O I share this with you because it's not the days on the market that count, it's pricing it right with "great engaging content". Even this post is not engaging to a point, it allows for the typical thanks, great info, nice job type comments, but not engaging at that "deep" level that gets 200 comments....where every comment is extremely long like the one I'm leaving your right now! LOL! :-)
Brad -
You sure wrote a well commented post! Congrats for that and I see why so many people have read it. I've been learning this lesson over the last several months. I sure hope that the newbies do see this and use it to make their posts more effective.
Lisa $ Robert - (like the dollar sign?) LOL! Thanks for the "lead" comment! You guys are too kind! Just FYI - Colleen is the Bomb, but Mike Mueller is the actual creator of the group. Just giving credit where credit is due. :-)
Brad - we all struggle with the same dilemna - I try and bounc around a little, but my audience i different than most! Great comment, thanks for leaving it! SEO is important, but so are returning readers!! :-)
Joe - Glad you liked this post, I hope it really does help, good luck with your future blogging!!
Irina - thanks for the compliment, glad you approved!! :-)
Donna- if that's the case, you better never grow up!! LOL! Thanks for your kind words, they're appreciated! You're only a newbie until you don't say you're a newbie anymore!! :-)
Lisa - it's my pleasure! It's a great reward to get comments like yours, I think that is what keeps us going and really creates what many call the AR addiction. It's not the computer or even the AR network, it's the people like you that keep me coming back for more!! (BIG SMILE)!
David - that's not a bad idea, they are already taking points away from certain posts by members who don't play by the rules!! Thanks for the comment, I know others will read that too and have their own opinions! I have to agree, something has to govern the ungovernable!!
Michael - Content IS KING, but without good graphics (part of the content) the post might not be KING material, just Prince or Guard maybe... LOL! Thanks for your comment! Happy 4th of July All...It's almost over...7 more minutes till midnight here...bed time now!! Goodnight!
Good post, Brad - love the graphic. Homemade?
If I could add my two cents it would be to focus at least 25% of your blogging on local communities and neighborhoods. Of the public posts, it should be 50% or more - after all, most AR-only posts are where we share personal issues as it were. I've seen the absolute best response from my local neighborhood posts. That's what 99% of Real Estate folks are looking for in the end - contacts.
Kathy - thank you, and I'll try to make sure the third one doesn't let you down either!! :-)
To be honest with you, I wish I had known or read this before I did my first post! It's fun to look back at some of these "Long-Time" bloggers, and see where they all started and came from. Check out the Top Bloggers on AR, then go read their very first post! That's what gave me hope and faith that one day, I'd be able to write and post like them.
I have learned so much in the past 4 months, but I still have a long way to go! :-)
Brad, tomorrow is the Fight 73 , also , awesome blog for beginners, great advisers, very colorful, keep the good blog :)
Are you ready for the UFC ?
CONGRATS on your 100th Post Brad! This one was great I am hoping to see it pass 100 comments !
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!
Good Sound advise - well written and very pleasing to the eye
John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
Mission Grove Realty
Thanks so much for the practical, "take it to the bank" post. As an avtiverain 'newbie', this is just what I need! And, I hope your sharing pays you back a million times! Cheers to you, Brad.
Wendy Casey
Vancouver, BC., Canada
Aubrey - I'll check out your blog on Vox. Good luck to you in "your returns". :-)
Miriam - I think grammer is very important, and spellcheck too, but in a blog post, I find myself reading and commenting more on the one's that are pleasing to the eye. I still read others too but I hate the "WALL OF WORDS"!!! Mostly because I used to do it myself, and never got any comments. Then Colleen Kulikowski rescued me. This post is how I am "paying it forward" to her. Thanks for your comment... :-)
Rosemary - My party is your party! Doors always open to you, thanks for the 5, the comment, and all the smileys! I love the shades!! Remember...Life is the party, so enjoy it everyday!!
John - coming from you my friend, that means a ton to me! Thanks! Now google me and report back!! LOL! :-)
My Dear Wendy - thanks for your "awesome" comment, I like the bank part and the word millions. They seem to go real well together! LOL!! I am glad you found this post and that you can use the info. Welcome to AR and don't hesisitate to call if you need any assistance at all.
Linda - Aloha and Mahalo to you. Your comment and referral is more than I could ask, but I'm happy to accept them. Congratulations on being the "Featured" member in Ewa Beach. Enjoy and Welcome to Active Rain!
Thank you for the very kind comment! Definately makes one of the Top 3 Ever! Happy to help anytime, and always!! :-)
Brad, explain me about the LMK and the LMAO hahaha, I need to learn those abbreviations now ! ;)
Ray - sorry for the technobabble... LMK means "Let Me Know" and LMAO means "Laugh My _ _ _ off!" I think maybe you're messin with me!! :-)
Did you like the 5 principles of a good post? I try and use these every time I write. They say that sometimes less is more, but I think these are the basics! Thanks Ray! B-)
Brad, they are awesome, and I am not messing with you, I was wondering what did it mean those abbreviations :) thanks for letting me know.
Ray
Maureen, thanks! You know how I love words to live by!! :-) I appreciate your comment and also your time the other day. It is great getting to meet people like you, I hope one day it can be in person!!
THOUGHT: Let's start a webcam group!! NOT!!! LOL! B-)
Thanks so much for the post. Very helpful and informative. I am very new to this community and blogging in general.
Hi Brad, I joined AR just two days before you posted this. I was totally lost then so I missed it completely. I really could have benefitted from it then. Heck, I can still benefit from it so I am bookmarking it. If you don't mind I will ask for one little bit of help: how do you imbed graphics in your blog alongside of text? I can put it in above or below the text. I am trying to learn how to be a good blogger. AR is my very first experience at it.
Thanks for your help before and kind words.
Bill Roberts
Brad,
This is great. I will be using this for my posts.
Thank you.
You have published the most useful information that I have seen so far. My goal is to be the best blogger in my area. The knowledge that you are willing to share can help me reach my goals. THanks for you help. I'll continue implementing you helpful hints, with the idea that if I learn from the best, I can prevent wasting a lot of time and energy.
I am enjoying reading your info thanks!
Anne
Brad - this is an extremely useful post. Thanks a lot!
You are the best Brad! Boy do I have a lot of reading to do. I hope you and your family have a very blessed Easter!
P.S. I just found out how to bookmark Brad! Just noticed it under your post like you said. It was a little hard to find above all the wonderful and well-deserved comments you received. :-)
You can bookmark, email, or flag any post. The flag can be for features requests or spam. The email could be to a friend or other member, and the bookmark, well, you know all about that one now! :-)
Awesome post - even better than knowing what to do is what not to do. thanks again!
What a great reminder, just saw someone comment on it and thought gee-- you should refeature this for some of the new people..
Mike - good point. Sounds like a great title for a post! :-)
Colleen - you're the one that got me sold on AR. Remember? Skeleton? haha "Wall of words" and "Paying it Forward" are phrases I've coined that I learned from you. I think you were the first one to ever feature one of my posts here. Do you see what you've created?? lol~ Have a great fourth, and no refeatures for this puppy, he's gone the rest of this weekend.... :-))
Brad -- every time I see you pop up around here I am so proud... It was a pleasure to work with you! We should do a story of paying it forward and how the chain goes. Kristal Kraft taught me, I taught you and who you have helped and how they paid it forward...
Happy 4th of July!
Colleen - let's do it! I can create a family tree graph. Let's see how far we can trace it back and then follow it as it gets paid forward. You were a great mentor to me, and I'm thankful you have turned into a great friend. When the heck are we gonna meet for the first time??? lol~ I feel like we have already met, it' the strangest thing! Have a fun and safe weekend!! :-)
Your suggestions are very helpful.
Nice blog Brad you always have useful information! I've been on for a few months now but I'm still learning. You have helped me out a lot with your wonderful posts. Thank you!
Brad....when I click on #5 I get this:
Home : File not found.
File not found.
If you believe this file should have been found please use the Contact ActiveRain page and let us know. Include the URL and/or location of the file you think should have been found.
Oh it must me --- every link I click on is giving me the same message!
Jodi - glad they're helping you out.
DeVerie - glad these posts are useful and hopefully saving you some time and frustration.
Aida - those links were to AR searches and have long since changed. I corrected them all or just removed the links that didn't work anymore. Thanks for catching that and letting me know.
Brad Thanks a lot for your Post !
Wish I had found this my first day on AR!
Tyrone - happy to do it. Thanks!
Maya - you're telling me...I wish I had this kind of knowledge my first day, I would have posted it long ago.
Working on creating my first blog. It seems a daunting task, but your 5 principles broke it down into more manageable bites. Thank You!
Kevin - just write it! Remember your first listing presentation? Well look how good you are now. Your Blog is the same way. Each post you write will just get better and better. Trust me on this!! :-)
Graat post as always - I am fairly new to the rain and I love to read your blogs - so much info!!!
Norma - welcome! We're happy you're here. Let me know if you ever need a hand here, there are plenty of us who would be happy to help you if you need. You'll love this place and the people. :-)
I am a newbie to blogging and I appreciate the tips. Thanks!
Brandy - just write from the heart and know your audience. Practice will make perfect. Welcome to ActiveRain, we're glad to have you here with us. :-)
I didn't know I could add pictures to my blog posts. Thank you!
Nelson - yes you can and in fact, it's highly recommended too. Glad you found out, let me know if you ever need any help here, glad to be of service if I can. :-)
There is so much to this blogging thing! We were talking about the merits of blogging in my office yesterday morning - - I have never done it and have long had doubts about what value you get for the amount of time it takes to do it on a regular basis. I had two really great ideas for blogs this morning and it motivated me to investigate AR, sign up and set up my profile - - now, it is the end of the work day, I'm still reading "how to's" and my brilliant blogs are not yet "out there" - - and they really are brilliant! This material was very helpful - - I will use these 5 simple guidelines to take my scribbled notes from scraps of paper to the cyber world - - Stay Tuned.
Terry: Please let me know if there is anything I can do to be of help to you in the process!
Terry - Rich and I have been around the block a few times here in the community, if there is anything either of us can do to assist you, please don't hesitate to contact either of us. He's the great presenter, I'm the good looking and smart one! :-))
Terry: If you need any help with pocket protectors, sliderulers, or HTML coding, Brad is your man. But if you need practical advice on how AR can benefit your business, just give me a call....
Terry - just remember where and whose Blog you got this valuable information from to begin with! LOL~
@Rich - Hijacker! haha :-)
Terry: Everything you've read here was plagiarized from a post I wrote 2 years ago:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/64587/7-Habits-of-an-Effective-Blogger
Terry - 2 lessons to be learned here by Rich:
1. Hijacking = when you try to take someone from someone elses post or Blog over to yours.
2. SPAMMING - placing links in another members post or Blog is forbidden as Rich has clearly demonstrated.
All joking aside, you can see what a great teacher Rich is here, you should call him 2-3 per day with any questions you might have or any help you might need.
I hear he's pretty good at working on cars, remodeling houses, and designing websites too. Here's a link to his homepage.
I hate reading really long blogs and really short ones with a few sentences. I do know personally I skim the blog first to see if the content I'm interested is in there and then Ill go back to comprehend each line.
DeAndrea - there does seem to be a "somewhere in the middle" perfect post. Not too long, not too short. Not too HOT, and not too cold. We're all in search or writing and reading the post that is "Just Right!" :-)
BTW - I'm a skimmer too! LOL~
I think this post still holds true today! Now we need to add video and podcasts to add a little variety to the Blogs. Also the use of certain widgets (when called for) can add a little excitement to a blog post as well. :-)
excellent post as well. I have recently viewed some wall of text posts and they are so hard to read! also, I think folks that use bullet points or bold points really make their posts more legible. I love big photos too.
To reach the skimmers in your audience, try starting and ending with summaries and fill in the detail in the middle. In sneaky direct mail copy, we'd distil our message and stick it in the PS. Studies show people will open the letter, read the first paragraph, skip to the end, and if the like the ending, will read the details.
Sandy - thanks. We all have our prefrences just like our readers. :-)
Michael - an excellent point. I always start reading snail mail letters with the first sentence, then I skim over to the bottom to see who it's from, then go back and read if it's caught my attention, and there's value. :-)
Brad! Thank you! That was such great information as I begin the journey on AR. It's been great to read and learn so much from so many. I hope I'm able to share as much one day.
Olga
Question: Do you know how to add a signature or different font to my comments?
Olga - the font for comments is a standard font used across the entire network. Let me know why you need to change it and I'll see what I can do to help. Thanks. :-)
Yet another excellent post! Needless to say, I have subscribed to your blog and look forward to learning a lot more about active rain from you.
I do have a quick question. How do you customize the background and headers of the blog?
Thanks again!
Here's a link to help you Zilkia:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/714232/The-NEW-ActiveRain-Blog-Customizer-Version-20
Thanks Brad. I joined AR a few weeks ago and just "jumped in". This really helps me get a better handle on how to do things more thoughtfully.
Can you direct me to more information on how to format the blog...add photos, graphics and the like?
Thanks!!
Hal - there is an ActiveRainGuide that was created just for YOU! Go to ActiveRainGuide.com and you'll find everything you'll ever need to know right there. There is also a getting started link on the main AR page. :-)
PS- I noticed you were not logged in when you commented here, be sure to login first on AR before you try to do anything else or none of the tutorials and how-to's will work.
These are great tips for blogging. I'll certainly keep them in mind.
Thank you! Very helpful points and tips for someone like me who is just getting started. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
Brad, this is a great blogging guide, thanks for the information.
Thanks Brad for this useful information and your joy of networking that shines through so well!
Hi Brad,
I joined AR just recently and didn't have a chance to read it all yet.This post is very helpful.
Thanks again,
Eva
Hi Brad,
I have never done a blog before but by the end of next week I hope to have one up and going.
Thanks for the help!!!
You've done it again...simple and easy to understand info on how to blog. Kudos!
Hi Brad, Thank you for all the great info...so helpful!
Best to you!!
Bozeman Broker Group
Hi Brad,
This is going to sound like a dumb question. How do I get my picture to appear in my blog responses?
Hi Joe - your picture will appear in comments once you either reach 10,000 points or upgrade your current account to a rainmaker account. Here's a link for the upgrade if you're interested. :-)
Hi Brad, I know this must be around somewhere but i've done several searches on it. When I write a blog, I know I'm limited to postings to 5 groups, but does that include any Localism or channels? Thanks.
Also, I know I now have my picture included as well as a "Rainmaker" symbol (Yea!!!) but do I need to pay the monthly fee for an outside blog? Thanks.
Hi Kathy - 5 groups, Localism, Your Outside Blog , and 1 Channel are your options. With the paid rainmaker membership, an outside blog is included. As a rainmaker grandfathered in or by points, outside blogs are 19.00. Let me know if you need any assistance.
The biggest issue I am having with my blog is figuring out how to use graphics. Can you suggest an ActiveRain tutorial link that will give me the low down on adding graphics to my blog? Thanks!
Marian - you can add graphics and images to your Blogs by clicking on the "tree image" in your toolbar and then uploading them from either your computer or the Internet. If you need additional help, just let me know and I can walk you through it. :-)
Brad,
I should have been more specific. I can upload images I just can't control them! LOL. I can't seem to get the text to wrap around them nicely the way every else has them. Mine seem to push to the bottom under the text. Do I need to use HTML or something? I would like to have images within my text so it is visually appearing and breaks up the big text blocks. Have there been any tutorials on that?
As an extra bonus, I would like to know what program some agents are using to make those highly graphic intense, slick, posts of their listings.
Thanks! Marian
Marian - I'll see what I can find for you.
There is an "appearence" tab when you upload new images to a blog post, if you click on that tab, you'll have the ability to resize, add borders, create spacing between images and text both vertically and horizontally, and you can justify the images ie: Left, Center, Right, etc. I'm sure there's a tutorial out there somewhere, but once you click on "appearence" you'll probably find that you won't need one anymore.
If I can't find one, I may just have to create one for you. :-))
This is very good info! New to the blog world I will defiantly have to refer back to this pretty often until it becomes 2nd nature!
Eddie
Great tips. Now all I have to do is apply them.
Very informative. Now let me see, if I can remember it all and get my blog off on the right track.
Great, concise information that is useful with most business writing, not just posts. Will put it to use in our first post later today, I hope!
The 5 principles will be helpul to me. I appreciate that you have taken the time to write this down for those of use who will struggle with our first few or more posts.
Thanks John - you need not struggle here, there are too many great folks around this community willing to help. Enjoy my friend. :-)
I am still learning about AR, so this was greatly helpful!
Thank you for the advice. Every little bit helps