The ActiveRain Stuff You Won't Find Anywhere Else on the Web

question, on the "blog description" part (#2) are you suppose to put your blog name where you wrote "meta NAME" or leave as is?  Thanks Brad, just trying to figure it all out!

C&M

Brad, you never cease to amaze me with your tips and information. Just to set up something like this is amazing. Rated a 5 and bookmarked. Thanks,

Brad it is no accident that you are one of the "Kings" on AR. I had questions on how to really use the Blog Description for my blog but haven't had time to research it. You answered my questions in this one post.

Thanks

Brad - I bookmarked this one and flagged it for a feature...sure wish I could give you a big 4, too!  What great content.  You are just so giving. 

One of your fans in So Cal,

Marlene

Dionne - I wish I could give DRE credits for this stuff. LOL!  Maybe if I put all my instructional posts together in a book and teach an on-line class, we can get Active Rain to approve a DRE course.  Then members could earn the coveted ARS certification...

(Active Rain Specialist)

Thanks Dionne, nice to hear from you...always!! 

question, on the "blog description" part (#2) are you suppose to put your blog name where you wrote "meta NAME" or leave as is?  Thanks Brad, just trying to figure it all out!

C&M

Chris and Maria -  you'll want to leave [<meta name="keywords" content=] as is.  Anything you place between the " " after that, are the Meta name tags or keywords.  Also, be sure to separate your words with comma's.  You could put the name of your Blog between the quotes if you think anyone will be searching for those particular words. Let me know if that helps. I'm here for ya! :-)

You are getting way too good!!  Wow- now where was this when I needed this post!!  I will be sure to bookmark this and pass it on!! Great job my friend! Hope you are enjoying Rocky Point!! I'm jealous!!

Candace - Thanks, I've learned from some great members (LIKE YOU)!!  You are fabulous with HTML code.  This post was still a "Learning in Progress" when you needed it! hahaha  My next series of posts will be teaching beginner, intermediate, and advanced HTML code for members.  This is another request I get quite frequently.  Hope you're having a slammin weekend! :-)

Brad - I bookmarked this one and flagged it for a feature...sure wish I could give you a big 4, too!  What great content.  You are just so giving. 

One of your fans in So Cal,

Marlene - thanks for the Flag and "Feature" request, that is mighty sweet of you! I know they don't make 4's any more so you might as well make it a $5.00!  LOL!  Need my address? hahaha  I sure hope we can hook up for coffee or tea at the next RE Connect.  If you're ever in these northern parts, our door is always open to you. To say I am a fan of yours would be an understatement! :-)

Lizette - you got me, I actually clicked on your link.  That was funny, thanks! :-)  You could say I worked on this all week, I had numerous calls and emails asking me about some of the items I covered in this post.  I just decided to throw in the "whole ranch" and get er' done!  Now get ta steppin and stop slackin!!  LOL! :-)

BTW - tracks are coming along nicely, had to pull the last post due to copyright pending issues.  Glad you at least got to hear a sample before we yanked it!  Thanks for your help and support with that!  More on that later....

Brad, Definite bookmark post! I have one request. Would you mind changing Associates to Associations? I think it may not be that clear to someone new. The difference between the two:)

Karen - I will "Edit" and change that just for you!!  And of curse those who may feel the same as you do.  Thanks for pointing that out, good call!  I think we need to keep you around for sure!!  (BIG SMILE) !! 

Brad -  I have a question about #3, if you don't mind.  I used to have something in this box but when looking at my blog, I never saw what what written there so I removed it and added it to #2 instead.  Is this something that I would see?  If so, where?  Or is something that Google sees?  Thanks for your time.

Nancy - AWESOME QUESTION....Be right back.... 

Nancy - This is the $64,000.00 question of the day. I looked into this a bit further and it will take a bit more research.  I WILL GET YOU THE ANSWER, as soon as I have it!  Great Job! You get the trophy for today!!

This is terrific information, Brad. I think there are many who don't have an idea of what to do with their settings, and this will really help peple make the right choices to improve. I also would recommend using keywords in the blog title. Location is a good one, for example. That will get searched by the spiders as will the post titles themselves.

Jeff

Brad,

   Thanks for the great post. I have subscribed to your blog. I don't want to miss anything that you have to say.  

Karen - thanks, see how I roll?  Now, regarding my comment about keeping you around...the last thing I want to become is an Ex-Blogger In Law, so I retract that comment, apologize,  and replace it with this one...

Karen Hurst, thank you for your suggestion and your input for this post!  You are the BEST! 
(there, does that get me out of the dog-house?)   :-)  

For being such a forgiving and wonderful person Karen, I present you this little gift.  It's a show I know you'll enjoy! 

Great post, I learn something new from you when I read your blog. THanks.

I need to bookmark my bookmarks.

Spamword: quandong

Brad,

I don't think the members online feature woks any longer or I have not seen it.

Over 50 comments (so far) and featured.  WOW.  But it doen't surprise me one little bit because....

YOU ARE AWESOME!

I'll wait here patiently while you round up the answer to my $64,000 question.
Thanks a million!

Brad, you have all your email settings checked that is confusing to me. I didn't check Associates Blocked and Associates Unblocked, why are both checked ? I get notifications when someone adds me, can you explain the feature more ?

Also why do you run the Google Ads on the side bar ? Do you get paid when someone clicks on from the ad there ?

Thanks

Brad- Excellent. Geat tips on an often overlooked area.Thanks so much. I didn't know about the meta tags code. I'm off to my settings!

P.S. What's behind Suzi's spamword?

Excellent! I did a little tweeking as per your instructions..let's hope for the best!

thanks for this very informational post!

Brad,  Thanks so much for the helpful information...I have this bookmarked this so I can more throughly go over it later.  Congratulations on the Feature...well deserved and helping so many others.  :-)

All the Best,

Suzi - that's hilarious!!  I rarely look at my AR bookmarks, but need to more.  I have tagged/bookmarked some really great posts, but I am so busy moving forward and bookmarking new ones, that I never have the time to go back and really enjoy the ones I already have.  It's like an obsession!!  LOL! 

Worst part of it is, when I do think of the post I want to go back and refer to, it's so buried in all the other book marks, I can't find it anyway! hahaha! Is that Crazy????!!!!! 

Morning Neal - the members online works, I just checked. If you check the box, your picture will show up. What doesn't work is the link that says 1274 Online Now.  It takes you to the online members page, but when you do the math, you see that things just don't add up.  Click on the link every 10 seconds and watch the numbers of members change, but they don't total up to what the link says are currently online. 

Don't you think it's a little odd that there are 54,000 people and NEVER more than 1500 Online Now?  I think that's the part that needs to be revised and probably will in the new AR release in November.  Can't wait to see the new face lift and upgrades.  Hope all is well with you and the family. Ciao!! :-)

Brad, thank you so much for this information, it really answered some questions I was having.

A while back I saw a widget that allowed properties that were for sale in your market area to scroll on the your screen.  At that time I didn't understand how to use it, and now I would love to have it but I can't remember where it was.  Have you seen this?

Secondly, do you know of a widget that I can add to my personal website that would send people directly to my blog page on active rain?  I tried the four links on the link page but none of them goes directly to my blog page.

Thank you so much for your help - you are a goldmine!  

Brad,

Another great post that is packed with great information!!!  I shall begin to call you "Master Jedi of AR"!  Thanks for the great tips.

Brad, you have all your email settings checked that is confusing to me. I didn't check Associates Blocked and Associates Unblocked, why are both checked ? I get notifications when someone adds me, can you explain the feature more ?

Also why do you run the Google Ads on the side bar ? Do you get paid when someone clicks on from the ad there ?

Missy - great comment, response, and questions! 

The email notifications box is just that.  Selecting any of those options by checking the box just means you'll be notified by email if any of those events takes place.  If someone blocks you as an associate, (probably rarely ever happens here on AR) it just means you'll be notified by email. If they unblock you, the same thing applies.  In the beginning creation of AR, they probably weren't sure how it would all play out so they added this feature.

The google ads, I do get paid if you click on any of them so "CLICK AWAY" LOL!  It doesn't cost the clicker anything, but Google sends me a check based on clicks and impressions.  It's not a lot of money, but it's easy money.  I average 8000 readers per month, so those clicks do add up. Let me know if this helps answer your questions. Always nice to hear from you, I hope all is going well with you and the family. Thanks Missy. B-) 

Very nice Brad.  I wish I had seen this when I first got started months ago but I've learned quite a bit and learned some of it the hard way which is not a bad way to learn.  I plan to reference your post as often as I can.  This is great information for everyone and especially the new folks.  I did bookmark it and I supposed I'm a nerd but I do go back and see the posts that I've bookmarked.

Brad- Excellent. Great tips on an often overlooked area.Thanks so much. I didn't know about the meta tags code. I'm off to my settings!

P.S. What's behind Suzi's spamword?

Tom - it's great to see so many benefit from this post, it was meant for a few, and looks like it's helping many!

Regarding Suzi's spamword, I can only imagine, and it's probably better that I don't! LOL! Have you seen some of these words lately?  They are pretty crazy and one could get pretty creative in using them in a post! haha! 

Thank you - your information has made my first day on this site so much easier!

Brad, thank you so much for this information, it really answered some questions I was having.

A while back I saw a widget that allowed properties that were for sale in your market area to scroll on the your screen.  At that time I didn't understand how to use it, and now I would love to have it but I can't remember where it was.  Have you seen this?

Secondly, do you know of a widget that I can add to my personal website that would send people directly to my blog page on active rain?  I tried the four links on the link page but none of them goes directly to my blog page.

Thank you so much for your help - you are a goldmine! 

Marie - you are very welcome.  I have a couple Widget Websites and you might find it there.  The first is a blog called "Widget World" and the other is just a compilation of widgets at "My Widget Showcase".  If you don't find what you're looking for there, it probably doesn't exist!!  na na na ...just kidding!  If you don't find it there, let me know and I'll help you find it ok?

Secondly, there are some widgets that will bring your posts right into your website.  You can also just create a link to your Blog in your website. It really depends on how you want them linked.  WidgetBox.com allows you to create as RSS feed widget that will show all your AR posts.  To see a sample of how I use it, go to my TechKnowBabble site.  It's on the side column of widgets.  If this helps. great, if not, let me know and we'll get you what it is you need.  I'll wait to hear back from you....  :-) 

Tracy - I like to K.I.S.S!   don't take it wrong.... It's just the acronym for Keep It Simple Silly! LOL!
Thanks for your comment and allowing me to have a little fun with it in return!  Have a great rest of the weekend!

Ray - I feel a disturbance in the force!!  C3PO is telling me to "use the force" don't disturb it! LOL!  Thanks for your compliment and comment my friend, you made my day!! 

Very nice Brad.  I wish I had seen this when I first got started months ago but I've learned quite a bit and learned some of it the hard way which is not a bad way to learn.  I plan to reference your post as often as I can.  This is great information for everyone and especially the new folks.  I did bookmark it and I supposed I'm a nerd but I do go back and see the posts that I've bookmarked.

Donna - I wish I had posted this months ago too, but as you know, it takes time to learn these things, (like you said, by trial and error) then to try and find the time to create a post like this...well, let me just say, it is a lot of time and work.  I'm glad I was finally able to create this. I was motivated to do so based on so many of the questions I have been getting lately. 

I will say for the record that you are "NO NERD!" with your bookmarks, you are very efficient.  I am jealous and can learn from members like you that I need to do that too!  My bookmarks are lonely and are requiring some of my attention. Thanks!!

Sharon Lancaster - I'm sure I speak for ALL OF US here at Active Rain when I say: WELCOME!!

Your First Day here should be a special Day!  We're glad you have joined, it's the best decision you could make.
There is so much for you here, you won't believe all the stuff you're about to learn, and the relationships you're about to grow. You will get as much out of this as you put into it. I promise!! Again, welcome aboard!!  :-)

Here's a little welcome gift for you: 

The gift inside is all the great stuff and people you'll find here at Active Rain!

Like most of us, I really could do a little more optimizing here...  (eyes rolling) Gee, I guess that is something else I can add to my "to-do" list.

Lane - you mean "Like All Of Us"!! LOL!  Don't let your "to-do" list get out of control, no need for additional stress in these times.  Have fun, optimize when possible, and stop rolling your eyes at people!! LOL! (Big Smile)!!

Thanks so much!  I love when a new piece of the puzzle falls into place.  It always amazes me how little I know and how much more I must be missing.  Beth

Howdy Brad

You have done a very helpful post for folks here on AR. Thank you.

Have a good one

Dale

Hello Benjamins - (I'll have you know, I usually only refer to that term on payday...just couldn't resist!) LOL!!  :-)

Yes, a lot of effort did go into this one, but it was worth it!  Helped out a few more than I anticipated. Thanks!!

Gena - you mean I gave a puppy a new toy!!  Dogs don't get old, they become more loved as the years grow on them.  In reference to the Blog Description Text box, I am waiting to hear back from Jonathan and Matt as to why it's even there. 

Nancy Rivera brought up an interesting point, and I am trying to resolve her question as to where the text in that box goes, or does it even matter....  Hope your phone ringing was that buyer that wants to pay cash for that listing you just took last week!  :-) Thanks for stopping by, I know how busy you are and I always appreciate your visits!  Hope to see you again soon, I really enjoyed our last visit together.  I'm meeting with Wendy C in a couple weeks, be nice if we could all get together for lunch or coffee. 

I came, I saw, I learned, I went into My Settings, I tweaked, I "updated".

Thanks so much for your well written instructions. I thought my settings were OK but I know I just made an improvement. 

Buyers Agent - This is one area you might want to update as well.  You can save us all an extra click by putting your name in this area of your setup. Here's what shows up on every comment you leave:

OK... Vicki Burton...(Buyers Agent) COME ON DOWN!!  LOL!  You should go to your profile page, click on edit, and put your Name in the name field and your Company in the Company field.  This will help others identify you when you comment as well as when you post on your Blog.  It's a small change, but could have a Major impact!  Just my opinion for what it's worth.

This post just became my official   "My Settings 101"    page!    LOL!!    Thanks you guys!!   :-)

Posted by Brad Andersohn o

Comments (101)

active rain, my settings, instructions

OK Brad, you got me on that....you're absolutely right, my name should be there for my comments. I remember setting it up that way when I first got started a couple months ago-I think it was my first attempt at "tweaking" trying to follow the instructions of "that other guy named Brad." HAHAHA

I fixed it!  I appreciate your help. I think you hit one right out of the ballpark.

Thanks for the blog. It is helpful and the more I read, the more I don't know. Now I need to go and fix some things.

Keith Hoffman
LoansAreFree.com

Thaqnk you brad I just spent 7 hours following your Settings advice.Hope it will work.

Tommy

...thanks Brad..........again.  If you're looking for ideas for your blogs (as if)  .... your post reminds me of a topic that I personally don't know anything about...    "widgets for idiots"  ....  what is a widget? (I think they're the little thingies on the side....)  what is it for?  why would I want one?   if I named one, would it be a "Gidget widget"?

Nancy - Her's one for you!!  It's called "Widgets and Gadgets for Fancy Nancy" and this one's just for you. LOL!  I just did a blog called "WidgetWorld" You can find out answers to all your widget and gadget questions there.  In particular, I did a post called "What's A Widget?"  (There are also links to these and others from TechKnowBabble)  They are little "thingies" (as you say) that go on your Blogs and Websites but are not limited to just sidebars.  What are they for?  Some of mine will track and analyze viewers, provide information and RSS feeds from other sites and blogs, give readers interaction with me, and some actually pay me money.  Why would you want one?  Depends on what you are looking for, but the last few seem like pretty good reasons.  If you were to name it, I kinda liked my "Fancy Nancy" title. LOL!

There's more to a widget than meets the eye. Check out the Widget World, you will find access to every Real Estate Widget, Website, and Blog that offers these watchamacallits, and most of them (95%) are FREE!  There's another reason.  If people had to pay for these (and one day they may) they'd still be using them.

Hope this helps, let me know how you feel about widgets and gadgets when you get done touring Widget World!  :-) 

Great Tips I will be using them next time I blog..

Question: Can you go back and edit previous blogs with the new settings? 

Tommy - I get the 7 hour thang!!   I just spent the better part of my day replying to the comments in this post.  Started out to be for just for a handful of folks and turned into a 100 comment day! 

I LOVE GETTING FEATURED!! :-)

I'll come check ya out, I'm sure it will all work fine, let me know if you need any help...NOW GET OFF THE COMPUTER!!!  (Big Smile)

Frank - thanks for sharing YOUR appreciation of my time and effort here!  I appreciate yours as well. 

100's of people read these posts, but only a small percentage will take the time to comment as you did. :-)

Just look, here's the proof... this is just from today!

Date	Title	Comments	Views	Clicks
10/21/2007	How To Use Your "My Settings" Page	123	927	556

See what I mean?  That's a bit over 5% (since half the comments were mine) of the total viewers.  So when I say I appreciate and thank you for your comment, you can be assured that I really mean it!! 

Sincerely. thanks again!!

Thank you for this post. I am new and still trying to get the hang of this techie stuff. Copy & paste I can handle. The info was very helpful...now all I have to do is fix it!

I tried out the photo site picnik.com that Jeff Turner recommended..too cool! I chopped and cropped and lopped and well,... you get the idea.

Sorry to keep you up late...no comment needed.

Hey Brad this is Tommy.I just looked at your profile page and wondering if you could share a tip:How do you do the Networking Groups section and Click here to join/Add as an associate/Subscribe to blog as part of it?Is that a widget?Can you add this to any blog?Can you or should you put a backlink on your profile page too or just the blog page?I put link for spiders on my settings.Is that for blogs or for profile?Do the spiders prefer the link at the top or bottom of page?Sorry I know you are a busy man, I just wanted to ask you a question only, but I couldn't stop.I would appreciate some advice.Thanks a lot.I personally think you are the most knowledgeable member of active rain.

Tommy

Great Tips I will be using them next time I blog..

Question: Can you go back and edit previous blogs with the new settings?

Donna - Not quite sure what you mean, the answer to your question the way I understand it is yes. You can go back and edit your previous posts (Your Blog is all your posts combined) but I'm not sure what settings you are referring to. You can always go back into your Blog Settings "My Settings" which is what this post is referring to, and change them anytime as well.  Let me know if that answers your question?  Thanks.  :-) 

Thank you for this post. I am new and still trying to get the hang of this techie stuff. Copy & paste I can handle. The info was very helpful...now all I have to do is fix it!

I tried out the photo site picnik.com that Jeff Turner recommended..too cool! I chopped and cropped and lopped and well,... you get the idea.

Sorry to keep you up late...no comment needed.

Terry - no worries, comment still required! LOL!  Thanks!!  :-) 

Hey Brad this is Tommy.I just looked at your profile page and wondering if you could share a tip:How do you do the Networking Groups section and Click here to join/Add as an associate/Subscribe to blog as part of it?Is that a widget?Can you add this to any blog?Can you or should you put a backlink on your profile page too or just the blog page?I put link for spiders on my settings.Is that for blogs or for profile?Do the spiders prefer the link at the top or bottom of page?Sorry I know you are a busy man, I just wanted to ask you a question only, but I couldn't stop.I would appreciate some advice.Thanks a lot.I personally think you are the most knowledgeable member of active rain.

Tommy - One question at a time my friend! LOL!! 

How do you do the Networking Groups section and Click here to join/Add as an associate/Subscribe to blog as part of it?
On my profile page I simply made links and used some graphics to link to.  Just use the "Link" graphic while you are in edit mode. It's not a Widget.

Can you add this to any blog?
Yes you can, but it made more sense to have it on my AR Blog than any other.  Placing it on any other Blog wouldn't make sense to the subscriber unless they were another Active Rain member.

I put link for spiders on my settings.Is that for blogs or for profile?
It will work on Both, I put the code at the top of the page before anything else, not sure it matters where you put it on the page, only makes sense to put it at the top so a spider that reads it does it the same as you would. Top to bottom.

Lastly, I am humbled by your comment, but I am no way the most knowledgeable member of Active Rain.
After you are here for a while and you meet as many members as I have, you'll find tere are some better than FANTASTIC folks roaming around out here in "the rain."  I hope this helps answer your questions, let me know if any of this isn't clear or if you need further assistance. Thanks Tommy! :-)

Brad, know how you feel. I see those results almost always! So comments are always appreciated instead of those that simply like to peak in and take but not give. You did a good job explaining the Settings page. Too bad when I set mine up back in 06, we had to just struggle and figure it out on our own.

Gena - I remember setting mine up back in Feb this year, I struggled too.  Making it easier for those who take the time to find this post deserve to have it.  There are still some issues with the "My Settings" page that are unclear, but I'm sure they will be addressed in the new  AR FaceLift in November. 

Gail, thanks for that comment, I'm honored for you to say that.  I noticed that you commented twice so I'll answer your second comment here.  To bookmark any post, look at the bottom of the post, it will have info that looks like this:

JUST CLICK YOUR MOUSE ON THE WORD GRAPHIC THAT SAYS "BOOKMARK"   

Once you click on it, it turns RED like this:      Now it is bookmarked.  You will find all your "bookmarked" post by following the link on #12 in the instructions above.  There you have it!  Here to help if you need anything else. B-)

Brad -- thanks for taking the time to write this very helpful post.  I truly appreciate your willingness to share with the Active Rain members.  I have been fortunate enough to be busy this year -- I have bookmarked your post so I can go back and improve my profile.

Joan - thank you. Just to clarify, these instructions are for your "My Settings" page and not your profile page. If you click on "edit" for your profile page, that's a different page altogether.  I just don't want you to confuse your "Profile Page" with your "AR Settings" page.   :-)

Brad,  You know your stuff. Thanks for the tips about settings. I was able to add Google Analytics.
However, how can I use the Google Webmaster Tools and complete the site "verification" step. I can't figure it out. I go to my google account and then Web Master Tools. It gives two options for Verification of your web site so you can use the tools. I can't seem to find a way to make either option work. Can you help?

Dan - here is the answer to your question, hope you don't mind me posting it here for you.  I did some research this afternoon and found that webmaster tools only works if you are the owner of the root directory which is Activerain.com.  Unless you are the owner and can upload HTML or meta tags to the root, this will not work for you, I'm sorry. See the information I copied for you below. The yellow exclamation mark explains it.



This will work great on a website of your own, wish I could help you more my friend. You are a bit limited in what you can do here on AR, but it's a small sacrifice for the rewards you'll receive here. :-)

I had set up my new settings and might ask for one more detail to your instructions. I added my google robot search, and google analytics account. I am wondering the http//:website address might be?? I clicked on google analytics and it can not find the page it is to track. If you could advise me a little more detail to completing this process this would be appreciated.
Thanks For Your Great Blog.

Gary - I looked into this for you this evening. The website you'll want to use is your Active Rain Blog site:
I noticed you have two profiles, this will come back to haunt you trust me, I had 2 when I started too.

For your Wailea use http://activerain.com/blogs/gbland

For your Lahaina use http://activerain.com/blogs/garymbland 

Hope this helps you my brudah!  Fly me over so I can buy you lunch at Mama's Fish House. One of my favs in all the Islands! Mahalo! :-) Aloha my friend!

Thanks a million for this blog.  I used ALOT of the tips you gave.

Duane Hosek in the Black Hills of South Dakota including Ellsworth AFB.   www.duanehosek.com

Hey Brad,

Something is not right with it for sure. I just checked it and it says ...There are 111 members currently logged in.
There are 1,279 not logged in on site.

Brad - wow, this is a great post!  I didn't know about adding the HTML code for search engines and I would never have thought to put meta tags there.  You are the BEST!!!

Here is a cookie award for all your hard work:

I knew most of that, but I still picked up a couple more tips.  I think I learn something new every day here! Thank you very much!! 

Brad - Thanks for the tips on "My Settings". I didn't realize that we can add Meta tags to our Blogs. I typically write my websites freehand in HTML using Editplus 2, so I am accustom to writing in good header tags.

Question: What is and how do I use Google Analytics? 

Ok now that I finished my week in review,where I featured this, I need some help. Do you just copy this in the Blog Description? But change my meta tags and key words in the 3rd line ?

Here's the code I added for that.
<meta NAME="robots" CONTENT="ALL"/><meta NAME="revisit-after" CONTENT="7 days"/><p>

I also use Google Analytics for tracking, so I added their HTML code as well.
<script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">_uacct = "UA-2026093-1";urchinTracker();</script>

Add Meta Tags, or keywords for your Blog.  I used the following for my Blog:
<meta name="keywords" content="Title, Escrow, Technology, Solano, Contra Costa, Title Insurance, Agent Assist, Target Marketing, Marketing, Blogging "/>

Thank you for everything Brad. I didn't think you would answer all my questions, but you did.Let me know when you come to New York, I own you a beer. By the way, I wanted to congratulate you for having such a nice family.I've seen your family pictures(some of them, I think there are a million,Could not see them all).Anybody could see you are a passionate photographer.I am a good one too(I have to in my Home Inspection business).You are a lucky husband and father.God bless you all.

Tommy

Gena - Boy doesn't time fly when you're having fun.  Dustin Luther told me about AR on Feb 25th 2007, and on Feb 26th, 2007, I became a member here.  It's been a great adventure and a "WILD" journey.  I will say after meeting some of the folks, the AR Gods, moderators and YOU, I have no regrets what-so-ever!!!  

AND THAT'S THE TRUTH!!!!

Brad - Thanks for the tips on "My Settings". I didn't realize that we can add Meta tags to our Blogs. I typically write my websites freehand in HTML using Editplus 2, so I am accustom to writing in good header tags.

Question: What is and how to I use Google Analytics?

Ryan - First, you better read this post called Active Rain Settings & SEO Benefits - Very Powerful. This is the best value I can offer any member here.  Second, Google Analytics is a website and Blog analysis that tells you the who,what,when,where, why, and how about your Blog or Webpage.  You need to register your blog with them, then add their code as described above. They'll give you more reports than you'll ever know what to do with. They are very powerful reports if you want to know more about your viewers, your readers, and the equipment they use etc.  Really great stuff, I highly recommend it.

Jeff - it's only useful information if you use it my friend, I hope you will.  If you know someone else who might benefit from it, you can email or forward them this post.  I find that the little   works very well!  :-)

Thanks for your comment Jeffrey. B-) 

Thank you for everything Brad. I didn't think you would answer all my questions, but you did. Let me know when you come to New York, I own you a beer. By the way, I wanted to congratulate you for having such a nice family. I've seen your family pictures (some of them, I think there are a million, Could not see them all). Anybody could see you are a passionate photographer. I am a good one too (I have to in my Home Inspection business). You are a lucky husband and father. God bless you all.  ~ Tommy  ~

Tommy -  if and when I make it to New York, the first round's on me! :-)  Thanks for your kind words about the family, I am truly greatful and blessed to have them in my life.  They Are My Life!!!  I guess you could tell by all the photo's.  You must have found my Photography site. haha!  Love my panasonic with the 12X Zoom, but not as much as them!  Blessings right back at ya my friend!  :-)

Brad,
Wow...this post really took off, huh?  I read it quickly when you posted it, but I didn't have time to comment and acknowledge your efforts.  I finally get back, and there is over 150 comments.  Great job!  This post looks like it was time consuming!

David - how are you guys?  Thanks for coming back to comment, this one really did take off!  It's been 24 hours and this one still has me commenting back! LOL!  These posts are very time consuming on my part but if you add up the time it might save another member or members, that's what it's all about right?  It gives us that good ol feeling inside!  :-)   

Brad:  Thank you for all of the great information!  I am fairly new to blogging.  You have given me a "to do" list that will help me get my blog up and running.  There is always so much to learn.  That keeps things interesting, doesn't it?

Mary - I look forward to witnessing the success of your Blog here on AR! I am joined here with thousands of other great resources and associates including yourself, who are the absolute core and transmission of this ultimate Real Estate Network.  If you need any assistance at all, you couldn't be in any better place to find it, and you will truly grow your business here!  Keeping things interesting is putting it mildly!!  :-)

Nancy - I finally have an answer to your question and it's a doozy!!  I just did a post and put it up a little while ago.  I wanted you to see it, you helped me discover a "hidden treasure" here on AR.  Oh.....there you are right now...I see your smiling face on my BlogLog widget.  That's a first....sitting here typing you a comment and you show up at my Blog...how cool is that!  Hope you enjoy and can use the answer to your question here. Thanks for being instrumental in helping to get this information out there! 

This is Comment # 180 for this blog post - Which is what I am about to do when I update Box # 3.  I'm gonna do a 180 and turn this thing around.  I'm gonna be so full of SEO, it'll be coming out of my ears!

Brad - You're da BOMB! 

Ok tweaked the settings thanks again this is good stuff.

regards,

Brian Barringer

http://www.tracyhomes.com/
http://www.tracyrealestate.blogspot.com/
http://www.tracyrealestateexpert.com/
Brian@TracyHomes.com

Brad, You are a wealth of knowledge!! I have learned a ton from your posts and I think my blogs and my profile have really improved - Thanks!!! on a side note in 2005 and 2006 I was an escrow assistant for Firt American Title in southern Calif - small world. Two of the most crazy years of my life - after selling real estate in Wa for 10 years and then having to relocate to CA and working in escrow - eeeewww!! I as a real estate agent sure gained new respect for Escrow!!! :)

Jo - I am glad you have a new found respect for escrow.  My mother did it for 40 years and my Grandmother for 30 years.  I'm right on their tail at 21 years.  That's over 100 years in the Title and Escrow Business, just my family and 3 generations.  I, however am not on the escrow side, I'm the technology/marketing executive service guy. Big Difference!!  I know Escrow, but I'd rather be an air traffic controller in the tower! LOL!! I have great offices and EO's all over the country that can do the escrow stuff!! :-)

I added the meta tags, I still struggle with them.  I've also seen, you share a LOT of useful info!!  Thanks again!

Another great post for you Brad - really good information.  I have bookmarked and will come back to it to improve on my settings.  Thanks again.

Now tell me why my picture never show up on anything?????? wink wink

Great post Brad. Thanks for the great info. I never can get my google analytics to work on this blog. I posted the code, but google doesn't find it. I haven't had problems with my other blogs doing this. Any thoughts?

Joe - are you posting to the proper domain?  ie: http://activerain.com/blogs/joemanausa

The only other thing I can think is in the registration process with Google Analytics, something went wacko!  I just double checked mine to be sure it's working here and it seems to be fine.  I would start from the beginning Joe.  Blow out what you have already since it's not working anyway, and start from scratch by re-registering and getting new code for your blog here.  Here's what mine looked like after this post:

Let me know if there is anything additional I can do to help you out Joe! :-)

BTW - Love your Blog, graphs are sweet and your content is great.  I also really like your "About The Author" Box as a signature on each post.  Cool idea, jope it's getting you some leads, referrals, or some business.

Another great post for you Brad - really good information.  I have bookmarked and will come back to it to improve on my settings.  Thanks again.

Now tell me why my picture never show up on anything?????? wink wink

Hi Rosemary - nice to see you again. Glad you liked the post, not sure about the picture thing?  Can you give me more details, would love to help if I can. Let me know, I hope all is well with you and the family. Miss our BBQ's and Parties! wink wink back!  :-) 

Kim - Thanks!  Some posts take longer than others, especially if you're a perfectionist!! LOL!  Average is 15 minutes to a couple hours depending on the post and the editing time that takes place once I've put it all out there.  

Regarding your your second question, here's the perfect post for you!  See #5 on this one!  Thanks Kim. http://activerain.com/blogsview/185852/7-Mistakes-to-Avoid

this is exactly what i needed, thanks brad.   I would tell everyone to be careful printing this out.  If youre not paying attention and just hit print on your browser, you will get 94 pages with only the title printed.

i learned this one the hard way

Brad -

I am a newbie to all, especially the techy terms & use!  I am treating your blog like a manual to learn & self-teach me the 'how to's' - I did get stuck, however, on #3 re: Widgets.  First of all what are widgets in laymans terms & is there an alt site other than "how to add widgets" - it does not appear to be availabe any longer - can't link even when logged in to Active Rain?

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for sharing this information - I believe a true professional is always willing to share their knowledge - abundance for all!

Kelly

wow. You are pretty good at this stuff.  This is a great intro article to active rain.  Keep this great content coming.

Regards,

Ron

Brad -

I am a newbie to all, especially the techy terms & use!  I am treating your blog like a manual to learn & self-teach me the 'how to's' - I did get stuck, however, on #3 re: Widgets.  First of all what are widgets in laymans terms & is there an alt site other than "how to add widgets" - it does not appear to be availabe any longer - can't link even when logged in to Active Rain?

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for sharing this information - I believe a true professional is always willing to share their knowledge - abundance for all!

Kelly

Kelly - I noticed you weren't logged in when you commented here, you won't get your commenting points (25) if you're not logged in when you comment. Just FYI...

A widget is something you can add to your Blog, Post or website that have multiple uses and functions.  I setup a website/blog for AR users called Widget World.  You'll find everything you ever wanted to know about Widgets and Gadgets there.  You'll also find thousands of widgets there and links to many gadgets and websites. 

The link on "How To Add Widgets" seems to be working ok, I just checked it for you.  I appreciate your comment, and I agree about the "True Professional."  Thanks for considering me to be in that group. :-)
 

Brad,
We have been doing great.  Thanks for asking.  How about yourself?  Congratulations on a great post.  Now over 220 comments!  Seems like you have the knack for posting things that we all can relate to.  Take care, my friend.

David - Glad to hear all is well with you and the family. We are doing well too.  The market has shifted and changed in our area, so we are accepting and adjusting.  Thanks for your compliment on this post. It's a personal record for me.  The post had over 200 comments in 2 days.  (including mine of course) haha!  Looks like I may be finally finding my voice out here eh?  LOL! Be safe, and have a great week my friend! :-) 

Very cute...thanks for the ROCK Brad. Clever as always :)

All the best,

Beth

Brad:  You are very welcome.  You seem very patient.  As far as making more work for me... I look at it this way.  If I cannot find the time to do it right the first time... where will I find the time to do it over the second time ?  Again, thanks for sharing.

Karen Anne - Patient?  I should be one at the Napa Valley Psychiatric Ward! LOL!  It's 1:30am in the morning!
You know what they say, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!  Hope your week is going well, be safe! :-)

Great---what a mountain of information---Thanks, thanks. A real project on your part!!!

Hey Brad excellent stuff. I definitely will print this out as I'll never remember it all. Not being the most computer literate some of what you said was Greek to me. Good stuff non the-less. Thanks Scott

Scott - if you print and follow the screens, you'll see that the technobabble here really isn't too bad, and you're going to have to learn about this stuff sometime or at some point!  I hate to be the bad guy, but I really am the good guy just trying to help.  It was all new to me at one point, I have learned so much from other members, I'm just sharing back.  My real goal is to close 54,895 escrows here someday! :-)

Thanks for the help. I am glad to see someone break it down so it is understandable.

Gary - it wasn't always that way, I wish this post was here when I first signed up. It's truly a learning experience here, and hopefully you learned just a bit more today! :-)

This is awesome stuff. I am going to start from the beginning of this and work my way through.

Just curious, do you suggest copying and pasting the AR blog into Google Blogspot or is it not worth it

All this computer stuff has passed me along time ago.  I was lost by the third sentence.

http://www.gregorygarver.com
http://www.san-francisco-mls.net
http://www.san-francisco-ca-real-estate.us
http://www.san-francisco-apartment.net
http://www.motelbrokersusa.com
http://blog.gregorygarver.com

Brad,

 Thank you for sharing, I'm working on updating my BLOG settings.

 I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts.

-Debbie

Brad, thanks again for this post.  I went ahead and fixed my settings and added a bunch of blog keywords in the blog description, and saved it all.  Then I went over to widexl.com to see how I was doing (got that idea from here) and for some reason my keywords show up in widexl as what must be the "generic" AR keywords, as follows:

ActiveRain, Real Estate, agents, Network, Real Estate Agent, Mortgage, realtor, social network

Here's exactly what my blog description has in it right now:

<meta NAME="robots" CONTENT="ALL"/><meta NAME="revisit-after" CONTENT="7 days"/><p>
<meta name="keywords" content="real estate, southwest missouri, carthage missouri real estate, mt vernon missouri real estate, southwest missouri rural real estate, rural real estate, carthage missouri historic homes, carthage missouri victorian homes"/> 

I've no idea where these generic keywords are coming from, or where to get rid of them.  Any ideas?  Thank you so much for sharing all of this.  I joined the Google analytics thing too.  Comments on my keywords welcomed too!  Thanks again.

Hey Brad, what are you going to do when business picks up again? I doubt you'll have this much time to individually respond to your comments. I've already praised you above, but good job!

I am going to write you in for President of ActiveRain.    Jess Rankin, Pickering Group

Jess - would that mean I'd have to give up my whittling sticks on the porch every evening? LOL!  You are WAY TOO kind to offer such a comment!! :-)  I am honored you'd consider me for President, not sure that's one I could handle!  Thanks Jess, you are the BOMB!!  

WoW... GREAT POST !....... Lots of great comments too.  Will need to save this for future reference...

Thanks

Brad- Thanks for all the detailed information. I am new to AR about 2 weeks and still overwhelmed by all the information. I appreciate you taking the time to help all of us newbies get started the right way. On a side note, Fairfield Ca! I use to live there for about 2 years ( 1990-1992) while I was stationed at Travis AFB. I lived in Monterey for a number of years after that and would come up to Fairfield and Vacaville to visit friends, it has grown so much. I loved my time in California, especially the sunsets,  lucky you!

Dana - I live 3 exits from Travis AFB off of Hywy 80.  If you're ever in the area, consider you have yet another friend to come and visit here.....  ME!!   :-)   On a side note, my wife and I have our favorite little places in the world and one of our most favored is MONTEREY!  How funny is that?  We go to the Fisherman's Grotto for Clam Chowder every time we are there. 

BTW - The California Sunsets miss you too!   :-)

Brad- It truly is a small world. My husband and I use to look forward to the Clam Chowder Cookoff every year. I love the Clam Chowder from Fisherman's Grotto as well, it has to be in a bread bowl! Stay tuned for that surprise phone call, I'm here!

Thanks again for all the great information.

Brad - Its the basics we forget about! I'm going to go through and review mine. That part about the HTML ! I know i have none. Thanks!

Martha - that was sweet! Thanks!  My goal in writing this post was to do exactly what you commented.

"use My Settings the way they should be with a lot less experimenting."

Sure appreciate your taking the time to view this post and also to comment! Thanks a million!!  :-) 

I do need to do 2) a, b and c. I think I will do number 6 as well so I do not look like this.

Hello Scott,

Wow, you have received some serious response from your Blog, I am so jealous. It's alright, I only found out what a Blog was three months ago. Really like you Blog, keep up the good work.

ROBERT SWETZ

www.SwetzSellsVegas.com

Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you!  I have used every tip you mentioned.  (I think).

I hope much good comes to you out of this thoughtful and generous post!

Dear Brad,

When I tried to add my blog to Google Analytics, it says "invalid input" and this is the address I am trying to register: http://activerain.com/blogs/debrakukulski

What am I doing wrong?

 Thanks for all the info!

Hi Brad,

I'm just really getting started being active on A/R.  I love the info you provide and I've tried to print it out, but it just shows blank.  Any tips?  Thank you very much for all of your hard work and for sharing with this newbie!

Patti - if you highlight any portions of the post you want to print, copy then paste to a MS Word doc or notepad, you can then print it out. Try that, it that doesn't work, I'll print it out and send it to you...but it will work, I promise.  :-)

Brad - I've read this before but now realize that it is a great "tune up" tool for my blog as well!  Thanks for being such a wealth of information!

Tina in Virginia

Tina - I've read this one before myself, and thanks to you, I've had to read it again.  haha!  It's funny when we go back and read posts we've written from the past.  The comments too.  I read some of these comments I made back then and thought to myself... what a dork I am! lol~  Then I read the post and remembered many things I had forgotten about.  Is is possible that we can learn from our own Blogs??? Hmmm...    :-))

Brad,

Worked like a charm - I've been fighting with this on other posts I wanted to print out...duh!

Thank you so much!

Patti

Patti - awesome!!  Always here if you need anything at all. :-)

Help - I cannot use Google Analytics- everytime I try to put my blog addfress page in, it tells me that the input is invalid.  I have been able to put in several other pages, but it will not let me put my blog page in. I made sure i did not try to paste the http:// in. Anyone else run into this problem and if so, any solutions?

Thanks

Great post! This will be very helpful information.

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

Jason - sometimes it takes a day or two for the Google Analytics to kick in and start capturing data on AR Blogs. Let me know if you're still having issues with it after the weekend. Be sure to paste the code in the right Blog Description Box on your my settings page. :-)

Thanks Enrico, glad you found some value here.  Just FYI, you don't need to put a additional link to your site here, there's already a link from your name when you comment.  Many might frown on this activity as it can be perceived as spamming or Highjacking a post. I don't mind on this one, just wanted to give you a friendly heads up. Thanks for commenting, have a great weekend. :-)

This explains why my first localism posts did not show up. I had thought I was doing something wrong. I suppose that should I ever get in the top 10 for the state, my localism posts will show up in that region.

Can localism posts be placed in any region, city, county, and have the blog show if your point total is sufficiently high? Or is your profile associated with a particular county and city?

Which tracking should be used - urchin.js or ga.js ?

Also, I was able to set up tracking for my website www.RichardSmithHomeLoans. , but unable to set up tracking for my blog, using http://activerain.com/blogs/richardsmith or using the analytic drop down http:// and putting activerain.com/blogs/richardsmith in the next field.

It seems to work fine for my website, but not for the blog site. Any thoughts are appreciated. I can tell that everyone else seems to have no problem.

Brad, I worked out the problem that I was having setting up the tracking for the active rain blog site. Here is the help screen from google. It is pasted to help anyone else having difficulties. Maybe you had already explained this somewhere among the numberous comments in the blog.

Brad,

Here is my last post on this. I was not able to confirm the tracking for the analytics.

Tried several things, changing the order for different html scripts you recommended, erasing the profile and starting over, using urchin and ga both, singly. Any ideas are appreciated.

Thanks sharing for all your AR insights. They ae might helpful

Richard 

Brad,

I've never seen so many comments on a post before!!  Thank you for this info.  I will certainly put it to good use!

Richard, it's much easier to just call me my friend, I have been parked here watching you drive your self CRAZY!!  lol~  The analytics urchin is what I use, if you need assistance, you have my number buddy, use it ok?  Hope you're having a rockin Memorial Day weekend.  :-)

Hi Yvette - this is not the comment leader when it comes to posts, but there are quite a few here.  Glad you found it to be useful, thanks!  :-)

...after reviewing this post, I have determined...you may need a drink!  It's pretty deep, and justifies a couple head spins when you're done.  By the same token, you may come away with a ton of helpful stuff that may shave weeks or even months off your getting the "my settings" all dialed in. :-)

Thank you so much for the detailed info.  It has definitely helped.

Brad,

If you think my efforts putting in the settings for Google analytics were interesting, please check out the story about uploading an audio file. Here is the blog link from last night.

http://www.activerain.com/blogsview/525098/WUTC-interview-from-Feb

BTW, the google analytics are working well. I have added my website to analytics, and plan to add all my LO's websites. Next step is to learn to interpret the information.

Thanks for your encouragement and guidance.

Richard

Hello Muldowney Team - thanks, and I'm glad this was helpful for you. :-)

Richard - glad it's working my friend, reading the reports and analytics is very interesting, you may be shocked at some of the results you'll get back.  It's all good when building a better business and a better Blog.  Keep up the great job!!  :-)

Brad - You really helped answer a few questions that I felt stupid asking! THANKS!  

Jennifer - never feel that way, but if by chance you ever do, use my email, that way you can ask anything you like.  The only stupid question is the one that never gets asked. 

Love the smiley, thanks!!  :-) 

Brad,

Very good information, Thanks again for all that you do.

Don - you're welcome, happy to do it. :-)

Another excellent and very helpful post, thanks a TON Brad!!!

Debra - thanks, glad this will be helpful to you. You are welcome a ton!  :-)

OK - I'm going to my settings right now!!!!!

Thank you ... 

Pippa - aren't you going to hang around for some cookies and tea? Hate to see you run off so quick! lol~ :-)

Brad- I love your blogs and plan to subscribe. They are so helpful! One question - I was trying to add my blog url to google analytics and it would not take the complete url. It would only accept www.activerain.com. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks much!

Heather - thanks for subscribing, I'll try not to let you down..  :-)

The address you want to add is http://activerain.com/blogs/YOURUSERNAME  or for your profile page, you'd want to use http://activerain.com/YOURUSERNAME.  Let me know if that works for you.  Looking forward to seeing your work and efforts as well as your successes here.

Hi Brad - I got it sorted out. Neglected to remove the www. I am all set now and just waiting for google's next data pull. I appreciate the quick response and look forward to learning more AR tips and tricks!
- Heather

Heather - I am happy to hear that as you are I'm sure. :-)  It won't take Google long at all to notice and record your changes. Have a great weekend!  :-)

Thanks.  I didn't even know to do any of this.  It was helpful and I was able to understand you completely.

Amy - that's awesome.  Being able to understand this technobabble is more than half the battle! lol~  :-)

Hi Brad, I have been working on my outside blog and am trying to put in the code on the settings page. I got the google analytics code for the domain I entered on the outside blog page. I also added the analytics code for my realty website and that one seemed to work and now shows views,etc. I can't seem to get the outside blog one to accept. It always says "tracking code not detected check status" no matter how many times I've tried entering the code and saving it on my settings page in the " blog descrip" box. Any ideas of what I'm doing wrong? Amy

Hi Brad, I have been working on my outside blog and am trying to put in the code on the settings page. I got the google analytics code for the domain I entered on the outside blog page. I also added the analytics code for my realty website and that one seemed to work and now shows views,etc. I can't seem to get the outside blog one to accept. It always says "tracking code not detected check status" no matter how many times I've tried entering the code and saving it on my settings page in the " blog descrip" box. Any ideas of what I'm doing wrong? Amy

Amy - I don't think it will work right now on your new outside blog, only your AR internal Blog.  When more enhancements are rolled out, I'm sure it will include these capabilities. :-)

When I try and enter http://activerain.com/blogs/amym to get the analytics code it says "invalid access" and won't give me a code. That is why I thought  I was supposed to copy the code from the outside blog which did give me the analytics code. I am trying to follow the directions in your blog for #2 Blog Descriptions. Maybe I am misunderstanding something. Thanks, Amy

Amy - you do not want to copy the Google Analytics code from any outside blog.  You want to copy it directly from Google Analytics after it sees and has registered your page.  Each bit of code they provide is uniquely different for each and every page.  Not sure why it's giving you an invalid access. 

Try starting from scratch, go to GA, register your AR Blog, let it give you a new code, then embed that code like #2 explains.  If that doesn't work, call me, we'll find out why it's giving you an issue. :-)

Hey Amy, real quick  - I just checked out your "My settings" you have 3 different Google Analytics codes pasted in there.  This is the problem.  You should only have one code in that box.  The other two codes will mess up the Google Analytics and reports.  You need to determine which one is the right code for your AR Blog, then remove the other two.  I also noticed you have some wierd info in your Meta-tags, this might also be causing you some problems as well. Let m know if you need my help.  :-)

Thanks Brad, I will keep trying to figure this out.

Amy - if you need any help with it, just let me know.  You're not alone and you don't have to try and figure all this stuff out by yourself.  Plenty of love and support here in the rain!  :-))

I am afraid to leave this page before I explore all the links because it is so helpful, and I dont consider myself a novice!! 

www.davidvannoyjr.com

David - thanks, hang out as long as you like, or bookmark it and come back anytime.  :-)

Great info.   I see several profiles that have nice backgrounds and additional pictures and content.. is there a blog that can help with adding html and graphics and such to your profile page??????   I enjoy you blogs, they are very helpful to a newbie like me

Thomas - there are a couple posts I have done about setting up your profile page.  You will find them all sorted by category on my profile page, just click on my name below and the link will take you there. 
How To Set-up Your ActiveRain Profile  and  How To Complete Your ActiveRain Profile - Part II.

You might also want to check out: Your Active Rain Profile - Your Masterpiece Hope these help, and welcome aboard. You won't be a newbie for long, just dive in, contribute great content, and have fun. :-)

Wonderful information!  Thank you so much!

Maya - this must be your 10th comment on my blog, I've been chasing you around all night. As I comment back to you on a post, you're leaving another one somewhere else.  Too funny!  Thanks.  :-)

Hey Brad, I have done several searches and have been reading but really haven't found an answer. My question is how do you get BONUS POINTS? I understand the LINKING points have changed I understand that AR will only allow you one link to your personal website for points. Is this correct? Or will they give you LINKING POINTS for all links to AR?

Also, how do you get a blog post featured?

Thank you so much!!

I got everything down except the bookmarking. It's probably super simple but I haven't found an icon for saving posts. Can you point me in the right direction?

Teresa - to get bonus points, you'll need to win some contests or challenges on the rain. You'll find them everywhere.  Sometimes members will get bonus points just for doing random acts of kindness to other members.  The AR Gods are always watching.  :-)

Regarding how to get a featured post: Write Great Content

Additional Tips: Write Great Content

Thanks for the information Brad!

Hi Brad- I added the Google Analytics tracking to my AR Blog and Google recognized that it was installed. However, it is not receiving data. It has been in place for a while to no avail. I pulled out the robot code from above in case that was conflicting and still nothing. Could there possibly be a conflict with the AR Blog Customizer? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Brad!  You just made my blog SO much better!  Thank you for taking the time to spell all of this out so clearly and simply.  Fantastic post.  Have a fantastic night!

JB Brookman

Brad--

Thanks so much for helping us figure this out! It must have taken you a while to do all of those screen shots and get all that info down! You should get extra points for that!!!!

Brad, I used your Meta tag script to embed the meta tags and didn't have room for text under my email link so I uploaded an image of the text I wanted with and used the "image Description to do the job.  Sometimes you have to take these great resiurces and get a little more creative, so thanks for the resource!

Trunda - I just wrote a post for you, not sure if you found it.

Here's a link to answer your question. I posted it in your Honor.

Great question and topic, thanks. :-)) 

http://activerain.com/blogsview/618114/3-Ways-To-Bookmark

Heather - you should be able to start seeing results within a few days. I have not heard of the customizer causing any issues, I have it on mine and it works fine. 

Make sure your HTML analytics code is not connected or touching any other text or code, that could cause a problem. I put white space between all my HTML codes in the my settings descrition box, that way there's no chance of the codes getting attached and it makes it easier for editing when I need to add or change things. 

Call me if you need more help, we can review it over the phone if you like.  :-)

JB - No, you just made your Blog SOOO much better, congrats and have a great weekend!  :-))

Amy - It did take me quite awhile to get this done, and yes, I did get extra points for sure...ActiveRain hired me!!!!   :-)))))))))

Garren - that certainly was creative and you are welcome. Are you sure an image will do what you're looking for? Just wondering.  :-)

Teresa - no problem, glad I could help. Can you do me a favor and "pay it forward" to another member here sometime somewhere? That's the AR silent code of honor.  (Big Smile) :-))

Hi Brad- I added the 'white space' (great idea - had not thought of that) and re-pasted the Google code. I will wait a few days to see if this time it 'takes.' If not, I will give you a call. Thanks!!

Heather - that's great. You always know where to find me and feel free to call me anytime. :-)

Thanks Brad, that clears some things up for me.

Travis - glad this was helpful for you. :-)

I've referred to this post so many times but still not sure of a few things in the email settings and know that you will help.

1. Contacts should seem straight forward but not sure of the use in AR
2. What is manual score adjustments?
3. What is link status?
   

Thanks for your help.

Thanks for sharing! I am bookmarking this... I know it will be so helpful! How do you do it such valuable info everytime I look at your post. Have a great day! Brenda :)

I've referred to this post so many times but still not sure of a few things in the email settings and know that you will help. 1. Contacts should seem straight forward but not sure of the use in AR 2. What is manual score adjustments? 3. What is link status? Thanks for your help.

Hi Debbie -

1. If you check the contacts box, when someone contacts you through your AR profile, you'll receive an email in your regular email delivery as well as your AR My Home page.

2. If you get manual points like the ones I just gave you for asking such great questions, then you'll be notified by regular email as to why and how many points. This too will come to your My Home page.

3. If you check this box, you'll be notified bt regular email and on the My Home page about points and links that you've effectively setup on outside blogs and websites. 

Thanks for asking these questions, you are the first and I have been here for quite some time now...  :-)

Brenda - thank you, that was sweet of you to say that.  Glad you found this post helpful. :-)

Thanks Brad! Now it makes sense. Something else I discovered yesterday was all the great associates I've been gathering up that I can click just on their (posts). Sort off like a personal blog of friends. Thanks for the gift too.

Debbie - ;-))

Thanks for sharing --- You are simply the best!!!

Norma - thanks!!

Brad, gosh you are amazing.  I just love reading your blog posts.  This was dated back in 2007, just stumbled onto it, and immediately used the html to have the search engines check for updates. Excellent!  Thanks!  It is wonderful to have someone like you helping us get the google juice we crave as well as improve the content on our site.  Thanks again!

Fisher & Co. - Thanks, I appreciate that you find the stuff I post about useful. It's kinda my thing around here as if you haven't noticed.  It's probably pretty obvious, "I Love My Job here at ActiveRain!"  hehehe.. :-)

Brad - this is great - thank you. As a newbie I will definitely go thru this step by step and UPDATE!  Numbers 2 and 3 I believe are two huge missing components to my blog.

Kathleen - this is a huge missed opportunity by many here, I'm glad you found this post and I hope you benefit greatly from it's content.  :-)

Brad - I don't know how I came across this post - I saw it a few months ago and didn't understand it - now I do!  I am going to change my settings - if my blog disappears,  I will know I messed it up.  :)

Virginia - your Blog will not disappear.  Hopefully it will only appear more!!  That #2 setting is still very under used and under estimated by so many members here, I think it's just not clear to most on how to use it and it's value.  Hopefully more and more will understand it as you have after time.  :-)

Thanks so much Brad.  I'm slowly crawing my way though all the features of AR and benefits.  Amazing stuff!

Thanks for the tutorial. particularly the "How to add widgets" section.

Karen - there's quite a bit to craw through here, but it won't take long at all before you'll be "The Master" at your craft.  I'm glad you are finding posts and information here that is helpful and beneficial to you. :-)

SDSS - the widgets are pretty cool, especially the ones that allow your readers to interact and use as tools. :-)

Hi Brad:  Regarding widgets - I took a look at some of those last evening and placed the 'mybloglog' on my page.  It's cool!  I'll have to check out others and especially those you mentioned. 

Thanks again! 

Hi Brad, thanks for the fabulous tutorial....you're some kindof saint for this one...the information here is excellent, like a reference manual.

Hey Brad,

Great info... Thanks Again,

Pamela Elder

Karen - there's a link under my photo to Widget World, it's right over here  ----------------------------->

You may find some really useful widgets and "new" stuff there.

MDR - no saint here, just been around the block a few times in the rain! lol~  Thanks.  :-))

Hi Brad - I found link to Widget World!  Thaanks for getting me there.  Oh my, I just took a look at the Widget page.  Lots of widgets!

There are a lot of widgets out there Karen and new ones coming out everyday.  Be sure they aren't just cute and fun, you want the ones that generate stickiness and leads that convert to transactions. :-) Enjoy your surf search. 

Pamela - NP. :-)

Hi Brad - I'll take your good advice.  I won't go for just the cute and funny  :)

Karen - cute and funny is ok too, depends on your audience, but in certain doses only. :-)

Thank you for sharing Brad, your blog post are great, maybe you need to consider writing a book about using advanced features on active rain. Thanks again!!!

Jay

Great post and so much info - It is like a reference book!  AWESOME!

Joseph - that's not a bad idea, I'll just go buy a rheem of paper and press print! lol~  How much should I charge? :-O

Norma - it kind of is, I have even come back and used it as a resource. Funny I know, but sometimes I forget the stuff I write and need to come back and be reminded of why I wrote some of this to brgin with. Sometimes these posta are so old I have to read them again just so I understand the comments.  lol~

Thanks Brad for schooloing us on this. You are definitely the educater here on the Rain. Have a good day.

Scott - just another little fish in the BIG rain puddle, that's all.  Thanks.  :-)

Can anyone tell me how to delete an account? I somehow managed to end up with 3 profiles and only need one!

Kathy - I can take care of that for you.  Just email me the user names you used for the two accounts you want deleted, I'll do the rest.  Brad@ActiveRain.com

Thanks for taking the time to make Active Rain work for everyone.  I keep clicking back and forth between "My Settings" and this page!

Barb - thanks for taking the time to read my posts, that's what makes AR the great place it is.  Not just me, but all the members who share their wealth and information here, it's nearly too much to comprehend. :-)

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.  I didn't even realize how much I didn't know!

Mark - you're welcome, happy to help. :-)

Thanks for the great info.  As a newbie I had not done several of these things and I hope that I did the SEO part right!

I guess I'm not a newbie anymore but I had to revisit this since I know there are things in my profile that are missing...

Printed and ready to get started. Thanks for all the hard work and the help you give to us all. I am kind of just fumbling through and picking up here and there.

Todd - you're only a newbie for so long here, the idea is to just keep writing great content, and the newbieism will just fade away.  There's a lot to learn, looks like you're off to a great start.  :-)

Sonja - funny thing is you'll know when you're not a newbie anymore. A really good sign is when you find yourself helping other newbies within the community.  I think you're there already.  :-)

Joyce - I hope this helps you and saves you some time and frustration setting up your stuff here in the rain. Let me know if you ever need any help at all, it's a pleasure to work with our new AR members. :-0

There have been some additions to the "My Settings" page since this post was written. The Twitter Acct setup, the Listing Router Custom Link and Opt-out option, and I'm sure there will be more.  I will be updating this post shortly to include all the new AR features that have been added to the "My Settings" page.  Thanks.

Thanks for taking the time to post this ... excellent information

Barb - I hope going back and forth on this post has helped you, If you need assistance, just let me know, I'm happy to help if I can.  :-)

Amy - just wanted to make sure you got everything working ok? Let me know.  Thanks. :-)

The My Settings page has changed a bit since this post, but everything is pretty much the same.  New additions are Twiiter setup and a couple others I'll add to it shortly. :-)

Debbie - you're welcome, I'm glad you found this information to be useful.

Here's some of the new features we've added since this post was written. All great new additions.

BTW - We are adding a couple new features to AR hopefully this week, stay tuned....    :-)

Brad, THANK YOU so much for all this information about settings, what it all means, and how to complete the different areas.  It was a great help to me. 

Brad,

As usual, your organization of the steps are exceptional.  As I am working through many of the other comments, I find the answers of most of the questions I had.  I am sure they are all there and I will find them with persistence.  Over 400 will take a little time.  Thanks again.

Lydia - sorry for the delayed response, I'm glad this helped.  I am in the my settings today making some major changes and overhauling my profile on AR.  I hope it works.  :-)  Thanks.

Derenda - I may seem organized on Blog, but you should see my desk! LOL~  If you do have any other questions after reading these 400 (hahaha), feel free to contact me anytime.  :-))

Thank you for the great ideas.  I will look into and add it to my profile, as well.

thanks for your tips.  this helps.

I have learned that a truly useful blog is just as pertinent months later as it was on the date it was posted. Thank you Brad for giving me the information I need to become successful with AR. I knew the Settings must be useful but I wasn't quite sure how to use each item. You've made your instructions very clear and easy to follow. Truly the Description piece had escaped me entirely.

I tried to change the name of my blog, but it didn't change after I clicked on the update button. There are other things I need to change, but I want to look around first.

Any Idea what I did wrong on the name change?

Taylor - glad this helps you out a bit.  Best of luck here in the rain. :-)

Connie - that's awesome, that's why I wrote this, had those very hopes in mind!  :-))  Thanks.

Kevin - thanks.  You just never know which posts you'll write that will take on a life of their own, or last as long as others.  This one certainly has stood the test of time and held on to that sticky part of the Blogosphere.

I'm glad you found this info to be useful, if I recall correctly, I didn't know what to post about that day and this was my choice.  Funny how these things happen my friend, it really was intended to just explain to another few friends and members how to use this section of AR. 

I'm glad that many are still getting the benefits of this post! :-)

Jim - if all you did was change your Blog title, there is no reason it shouldn't save.  If you are using Internet Explorer and you have your pop up blocker on or your security settings too high, that may be causing an issue. Try using Mozilla Firefox as your browser, it's FREE, and I think you'll like it much better that IE.  Most AR members do.  If you are still having a problem with it, let me know after the Holiday, and I'd be happy to try and help you out.  Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday my friend. :-)

Brad - Thanks. I'll give the "fox" a go. I've used it before but our MLS is maximized for Microsoft...

Jim - if you're on your MLS all day or for hours at a time, I understand.  Remember, you can use both browsers at the same time.  Just have 2 windows open:  IE in one, the Fox in the other.  Not a problem at all.

Most people may not realize that Firefox is just another Browser and it has no bearing or effect on Internet Explorer.  There are too many MLS systems that have members brainwashed into thinking they can only use IE...  This is NOT TRUE!  You can use firefox for everything else, or even google chrome, or Flock, or Safari, and then only use IE for the MLS searches and listing uploads.  I usually have multiple windows and tabs open in both browsers and find that Firefox is faster, more forgiving, less bugs, and less lockups and security issues.  Consider this comment my mini Firefox vs Explorer Blog post.  LOL~  Thanks.  :-)

As a new member to AR, I have found all of your tips very useful and educational.  Thank you so much for putting so much time and effort into your blogs for us newbies!

I too am a newbie and want to thank you for this information.  I have been following a rabbit trail of links through useful sounding posts and am very glad to have run into this one!

Joyce - welcome to AR, we're happy you're here.  That newbie thing wears off pretty quick so enjoy being one while you can.  :-))  Thanks for the great comment. 

Jan - Welcome to you too! Watch out while on the rabbit trail, stick to the links, and not those little things that look like Cocoa Puffs.  You will occasionally find those too on any rabbit trail! ROFL!!  :-))  Thanks. 

Thank you for the great info.  I will have to re-visit to absorb it all.  I'm still learning the ropes.

Debbie - if you need any help, just let me know. Have a great week. :-)

Just tooo much - wonderful posting.  Will come back to this time and again. Thanks again  5 Star rating.

Brad,

Is there a specific image size we are supposed to use when we customize our blog on active rain? The images I've uploaded look large & don't appear as either the background or header image...

Mahalo (thank you),

David

David - I've asked our tech dept to get the proper dimensions, they used to be posted there, I see they are gone now. I'll have to get back to you on that one.  :-)

Hi , two questions . where do I place this? Below you have "meta Name=..... what name do I use?

jim

<meta NAME="robots" CONTENT="ALL"/><meta NAME="revisit-after" CONTENT="7 days"/><p>

Oh Brad ! Everytime I read your post makes me smile! You are always very informative and helpful, just when I think I know Activerain already, you always have that extra tip or two that I did not know about! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR POSTS!

Hey Brad, how do you get yellow for your answers and I have blue?  Is that a choice too?

Jim - add the robot code to your description box, the one that allows for HTML.  It's the same place you would add images and widgets to your sidebar on your Blog.  You'll need to go to your "My Home" link, then click on the "Settings" link.  It should be the 2nd box down under your Blog Title.

Eileen - glad you keep finding some value in some of my older posts.  Thanks for stopping by every once in a while, I appreciate that.  :-)  Have a great New Year!

Terrylynn - that's just something the programmers added a week or so ago.  All AR staff comments are now yellow, and all members comments on their own Blogs are blue.  Why?  No clue!  Because they can I guess!  haha   :-)))

I did notice it makes yours and my comments really stand out.  Easier for a reader to "READ" just yours or my comments.  Maybe people will be a bit more careful what they says in the comments section now. 

I have also noticed that my google alerts have tripled, and it's all coming from my AR comments. Yeah!!

James - thanks for that 5 star rating!!  :-)))

Hi Brad

can you please answer the second part of my questions was? Below you have "meta Name=..... what name do I use? Even better is their phone support on something like this available at AR?

jim

Jim - you use it exactly as it is in the post:

<meta NAME="robots" CONTENT="ALL"/><meta NAME="revisit-after" CONTENT="7 days"/><p>

This tells the google bots to revisit your content every 7 days.  You can call me for support issues on AR, and if you need some outside consulting or coaching, I'm available for that as well.  My number is on my AR profile if you need it. :-)

Great information as always. The only problem I have with your posts is that they are so popular it takes a long time to scroll down to the bottom to leave a response.

Janice - hahahaha!!!  How do you think I feel. :-O

I am so glad you did this for us noobies! I just signed up today and you made my day, Thanks!!!

Brad~

I think I'll go back and try some of this stuff.

Real Estate In Miami // Mott Kornicki // Associate | Broker

Aventura-The Waterways // Bal Harbour // Sunny Isles Beach • Florida

Thanks again for your wealth of knowledge.  I updated my settings and am getting closer to my first blog post.  :-)

Zilkia - looking forward to that first post followed by many others.  :-)

Thanks, Brad.  I knew how to use most of these things.  But, the keywords and Google Analytics info helped me out alot.

I will have to delve deeper into the links on your article, but as an intro it is very useful.  Thanks.

Thanks for the tips, they were very helpful.

Brad

I have a simple newbie question. I have posted a few blogs. I'm not sure which settings to use. Currently they are set to be viewed by members only. That's not gong to help customers find me or stimulate the webcrawlers.

TYE

Tye - You are using the "Basic AR membership account, in order to create "public" posts, you will need to upgrade your AR Blog to the "RainMaker" account.  See the RainMaker Membership post for more details on how to do that, or feel free to contact me anytime if you need my help.  :-) 

http://activerain.com/blogsview/925822/ActiveRains-NEW-Membership-Plan

Hi Brad,  As all have said I too very much appreciate the info you have posted here.  I am puzzelled though.  I have copied the HTML code into the box 2 of settings and since then, none of the new posts are bing picked up by google and the Google Analytics is not working either.  I have now removed it all and reinstalled to see if anything was done improperly.  So my blog is invisible to Google since adding the tools you suggest in this post.  Strange. 

Also, someone rebloged a post that didn't get picked up by google from my blog but when it was reblogged, it was picked up from that persons blog.  That is how I found out it was reblogged.  Are you able to look at my settings and see if there is a problem?  If so, please do and let me know if you see a problem.

Thanks.

R. Greg - Google analytics is not working on the AR site currently, we are developing an interface that will allow it to work on members blogs in the days ahead.  We are still working on it.  Your Blog is not invisible to google at all, in fact the opposite.  Google Analytics is just that, it's used for tracking and stats. 

Regarding reblogs, this is another tool we are trying to enhance with some cool reporting and linking features, but it's still in beta and being developed and tested.  These are both a priority, so be assured we will try to have something in place shortly.  Thanks.  :-)

Brad, you've outdone yourself with this one.  The html section was particularly helpful since it isn't obvious on the "settings" page that you can put html in that area.

Great information Brad, this really is helpful stuff for a Newbie like myself. Thanks again.

Great information Brad, this is really helpful stuff for a Newbie like myself. Thanks again.

Wow...more great stuff!  Yet another wonderful tool to bookmark.

I am new to Active Rain and new to blogging & search engines (altho I've been a Realtor and journal writer forever!!!).  So...forgive me if this is a silly question (also I hope it was not covered in the many comments...I did skim thru them all)...

Are you supposed to set up "my settings" for each blog post or is this a one-time thing?

THANKS!

Hi Sandy - This is a one time thing, but can be edited and modified at any time.  I think the Link just says settings now.  You'll find it by clicking on the "My Home" link at the top right corner of any AR page.  Welcome to AR, let us know how we can help make your experience here the best ever! We're happy to have you, thanks for joining.  :-)

Thanks, Brad!

Sandy - don't forget to login before commenting, you're missing out on the linkback to your profile and 25 points just fyi.  :-)

Your goal " to make it as simple as you can" in my eyes you have accomplished this goal. Once again thank you!

Your goal " to make it as simple as you can" in my eyes you have accomplished this goal. Once again thank you!

Just found this Brad...  Thank you, this has been very helpful. 

I haven't figured how to use the google analytics for my blog yet, but I'll get it.

Thank you fro these tips! Now I can use ActiveRain to the fullest!

Thank you fro these tips! Now I can use ActiveRain to the fullest!

Thanks so much for sharing this with us - You guys are the best!

Thanks so much for sharing this with us - You guys are the best!

Thanks so much for sharing this with us - You guys are the best!