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

You always have informational posts... Of course you are just that kind of writer...always out to help!

Hi Brad, You always come up with such good stuff!!!  Do you know what happened to the button that we used to be able to save posts that we particularly liked?

Sally - you're the best!  And first on the scene too...  thanks for putting up with me all these months and for being there as a mentor and as a friend! :-)

Leslie - you can always use the "bookmark" at the bottom of any post if you want to save it.  You can also use the little envelope to email it to yourself if you like.  Thanks for the very nice comment! :-)

Great post and very informative. I'm still trying to figure out lots of the techie issues, but your post definitely helped.

Hi Brad - for some reason I can't get clustr maps to work. I think it's so cool because I've looked at it on other's sites and wanted to use it. I'll give it another try because I would love to know who's reading.

I gave you link love today

As usual Brad,you have done it again. You always write the posts that people want to read. I love reading your posts because I always learn something that is new and very helpful to me. Great post.

I am going to bookmark and check out these sites and probably start using them

I've heard of sitemaps and google analytics but not the clustrmaps. You are great resource for all us non techie people who are trying to catch up. Thanks.

So very useful!  Thanks, Brad!

Mike in Tucson

And we love you too...you're practically an institution!

Brad-Thank you for sharing these great tools.  You always seem to think way outside the box to help us all be successful.  

Brad, I agree with Joan.  You pass along fantastic information.  People that are not a part of this network just do not understand this network.  Thank you.

Brad, I've been using google analytics, but have not heard of the others.  I'll have to check them out.  You always share!  THANK YOU!

Brad,

I had just emailed a fellow AR'er and asked how a colleague knew how many hits my blog has received?  I have no idea and haven't had a chance to ask her.  Great post, Brad.

Brad - In your short time here on the Rain, you have proved to be a real giver! I have enjoyed getting to know you through your posts and over the phone! You are fun, energetic and talented. You never cease to amaze me with all your clever and informative posts. Keep them coming, I'm a Bandersohn FAN!!

Brad - are you using these for your blogspot site only?

Your blogs are the best!  I just checked out the one on blog mistakes and promised not to read anything else without posting!  Keep up the great work!

This is terrific stuff Brad!Thanks for sharing with this great post!

Brad-

I think the best thing about your blogging is the spirit of goog will it seems to emulate.  The info is great,but, the best part is the true good vibe I get when I read. 

Brad,

Very Interesting..  I think that Seal is a little Freaky though :0)

Tom Weiss

Brad.... thanks for sharing the 3 links. This is something that I haven't really used as of yet, even though I am getting e-mails and have closed over 5 deals.  thanks for putting this together.

 

 

Where do you add the Google Analytics HTML? I'm kinda clueless about such things...

Brad, thanks for another great post!

This post is incredibly informational...and I want more. I just suscribed...will keep reading. Blessings!!

Great information here.  This is very informative!

Thanks

Brad,
My friend you are so full of it....information that is!!  8000 hits per month is awesome.  I do not use any of these tools right now.  I guess it is time to look into it.  I definitely need to talk to you now.  Thanks as always for the valuable information.

Brad,

I think you should be up for the AR King of knowledge award! Now you are going Global!! Will you take your followers with you?

Hi Brad ,

I added Statcounter to my blog last week per your suggestion if I remember correctly. I LOVE IT !

It tells you everything you need to know about traffic and where it is coming from. I highly reccommend that everyone get it.

Thanks!

Tara 

I'm so grateful for this post.  I don't do any of that stuff anymore.  I just write, post and when the phone rings or e-mail comes in, I get the agent and buyer together.  Or, if they're looking for a new home in my neighborood, I just sell them one. 

I'm glad to know that what I've been doing since 1995 still works.  I don't even care where my visitors are coming from any more.  I realized about 5 years ago that what matters is where they are going and that is here, to my market where we'll sell them a home.

Keep up the good work and report back regularly.  It saves me a lot of time. 

Hi Brad - thanks for those tips on the tools you use.  I'm going to check them out and see how they can help me, too.

Ann

AWESOME as usual... I cant wait to try out clustermaps.  I am going to check these sites out right now.  Thanks so much.  Active Rain is awesome!  I cant wait to give/get my first referral.

Brad Thanks for the great post. This is a help to all who want to leverage their blogging by researching who is attracted to their work. And love that you shared what results in terms of business you are getting!

Thanks

Brad, thanks for the links to all these sites to track who is reading our blog. The cluster map is something I'm going to visit right now.

You're always full of useful information...thanks for being so willing to share it! :)

Brad, I went to clustermaps but I have no idea where to put the code... if you get a sec I would love to know.... thanks so much!!

Keisha - the techie stuff is cool, but don't let it keep you from the fun you should be having here too. :-)

Linda - for Clustermaps, it's a piece of cake. Let me know if you need help after you try this ok?

1. To get your free account, REGISTER HERE.

2. You will be sent a password by email with login instructions.

3. Copy/paste a few lines of HTML from your ClustrMaps login page onto your blog or website.

4. Just place the code in the "Blog Description" box on your "My Settings" page and it should work!

 

Great job Jeff!!

Thanks for the ideas!  Feedjit is another tool that shows where folks are coming from and it's fun to see the flags change.

 

Have to admit that I've done these things with my website, but never really thought about doing it with my blog.  Definitely a very good thing to do.  Thanks for the info and post.

Brad - Thanks for the great ideas and advice - I love your seal, it's kind of like a state seal or something:)Being new I have to get these new steps one at a time so I will bookmark this so I'm sure to get each one of the links you gave

Great post as always.... I'm so glad to be a part of A/R and to meet such nice people...Thanks for sharing BRAD

Thanks for the instructions Brad,I think you were responding to me :)!   I have one more question for you if you dont mind...  The clustermap is there but how do I make a space between my text and the map on my blog... and how do I center it... Im sorry... you must get bombarded with questions.  I do appreciate this because I never knew how to add stuff to the column to the right of my blog... Thanks so much! You have already taught me so much!

Brad, this is great information. Thank you! I share my experience on Active Rain with my sphere, and many are still asking, "What is blogging, how does it work, and how will it benefit my business?" I am going to send a link to this post to my sphere because it succinctly illustrates why blogging and Active Rain are so powerful.

Brad... Great stuff as always.  I've learned a lot from everyone here, but probably more from your posts, as an aggregate, than anyones.  With my subscription to your TechKnowBabble, I look forward to learning somethin new everyday!  Thanks!

Brad, I don't think I can add anything to all of the great comments above so will just express my appreciation for all that you do at AR and how grateful I am to be a part of it!

Brad, it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!  All kidding aside, your generous nature and posts are getting your right where you belong.  Blog on!

You know I find myself exploring and reading articles here at AR more so than my monthly real estate periodical or the news paper. Why? I feel like I am at the heart of the real estate markets circulatory system. AR is whats happening today in the real estate industry and you are sharing your knowledge of AR and streamlining our efforts of becoming more productive. Thats great! Thank you! Keith Nickerson, Broker - Somebody's Moving Real Estate.

P.S. How can I have this article tagged or readily available so that I may refer this article to my friends? 

Brad, you make a CONTRIBUTION which is the key to your sucess!  Thanks.

Brad - thanks for so much information!  You are amazing.

Question ---- where does one enter the code to make all these tools work?  I'm 'challenged' when it comes to that part.  :) 

Brad, if you're still not sure where you're going or what you are doing with your blogging, I don't know who would be sure!  You've taken the analytical measurements and knowledge about features and resources available to bloggers further than anyone I can think of.

The biggest part of the reason you get so many positive responses and relationships reflected back to you from your blogging is that you are you touching many people and giving value, not only from a technical point of view, but with some genuine connections to your personal life and interests...

Hey Brad,

I see my stats rising every day..I look at the source of where they are and can pretty much figure out if it is a member or a consumer. When I get a call...I know it hit the consumers.

Brad, another wonderful post about the intricacies of blogging and measuring what's happening with the readers. I appreciate the details and the graphics you provide. Sometime you'll have to write a blog about time management and setting enough time aside to learn from Active Rain, digest the information, apply the information, PLUS do our regular work. Can you legislate us getting maybe another hour or two per day? I know, cut back on sleep, but I know that's NOT a good idea. For those that watch TV, that's a place to cut back some.

Thanks for the ideas! Great post as always, I did subscribe to your Blog.

Sally - thanks for the link love, I know how long you had to wait for my Blog to load on your computer ad I appreciate your patience! LOL!  You should switch to Firefox as your browser.  So much faster and more efficient. I commented on your other post and hope you'll give it a try.  :-)

Thanks for taking the time to share all this great stuff.

Lanre - this one came from many requests I have received regarding how to track a blog or website etc.  These tools work well for me, but I know there are many others.  Thanks for commenting, I'm glad you are finding this information to be helpful and useful.  You're always welcome to my blog!!  :-)

Hi Brad,

Thanks for the tips. We've been using Google Analytical but I like the map idea. My web hosting stats show that 9 days into November my hits are at 1988....pretty good I think.

I love looking at the stats.  

 

Ginger - I think you will find these tools very helpful to your Blog and your website! I have!!   :-)

Brad,

Thanks for the info.  Your blogs hold a wealth of information for us "newbies"

Bonnie - Clustrmaps ROCKS!  Here is a view of the readers I am currently getting on AR.  This tells me that these are not just AR members.  It's just another tool to assist us in knowing what's really going on with our Blogs here.

You can Click on it for details 

Hi Brad, thanks for the very helpful site tips!!  Keep up the great work!!

Mike in Tucson - I'm glad you think so! :-)

Thanks, Brad for sharing more information on blogging! You are a busy man   :-)

Kathy

Joan - did you mean should be institutionalized? LOL!  :-) Thanks Joan!

Brad - As usual some great information that everyone should be using.

Julie - thanks!~  If you are successful from these posts, then I will be successful too!  I'm glad these have been helpful for you, your comments have been very helpful for me!  :-)

Fran - there are many ways to tell how many hits your Blog has received, these are just a few of the tools that will help with that.  You can also view your statistics page which will tell you views, clicks and comments for all your posts.  I like Clustermaps daily feature, it looks like this:

This lets me see daily how many hits I receive and it also gives me the total from the day I started using it! 

David -  I am very pleased you feel the same as Joan.  The one's who join the network and don't do anything here, will NEVER receive the benefits of BEING here.  I totally agree with you. Thanks for commenting, really! :-)

Irina - thank you, on a side note I have to say, and this is only meant in a positive and humorous way,
YOU POKE ME MORE THAN ANY OTHER MEMBER ON FACEBOOK, and I LOVE IT!  I'm always laughing when I get those from you.  Better check your phone or page...here comes one now! LOL!

Candace - I am just as much a fan of "Candi Land" as you are of "Bandy Land"...LOL!!!  I have really enjoyed our comments and phone conversations.  I really wish you were closer, I love blogging with you, but I'd love working with you more.  I think I will open a "Virtual First American Office" so I can start offering my local services to all my friends here on the AR network. 

With the technology we have available to us, and all the paperless transaction tools, and the "World Going Green", I think this will be my next project!!  If I built it, would you come?  If you say go, I'm on it starting right now!  Thanks Candace for ALL your efforts here, your support on my Blog, and most of all, for your friendship!  I will never ever take that for granted!  I think you are a very classy and special lady who I respect and admire very much!  

Brad - Congrats on number of hits per month. And thanks again for your continuing posts on things that help us.

cheers 

Brad, thank you for this great post. You really do set the bar and inspire us all with all that you have accomplished. You contribute on such a high level and allow the rest of us to follow. I like the stamp of approval. I would not mind seeing that now and then! Thanks again! Hopefully, soon I will have need to check out whose visiting my blog!

Rich - you can use these on any Blog or website you choose.  I am trying some other tools for some of my other Blogs and sites that I'm not ready to report on just yet.  Two are still in the beta stage.  These I use just on AR and I have samples of them on TechKnowBabble, WidgetWorld, and AgentAssist.  So far, I am very pleased with the results an the information they're bringing back to me.  I am also developing my own "New Tool"  that is in R&D as we speak.  I hope that this one will go Google!! 

Toni thanks!  I hope you got my email, I think I was sending it to you as you were commenting here. How funny is that.  I am really looking forward to your post, and so are many others here.  Thanks for your sweet comment, I really appreciate it.  :-)

Brad,since Site Meter has maps on it...may I ask why you also use ClustrMaps? Interesting stats on your hits...that would be more than some of the highest ranking websites. How are these hits counted? Can you explain further?

Those are some very impressive numbers.

BLR Guy - you bet!!  BTW - what does BLR stand for?  I didn't want to make up my own or speculate!!  LOL!  :-)

Always like reading your posts. There is always something interesting to learn.

Jeff - that was deep! :-)  In all honesty, I am glad that comes through in my posts.  I am a trustworthy person with very high morals and values!  Integrity is my signature in life.  For you to make that comment really keeps me in check, and reminds me of what is most important to come out of my Blog!  Thanks my friend, you really made my day with your comment!  Have a great weekend!  :-)

Great post and very informative. I'm still trying to figure out lots of the techie issues, but your post definitely helped.

Tom - If you think that one is freaky, you should check out their website and see some of the others I had to choose from! LOL  Some I can't even mention here, BUTT you'll get a kick out of them when you go see! :-O

Jeff B - that is AWESOME!!!  That's what it's all about.  I have referred 7 listings and 2 buyers to agents in and out of my area.  That's just in the lasy 90 days.  It really doesn't get any better than that!  Thanks for sharing some of your successes here, it affirms my post to those who may still be skeptical about Blogging or the Value of Active Rain! :-)

Happy to see you have "found your voice"! Please feel free to say hello and any time. I would not hesitate to refer clients in your direction. I've added you here to my network connections, and also would welcome you as an addition to my network at www.linkedin.com/in/KaeDavis. Feel free to contact me at anytime.

Kae Davis, Licensed Virginia Real Estate Sales Professional

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Ashbrn Dulles

Serving Northern Virginia and the Washington DC Metropolitan Region

www.cbmove.com/Kae.Davis ~ kaedavis@gmail.com

 

 

Jennifer - You clueless?  I don't think so, I am a big fan of your stuff here and outside the rain. :-)

To add the html for Google Analytics, just click on the "My Setting" link from your "My Home" page and then place the HTML in the box that's labeled "Blog Description".  Be sure you don't put it in the one that says "Blog Description Text", that is a very common mistake that gets made.  You won't see any difference in your page or Blog, but when you log back into Google Analytics, you'll be able to get TONS of information about your Blog.  Let me know if you need any additional help with it, I'd be happy to assist you if you need!  :-) 

Sam - you're very welcome my friend! :-)

Elizabeth - thank you!  If you research some of my previous posts here on AR, you'll find that many of them are informational and Instructional.  If you go to my Profile page, at the bottom, I have categorized and put them all in one location for you.  It might be easier to find what you need there.  Thanks again for adding me to your "Valued Members" list here on AR.   :-)

Brad -  I now know what my weekend project is. I have just added the google page rank icon. Now I am going to add the above links to all of my sites.

Thank you so much.

Brad ~ You are absolutely one of the best on AR!  With every post I gain valuable information and constantly feel encouraged by the way you present your posts.  You really do want all of us to succeed, don't you?

Brad,

Great seeing you in the office yesterday!!  Your sharing comes from the heart. You invited me months ago and I am eternally grateful!  I just want to know do you ever sleep? Mel

Donald - make yourself at home!!  :-) My post is your post!!

David - I really had no idea how many until I saw this!  Today, I calculated the days and it dropped slightly.  It's actually only 7976 on a monthly average.  In my business and yours, numbers need to be exact!! LOL!!! The one below shows over 8000 at the time I captured the screen, but it also shows 983 hits in that one day.  That was a new record for my Blog! 

Thanks David, and you always got my number! :-)

wow awesome as always!

great ideas and great links thanks for the help brad.

Karen - where I go, you go!  That's why I write these posts!  What would I ever do without you!?!?!?  You are the BEST, and more appreciated than words can say or comments could show!!  :-)))

Tara - statcounter is very awesome too!  It's a bit different than sitemeter, and it's one that I like to keep hidden on every page. It does give back some awesome information doesn't it?!  Thanks for having faith and trust in me! :-)

I've been using Google Analytics on my other sites for a while now.  What I need to figure out (especially as traffic increases) is how to set goals and get the conversions I need.  I'm really curious to what the potential I am trying to unlock will be. 

Lenn - when someone as established as you see's this as useful, that's quite the compliment.  I know you don't need to use these tools, you need a system to mange all your successes!  Those successes are why your voice is so "Valued" here in the rain.  We can all learn from what you know and are willing to share.  Thanks for taking time to drop by and see me again, it's always appreciated.   :-)

Brad, thanks for another informative well written post, that's why they keep coming back.

Ann - just for you! :-)  I think you'll like these, or at least find some value in their use.  I can tell you thousands and thousands of other people have too.  All over the world, these are tools being used for tracking and finding out information, but there are still MILLIONS who don't know about them or how to use them to their benefit. 

This really is some very cool stuff to have, just like your comment on this post is!! (Huge Smile) Thanks Ann!  :-)

Kim - it is coming, just keep doing all the RIGHT activities, and it's as sure as the sun will rise to happen! :-)

 

~~~~~BRAD HAS STEPPED AWAY TEMPORARILY~~~~ 

I just received a call that my tenant has a leaky kitchen sink!  So it's out of the Cyber-World and back to the Physical World for me...

This one could take me a while as I am not a plummer, luckily the property is right next to ACE HARDWARE...

I will be back in a few...better make that a bit....aw heck, this could take me all day, who am I kidding!! LOL!

 

            

 

Funniest thing ever is that my rental in on Chinquapin Court and look what I got for my AR security/spam  graphic... This could never happen again in a LIFETIME!  It has to be more than a coincidence!! hahaha 

 

Notify me of new comments: What does the graphic say?

 

 

Brad,

Excellent post! These are very useful info and thanks for bringing it up and sharing. We can all use a little help in tracking to see how we are doing.

Dave

 

I have Google Analytics, but I had never heard of Site Meter or Clustermaps. I've bookmarked those links so I can utilize them. Thanks!

WOW, Awesome information.....thanks for sharing this with everybody here on AR.

Sean Allen

I always appreciate your tips, I've implemented so many and I look forward to using the ones you mentioned. Thank you for the great posts!

Brad,
983 is awesome for one day, huh?  I do have your number, and I will be using it one day next week, okay?  Count on it!

Nice stuff Brad, AS ALWAYS!  Most deserved gold star and thanks for sharing all this information!

The tips here are awesome and I have this bookmarked as I sense there is more great  comments to come! I will be back ---gone to check out some of these stat takers !

Goodnes, Brad, Just when I think you've shared it all..  GREAT INFO, well writte as always, and a giant thank you!

Goodness I feel as though I have gone back to school.  There is so much good information again. 

 It is my excuse to not do anything now I spend all of my time reading what I could do.

 I have a separate  "Brads information folder"  and save all of this information there.  It would take me months to type all  that you do but I can read fast so keep writing.

Excellent posts and full of great ideas.  Thanks for sharing.

Those look like some great tools. I am going to book mark this post and explore those items more. Thanks for the tips.

Wow Brad,  you sure know how to make an informative post.  I have a long way to go still!

Joeann - everyone who reads this will hopefully get inspired to just get writing.  As I stated,you'll only get out of anything what you put into it.  The tracking only works if members are posting. :-)

Missy - I think you'll like clustermaps, the first time I saw someone on my Blog from China,I got really excited!

Kelly - to be honest, it's a wonder I like to share at all!  I grew up with 4 brothers, a sister, 3 girl cousins and I was the baby of them all!  I know they have a program for adult kids like me!!!!  ROFL!!  :-)

Kim - here's what ya gotta do to install Clustrmaps Code into your AR Blog:

1. To get your free account, REGISTER HERE.

2. You will be sent a password by email with login instructions.

3. Copy/paste a few lines of HTML from your ClustrMaps login page onto your blog or website.

4. Just place the code in the "Blog Description" box on your "My Settings" page and it should work!

 

 

Brad, this is great information. Thank you! I share my experience on Active Rain with my sphere, and many are still asking, "What is blogging, how does it work, and how will it benefit my business?" I am going to send a link to this post to my sphere because it succinctly illustrates why blogging and Active Rain are so powerful.

Bridget - feel free to email this to anyone you feel may benefit or have doubts in AR!  They can read or even comment if they like, I'd be happy to comment back!  :-) Thanks for your support and approval!

Jeff - thanks!!

Josette, I'll have to check that one out, I have not heard of that one before.  How does it compare to these? Have you compared them yet? I'd be curious to know.  Thanks and have a great weekend!  :-)

Marc - I highly recommend it, with your blog getting fresh content daily and hits from other viewers in and out of the rain, I agree it's a good idea to be tracking the Blogs as well.  Thanks!  :-)

Brad - Thanks for the great ideas and advice - I love your seal, it's kind of like a state seal or something:)Being new I have to get these new steps one at a time so I will bookmark this so I'm sure to get each one of the links you gave

Judy - thanks for your "Seal" of approval on my Seal! LOL!  You can get all kind of stuff out there from these generators. They have banners, logos, People, all kinds of stuff you can get for FREE. Looking forward to hearing your comments of how these tracking tools helped you with your Blog, Website, or Business.  :-)

Donna - were you calling me nice? (Brad Blushes) LOL!  Glad to share with fellow AR members and friends! :-)

Thanks for the instructions Brad,I think you were responding to me :)!   I have one more question for you if you dont mind...  The clustermap is there but how do I make a space between my text and the map on my blog... and how do I center it... Im sorry... you must get bombarded with questions.  I do appreciate this because I never knew how to add stuff to the column to the right of my blog... Thanks so much! You have already taught me so much!

Kim - to center it use the code <center> at the beginning of the HTML code and then use the end center HTML which is </center>.  That should put it right in the middle of the column.  Let me know if that works! :-) 

If you want a space between widgets on your blog, use the <br> at the end of the HTML code or the <p>. They both work. I really do hope this makes sense and helps.  Do let me know!  

Brad... Great stuff as always.  I've learned a lot from everyone here, but probably more from your posts, as an aggregate, than anyones.  With my subscription to your TechKnowBabble, I look forward to learning somethin new everyday!  Thanks!

Bill - there is truly a lot to learn on the web and especially here on AR. If you can pick up somethjing new everyday, you'll be running the place in just a few short months...so then will I be working for you? LOL!  :-) 

---

Brad, I don't think I can add anything to all of the great comments above so will just express my appreciation for all that you do at AR and how grateful I am to be a part of it!

Diane - enough said and very appreciated.  Happy you took the time to say that, it does mean a lot to me, and your comment is just as great to me as all the others.  Thanks!  :-)

Tracy - where do I belong? LOL!  Just kidding!!  Thanks for a wonderful compliment!  :-)

You know I find myself exploring and reading articles here at AR more so than my monthly real estate periodical or the news paper. Why? I feel like I am at the heart of the real estate markets circulatory system. AR is whats happening today in the real estate industry and you are sharing your knowledge of AR and streamlining our efforts of becoming more productive. Thats great! Thank you! Keith Nickerson, Broker - Somebody's Moving Real Estate.

P.S. How can I have this article tagged or readily available so that I may refer this article to my friends?

Keith - I hear what you are saying.  It's like having your thumb on the heartbeat of American and knowing what's going on in every corner of the Country.  Another silent but powerful benefit of AR. 

You can always bookmark the post to access later or you can click on the little envelope 

and email to anyone anywhere, anytime.  :-) Thanks! 

Brad,

Thanks for taking the time to share your ideas, they are both informative and helpful.  I just started with AR and I now realize how powerful this tool is.  I'm very mindful as to what I write because you'll never know who may be reading your stuff. 

Thanks again. 

Brad, was it really 4:30 in the am when you posted this. I am always in awe of the content you have and the time that it must have taken to put it all together. You were really a busy guy yesterday with all of the comments you received and responding to them, and taking care of your tenant's problem. You rock!

What great information you give to all of us here at Active rain.  Thanks for the post.

 

Wonderful information!!  You always have such informative posts!   Thank you for sharing.

Now that you are a successful blogger have your sales increased? Writing stories and having people read them is all very nice but has your income gone through the roof because of it? I'm sure you put a ton of time into this, but is it a time consuming hobby or a business endeavor that is paying off in spades?

Brad, you make a CONTRIBUTION which is the key to your sucess!  Thanks.

Dan - thanks, I figure if that's what works in the real world, then it might work here to!!  (Big Smile) :-) 

Brad - thanks for so much information!  You are amazing.

Question ---- where does one enter the code to make all these tools work?  I'm 'challenged' when it comes to that part.  :)

Carol - check out the post about "My Settings" it tells you every part of the settings page.  Let me know if that helps. If not, let me know and I'll walk you through it! :-) 

Brad, if you're still not sure where you're going or what you are doing with your blogging, I don't know who would be sure!  You've taken the analytical measurements and knowledge about features and resources available to bloggers further than anyone I can think of.

The biggest part of the reason you get so many positive responses and relationships reflected back to you from your blogging is that you are you touching many people and giving value, not only from a technical point of view, but with some genuine connections to your personal life and interests...

Brian - this was a very kind and humbling comment.  I think we all seek to give value in our business, our families and our personal lives.  Thanks for recognizing that, and for stating it so eloquently.  I really haven't figured out where it all goes from here, but that's the beauty of the uncertain and the unknown.  It's great having met people like yourself and others, it's made my adventure here worth every blogging moment!  Thanks Brian!!

Hey Brad,

I see my stats rising every day..I look at the source of where they are and can pretty much figure out if it is a member or a consumer. When I get a call...I know it hit the consumers.

Hey Neal, what's up my friend. Nice to see ya..  love how you're working the stats thing!  It's beautiful isn't it?  With all th great technology, where does it all go next?  I say Virtual!!  :-) 

Brad, another wonderful post about the intricacies of blogging and measuring what's happening with the readers. I appreciate the details and the graphics you provide. Sometime you'll have to write a blog about time management and setting enough time aside to learn from Active Rain, digest the information, apply the information, PLUS do our regular work. Can you legislate us getting maybe another hour or two per day? I know, cut back on sleep, but I know that's NOT a good idea. For those that watch TV, that's a place to cut back some.

Gary - I think I will do a post about Blogging Time Management (not that I've mastered it) but there are some things I think others could benefit by if they knew. Yes, TV is a great place to start but there is many other ways to justify your time investing in your Blog or website.  Great Idea, I'll add it to my upcoming already overwhelming ideas list! LOL!   Enjoy the rest of your weekend! :-)

Mohamed - thanks for subscribing, I'm glad you enjoy these posts!  :-)

Lisa - thanks for taking the time to read it and then comment! The "Thanks" be ALL to you!  :-)

Hi Brad,

Thanks for the tips. We've been using Google Analytical but I like the map idea. My web hosting stats show that 9 days into November my hits are at 1988....pretty good I think.

I love looking at the stats. 

Monika - Pretty good? That's Incredible!! I'm a stats guy too, but I'm more into the stats that generate the results, I think that's exactly why we need them!  You are one of the best at what you do, how do you use those numbers for anything other than just knowing what they are?  That's what I want to teach other members. Maybe a good idea for a one of our next posts!  :-) 

Peggy - I truly am glad you enjoyed this post, and being a newbie, only depends on you, and how fast you learn.  You seem to be doing a great job here if you were to ask me!  :-)

Vickie - you're welcome, and I'll do my best!  Thanks for stopping in and commenting! You're awesome! :-)

Kathy - yes I am busy, but especially on a FEATURE!  I feel very obligated to coming back and replying to comments such as yours.  Maybe I'm compulsive, maybe it's not necessary (according to some) or maybe I just think it would be rude if I didn't.  All self inflicted pain I'm sure, never-the-less, I will always have or make the time to say thanks!!  :-) Have a great rest of the Sunday! 

Bill - not everyone will see this, and not everyone who sees it will use it, but if it brought some value to you, enough for you to comment, then I am happy!  Thanks my friend and sorry it's taken me so long to respond to your comment here.  It's taking me some time to get down this list! LOL!  :-)

Great posts! Thank you for sharing.

Brad - Congrats on number of hits per month. And thanks again for your continuing posts on things that help us.

cheers

 

Gary - thanks! The congrats goes to you as well, without your views and comments, those stats don't mean squat!  I appreciate your time and comments, ALWAYS!!  :-) 

Brad, thank you for this great post. You really do set the bar and inspire us all with all that you have accomplished. You contribute on such a high level and allow the rest of us to follow. I like the stamp of approval. I would not mind seeing that now and then! Thanks again! Hopefully, soon I will have need to check out whose visiting my blog!

Jeanean - maybe I should use that stamp to place on other's fantastic posts (like the one's you're writing), hmmm, that's not a bad idea, except nobody here need's my approval, the content in this place is AWESOME! Thanks for commenting and I look forward to reading your Blog as well....and as soon as I can get done commenting to all these other wonderful people just like yourself! 

hehehehe!! :-)

 

Brad,since Site Meter has maps on it...may I ask why you also use ClustrMaps? Interesting stats on your hits...that would be more than some of the highest ranking websites. How are these hits counted? Can you explain further?

Those are some very impressive numbers.

Gena - because I only use the free versions, and there is a max to the records you can review.  It's kinda like any software, there's not one that just does it all.  Clustrmaps provides info that Sitemeter and some of the others don't and visa versa.  The Google Analytics may very well provide too much info. (haha)  Because I work on one end of the business, and you work on the other end, I'm sure we both have different uses and needs for these types of tools.  My offer to assist you with determining which is the best for you and why, will always stand!  I'm not sure you'd ever need any of my assistance, your Blog, your Website, your whole world Rocks!!  I brag about your Blog and Site all the time, just ask Wendy!  Is this a long answer to your easy question or what! LOL!  Guess I just wanted to talk to you for a bit since I miss ya!  Seriously though, I use multiple one's so that I can determine which one would really work best for you and my other clients.  That's really the truth!  :-) 

Brad, thanks for the answer. I was beginning to think I needed all those. And I can always use help, just like everyone else I too, am learning. Thanks for sharing.

And yes, I had coffee with Wendy the other day here in Sacramento and she did confirm exactly what you said. Thanks. And I miss you, too.

Bob & Carolyn - glad you are enjoying these posts, they are a bit of work, but fun to put together.  Each one is almost like creating a book! :-)

Great post and very informative. I'm still trying to figure out lots of the techie issues, but your post definitely helped.

Tracy - I'll try to keep the techy posts simple if I can.  We won't get too advanced until the time is right for you! Thanks for giving it your best, the rewards are always plentiful!  :-) 

Happy to see you have "found your voice"! Please feel free to say hello and any time. I would not hesitate to refer clients in your direction. I've added you here to my network connections, and also would welcome you as an addition to my network at www.linkedin.com/in/KaeDavis. Feel free to contact me at anytime.

Kae - still looking too! Thanks for adding me, and I do make it over to LinkedIn once in a while, I'll be sure to look you up there as well.  Now with LinkedIN, AR, Facebook, MyBlogLog, and Cre8abuzz, I don't think I'll be getting involved with too many more social networks.  Time to focus on the ones that help pay the bills!  LOL  :-) I doo hope we'll have the opportunity to refer each other business andwork together in the future.  B-) 

Brad -  I now know what my weekend project is. I have just added the google page rank icon. Now I am going to add the above links to all of my sites.

Thank you so much.

Rebecca - be sure to let us know how those work for you ad how you are able to use them to better your writing or your sites.  I always love to hear the "Success" stories.  The weekend is now ending, and I'm sorry for taking so long to respond here, had Sunday chores and other things to tend to.  Keep coming back here in between to try and get back to all these comments!  I sure appreciate yours! :-) 

Brad ~ You are absolutely one of the best on AR!  With every post I gain valuable information and constantly feel encouraged by the way you present your posts.  You really do want all of us to succeed, don't you?

Joddie - without your success, I have no success...in or out of the rain.  I want you to be the most successful person ever, and if I had just a small part in what that looked like, then I would be very happy!!  I am as committed to my clients, family and friends, as I am to my family here on AR.  Integrity and Trustworthy are two of the most solid traits in my family!  Thanks for your very sweet comment and for seeing through me, and for knowing me that well! :-)

Brad,

Great seeing you in the office yesterday!!  Your sharing comes from the heart. You invited me months ago and I am eternally grateful!  I just want to know do you ever sleep? Mel

Hey Melanie - sorry we didn't get to chat much, I will stop in soon to say hi and get caught up.  Been all over the counties lately and just haven't had the time to stop by and visit.  Regarding sleep, don't be fooled by the time stamp on these posts, not sure where the AR server is but it's usually off from my computer clock.  The truth is< I sleep normally between 11:00/12:00pm - 6:00/7:00am every day accept weekends.  That's the goal I shoot for anyway.  Hope your weekend is good, and I'll see ya next week or the following. Thanks Mel!  :-)

Margaret - make sure you do check those links out, you can decide which one will work best for you, or use all three. There are others too, but these are a great start. :-)

I've been using Google Analytics on my other sites for a while now.  What I need to figure out (especially as traffic increases) is how to set goals and get the conversions I need.  I'm really curious to what the potential I am trying to unlock will be.

Lane - I have seen the setting goals in GA and just haven't got there yet either.  When I have some extra time (Yeah Right!), I will be looking into that as well.  If I figure it out and can tie in the value, you can bet I'll be doing a post to try and save others the time and frustrations. At least that's what I try to do.  I think even these posts tend to frustrate some of our members and friends here! LOL!  :-) 

Michael  - thanks for that!  It's nice to hear, and know that it's appreciated! Thanks!  :-)

Dave - tracking will tell you more about your blog and websites than you probably ever knew was available. Downright scary when you think about it! LOL!  :-)  Enjoy!

I have Google Analytics, but I had never heard of Site Meter or Clustermaps. I've bookmarked those links so I can utilize them. Thanks!

Lisa- try them and see what you think, I'd love to hear your comments...and by the way, thanks for this one! :-) 

Sean - you're welcome, happy to help any way I can.

Christina - I'm glad you are able to implement some of these ideas and tools. I hope they help your business!

David - 983 in a day for me is worth crackin the Champagne!! LOL!  I'll be waiting for your call my friend! :-)

 

Nice stuff Brad, AS ALWAYS!  Most deserved gold star and thanks for sharing all this information!

Renee - thanks for stopping by, I always enjoy your visits and comments.  I'm sure you'll be at NAR this year, right? 

The tips here are awesome and I have this bookmarked as I sense there is more great  comments to come! I will be back ---gone to check out some of these stat takers !

Michele - looking forward to your return, let us know what the stat takers reveal! LOL!  Thanks for commenting! 

Margaret - a big you're welcome! I think I may be out of stuff now, you know, writers block? ....NOT!!!  LoL!! :-)

Just wait till you see what's coming next!!! B-) 

Goodness I feel as though I have gone back to school.  There is so much good information again. 

 It is my excuse to not do anything now I spend all of my time reading what I could do.

 I have a separate  "Brads information folder"  and save all of this information there.  It would take me months to type all  that you do but I can read fast so keep writing.

Pat - it has taken me months to write all this stuff, now you won't have to! :-)  I am honored to have a special folder and a corner of my own on your computer.  That makes me feel very special and appreciated! Thanks!  

Bob - you're welcome, come by anytime.  :-)

Ed - make sure you don't bookmark this and then forget it's there, your tracking won't work if it's a bookmark of one of my posts and it's just sitting in your folder. (LOL)  Just kidding, I know you'll be back to look into these tools.  I know you want to know who's looking at your Blog....even while tis is bookmarked!!  :-)

Georgina - you are doing just fine out here.  You have to move at a pace that's comfortable and that works for you. Steady as she goes Captain! Thanks for your nice compliment, it really motivates and inspires me to keep writing in the "Rain"!  :-)

Brad,

Thanks for taking the time to share your ideas, they are both informative and helpful.  I just started with AR and I now realize how powerful this tool is.  I'm very mindful as to what I write because you'll never know who may be reading your stuff. 

Wayne - you get it! That's great! :-)   You will still have to stumble a bit, but it' ok, that's what helps you find your way.  Remember that all business is good, but Business, Personal and Passion are BEST!  :-) 

Brad, was it really 4:30 in the am when you posted this. I am always in awe of the content you have and the time that it must have taken to put it all together. You were really a busy guy yesterday with all of the comments you received and responding to them, and taking care of your tenant's problem. You rock!

Rob -  NO! Though I'd love everyone to think so!  I have a robot that writes for me and like a post dated check, only submits when I say to let it post!  Are you buying any of this? haha!  Really, the clock where the server is located must be on the East Coast somewhere, I posted this at 1:30am, after a nice Friday night shuffle!  :-)

BTW - that plumbing issue? Sucker took me half the day!  You know how it is, once you open one thing, it just leads to another!  Crazy how that works the same every time!  Got er' done though!  Thanks Rob!

Shonda and Barbara  - glad you both liked the post and find value in reading it.  I hope it works getting you motivated to put one or all of these on your Blog or website!  Thanks for commenting! :-)

Now that you are a successful blogger have your sales increased? Writing stories and having people read them is all very nice but has your income gone through the roof because of it? I'm sure you put a ton of time into this, but is it a time consuming hobby or a business endeavor that is paying off in spades?

Michael - I am not claiming to be a successful Blogger, just getting better educated, that's all.  My sales have increased and so have my activities that lead to sales.  I'm sure you're aware that anytime a title guy can offer a buyer or seller to a REALTOR or Lender, the sales just come along with it.  Has my income gone through the roof?  I'd have to say if it did, I'd still be here telling you all about it.  Don't take my word for it, go read some of the other posts here on AR that share their success stories as well.  Investors, Buyers, Sellers, Borrowers, Renters, Home Staging, Appraisals etc.  I know many members here enjoying the reaps of what they sew!

Is this a hobby?  No more than you commenting here being your hobby.  You sound very skeptical about Blogging and the whole concept behind it.  I will say this, it's not for everybody, but then again, if knocking on doors, farming expireds, cold calling and converting FSBO's is a hobby, than you might as well add this one to the list.  I bet you this hobby will pay you more and take less time than a golf game! LOL  :-O 

Brad -thanks lots of great info I will find thisver helful  

Lucky - thanks!  I Always feel "Lucky" to have your comments!!  :-)

Brad, thanks for the answer. I was beginning to think I needed all those. And I can always use help, just like everyone else I too, am learning. Thanks for sharing.

And yes, I had coffee with Wendy the other day here in Sacramento and she did confirm exactly what you said. Thanks. And I miss you, too.

Gena - I think you already got it goin on!!!  Wendy is great, she has such a wonderful personality and she really knows her stuff.  We all have to get together over the holidays and just chill.  Let's see if we can't put something together soon, we'll come up there or you can meet us, or you can come down here....whatever works best, I think it would be a great time! LMK! 

Dan - you will find these little tools to be very helpful if you want to track what's going on with your sites!  :-)

Thanks for the tips Brad, I will try Google Analytics to do some tracking.

Brad, I think you guys should come to me...in Hawaii. Be there thru Jan. 2...just think of the great time we could have!!

Good post thanks for sharing.

Elaine - I think you'll love GA.  I ue it everywhere now.  I think Mike Mueller was the one who told me about it!

Gena - I would love to do that!!!!!  I'll be going over there just a few weeks after you, can you stay there for a month? LOL!!!  Sure would be a blast to hook up over there.  Maybe before you go, or after we get back, we can put something together.  ;-)

Thanks Vicky, how's the auction business going?

 

   TRACKERS, AND COUNTERS AND RATINGS OH MY... 

Here is a post within a post! LOL! I've never done this before, but felt the need based on today's responses.  

 
These are some other stat counters and Blog trackers. 

My Blog Log shows other members who have been to your Blog if they are a member at MyBlogLog.  They can also join right from your widget.

 

 

 

 

 

This is the Cluster Map Tracker.  It's the one that shows what location
peoples computer servers are at.  This is one of my favs. It just looks cool and very impressive once you start getting all those little red dots.  Watching the dots grow is fun too...

 

 

Site Meter give you a tracker with multiple options. I chose this one.

These show where your Blog rates compared to other Real Estate Blogs in the Country. Some people have been asking me what these are for and what they do. They don't really do anything other than check hits and unique visitors to your site.  You can sign up with any of these by just going to their websites.

 

These bottom 3 are not for tracking, they are to Bookmark, subscribe and show Blog Catalog registration. 

 

This last one is my newest from cre8buzz, another Real Estate Social Network that I was invited to by Bill Gassett.  This is a ranking much like AR, but based on a different concept.  I hope this answers some of those questions coming in.  If not feel free to comment with any questions you'd like.

 

 

 

 

Brad, you are right, Active Rain does help us find new ideas and ways to better produce ourselves and help us make connections.  Great job on all your posts and how did you get the google stuff on your ActiveRAin side bar?

Brad~ 

Here's the post that proves to anyone who reads it that you are a master of the blogosphere...and much appreciated for sharing your how2 advice...yet another reason why I subscribe to your BLOG..

Yes I will be at NAR!  Hope to meet you!

Good Stuff! would you like the oppurtunity to swap links? if so email me at info@yourfamilyhomeloans.com tell me a little about your website and I will give you more Info about my offerings... Thanks!

Brad - Once again, a post chock full of useful information. You're the best!

Lucky -  there is power in these here hills! LOL!  You can add google or any widgets on your side bar n=by adding the html code to your my settings page.  Use the Blog Description box to add your codes.  :-)

JaneAnne - thank you for the very nice comment.  I wouldn't say master, but I sure appreciate the compliment. Thanks for subscribing and for adding me to your assoc.  I'm happy to have you as part of my "Network Associates"  thanks again JaneAnne!  :-)

GREAT stuff. I'm needing to gett tech saavy again and you've really helped. Thanks

Renee - I'm not sure I'll be able to make it to NAR this year, must be nice having it right in your backyard.  Wish I could be there, but my calendar is pretty booked these next few weeks.  I hope you'll do a post about it to share with those of us who can't be there!  :-)

Family First - swapping links sounds kinda kinky (LOL) but I'd love to hear what you had in mind.  You kno where to find me and how to reach me, I'm out in th field today if you want to give me a call!  Thanks!!  :-)

Tom - thanks!  I feel the same about you.  Nice seeing you cre8ting a buzz too!  Too many networks for me to keep up with. LOL!  :-)

Bright - thanks for commenting, glad you found this post useful! :=)

Todd - getting tech savy is not hard to do if you spend any significant time at all in the "rain".  There is so much great info out here, I hope you'll just keep absorbing and using it!  Thanks for stopping by to read and comment, I really do appreciate your time and efforts here!  :-)

Great post, Brad. Thanks for sharing the story of your blog's "start up" -- it was encouraging to read, and your tips about are always helpful.

Brian Wilson, Zolve.com 

Brian - I think this is the same success story many share here on AR. I wish you all the same successes!!  :-)

Brad- WOW! This post is the most helpful post I have seen in a long time! I am impressed! You did great! I am getting that cluster maps! I love that kind of stuff! Because you can then key into those areas and do some posts that those folks will like, even more. There is all sorts of stuff you can do with this tool! I am thankful you gave the instructions for this one here in your comments. Thanks! I used to use google analytics but now I have just been using the stats from Mybloglog. Thanks so much, you just got yourself another subscriber. Katerina

Brad- I just noticed that you have adsense on your blog. I did not know that you can do that on AR. Is that doing anything for you? Katerina

Wow.. another cool post.  I love Brad's Seal of Approval.  Very funny and you've inspired me to check out one of these stat sites.

Thanks Brad.  I'm subscribed to your blog for good reason.

Thanks Brad!  I will try this and see.  I've gotton not so great results so far but I'll keep trying!:)

Brad- WOW! This post is the most helpful post I have seen in a long time! I am impressed! You did great! I am getting that cluster maps! I love that kind of stuff! Because you can then key into those areas and do some posts that those folks will like, even more. There is all sorts of stuff you can do with this tool! I am thankful you gave the instructions for this one here in your comments. Thanks! I used to use google analytics but now I have just been using the stats from Mybloglog. Thanks so much, you just got yourself another subscriber. Katerina

Katerina - thanks for subscribing, I'll try to keep the pressure on to only produce good stuff worth your while. :-) 

Katerina - yes, it is doing something for me....it's taking up all that empty space underneath my photo! LOL!
I Love Google and Google Loves Me!!  Know what I mean?   :-O

Fred - the seal of apr is from one of those generators,  you should get one my friend, they have all kinds to choose from, for example, I love this one too:

Thanks for subscribing to my Blog Fred!!  :-) 

Lucky - if at first you don't succeed, try calling Brad!  Let me know if there is anything I can do to help!  :-)

Brad,

I was away, but I am back, great blog :) as always, I just came to say hello !

ray Saenz

 

Ray - welcome back my friend!  Where ya been?  Hope all is well, nice to hear from you again, it's been quite a while!  :-)  Thanks for stopping by, we'll chat sometime soon!

Well Brad, I think you got the hang of it.  Thanks for the tips, I will definately look into your suggestions. Great job and keep the information coming.

Oh Brad....you may not claim to be an expert but you certainly know your stuff!! We have bookmarked this post to refer back to! It is incredibly generous of you to dedicate your time and knowledge to the rest of us!! Thank you for all that you have given us!!

Hi Brad.  Thank you for sharing AGAIN!  I now have my own cluster map, thanks to you making it so easy.  I just need to find that rock that welcomes visitors and knows where they're from!  Or do they all say "Welcome Virginia Readers"?

Thanks for the tips... I always wonder the same thing!

Thanks for the great tips.

Good tips.  Thanks

Brad, :)

On a one week trip and I went to las vegas and then to california, family trip, it was not a rest, I was so tired when i came back :P   , also I did not feel in the mood to write for sometime, but I am back again, sometimes I need energy.

Hope that everything is fine with you and we will chat soon. :P

Ray Saenz

Well Brad, I think you got the hang of it.  Thanks for the tips, I will definately look into your suggestions. Great job and keep the information coming.

Suzanne  - thanks!  I'll keep it coming the best I know how!  Still getting the hang of it! LOL!  ;-) 

Great blog for a newbie to the Rain such as myself.  Keep up the good work!

-Mark

Oh Brad....you may not claim to be an expert but you certainly know your stuff!! We have bookmarked this post to refer back to! It is incredibly generous of you to dedicate your time and knowledge to the rest of us!! Thank you for all that you have given us!!

Rick & Lynn - you guys are too kind to me.  I'm not giving any more than the next blogger, I'm just on a roll right no! haha!  :-)  Thanks again...   :-) 

Hi Brad.  Thank you for sharing AGAIN!  I now have my own cluster map, thanks to you making it so easy.  I just need to find that rock that welcomes visitors and knows where they're from!  Or do they all say "Welcome Virginia Readers"?

Natalie - you'll love the cluster maps!!  I think you are referring to the welcome mat as opposed to the rock!  Karen George has that available if you go to her Blog or profile.  It will change based on your servers location.  When I visit mine it says CA, but when you visit mine, it will show your state.  Very nifty little welcome mat!  I love it!!  :-) 

Tammy - you are welcome, and "wonder"  know more!  LOL  :-)

So Gayle - were they great or good!! LOL!  Loved your double comment, never had one of those before!! Thanks!

Ray - i understand fatigue, in fact, I'm going to bed this very second! I'm beat!  Let's hook up later and catch up.  I want to hear about your time off!  Goodnight for now... :-)

Great blog for a newbie to the Rain such as myself.  Keep up the good work!

Mark - I hope this one will help you a bit!  Thanks!!

Brad: Great post, I think I need to start posting a little more before I start getting into detailed tracking, but I did bookmark all of your links.

Thank you for sharing.I have bookmarked several of your posts. I will try this one today. I am not sure if I should have it on my web site or blog.My web site already has something that shows the hits.

Jeff - whether you have 1 post or 100, I would start tracking it right away, that way you can watch your growth in readers as your blog grows in content.  It's good to know which articles you write that get the most love and attention.  You can also just use AR's built in tracking which can be located by clicking on the link that says "Statistics" from your home page.  It's down on the lower left hand side of your AR home page screen.  This is a very cool way to track as well.  Best of luck to you my friend!  :-)

Gita - you can use these anywhere your little heart desires!  :-)  Some websites already come with these tracking capabilities and some Blogs do too.  Even AR has the statistics page which gives you a little information regarding hits, views, and clicks.  Whatever works for you, that's what works for me!  :-)    

Right on Brad.  Seeing where people are from who visit my site and which pages they tend to view is a tremendous tool in how to better shape your website and the content in it.

Ryan - I'm glad you see the value and the power in these types of tools.  They are there for a reason, shame on me if I don't tell others, shame on them if they choose not to use them.  Thanks for commenting and confirming!  :-)

Brad you say that you are not an expert on the subject, but man you make all of us look good:). Another great post by the way, with your skill set and commitment it is no wonder that you are receiving 8000 hits per month. Thank you once more for some unbelievably great information. You are paving the way for the rest of us.

Brad wow! Are you tech savvy or what How are we suppose t keep up with you? At least your not keeping it all to yourself, thanks for the insight!

Christopher - I really am not the expert, I just try and help others with what I do know. Thanks for your appreciation and nice comment!  Have a great weekend! :-)

Julianna - now that's the way to look at it!  You can be mad at me for sharing so much, or you can be mad at me for not sharing enough!  I'm glad you're not mad at me!! :-) LOL!  Enjoy the weekend! 

Brad,

I read and enjoyed the blog. 236 comments, wow, that's a lot of comments. But it is interesting, this is the first time on AR, when I skipped the comments (sorry).

It is funny the way it works. Too few are disappointing, too many are not practical. I guess, at some point it is no longer a thread.

What, every coin has the other side? What is your take on that?

Jon - that's interesting that you brought that up.  There are post written that say too many comments can hurt you.  I'm not an expert in that area, but I can tell you I learn every time I'm on the rain. Too few comments may or may not influence readers to check out your post.

I think the title is what really grabs them. Then content is KING and it's crucial.  Too many comments draws attention and tells the writer that it may be a good topic, yet it also discourages readers from engaging in all of them.  There is no science, at least not that I am aware of, but I would rather have too many, than not enough, otherwise, your question may have never come up! LOL! 

I think you should do a post about it, maybe even add a voting poll to see what other members think?  You know that 95% of them will never even see this comment, because like you, they will read the post and jump right to the commenting.  The real thing to remember here is that if a consumer wants to know more about you and how you interact with others, they may go through and read every comment to learn the most about you. 

Viewers can also see what other people have to say about you, your topic, and what THEY think of you as a member here.  Influential? I think so. Credibility? I'd have to say yes!  Good for your Blog?  Absolutely positively! Hope that semi-answers your question, it's a great comment, and I'd love to discuss it further in YOUR next post! (Smile)

Brad, I'm a bit late to this "party" but these tools are exactly what I was looking for in a recent post myself.  It took me a bit to figure out where to paste the code until just yesterday, but I'm off and running now, and have added some of these tools to my existing one.  Being a CPA and "numbers person" I'm going to have a field day with this data!  Thank you for sharing!  

Katie - glad you made it to the party here, my parties are never over.  We go till the cows come home, and I think all the cows are lost! LOL!!  As a "numbers" person, you will really appreciate what these readers can do for you.  Come back to the party later, and let us know how this helps and what you find!  Thanks Katie, and have an awesome weekend!  :-)

Once again, a great read and bookmarked.  It also points out that people are using the internet to come together as a community. 

Krista - people are using the internet to come together in these social networking environments, what will be next?  Thanks for stopping by to comment! :-)

Brad, like I said before, I've only been on AR for a week and all your post have inspired me, looking forward to reading many more. Thank you.

Hi Ruth - thanks, I'll try not to let you down...welcome again to AR! ;-)

Brad...With all of these comments I don't think there is anything new I can add so I will simply say, THANK YOU VERY MUCH for this post and all the others.

Cheers, Kathleen

Kathleen - I don't know if I have any other ways left to just say "Thank You", I mean that...Thank You!!  :-)

Wow, thank you for the info

Edi - hope you can put it to good use, and more importantly, I hope this will help you grow your Blog and your Business!  :-)

Brad -

Thanks for sharing the links!  I'm going to give them a try!

Lori - that's great, let me know how they work out for you. Have a great Turkey Day!  :-)

Brad - I finally got my Google Analytics account going at full speed and I am hooked. I love seeing who is looking at my websites. Thanks so much for getting me into this.

Ryan - thanks for the affirmation and sharing that with me.  I know that anyone like yourself who just tries some of my ideas will come back very happy and satisfied with the results.  I am glad you are seeing and getting the benefits from this post, and I appreciate you building my credibility here! 

Thanks my friend, have a great Holiday!  :-)

Brad - You are the last member of ActiveRain that needs more credibility... LOL    I do sincerely appreciate your posts and all that you add to ActiveRain.

You have a great Thanksgiving too! :-)

 

 

Ryan - I'm humbled and appreciative!  Thanks for the compliment and your friendship!!  :-)

Brad:  You always bring very innovative and helpful ideas to the table.  I use a stat counter and will try some of the other things you've mentioned.  Thankyou.

Donna - thanks for the recognition.  Let me know what you think of these other tools, they work great for some of us, just wanted to share. Happy Holidays! :-)

Marcus - I sent you a link to this post, you should be the next to comment if you got it, let me know your thoughts here instead of email. Thanks, have a Great Thanksgiving if I don't connect sooner!  :-)

Hi, What an amazing number of comments and awesome information. I'm going now to count my readers.

Kay - don't worry about counting readers, count your transactions that come from readers. (BIG SMILE)
Just knowing there are people reading your Blog is great news, but that's like knowing there are fish in the lake.  How do we catch them? Where are they?  What will they bite? That's what we want to track and catch!  :-)

Today is Thanksgiving, so I am shutting down all systems, and going to go be with my family and be thankful for them!!  Have a Blessed and Safe Holiday!  :-) 

Brad

Once again you came through with tons of information, I love reading your posts. I can can only hope to be as good as you someday.

Gary - glad you're finding these posts to be useful and somewhat helpful.  I love reading your comments as well.  I'm flattered by your comment to be as good as me someday, but I think you should try to be as good as YOU!!

Just remember this:  GARY ROCKS!!!  :-) Happy Thanksgiving my friend!! 

I for one am very glad you found Active Rain and have contributed so much to our community. I can safely say even though I try to help other members, I can say I've learned more from you than probably any other person on Active Rain - SO THANK YOU!

Todd - that means a lot to me.  I am glad I found AR too!  I feel Blessed by your comment and that you have been able to take away some useful information from my blog.  Please continue to try helping others as you have, that's what makes Active Rain such a warm and welcoming place.  Members like you are why members like me stick around.  Seriously!!  Thanks Todd, Best to you always my friend!  :-) 

Thanks a million I have been looking for some blogs on this topic and yours has been very helpful. Your Orlando & Lake Mary Real Estate Expert, Heather Joubran

Thanks Brad, another tool. It just gets better and better.

Heather - Glad you found my post and I'm happy it was useful to you.  You're welcome here anytime, glad to have you!  :-)

Larry - these are some of the best tools out there right now!  Tracking plays such an important role in making sure you're on target with your blog and posts!!  :-)

Brad- Are you on the worship team at your church (pic way above)?  I think we may have something in common!  :)!

Brad, Geat info that I will be using.  I'm glad I found your blog.  I always wondered who read blogs.

Kim - My wife and I used to lead worship at New Life in CA, and New Hope in Hawaii.  After our relocation, we are still looking for a place for our family to call home.  :-)

Barbara - These will give you a great deal of information about the visitors to your websites and blogs.  Enjoy them and I hope they help you like they have so many others.  :-)

My google analytics has gone off the chart!!  Must be the post I wrote about the 2007 Real Estate Market and the World News!  LOLOLOLOL!!!  Never know, that might be the one that sent me over the edge!  :-)

There are some other stat and hit counters available that I will be posting about or adding to this post in the next couple days.  The ones I am going to add have features and benefits that none of the ones listed here offer.

I have found that Clustermaps will cause your page to load slower if you are using Internet Explorer.  You can also try Firefox if speed and load time are an issue for you or your readers and subscribers.  Just FYI...

Great Links, Thanks!

Jonathan - Tracking your Blog just like your website is so important to the success of your Blog!  Glad you found this, you're welcome! Thank you!  :-)

Brad, where do you embed the Google Analytic code, in each blog or in your settings for your side bar?  Thanks for the post, very informative.

Cashflow Coach

Evan - I added the google analytics code in the "my settings" box. I also have it on my profile page.  If you go to my profile page, I have a post at the bottom that explains how to do it. :-)  Scroll all the way to the bottom to see all my instructional posts sorted by category.

Brad.... You rock!  Thanks AGAIN!

Don - I see you're making your rounds on my Blog, thanks!  Glad you are finding these posts and enjoying them. I'm enjoying your comments as well.  :-)

Great info!!  You mentioned google analytics (GA)  in this article. Do you have a blog post with specific instructions how to add GA to your blogs?

Greg - I do, if you go to my profile page, I have all my instructional how-to's at the bottom of the page, let me know if you have trouble finding it, I have to run out the door right now, but will be back this evening!  :-)

Greg - until then, just click on the GA link and I think it walks you through it, either way, let me know and I'll help you out when I return.

Wow, like they say, you only know what you only know, and you don't know what you don't know!  Great information for a newbie like me - I need to get started on some of the tools you mentioned!

Thanks for the help!

Vince Divarco

DUCTZ of North Phoenix and Deer Valley

623-466-8625

Vince - I don't know what you don't know that I might know so I'm happy to share!  I know you'll share with me the things you know that I don't know you know! LOL!!  Best part is that it's nice to "Know" you!  Let me know if you need to know anything else....ya know?  :-)

Thanks again for all the great tips.  I just added google analytics & sitemeter to my webpages and blogs...you rock

Kristi - I am following you around today on all my posts, you are too fast for me, I'm starting to leave hello comments just to see if I can surprise you and comment before you get there!!   hahahaha!  Hmmm....which post will she go to next!  LOL!~  You'll love the things you find out using analytics and site meter.  Let me know what you think later..   :-)))

Brad, another great post, thanks!  I'd really like to add those three counters to my blog but I am going to ask my assistant to try to do it for me. 

Debra - if your assistant has any difficulty or challenges, I'd be happy to help you if you need, just let me know.  Thanks for commenting and for all your support and efforts here on AR! :-)

I'll repeat what all the others are saying, Terrific Post!  I appreciate your posting what you've gone through with getting into the rain.  I'll probably be getting a little wet myself, I seem to have forgotten my umbrella, but thanks for sharing yours.

Mike - thanks, getting wet in the rain is probably one of the best things you could do for your business, your writing, your marketing, and for building some great relationships. Tracking it all is almost as fun as creating it! :-)

Mike - BTW, how'd you stumble across this post, it was dormant for almost 3 months, I'm always curious how they get found and come back to life? Thanks.  :-)

Hi Brad, I just found this blog and let me tell you I for one am thankful for you sharing this bit of info. I've been looking for just this type of tracking programs.

 thanks again

Klarque - I just changed the title and added it to a couple groups where I thought it might bring some value.  Glad you found it, I hope it helps you as it has me.  Thank you.  :-)

Brad,

In answer to your question above "Mike - BTW, how'd you stumble across this post, it was dormant for almost 3 months, I'm always curious how they get found and come back to life? Thanks.  :-)":

I like to go through various groups blogs and sort them by either views or comments and read the ones that look interesting.  I'm not sure which group or which order I came across yours, but in a nut shell that it.  Hope this helps ease the drizzle on your curiosity ;-).

Mike

Brad your posts have been some of the best I have read.  They have been very informative and helpful.  The information on AR comes in faster than I can digest it all

I am glad Mike stumbled on this post. I have bookmarked it.Thank you for the info.

Mike - thanks for easing the drizzle on my curiosity, I really did wonder, and now I have learned a new way to search blogs in groups. Thanks.  :-)

Jeff - thank you, I'm honored that you would say and think that! I have often commented here that the information coming out of ActiveRain is like trying to drink out of a firehose!  It's still nothing short of that! :-)

Gita - I am glad too!  Glad to see you here as well.  These are some great tools, I hope they'll be helpful to you.

Vince - glad you found this post, hopefully these tools will be helpful in assisting you with tracking who visits your Blog and where the are coming from.  I have found these to be useful tools in the past year I have been here.  :-)

OK - I'm going to clustrmaps right now ... Thank you!  I'm very curious to see where, how, when and why my website traffic has increased!

www.PippaMAC.com

 

Pippa - these are just some of the FREE tools out there that will help you do that.  :-)

This is awesome stuff Brad. Now I just have to find the time to read all of these cool blogs and helpful tips...and sell a little real estate too!

Great information, nevertheless, I've trying to add google analytics to my profile, just don't know how to.  I've read from google the process, but still can't get to add the codes into my profile.  Can you help me through this process, please?  Thanks

Brad,

Haven't paid much attention to who comes to visit my blogs but now that your post seems to make it rather easy, it needs to be done. Frankly, it's sometimes impossible to keep up with all the info that's available here. Thanks.

It seems like a great idea. Hey Brad, do you have time to do any work other than AR??  tee hee...

Brad, You have always been so helpful to all of us here on AR. THANK YOU!!!

Another great tip Brad. Keep it coming. nice 200k points you got there.

Thank Brad, I will definitely be adding those tools to my blog/sites!!

I had no idea that you only started blogging earlier this year.  That gives me home that I soon will be blogging away.  Right now I am just getting my feet wet, and reading everyone else's blogs.  Your blogs always seem to provide valuable information, and I think that is what people are looking for.

Brad -- only blogging on AR for not even a year? Wow. Incredible following you have going. You blogging Guru. Just don't make us climb a mountain to ask you questions. :) 

Michael - you can do it!  :-)

Andy - feel free to call or email me, I'll help you through it.

Esko - I know what you mean, it's like trying to drink out of a fire hose.

Toby - I do have time to do some work on the side...like raise kids! lol :-)

Barbara - thank you, I learned from watching people help people growing up.

Jeffrey - hadn't even noticed, thanks for "point"ing that out. lol~

Tasia - they are great tools and I recommend them highly....

Troy - I actually started here in March of 2007, I started working fulltime for AR in March of 2008.

Kevin - when I wrote this post in November last year, it had only been a short time. :-)

Interesting post Brad - I bookmarked it so I can check it all out. Thanks!

Linda - it is interesting!  Don't think for one second that people aren't reading and checking you out here on AR. It's a fact, and these tools can help you better understand who what and why people are reading your stuff.

Brad, that's fascinating.  I also have wondered who these readers are.  Thanks.

Bill - it can also be very beneficial. Know what to write, and who's reading is only going to make your writing and focus better.  No shooting in the dark!  :-)

 

Brad I started to read your post thinking how helpful it was when I realized it was old.  Your posts keep coming back as they are very helpful

Jeff - as old as they get, it still amazes me that many of these do just keep popping up out here.  I won't complain, it gives me something to do when I run out of email and voice mails. haha!  :-)

I use those tools as well, just put ClustrMaps on my blogs the other day and I am anxious to see where people come from who visit my blogs.

Linda - they're coming to your Blog and you'll be shocked at where many are coming from. Just click on my cluster map on my Blog and you'll be very surprised where many of my viewers are located. Very cool. :-)

Very helpful in regards to the tracking. i will def add that on to my website and hope to see positive results.

Billie - adding tracking to your site will give you the results but it won't get them for you. Good content and promotion of the site it what draws traffic and stickiness.  If you want lots of good readers, you need to write lots of good stuff.  :-)

Brad you said:  "I am in no way claiming to be an expert at this stuff,"

Yeah you are!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

You are my blogging Guru!  Thanks for this post!  Note to self: Must bookmark--re-read and study! 

I just added Statcounter to my blogs and website as well as all of my internet ads.  It is amazing to see the path that people take to get to my website.  I will say that many find me in searches on google and see my AR blog.  I would say right now that AR is the number one route people are using to get to my website.  It's also interesting to note that those that find me through my listing ads don't spend anywhere near as much time in the ads as they do in my blogs.  They also are not linking from the real estate ads to my website, however they are through my blogs.

This information is very useful to me as it shows that the time I spend on blogging is paying off.  I never would have known this had I not embedded the tracking code!  :)

Thanks for the information, learning as I go along. It's been interesting so far.

REO King - thanks man!  you made my night!!  :-))

Laura - that's great stuff. That is exactly what I discovered here.  My website leads and traffic increased 500% but when I noticed close to 8000 hits on my AR Blog per month, I switched over 100%.  Now I average close to 500 hits per day from all over the country.  I wouldn't have known this without all my trackers in place. :-)

Hazelhoff - that what Blogging is, learn as you go, especially around here.  It should be more than interesting if you're doing it right.  :-)

Hi Brad.  An oldie but a goody.  I have now added google analytics, Site Meter, and the Clustr maps.

My brain is hurting from trying to figure out what I am doing.

Thanks for writing,

Ken

Brad,

I agree with Ken.  The informaton is mind boggling.  I can't wait to implement the ideas.

Thanks for all the great information you offer.

Great info as always.  thanks, Brad.

Brad, I am always amazed that an "older" blog has New information for so man of us. ClusterMap and Sitemeter have gone on the list with my other "homework".

Your comments on getting started have so helped me. I could have written that paragraph myself. If I can improve half as much as you I'll be thrilled.

Brad,

I am new to the ActiveRain experience, and I am so glad to have found your posts. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I've only been blogging for a few weeks, and was wondering about this exact thing. I'm going to look into Google Analytics tonight!

Glad this post and these tools are still working for you all, I still use all 3 and not sure I could live without em. Guess you could call me a co-dependent now! LOL~

thanks for the tools -- will check them out

Thanks for this great help.  I am pretty new at this and can use all the help I can get.

Thanks for this blog post. I just set myself up on Google Analytics for my AR blog

MERRY CHRISTMAS Brad.

www.move2pennsylvania.com

Erica - A belated Merry Christmas to you too!  :-)

Brad--when you add the google analytics code to the SETTINGS section of your blog, how long does it take for it to see the code? I did it, checked the google website and it still says it's not on my blog. Help?

I pasted the google analytics code into the blog description (not text version)

Erica - I think it took a couple days for mine to start working.  You did it right, just give it a couple days for your Blog to get some hits so GA has something to register and to report back. 

Thanks Brad.

Thanks Brad,

I was just wondering where I put a tracking system for my blog- I've been seeing people show up on my website and I'm not sure where they come from.  Now I know!

I just subscribed so I can get your helpful inof on a regular basis!

Great food for thought. It shows the more you put in to something, the more you get out of it. Thanks for the info.

Bonner

Kim - thanks for subscribing, I'll try to keep the useful tips and how-to's coming in 09. Have a great New Year Celebration.  :-)

Bonner - that's my statement and motto from 2008!  "The more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it!"  Nice!  For 2009, it's going to be "The more you get out of it, the more you'll put into it.   Thanks for that thought.  :-))

Hi Brad, This 'oldie but goodie' really hit the spot! "I was spending hours just reading and learning from all the members here on Active Rain."  I'm finding that the Brain Trust here is astounding! Now maybe I can ramp up my posts. No promises there (lol) ~ but worth a good try.

Hi again Brad, I tried to add Cluster Maps. I made the map, just how do you add it?  Here is the list from cluster maps  http://clustrmaps.wordpress.com/html-setup/    I appreciate your help.  BTW, make it a great '09

Marian - you have to add it like any other widget.  Go to my profile, click on tutorials, and look for the one that says, "Widgets - How To Add Them To Your AR Blog"  it's really pretty easy. :-)  Happy New Year.

Brad--still not working. I used the Blog Description and just copied/pasted GA code into there. Nothing yet.

Erica - I'll take a look, maybe something changed with GA or AR.  :-)  Be right back....

Erica - I see the script for GA in the right place on your my settings page, have you logged into GA to see your stats?  I just checked mine and it is definitely working.  What seems to not be working for you?  The only thing GA allows you to do is log in to their site to see reports and check visitor stats.  LMK.

Brad,

Thank you for the info and links, as always its very helpful.

Okay-- GA says "not linked" as if it's not seeing the script. Will try again. Thanks so much for doing the legwork.

 

Erica - keep me posted, I want to make sure this is working for you. Thanks. :-)

Wonderful suggestions.  I just signed up for a site meter.  Thanks.

Mary Yonkers

Brad thank you for sharing your knowledge of Active rain to all of us. I have found your information helpful.

 

@Mary & @Rick - thanks, I am happy to hear this information and suggestions are useful and helpful. :-)

Brad,

You are an AR ubermensch! So many good tips packed in to a tiny little post. How do you fit so much flavor in to every byte? Terrible pun, don't answer that.

Ian

Hi Brad,

Thanks for sharing. Its really superb... informative, helpful... Keep posting nice blogs...

 

Best of luck and success

 

Brad, thanks for all of the great tips.  Much appreciated!

 

Great tips Brad!  Thanks so much for sharing!

Great tips Brad!  Thanks so much for sharing!

Great tips Brad!  Thanks so much for sharing!

I use several tools - don't forget your Long Tail info.  That has been a real eye opening and works well with blogging!

Even 3 years later, this is some great information. Thanks, Brad!

Thanks Brad; it's 2011 and this blog is still something I needed to know about!

Hi Ellen - yeah, this one is definitely a little dated, but the info is still good.  So much has changed since 2007, it's nice to go back and read posts published from years ago, some of them still hold true, others really demonstrate how much we've evolved in this industry over the years.  Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.  :-)

I can see why so many people commented. Great article with lots of good info. I always wanted to know how I could find out if any of my posts were being read

Those cluster maps are super cool!

Robert - Since this post was written, there's even more and better ways to see who's stalking your site or blog.

Christopher - I use clustermaps on many of my sites, one of my favs for sure.  :-)