I've had many conversations with bloggers about Active Rain blogs vs. "real" blogs; i.e. a blog hosted by Wordpress or Livejournal.
As a contestant in the Virginia Real Estate Blog Brawl 2, I was even beginning to feel "amateur-ish" with my Active Rain blog as my entry.
After trading a few emails with Bob Stewart today, I must say that I feel better than ever about my Active Rain blog.
Did you know.......
Active Rain gets over 2 million unique visitors a month and over 8 million page views a month. Of those 2 million unique visitors, just over 85% of them come directly in from search engine queries. So, Active Rain has about 1.7 million visitors a month that are consumers landing on ActiveRain blog posts because of some search term they have typed into one of the major search engines. The overwhelming majority of this traffic is landing directly on a blog post written by one of the Active Rain members.
What else do I like about my Active Rain blog?
Well, I get comments! I have written for months on my other, outside blogs without a single comment. I know they are receiving traffic; however, the comments have been slow to happen. It's lonely talking to youself for so long. I like the "instant gratification" I get from my Active Rain blog.
The community here support each other. While some people may be able to write into a black hole without any feedback, the majority of people need that feedback to keep going. I don't know the stats off the top of my head, but it's something like 97% of all blogs are abandoned in the first few months. The reason for that in my opinion is that if you think no one is reading, you're likely to stop writing.
My Active Rain blog doesn't cost me anything! With my Wordpress blogs, I have the expense of marketing them both with my time and money.
If I have a question or need help, I won't get sent to an on-hold queue. Someone ALWAYS seems to be available to help at Active Rain (thanks Brad Andersohn!)
There is also the whole networking effect inside ActiveRain. If you are blogging on ActiveRain, there is the likelihood that other professionals will be reading your blog and may refer business to you simply because they get comfortable with you as a person and a professional.
To me, the positives outweigh the negatives.
You can't do much customization to the Active Rain blog. Correct - however, they don't get overwhelming that way and look "junked" up.
You can't monetize the Active Rain blog. Well, you are probably right. But, I work as a real estate agent and that is my job. I have too many things to do to worry about making money from my blog. I am a professional real estate agent and trainer, not a professional blogger.
You don't own your Active Rain blog. Correct. But I do own my domain and have it "parked" at Active Rain. If I were ever unsatisfied, I could always move everything to a Wordpress blog.
So, there you have it. A blog is what YOU make of it. My blog has brought me incredible friendships, networking and business. I wouldn't change it for a thing!
Please don't forget to vote for your fellow Active Rain blogger, Tina in Virginia, in the semi-finals of the Virginia Real Estate Blog Brawl. You can vote now by clicking here. This Active Rain blogger really appreciates your support!
***UPDATE - THANKS TO YOUR VOTES, I HAVE MADE IT TO THE FINALS IN THE VAR REAL ESTATE BLOG BRAWL! VOTING WILL OPEN BACK UP TODAY, 11/26 AT 2PM EST. PLEASE VOTE! www.varbuzz.com
Tina in Virginia
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Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338.
Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County.
Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com
Hey, that's great information about active rain's page views. I'm glad you posted it.
Tina, I have a wonderfully smart sister who teaches a college literature class, she has initials after her name. I'm a lowly real estate broker, who writes a blog now and then. When we look at the direct response to our "published body of work", I have more comments and responses, than her intellectual ramblings do.I may just be throwing up words loosely grouped together, but I am having fun and great conversations with worldly business professionals. My sisters audience wears tweed and drinks tea, I feel bad for them they need to get out and meet some other people. We connect in the rain not just lecture on how smart we want you to think we are. P.S.Count my Vote,this is the blog to stick with if you practice real estate.
Great Post Tina - I didn't know there was a difference - or something considered a "real" blog! Of course, I'm new at this so I was really surprised there were blogging contests! You got my vote for teaching me something new today :-) Thank you ! Hope you win !
This is very educational...thank you!! I didn't understand that difference. You explained it so well. I LOVE my AR blog world...mostly because of the friendsI've made...
There is no doubt that the SEO power of Active Rain is quite impressive. It works for me:)
Tina - Kudos to you for this post, and for getting featured with it. No shame in a quality AR blog at all!
Since this is where I started learning about blogs, and the only one I do, I didn't know it was even considered not a "real blog"
Love your stats about the unique visitors, and how many are consumers. I'll keep writing information blogs even if I don't get many comments if I know that a buyer or seller might be reading it.
Tina, I have been reading the VABuzz Blog Brawl. Actually, I have voted for you on their site. I think Active Rain is not only a blog, but it is a community as well and many of us are here for that. Oh yeah, and there is the is all the free sharing of wonderful knowledge here as well. One more thing, Google digs AR.
Tina - thanks for commenting about outside blogs, etc. I have an outside blog but haven't done much with it. Having too much fun here! The friends, what I learn and the potential for business here is very exciting!
I only think this place will improve. What more can you want?
I love the blogs here on Active Rain and I voted for you! Good luck!
Great information. I will bookmark it and refer back. Thank you for you post
Tina - awesome post and great information. You really did your homework. Much appreciated.
I am like you, I enjoy the instant gratification active rain provides comparing it to my outside blog. Active Rain is unique because it does have the ability to get up on those search rankings so quickly
I love my AR blog too! I have a wordpress blog and the layout just does look as "purdy" as my AR blog.
Thanks for the interesting stats -- i would have thought that at least 50% of the monthly traffic came from fellow active rainers. That's great news...
Tina, great post! I was just mulling this over today. Timing here on AR is often on the clairvoyant scale!
The issue you touched on that resonated most with me is the feedback we receive as bloggers here on AR. Plus, we're speaking directly to our peeps! Some may say it's like drinking our own Kool-Aid, but not me. I am "this" close from just dumping my WP.org blog altogether.
Tina -- you hit the nail on the head on this one! Good luck to you - your blog is fantastic.
Of course it's a real blog! I think the feedback is a key element. Thanks for pointing out all the reasons why we are here...and loving it!
Active Rain is most definitely a real blog. I have several blogs and Active Rain is by far the blog that gives me the most response from people in a market where I know the people are professional. Keep your head high. You have the real thing my dear.
Hi Tina...Here's a little extra instant gratification in return for the instant satisfaction I received reading your post.
My ActiveRain post is the only one that gets any attention from me.
Good luck with your contest.
Kate
You mean I've been blogging away on something some people don't consider a "real" blog? Poppycock! I'm with you. This is the real thing and it is something I'm proud to be a part of. I feel that I've made friends here, and I've learned a lot. I hope what I have shared has also been helpful to others. And, I have gotten referrals and one good client from it. So take that, you blog snobs!
Tina: Very well said.. I'm not familular with the other blogs.. I'm very happy with my AR Blog.
Nice info -- had no idea about the numbers - and it seems like a rela blog to me! :-)
I voted for Tina - GO AR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How funny that AR is not considered a "real blog". Google the following: USDA Rural Housing, Destin, FL
See how many of those "not real blog entries" that I have made show up on the first page! (nine out of 10!)
I've had an agent in my area target my very popular blog with their new blog stating tha AR blogs were all about points and reminded her of Chuck E. Cheese trying to earn tickets (ie points) vs providing real consumer value among other things... I get very protective of my AR blog and I've yet to go else where for a new one even though it might offer other features. AR has been such a part of my online success and a great resource for clients. Not to mention they listen to our needs and always make changes for the better of the community and overall experience. I LOVE AR!
Amber
It never occurred to me that my Active Rain blog wasn't a real blog. It's bringing me business and increasing my SEO. I don't see the problem.
Tina, I'm sorry that I didn't vote for you. Of course, I would have voted for your real Active Rain blog had it not been going head to head with my blog in this round!
Tina,
I've been told by many really good bloggers in the past that just because you get comments it really doesn't mean you'll get business from it...if it's within the members only area then most likely it's not a business oriented post unless there is someone within the network who'll give you a referral and there are probably less of those than a public post. If you go to localism and click the tab for most views you'll see that many of the top blogs have thousands of views and little comments. I've gotten business from my local blogs and wondered why my future clients never commented. Most seem intimated to leave one and would rather email me direct. If someone likes a lot of comments that's great but it all depends on the agenda you are looking to accomplish.I haven't had much time to post much lately but I write on my Google blog and am a guest author on someone else's word press blog and get lots of traffic and business from it but very little in comments. Good luck in the contest.
Tina
Thanks for the A/R encouragement.
One question though. When you blog on your other blog site, do you use the same content?
If you do, which one do you use first?
Thanks for an answer
Hi Tina:
Great Post...and it's featured too!
I had no idea about the numbers...thanks for sharing that.
Yes, I will go ahead and vote for you...and how clever to have the link right there for us...
You GO girl!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving,
Toula - thank you very much for your kind words and support.
Anonymous - no I do not usually cross post. My outside blogs generally deal with other topics.
Neal - I suppose it breaks down to what you want to get out of your blog. To me, my blog is a marketing tool, but it is also an education tool, networking tool and tool of expression. If I were more concerned with "blogging for business" - I would concentrate more on my Wordpress blogs.
Brian - you mean you didn't vote for me???? What's up with THAT????
Christine - if it works for you, that's all that matters.
Jason and Amber - Chuck E Cheese - you mean we get to go shopping for toys with these points???
Sue - good for you! You go girl!
Alexsandra - a real blog is whatever works for you.
Roland - glad you are happy with it.
Susan - good for you!
Kate - yes, I tend to neglect my other blogs too at times.
Ced - thank you for your nice comment - you are a true gentleman!
Kelly - you are very welcome
Joan - thank you for your kind words
Kevin - I think it goes back to whatever works for you is what works!
Kerry - I was impressed by the stats as well.
Morgan - the feedback is fantastic
Tim and Pam - as much as I would like to take credit - Bob Stewart is the one who deserves the kudos.
Jean - thanks for reading and commenting.
Jen - thank you so much for your vote!
Shane - it just keeps getting better everyday!
Sharon - it is very exciting, isn't it?
Audrey - great points and thank you for your vote!
Linda - remember, in the "statistics" section, you can see how many views you get too!
Jason - you're my AR hero!
Bill - and AR is how I met you so of course it's wonderful!
Mara - the networking is wonderful, isn't it?
Mary - thank you so much! I never thought I would be in a blogging contest either!
Steve - how do her blog views compare to yours? I would be interested to know.
Brian - you are very welcome
Works for me--I was at a luncheon yesterday and a couple of ladies were all excited about reading my blog. They even subscribed to it. These are my n eighbors so that's pretty good news.
Tina, Rock on ! This is great info... with what the difference is between the 2, Active Rain is a no-brainer. I have seen some of these other blogs that look superb but with no comments. I agree with what you said - I am not a professional blogger - I sell houses. The blog is a nice extension of me and helps in our internet marketing. I certainly do not need to sell a space on my blog to monetize it... Great facts. Active rain rocks too ! But kudos goes to the great folks like yourself that are providing that great content as well that helps all of us.
Good post there. Good luck to you as always
Thanks
Don
My vote is casted and best of luck to you! You are doing a great job with your internet marketing!
Merry Christmas
your friend in Charlottesville!
Hi Tina,
Great comment: "Well, I get comments! I have written for months on my other, outside blogs without a single comment. I know they are receiving traffic; however, the comments have been slow to happen. It's lonely talking to youself for so long. I like the "instant gratification" I get from my Active Rain blog."
I try to keep things simple, stupid.
This blog gets me exposure both in the AR community and outside - isn't that what you want out of a blog?
Tina,
Active Rain ROCKS! thanks for a great post and I just cast my vote for you ... hey, as they say in Poland - Break a leg!
Happy turkey!
Bo
Thanks for posting this...I had no idea that the numbers of unique visits was that high. I thought it was high but never had a number with the thought...thanks again.
I have had an outside of AR 'real' blog for some time and and Active Rain profile with nearly 150K points, I dont think AR is a real blog, BUT , I will tell you that I get more consumer contacts from Active Rain , so does being 'real' matter ?
i am liking my AR blog -- in the begging I duplicated everything to my business blog -- now most post just go in AR -- thanks for the info
Excellent post here, Tina. I feel the same way. I have only been blogging here for about a month and am very pleased. The only comments I would get using other services were spam. And I notice my posts rank very well in the search engines.
I liked your post. I didn't know that AR gets 2 million unique visitors a month and over 8 million page views a month. Since I have only posted a few blogs, it is reassuring to know this information. I'm going to keep blogging...
All I know is that my AR blog shows up usually on googles first page for an akron ohio homes search or similar. I do not use any other platform and hardly read another.
I am perfectly happy with my AR blog. I haven't been able to find a reason to work on another one.
The VAR Blog Brawl is exiting. I stopped by a few days ago after receiving a twitter about it and cast my vote. I still feel green to blogging, but have thought about taking the next step to Wordpress. It's so hard to get out of this comfort zone and dedicate the necessary time to running another blog.
Tina. You DO own the content in your ActiveRain blog.
I get Good Google juice from my other blogs, but ActiveRain is the network for ranting and raving or just having some good conversation with friends in our industry.
Interest blog. I just did a referral this morning to an Allstate agent in Georgia just because I felt the connection through the Active Rain community, so that is a great point.
Already voted for you today...
I have "another" blog, as well as an outside blog and my traditional A|R blog. They all have a purpose. There is nothing wrong with the A|R platform, and it isn't just for beginners. It has a lot of power behind it. And it is nice to have the feedback. I like the control and the level of information I have with my other blogs, but I love the feedback on A|R, both from consumers and peers.
Tina - Great post. I know we all actively refer to our friends...whether they're from our big box store or not. We get to know how we all work from the comments left, suggestions made either on the blog, or as I mostly do, off line to people on their email accounts. We support one another and I think that goes deeper than our allegiance to our brokerages. I, for one, would rather support one of my fellow Rainers, or an associate that I know does good work than one who is just in the same brokerge. Good for you. Congratulations on your win....because I know you will.
Hi Tina - yes, you do have a REAL BLOG here on AR, and I enjoy being one of your subscribers. Thanks for the mention, you can call me anytime. Have a great Thanksgiving!! :-)