Blogging not to earn points, but to share info, knowledge, experience --- and be seen!

It is important (to me, anyway), to say that blogging for points isn't the driver or primary reason to blog on Active Rain. Rather, it's to ask questions, to share experiences, to contribute knowledge.

In turn, these blogs go beyond Active Rain where they are seen by the general public --- and THAT is the real value of bogging on Active Rain.

Blogging on Active Rain (which, in my case is picked up on my website via a widget) has been a real blessing in more ways than one.

When I ask people how they found me or my listings, the vast majority of them said the internet. On at least four occasions, the folks needing help with their short sales said they went online to search for realtors well-versed and experienced in short sales, and that's how they found me. It was gravy when they visited my website to learn more about me and my services.

What have I learned? Well, to begin with, HOW TO BLOG!

• How to make the blog more pleasing and easy to read
• What kinds of information and content are worth sharing
• How to add links, pictures and videos
• Where to get free pictures or to create your own pictures like on ImageChef
• Where to post
• Where to get and how to use widgets from widgetbox and other sources
• Knowing whom to consult and how to find them (start by going to the Help/FAQ button at the bottom of our screen on Active Rain)
• What software helps such as SnagIt
• Even what phone to get like iPhone --- and what applications to get!

Imagine what it could be if I knew how to do SEO...but I am quite pleased with what I'm seeing so far as the product of my blogs.

TESTING 1, 2, 3....

I did a few tests....and searched for key words such as "Alameda short sales". Using yahoo!, here's what I found: My blog/site ranked 1, 2, and 8

I did another search using Google, and here's what I found (I have to work on this one so that I can get on the map), but my entries were number 1 and 2 on the first page!

And THAT is why I blog!