Tucson By Choice!: Differing Google Strategies for Active Rain: Tucson's Top Three 'Rainers

Mike, I learn a little something just about every time I visit your blog. It's good to point out that there are many different ways to "skin a cat!" :)

Mike- I am so glad that you posted this post because to each his own. You must do what works for you! Whatever it is! I like to post our listings but more than that I am like that, write posts, comment and return comments!  Katerina

Thanks, Lola!  That's so encouraging to hear.

Katerina, it's good to see you when you stop by.  Thanks for commenting! You're a networker!

Mike in Tucson

Mike, I guess your saying that there is one than one way to skin a cat. I think I like a combination of all strategies. Thank You for the break down.

 

The Resident Mark 

I've been trying the recruitment strategy, and I comment to blogs daily, but I have a feeling that creating successful blogs (as you're doing) must be the fastest way to rack up points.  Thanks for your insight.

Mike, I like the social aspect. I write for the consumer, me, you and the AR members for the interaction. I have been found on google and it's fun to get business for free!

Mike, it's always something new and always seems to be usable, thanks.  I've even pointed out your blog to a mortgage friend of mine to take a look.  This gives me the extra gas to keep on chuggin'.

Jem

Mike, I've tried to get mortgage people here to sign up...only 1 has and hasn't posted yet.  Oh well, I'll just continue to learn from you :)

Mike I like this post.  I think maybe you have to find what works for you and do it consistently.  For example, of all the people I have invited to the network only one has accepted and they havent returned since the first day.  But whatever does work, find a way to replicate it day after day.

Mike - before I read your post, I was beginning to doubt if a particular person really exists - I see his face every time I log in, but I have not seen him comment on any blogs, and he only has a few comments on his, and he has around 150k points. Now, based on what you wrote, I believe he is real, he just has a different strategy. 

What I still don't understand is this - if someone doesn't write posts, what then appears on Google? I thought it's the post content that is being indexed and displayed by Google, am I wrong?

Also, how does Google know who has how many points on AR?  I would love to know more.Thanks.

My points are about the same as your, from networking.  I've just been around a bit longer.  What ever works.  For me, it's Google juice.

 

I'll do it my way just like I do in the business. What ever blows your hair back. In Jeff's case he stands out in the wind too long all his hair is gone.

Mike,  I like looking at statics also, to see what they can tell me.  This was very informative.  Sounds like was each do what we are most comfortable with and still be successful.  

Very interesting, Mike.  Just goes to prove there's more than one way to take advantage of all ActiveRain has to offer!  No one has to duplicate what someone else is doing, they can just pursue what interests them.  Thanks for sharing this. 

I definitely write for the consumer in mind and try and contribute to the network...I guess I can say I got my point s the hard way...

Mike, Thank you for sharing the results of these different strategies.  I always learn something when I read your posts.

Good post Mike...I look forward to learning more from you...

Mike, I agree with the strategy you've outlined here.  And it's easy to understand why you are in the top three!

You have a point about the different ways to get points. I'm not sure I care about the points as much as the google page ranking. If they both go together, that's great.

I am fairly new here to AR so this information was priceless to me!  Thanks.  I am on here not only to connect with other people in my industry, but to put my name out in front of the clients.  Thanks for sharing this.  I love stats!

Thanks for breaking them down in such a useful and understandable way. Jeff's invitation numbers are amazing... Keep up the great work!

Mike-a great analysis.  When my phone rings and it isn't a referral from a past client I ask "how did you find me".  It seems now the answer is more consistently the internet and when I press it is from a blog post either on AR or my "outside" blog.  So obviously the folks who aren't taking advantage of this platform are missing something.

Different things work for different people. Whatever works if we all keep it up then that is a good thing.

As Faina alluded to, if Jeff doesn't write anything (or much), Google doesn't care about the points. They only pick up the topics that we write or the keywords we have put into our profiles. As far as Google Juice, I would think that probably Marsee would do the best because of the home address and location, if she puts that into her listing posts.

BTW, Maureen McCabe has over 100K in invite points but I haven't checked recently as to how much over 100K she is.

Hi Mike Your blog was very insightful.  I wish that I understood internet more.  I have been active here and I blog regularly.  I joined in Nov. and have managed to become #1 in my city, #2 in my county and #26 in my state so I am working the program.  I subscribed to your blog because others have stated that there is always something to learn there. Thanks

Mike, that's an interesting point, but, is there any one method that has an advantage over another?  

It seems blogging (at least from an agent perspective) is the best way to achieve Google -- and therefore consumer -- results.  I guess the commenting / network aspect may work to a lesser degree for referral purposes, but consistent blogging and plentiful content is ultimately going to serve all these purposes?  Guess I need to quit reading and commenting and get back to blogging . . .

Mike, very cool post. Interesting and informative, and I liked the graphic. I, too, believe in AR. It's brought me business, new friends, and lots and lots of information and tips. Congrats on the featured post.

Mike,

Your insight tells all of us how versatile AR can be. If you have trouble coming up with blog material to write about, there are two other ways to make your mark here and be Googled. There probably are others if you keep looking hard enough.

Mike - that reminds me of some posts that Kristal and others wrote many months ago about enhancing your profile on Active Rain - there are points for doing that as well.

Mike

Great Post!!!! very informative....

Every day I move up a little bit more...  It's sort of like crack after a while:)

Hi Mike, I should go to bed but here I am.  I agree.  I can see where some have just signed up and never come back.  This has been such a wonderful but new experience for me and I am on this quest or mission to take it all in but now I will go to bed.

It's been a long day, Pat, but I'm back.  Wow!  Am I behind on reciprocating!

I'll finish up tomorrow.  More later...

Mike in Tucson

Mike, I found that very interesting.  Three different people all achieving but in three totally different ways. I'm surprised that the other two are not commenting at all.  It just doesn't seem like you could really get to know people without interacting with them.

As a newcomer to this AR I am starting to really appreciate all the tips available from all of those who have acheived success here.  Thanks for the pointers.  I look forward to reading more of you.

I've learned everyone has their own style.  I'm trying to develop my own....  Any advice?

Mike, Great post with awesome tips and infromation!  Thanks.

Denise,

Thanks for commenting!  You're welcome.  Come back soon. 

Judy,

You don't need to worry about style.  Just write about yourself and your business.  My favorite blogger for this kind of writing is Sarah Cooper in West Virginia.  Check out her blog; you'll want to subscribe.  Reading is a great teacher, and I know you'll enjoy reading Sarah.

Mystery Person,

Thanks for commenting.  If you're not logged in, we have no way of knowing who you are.

Marchel,

I've just gotten back from reading and commenting on your latest post.  Thanks for blogging, and thank you for commenting here.  Come back any time.

Mike in Tucson

Mike

Are Jeff and Marsee related? It seems that one recruits, and the other writes, so you're really only competing with a team, so you're in the top 2!

Now ya got my wheels spinning.....I'll be back.....

Bill,

Jeff and Marsee are a husband and wife team.  The numbers in the graphic are not comprehensive.  Marsee was #2 on AR Tucson & Pima County until the Thanksgiving weekend, when I moved up to the #2 spot.  You helped!  Thanks for commenting.

Mike in Tucson

Mike,

Interesting comparisons in your scenarios, just goes to show AR works for differing business practices. Congrats on all your hard work!

Thanks for the post, I found it very informative.

Hi Mike:  Thanks for writing this great post and introducing us to Jeff, Marsee, and of course... yourself.  I find it quite interesting that all three of you are at the top of your game, and each of the three of you have gotten there using three different methods.  Thanks for sharing...

Mike - Nicely done on this comparison of different methods to get to the top.  I have taken the same approach as you, and it is working so far.  I should be #1 in Austin, Texas during the upcoming week.  Take care and congrats on your featured post!

Gee...I tried to get people to join.....Randy got many to join...hmmm... Maybe I'm not promoting AR right... nah...I think it's the way some people think...skeptical...that's okay..when they finally realize it....I've surpassed them on google. And you're right....there are different ways of doing it...and all we gotta do is ask....

as far as points are concerned... recruiting has helped me the most... but posting consistent quality posts helps a ton with the points, and readership.

It may be a little tough to find a mavern blogger at this stage in the game to increase your recruiting points... but you never know.

this comment puts me over 100k points total.  WooHoo! 

Hi Mike - Interesting numbers out of Tucson. Jeff Turner also has over 500 invites -- maybe it's a Jeff thing. Would love to know Jeff Willems' strategy for connecting with that many people! I've got about 80% of my points from blogging and commenting; need to focus a little more on recruiting in 2008.

Mike, this is a fantastic and inspirational post...Thank You!

Mike:  We all have our own style and I like that most Active Rain members encourage the newbies to find their own voice and go with it.  But what's so cool, is that with posts like yours, we can learn new ways from each other to improve our success.   I can't begin to list the things I've learned from other rainers since June.

Way too many come, post a profile (usually very basic...I especially enjoyed one in my market place that said they "specialize" in first time buyers, move up buyers, new homes, sales, rural properties and country properties) and leave never to be seen again...

Sunday morning before church,

Thanks for commenting.  I'm just putting this little "placeholder" here so I can come back and reply to your comments!  Thanks, all.

Mike in Tucson

This was interesting Mike. Makes me wonder though if they get real business for AR. Points and rankings are nice but if the consumer not calling it doesn't really matter how many points you have, My guess woud be the folks that are blogging and putting up good content are the ones getting the business. I get business from AR constantly but they are finding me in AR through Google. If all points are coming from invites there is no google juice. I guess what I'm saying is there is NO relationship between points and business, at least in my opinion.

MIKE:  Great post!  Congrats on a well-deserved feature.  I love statistics also, but never thought to do a statistical analysis of others in comparison to me.  It's great that people can achieve their goals in different ways.  It's understandable why each of you has chosen the path that you have.  Personally, I love writing, and would continue to post a lot even if I was the number one person in New York.  I also want Google to find my articles, and not just me.  However, if I had 79 listings, I may just post those to AR also.  Thanks for giving me the idea to check out what others are doing in more detail.

Being I'm not showing up like I used to on Google, I'm trying to see what I'm doing 'wrong' and trying to correct it.  The main things are A) my website, B) my blogging tactics and C) how they are found. 

I'm also trying to expand my target area, into the Atlanta market not just my locale, so with the combination of the two (changing my target and changing my blogging) I'm trying to find the AR way that works for me.  What I just 'got' was that I'm not only writing to the AR community, I'm writing to prospects that will find the articles...I didn't 'get' that when I first started blogging.  Adding a Contact Line at the bottom of articles is a brilliant marketing idea and something I've never done.  Making up for lost ground, I suppose.

Great post...thanks for sharing.

Hi Mike!

Love this post and you have to forgive me for not coming by more often to your blogs!  I've had a bit more time these days and I'm trying to read as many blogs as I can, especially those I enjoy so much, including yours.

I didn't realize you joined just in July.  It seems as though you've been on here much longer but that's because you stay and play in the Rain often. 

When I first joined this past February, I had NO idea about what the power and value of blogging or commenting on AR meant. I just jumped in, no thoughts other than this is fun, and you know what? It is was fun AND it has helped grow my business too! You can't beat that, especially that I never began this as a points gathering adventure or for the sake of seeing what would happen on my Google rankings. I was virtually clueless.  It just did it and continue to as much as time allows. And you know what else? I'M STILL HAVING FUN!

Catch you later Mike! This was a great way to let others know the value of what AR can do for each of us.

  Thank you Mike....

     I am sending your blog to folks who I invited who signed in and disappeared....I don't think they believed me,...but they should...Happy Holidays from the winter wonderland of Wisconsin !

Hi Mike! what a great overview of different ways of playing the game!It's an interesting group here in Tucson, isn't it?

Hi Mike,

We all have our own goals and objectives here on Activerain.  It is interesting to see how one manages their business and is still able to devote time to blogging.  If I were managing 78 listings at once I know I wouldn't have a lot of time to write here at the rain. 

Great analysis.

Hi Mike! I've really enjoyed AR since I joined. I normally don't think I am competitive but as I blogged along I saw that everyone in my state was sitting still. Day by day I inched up the ladder and passed them.

The ones I invited...did nothing but add a pic and a post or two. Others I invited, ignored my invitation and quietly later joined in through the back door without a word to me. Well...that's OK cause I work on my blogging business EVERYDAY. This holiday season when the rest of them are taking a vacation....I will be ratcheting up my Google rankings, adding more content, studying SEO, making better virtual tours and interviewing townsfolk for Localism posts. I will be making some $$$ in 2008! Like they say...rust never sleeps! 

Hello Mike. THank you for this great information about different stratigies. I am a new AR and have been in the real estate business for 1 1/2 years. So every bit I can learn from seasoned business people is very valuable to me.  I appreciate it and I hope to see my statistics soar also.

Mike - that really makes the 'different strokes for different folks' thing apparant!!!!

Great reference for the rest of us. Thanks Mike. We always need to have multiple strategies, no matter what we are doing. Find what works best for your area and go for it.

 

Hi Mike,
We're all different and work in different ways so it's no surprise that we each find our way in the Rain differently.  Good lesson, teacher.

Howdy Mike

Here is another fine written post by you. Giving folks very info. Thank you for always taking the time to help us learn something new.

Wishing you and your's a grand holiday season!

Have a good one

Dale

Every little tip helps, Mike...Thanks for the post...

Mike - Some real good ideas here!  Thanks!

Mike- Just another way we can specialize. I loved the comparisons. I need to get working on the Denver ones. I'm slowly getting there, but I plug along with posts and comments. I don't invite a lot of folks yet, but I plan to get started. I think I'll invite those that don't focus on Denver. :)

I have invited scores of people to A/R... only a couple have joined.  I do blog and comment frequently, though.  I wish my invites were more successful.  That could really push me up in the rankings.  

B ut, more than that is the knowledge I have gained and the connections I have made here...  That is the real reward.  

Mike - marketing is about positioning. In our own way there will always be a niche market that we can work on to be in the first position. AR network is another excellent online tool for anyone to benefit by being the No. 1 in the local real estate market. Home buyers want to deal with the No. 1 service provider. So whether one is a Realtor, Mortgage Broker, Home Stager, etc AR is there for anyone to become No. 1. It's all for anyone to conquer.

Ok Mike,  Take a look and give me my analysis, please.

Profile Points:	1521
Invite Points:	2493
Blogging Points:	52074
Blog Comment Points:	26850
Linking Points:	1600
Bonus Points:	125
Other Points:	11500

All,

 Mike makes a great point, however I would like to set the record strtaight.  First of all, the main reason I get a lot of invite points is that I introduce this service to my over 1,500 members nationwide to www.TOPAgentToolbox.com . 

We post only real estate statistics and listings on AR mainly through my wife Marsee. Her website is www.WiseListing.com .  Finally we get 2-3 listings per week due to our listings bringing us traffic through the way we describe the listings period.

I don't really see a huge need to just spend a ton of ton posting stories and using this site like a message board.  Our toolbox members all have access to a message board with our members that teaches.  Just not my thing to do it in this forum.  That would not be fair to our www.TopAgentToolbox.com members if I did.

Lastly, Mike thanks for the kind words aboiut our real estate Team.  Marsee is actually ranked # 64 out of 120,000 agents Worldwide with RE/MAX.  She is the #1 transaction selling agent in Tucson period. Yes I would like to get a cup of coffee with you sometime Mike.  Keep up the good work. Good Luck to you all!!!

Thanks for the tips, mike. Being new to AR, it is nice to have someone share their knowledge!

I couldn't agree with you more. As with success in real estate, it doesn't matter how you do it, just that you have focus commitment and are consistent.

Aaron Hofmann

Keller Williams Realty Cityside

Metro Atlanta

www.SmyrnaVinings.com

 

Great tips and thanks for sharing.  I will think about how I can use these stragedies in my own blogging.

wow. being new i didn't even know about how this thing even works. i am learning more everyday.

Trevor,

Welcome to Active Rain!  I'll come comment on your blog.

Vicky,

Thanks for stopping by to visit and comment.

More later...

Mike in Tucson

Mike - Thanks - I am going to point this post out to my webguy husband who loves looking at and comparing stats. Its obvious however that here is the place to be regardless of the points or how the system works. all you have to know is it works!

Mike...From looking at the stats above it appears that I am on the Mike from Tucson Road to Success.  Well, I'm on the road...just hope it leads to success like it did for you.  I just have to do some inviting.

Thanks for the post. 

Kathleen

Hi Mike - we sooo need to sit down for coffe one of these days  :-)

Mike - Reading this was an eye opener! !st let me say congrats on being one of the top three - that is great! What amazes me though is how Jeff got to the top - almost 115,000 points from recruiting - that is crazy. I don't think that is going to accomplish much though. Sure he may come up at the top of a list but people are goingto work with someone who offers substance. I am sure someone like yourself will be who consumers choose to work with. 

Great Points ... thanks for sharing the stats.  It proves a point in business too ... we all have different skill sets and therefore we all have different ways of getting business.

Some great points made, thanks for sharing. Hope we work together one day soon.

Rich

Mike...You continue to be the teacher, I, the student.

Much thanks,

Kathleen

Kathleen,

You're too kind.  Thanks!

Rich,

Thanks for commenting, and coming back to jog my poor memory!  Let's get together soon.

Allen,

That's so true.  What works can be different for each of us, and yet there is success for all.

Bill,

We're in two different arenas.  Jeff Wilhems is a real estate trainer.  His wife Marci is a REALTOR.  I'm a mortgage broker and loan officer.  There's much success for all.

Dawn,

I'm on!  Let's do it!

Kathleen,

You're welcome.  I'll see you on your blog.

Kathy,

This is undoubtedly the best place to blog!

Mike in Tucson

 

Great stats, Thank you Mike and good luck.

Rich

Long Realty

Thanks, Rich!

Mike in Tucson

Mike,

 You know I don't have a problem submitting to your wisdom. Even when there is so much of it! One of my peers is deciding to "lay off" activerain and watch and see if it produces any business for me, so here goes!

Great blog and it's helping us rookies see there is more than one way to get the job done.  Thanks!  This was great.

AR will get results if you use it... never had much luck with the listing posts... the blog post do work :-)

Mark,

I agree with you.  Blogging works.

Randy,

Welcome to Active Rain!  I'll be over to visit your blog.

Steven,

Don't give up on blogging; Active Rain will make your phone ring.

Mike in Tucson

Mike,

I have only have 10 blog postings and my website traffic has increased 400%.  I love Active Rain!!  It is free, it makes me a better agent, and hopefully I am giving back as well.

Thanks for the info - great analysis!

Tiffany,

Thanks for coming by to comment!  WELCOME to Active Rain!

Mike in Tucson

Good stuff Mike, I guess I am doing a little bit of everything right now, I did make it to the first page in Pima County.

Thank you,

Ralph Schnelle

RE/Max-Valley Properties

Green Valley, AZ. 85614

520-940-0614- cell

520-300-5445- fax

www.my-Real-Estate-of-Arizona.com

Great Post. I am really learning a lot just reading everyones blogs. Thanks for the info. Look forward to reading more!!

Thanks for a some great insight and information.  My folks just moved to Green Valley, AZ...I just visited for the first time this past Spring - what a great community. I realized there is still so much more I need to learn to become an active ActiveRainer!! Thanks for sharing your stats. Gina

Thanks for a some great insight and information.  My folks just moved to Green Valley, AZ...I just visited for the first time this past Spring - what a great community. I realized there is still so much more I need to learn to become an active ActiveRainer!! Thanks for sharing your stats. Gina

Thanks for a some great insight and information.  My folks just moved to Green Valley, AZ...I just visited for the first time this past Spring - what a great community. I realized there is still so much more I need to learn to become an active ActiveRainer!! Thanks for sharing your stats. Gina

Thanks for a some great insight and information.  My folks just moved to Green Valley, AZ...I just visited for the first time this past Spring - what a great community. I realized there is still so much more I need to learn to become an active ActiveRainer!! Thanks for sharing your stats. Gina

Gina,

Please read my post For Newbies Only: How to Avoid "Comment Stuttering" LOL

Mike in Tucson

Hi Gina,

Green Valley is a great place, we love it here, we live in the Sahuarita area.

Mike- I am working on my Thursday schedule I would give it a 50/50 chance.

Thank you,

Ralph Schnelle
RE/Max-Valley Properties
Green Valley, AZ. 85614
520-940-0614- cell
520-300-5445- fax
www.my-Real-Estate-of-Arizona.com

The interaction of Active Rain is the benefit that is the driving force for agents. At least touchng on all three will help the other points be enhanced. Good points.

Bonner

Hey Mike~YOU...are getting points the "talented" way. YOU are getting people to comment on what you are writing about.

  The "other guy" is probably "spaming" his network...which I believe the AR Gods do not like !

Doug,

Please re-read the artice, if you would.  No spamming is occuring whatsoever.  Jeff Wilhems has incorporated the AR Blog into his business model, which he outlines above in his comment on this post.  Marsee was at one point, and may yet be, the most successful REALTOR in Tucson.  She posts her listings on Active Rain, with links back to her organization for current pricing.

Me?  I just enjoy writing about topics of interest, and that engages my readers.  They comment, we strike up relationships, and google finds me.  It makes my phone ring.

Mike in Tucson 

Mike and all others,

We basically use AR as an educational and recruiting tool for our www.TopAgentToolbox.com program. AR is a great place to help you get your google page views up.  YES Marsee and I work as a team. We use AR to post all our listings under Marsee's name with descriptions that show up randomly all over Google and Yahoo. The points thing for Jeff Wilhems is most likely due to the growing size of our membership and our endorsement of AR as a great place to begin blogging.

Cheers...

Jeff Wilhems

Excellent post!  Keep up the good work!

Greg,

Thanks for stopping by to comment.

Jeff,

Thanks for your comment; the internet is a great place for growing our businesses.  All the best to you and Marsee!

Mike in Tucson

Hey Mike, that's a very interesting and insightful post.  I use AR to highlight my "outside" business.  I'm not really sure what the whole points thing is all about (maybe you can clue me in on Monday).  But I do know that there are very different specific strategies that are successful and use AR with differing goals in mind.

Cheers

Paul Dunn
Arizona USDA Rural Home Loans
Tucson's Other #1 Mortgage Guy

So there you have three different strategies to move to the top of The Active Rain Real Estate Network in your town.  The thing each strategy has in common is continuity.  Jeff, Marsee and I keep on keeping on.  We don't let up. 

Hi Mike,

This is a fascinating education!  I like seeing how the different strategies work.  Like most things in life, the people who succeed are usually the people who never give up.  I see you, Jeff and Marsee are still the top three in Tucson.  Keep up the good work!

Bruce

Bruce,

Thanks for reading my posts!  Why not sign up for Active Rain?  You can use the "Real Estate - Other" classification; I think you would make a great contribution to the community.

Paul,

I look forward to grabbing a cup of coffee with you on Monday.  IHMO, the points thing is what caused Active Rain to take off so successfully.  Humans are competitive creatures.  AR rewards interaction.  Interaction creates real relationships.  That engenders trust, and referrals take place.

Mike in Tucson

Thanks Mike,

I appreciate your positive words.  I promise I will register sometime this year.  However, I'm still in my Active Rain learning curve.  This place is very impressive.  Unfortunately, I'm a bit slooooow on the tech side.  :)  When I sign up, I want to do it correctly and professionally.  I still need to finish my AR business plan.  Right now, my time is limited.

Bruce,

When you sign up, let me know.  I want to add you as an associate.  (I knew nothing when I joined last July; I just jumped in.  Rainers taught me everything I know about the internet.)

Mike in Tucson

It's all about the active pursuit of whatever means you take to socialize, generate/convert leads and gain professional attention.  If you can convert a few new "friends" into clients along the way, then win-win results.  Thanks,JP

Hi Mike,

Thanks so much for your valued input today, great talking with you!

Lynda,

You're so welcome.  That's what AR is all about.

Jason,

Thanks for taking the time to comment; I couldn't agree more!

Mike in Tucson