ActiveBrad "Z" Bloghttp://activerain.com/blogs/activebrad2012-02-06T10:57:50ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)Free Online Photo Editing - Picnik's Twin Brotherhttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2791189/free-online-photo-editing-picnik-s-twin-brother2012-02-06T10:57:50ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>In a frantic scramble last week to find a replacement</strong> for the <a href="http://bradsdomain.com/google-is-closing-down-picnik/">Picnik.com closure on April 19th</a>, I had written a post featuring <a href="http://bradsdomain.com/free-photo-graphic-editing-sites/">7 different FREE photo and graphic editing sites</a>. </p>
<p>However, <em><span style="text-decoration: line-through;">some</span></em> many of my online friends were hoping to actually find a replacement editor that was similar or at least closer to the same look and feel of Picnik’s site. Is there such a site?</p>
<p><a href="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/iPiccy.jpg"><img title="iPiccy" class="aligncenter wp-image-5901" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/iPiccy.jpg" height="199" alt="" width="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a><strong><br /> <br />Well here it is! <a href="http://ipiccy.com/" title="iPiccy.com" target="_blank">iPiccy.com</a> is the closest you’re going to find to <a href="http://picnik.com/" title="Picnik" target="_blank">Picnik.com</a></strong>. The look and feel are more similar than any other site I’ve seen. iPiccy might actually be Picnik’s twin brother. Once you explore the site, you’ll see what I mean. iPiccy is 100% free, no registration required, and offers many of the same features and benefits that Picnik does and more.<br /><br /></p>
<p><a href="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/iPiccy-Options.jpg"><img title="iPiccy Options" class="aligncenter wp-image-5902" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/iPiccy-Options.jpg" height="102" alt="" width="599" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a><strong><br />Grabbing any image or photo is easy.</strong> Just click the appropriate button and GO! The editing options are endless and the ability to create some really cool customized graphics and images will be limited only by your creativity and of course your time and schedule. The workspace on iPiccy will be easy to navigate, especially for Picnik users, and will feel just like your old Picnik stomping grounds.<br /><br /></p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/9/0/6/7/ar13285419476098.jpg" height="321" alt="" width="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><strong><br />There are multiple effects with single click options at your fingertips.</strong> These will make your photos and images really “POP” and if you use a combination of the wide variety of tools and options available, the possibilities will be endless.<br /><br /></p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/3/1/9/ar132863515391358.jpg" height="326" alt="" width="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><strong><br />In literally minutes, you’ll be able to adjust your contrast</strong>, auto-correct colors, customize images, fix blemishes, remove red-eye, lighten and darken graphics, and even add text overlays, reflections, shadows and more. Having the ability to utilize some really cool effects without being a graphics designer makes iPiccy one of my TOP CHOICE recommendations and a great replacement for Picnik.</p>
<p><em><a href="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Debra-Lee-Darling-and-Her-Retro-Kat.jpg"><img title="Debra Lee Darling and Her Retro Kat" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Debra-Lee-Darling-and-Her-Retro-Kat.jpg" height="175" alt="" width="159" style="float: left; margin-left: 7px; margin-right: 7px;" /></a>Here’s a sample we just put together for a Valentine show promotion:</em><br />We added a border,<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/6/8/9/2/ar132863530029865.jpg" height="110" alt="" width="108" style="float: right;" /><br /> created a matting,<br /> went with a sepia effect,<br /> added a thick pencil sketching,<br /> made it black and white,<br /> re-sized it keeping constraints,<br /> added a drop shadow border,<br /> dropped some text at the bottom and saved to the desktop.<br />We then emailed it as a .jpg attachment to the event promoter.<br /> This all took about 3 minutes from beginning to end.</p>
<p><strong>Check out <a href="http://ipiccy.com/" title="iPiccy" target="_blank">iPiccy.com</a> and compare it to Picnik.</strong> If you’ve never used Picnik.com, then you’ll have discovered a very cool free online photo and image editing site that you’re going to enjoy. If you have used Picnik, and feel as though you’ll be losing a best friend come April, I can promise that iPiccy will make the hurt a whole lot less. In fact, I think some of you will like iPiccy better than Picnik. Happy creating, enjoy~</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><a title="ActiveRain Members - Subscribe Here" href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent_id=22617" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/9/4/1/0/ar130997890201494.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="20" /></a> <a title="Get Email Updates Automatically" href="http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=219333" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/2/4/4/ar130997893344262.jpg" alt="" width="184" height="20" /></a> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Featured Tools for Your Blogshttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2750872/featured-tools-for-your-blogs2012-02-02T10:14:50ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<b>Check out these new tools for clients and prospects</b> that work really well on ActiveRain, Wordpress, Blogger, Tumblr, Posterous, and your Websites. Providing valuable information, data, interactive tools, and great content on your blogs and websites will help you to cultivate, capture, and convert target prospects and visitors into clients. Here's just a few I thought you'd be interested in knowing are now available:<p>
<b>How Much Home Can You Afford?</b> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/AffordabilityCalculatorWidget.htm">Get This Widget Here</a><p>
<center><div style="width: 688px; height: 752px; background-color: #ccc; font: normal normal normal 8pt verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 13px; margin: 0; padding: 0; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><div style="height: 25px; overflow: hidden; color: #fff;"><h5 style="margin: 6px 5px 7px; color: #fff; display: block; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage-calculator/house-affordability/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" title="How Much House Can I Afford?" target="_blank" style="font: normal normal bold 11px verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 13px; text-decoration: none; color: #fff;">How Much House Can You Afford?</a></h5></div><iframe scrolling="no" src="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/widgets/AffordabilityCalculatorWidget.htm?inc=75000&ezuid=X1-ZUyyo1elahz9qh_6r0de" frameborder="0" height="700px" width="688px"></iframe><div style="height: 25px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border: 0px none; border-top: 0px none; text-align: center; overflow: hidden;"><div style="margin: 6px 5px 7px; color: #fff;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage-calculator/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" title="Mortgage calculator" target="_blank" style="font: normal normal normal 11px verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 13px; text-decoration: none; color: #fff;">Mortgage calculator</a> provided by Zillow </div></div></div></center><p>
<b>What's Your Monthly Payment Going To Look Like?</b> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/monthly-payment-calculator-widget/">Get This Widget Here</a><p>
<center><div style="width: 688px; height: 752px; background-color: #ccc; font: normal normal normal 8pt verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 13px; margin: 0; padding: 0; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><div style="height: 25px; overflow: hidden; color: #fff;"><h5 style="margin: 6px 5px 7px; font-size: 11px; color: #fff; display: block; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Monthly Payment Calculator</h5></div><iframe scrolling="no" src="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/MortgageCalculatorWidgetLarge.htm?homePrice=400000&ezuid=X1-ZUyyo1elahz9qh_6r0de" frameborder="0" height="700px" width="688px"></iframe><div style="height: 25px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border: 0px none; border-top: 0px none; text-align: center; overflow: hidden;"><div style="margin: 6px 5px 7px; color: #fff;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage-calculator/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" title="Mortgage calculator on Zillow" target="_blank" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; color: #fff;">Mortgage rate calculator</a></div></div></div></center><p>
<b>Searching For A Home Is Fast, Easy, and FREE</b> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/search-widget/">Get This Widget Here</a><p>
<center><div style=""><iframe scrolling="no" src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/search/PartnerAdWidget.htm?isPublic=true&bucket=map&pn=bradandersohn&rid=20330&style=default" frameborder="0" height="272" width="298" style=""> Your browser doesn't support frames. Please visit </iframe><div style="margin: 4px 10px 0; overflow: hidden; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/San-Francisco-CA?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=map&utm_campaign=none#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" target="_blank" style="font-size: 11px; display: inline; width: 222px; float: left; text-decoration: none; color: #999; font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;">HOMES FOR SALE IN <span class="REGION">SAN FRANCISCO</span></a><a href="http://www.zillow.com?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=map&utm_campaign=none#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" target="_blank" style="display: block; float: right; text-decoration: none; width: 56px; height: 15px;"><img src="http://www.zillowstatic.com/vstatic/ea2e10c3fb17565343837e98b70e36d4/static/images/logo_zillow_56x15.png" alt="Homes for Sale - Zillow" style="display: block; border: 0 none; width: 56px; height: 15px; padding: 0;"></img></a></div></div></center><p>
<b>REAL Time Information and Data Regarding Mortgage Rates</b> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/live-streaming-rates/">Get This Widget Here</a><p>
<center><div id="live-streaming-rates-iframe-widget-container" style="width: 308px; border: 1px solid #bfbfbf; padding: 12px; margin: 0; font: normal normal normal 8pt verdana,arial,sans-serif; text-indent: 0; line-height: 13px; background-color: #fff; letter-spacing: 0; color: #555; overflow: hidden; text-align: center;"><div id="title" style="margin: 5px 0 12px; text-align: left;"><h1 style="padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; font-family: Arial,verdana,sans-serif; margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage-rates/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" target="_blank" style="color: #000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 20px; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;">Today's Mortgage Rate</a></h1></div><iframe scrolling="no" src="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/ScrollingRatesDistributionWidget.htm?mp=RD-FLNVMXZ&" frameborder="0" height="330" width="306" style="display: block;"></iframe></div></center><p>
<b>Find Real Estate Information ANYWHERE In The Country</b> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/ZillowLargeSearchBox.htm">Get This Widget Here</a><p>
<center><div id="zillow-large-search-box-widget-container" style="width: 432px; overflow: hidden; background-color: #e7f1fd; color: #555; font: normal normal normal 13px verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 13px; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; border: 1px solid #adcfff; letter-spacing: 0;"><h2 style="color: #d61; text-align: left; font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px; font-weight: normal; float: left; width: 200px; margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 5px; letter-spacing: 0;">Find Homes</h2><div style="float: right;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/powered-by-zillow.gif" alt="Zillow Real Estate Information" style="border: 0;" /></a></div><iframe scrolling="no" src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/search/LargeSearchBoxWidget.htm?did=zillow-large-search-box-iframe-widget&scrnname=bradandersohn&type=iframe&rgname=San+Francisco+CA&shvi=yes" frameborder="0" height="400" width="430"></iframe><table id="zillow-tnc-widget-footer-links" width="100%" style="font: normal normal normal 10px verdana,arial,sans-serif; text-align: left; line-height: 12px; margin: 10px 5px; padding: 0; border-spacing: 0; border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody style="margin: 0; padding: 0;"><tr style="margin: 0; padding: 0;"><td style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; color: #555; text-align: left; margin: 0; padding: 0;">QUICK LINKS:</td></tr><tr style="margin: 0; padding: 0;"><td style="margin: 0; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/San-Francisco-CA/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" target="_blank" style="color: #36b; font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 5px 0 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;"><span class="region">San Francisco</span> Real Estate Listing</a></td><td style="margin: 0; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage-rates/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" target="_blank" style="color: #36b; font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 5px 0 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;">Mortgage Rates</a></td><td style="margin: 0; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/refinance/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" target="_blank" style="color: #36b; font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 5px 0 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;">Refinancing</a></td></tr><tr style="margin: 0; padding: 0;"><td style="margin: 0; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/San-Francisco-CA/fore_lt/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" target="_blank" style="color: #36b; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 5px 0 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;"><span class="region">San Francisco</span> Foreclosures</a></td><td style="margin: 0; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage-calculator/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" target="_blank" style="color: #36b; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 5px 0 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;">Mortgage Calculators</a></td><td style="margin: 0; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage-rates/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" target="_blank" style="color: #36b; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 5px 0 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;">Purchase Loans</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></center><p>
<b>Get Local Market Stats and Compare Information</b> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/local-info/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}">Get This Tool Here</a><br>
<i>(remember to replace my city with yours)</i><p>
<center><div style="margin: 10px 0; padding: 0 3px; overflow: hidden; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #acf; width: 440px;"><h6 style="margin: 0; padding: 5px 0 3px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; text-align: center; color: #555; font-family: helvetica,arial,sans-serif;">San Francisco Zillow Home Value Index</h6><img src="http://www.zillow.com/app?service=chart&chartType=geo&mt=34&dt=1&tp=5&r=20330,274552,268020,268150&width=440&height=300" /><div style="margin: 0; padding: 0 0 4px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/local-info/CA-San-Francisco-home-value/r_20330/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}" style="color: #36B; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; font-family: helvetica,arial,sans-serif;">San Francisco Home Values - Interactive chart</a></div></div></center><p>
<b>Check out these other<a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/#{scrnnm=bradandersohn}"> 38 real estate widgets and tools</a></b> for your blogs and websites. The FREE Co-branding option ensures that you stay front and center with your clients and prospects and reminds them who to contact when they're ready. Installation is easy, there's no programmers or designers required, and I'm only a comment, phone call, text message, or email away if you need help.<p>
<i>For all the old school folks, I still respond to smoke signals and carrier pigeons too.</i><p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><a title="ActiveRain Members - Subscribe Here" href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent_id=22617" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/9/4/1/0/ar130997890201494.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="20" /></a> <a title="Get Email Updates Automatically" href="http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=219333" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/2/4/4/ar130997893344262.jpg" alt="" width="184" height="20" /></a> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Leading The Way With 100,000 Agent Reviewshttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2724886/leading-the-way-with-100-000-agent-reviews2012-01-26T15:12:38ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>It's been over a year since we launched Agent Ratings and Reviews.</strong> </p>
<p><strong>Today we are leading the way with more than 100,000 reviews </strong>of local real estate agents submitted by our users. At launch, there were a few skeptics that felt that this could hurt an agent's business just as much as it could help, but, great service cultivates referral growth. Premier Agents with five or more reviews get more than twice as many contacts than agents with zero reviews.</p>
<p><strong>Today, we're expanding Ratings and Reviews to all real estate professionals.</strong> All you need is a profile on Zillow and you immediately can start <a href="http://www.zillow.com/reviews/request/" title="Click Here To Request A Review" target="_blank">requesting reviews</a>. Agents, lenders, title companies, stagers, inspectors etc., start taking advantage of this awesome opportunity to show off what it is that you do best!</p>
<p><strong>Consumers typically write reviews to share their experiences</strong> about services, products, and people, but they're also reading reviews by others to assist them with real estate buying/selling decisions and in choosing their real estate team of professionals. Many agents and lenders are increasing their contacts and business using client ratings and reviews.</p>
<p><strong>During a "<a href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Rating and Review</a>" webinars</strong>, <a href="http://activerain.com/plspeicher" title="The Speicher Team" target="_blank">ActiveRain members Peggy Lyn and Chris Speicher</a> from the Speicher Team shared the below email. This contact became a closed transaction and their client for life. <em></em></p>
<p><em><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/7/6/ar132675056267336.jpg" height="339" alt="" width="413" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: 1px solid black;" /></em></p>
<p>This new client also took the time to write a glowing review for the <a href="http://www.zillow.com/profile/Chris-Speicher/Reviews/" title="Chris Speicher Reviews on Zillow" target="_blank">Speicher Team</a><strong>.</strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/2/4/6/4/ar132675427246429.jpg" height="302" alt="" width="427" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: 2px solid black;" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>Testimonials & Reviews</strong></p>
<p>Check out the <a href="http://activerain.com/plspeicher" target="_blank">Speicher Team ActiveRain profile</a> and see how they're using "reviews" on their page.<br />Here's another great sample of how they're using <a href="http://www.speicherteam.com/our-testimonials/" title="Zillow Ratings and Review Widgets" target="_blank">Ratings and Reviews on their website</a>.<br />Look how Jay Thompson, <a href="http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/" title="Jay Thompson" target="_blank">The Phoenix Real Estate Guy</a> is using reviews: <a href="http://www.reviewouragents.com/" title="Thompsons Realty" target="_blank">ReviewOurAgents.com</a><br />Erica Liodice from RealLiving.com shares how <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2625599/agent-ratings-reviews-generate-new-business" target="_blank">Ratings and Reviews are generating new business</a>.</p>
<p><strong>The Power of Consumer Reviews</strong></p>
<p>Take a look at the screen shot below, it tells consumers a couple things:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">1. The agent with reviews actually is working with clients selling and buying homes.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">2. The agent's responses to the reviews are marketing opportunities to future viewers.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">3. Agent's with large volumes of reviews translates as "many transactions" to prospects.<br /><br /></p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/2/6/0/ar132674865406223.jpg" height="231" alt="" width="318" style="border: 2px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.zillow.com/directory/real-estate-agents/" target="_blank">Check out these agents</a>, many have more than 50 reviews</strong>. <a href="http://www.zillow.com/reviews/request/" title="Click Here to begin requesting reviews" target="_blank">Start requesting reviews</a> from your past clients, it's easy and the results will not only set you apart from the competition, the power of third-party referrals and endorsements are nearly as good as word-of-mouth referrals. Plus they stay online for others to see indefinitely.</p>
<p><strong>Using the <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/facebook-apps/" title="Facebook Business Page Reviews Tab" target="_blank">Facebook Apps/Tabs</a> to populate your Facebook business pages</strong> with reviews is a great way to promote your five star service to social media channels. Adding a <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/" title="Agent Reputation Widget" target="_blank">co-branded reputation widget</a> on your blog and website also will attract additional contacts and produce visitors looking for reputable professionals to represent them in their real estate transactions.</p>
<p><strong>I know that you stand behind the services and experiences you provide</strong> to your clients. I also know that consumers not only deserve this type of ratings and reviews service, they expect and even demand it. I'm very excited and pleased that so many members are benefiting from this feature and service.</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Top FREE Image and Photo Editing Sites http://activerain.com/blogsview/2747120/top-free-image-and-photo-editing-sites-2012-01-22T16:18:42ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>There is so much concern and “Buzz” about Google shutting down Picnik.com</strong><strong></strong>, I decided to provide you with some alternative tools for editing and customizing your graphics, photos, and images. While <a href="http://bradsdomain.com/google-is-closing-down-picnik/">Picnik.com will be shutting down</a> in April 2012, here are some other options you have available immediately.</p>
<p><a href="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Photo-Editing.jpg"><img title="Photo Editing" class="aligncenter wp-image-5813" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Photo-Editing.jpg" height="295" alt="" width="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://fotoflexer.com/" title="FotoFlexer" target="_blank"><strong>FotoFlexer</strong></a> – Create some dazzling photo and image effects in your browser for FREE. Use Animations, resizing, coloring, contrast and more. Take a look at <a href="http://fotoflexer.com/demos.php" title="Fotoflexer Demos" target="_blank">These 5 Demo’s</a> for a quick tour of what FotoFlexer has to offer, you’ll love some of these cool features. Smart Scissor is a favorite feature.</p>
<p><a href="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Foto-Flexer.jpg"><img title="Foto Flexer" class="aligncenter wp-image-5808" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Foto-Flexer.jpg" height="297" alt="" width="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://pixlr.com/" title="Pixlr" target="_blank">Pixlr</a></strong> – <em>and for Picnik users</em>, try <a href="http://pixlr.com/express/" title="Pixlr Express" target="_blank">Pixlr Express</a>. You’ll love the <a href="http://pixlr.com/editor/" target="_blank">Editor</a>, the <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/" target="_blank">Pixlr-o-matic</a>, the <a href="http://pixlr.com/grabber" target="_blank">Pixlr Grabber</a> for Firefox and Chrome browsers, and the <a href="http://imm.io/" target="_blank">Pixlr Imm.io</a> hosting, all of which are very robust and user friendly cool features.</p>
<p><a href="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Pixlr.jpg"><img title="Pixlr" class="aligncenter wp-image-5809" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Pixlr-1024x521.jpg" height="305" alt="" width="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.lunapic.com/editor/" title="LunaPic" target="_blank"><strong>LunaPic</strong></a> – This site will rock your world! Lunapic offers more choices and options for photo editing and custom effects than some of the paid software applications I’ve purchased and used in the past. Use vignettes, color bars, animated imaging, picture frames, retro color, collages, custom text, reflection animations, slide shows, and a ton more. One of the most feature rich FREE online editors available. You’re gonna love this site.</p>
<p><a href="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Lunapic.jpg"><img title="Lunapic" class="aligncenter wp-image-5810" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Lunapic.jpg" height="439" alt="" width="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.freeonlinephotoeditor.com/" title="Free Online Photo Editor" target="_blank">FreeOnlinePhotoEditor</a></strong> – A really simple and easy to use photo and image editor for those “quick fix and gotta go” graphics. Very basic but simple and fast. Some of the other online photo and image tools include: <a href="http://www.onlinephototool.com/" title="Photo editor online"> OnlinePhotoTool.com: Online photo editor</a>, <a href="http://www.onthegosoft.com/shrink_pic.htm" rel="nofollow">Automatically resize your images when sending it by email</a>, <a href="http://www.rssimg.com/" title="Create Image from your RSS feed">Create an Image from your RSS feed</a>, <a href="http://www.twiimg.com/" title="Create Image from your Tweet and Twitter account">Create Image from your Tweet and Twitter account</a>, and <a href="http://www.printscreenshot.com/" title="Screenshot tool">Create, save and email screenshots.</a></p>
<p><a href="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Free-Online-Photo-Editor.jpg"><img title="Free Online Photo Editor" class="aligncenter wp-image-5811" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Free-Online-Photo-Editor.jpg" height="81" alt="" width="602" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.befunky.com/" target="_blank">BeFunky</a></strong> - Be Funky lets you do some pretty amazing things with your photos and graphics. Most of the features and tools are focused on creating cool, fun, and funky effects and artwork. The site’s name says it. Some of the effects available would take hours to create in Photoshop or other high end and costly photo/image editors.</p>
<p>Definitely worthy of a visit and tour.</p>
<p><a href="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Be-Funky.jpg"><img title="Be Funky" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5812" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Be-Funky.jpg" height="301" alt="" width="601" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.photoshop.com/" title="Photoshop Online" target="_blank">Photoshop.com</a></strong> – That’s right, you can use Photoshop online and for FREE. You’ll need to register, but I promise it will be worth it. The Photoshop tools are powerful and very easy to use. Be prepared to spend a little time here, you’ll be amazed at what they have to offer and allow you to do online for free. I’m not going to lie, this is one of my favorites and my personal replacement for <a href="http://bradsdomain.com/google-is-closing-down-picnik/" target="_blank"><strong>Picnik.com closing down</strong></a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Adobe-Photoshop-Express.jpg"><img title="Adobe Photoshop Express" class="aligncenter wp-image-5806" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Adobe-Photoshop-Express-1024x522.jpg" height="306" alt="" width="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.gimp.org/" title="GIMP" target="_blank"><strong>GIMP</strong></a> – GIMP is very similar to Adobe Photoshop except that GIMP is FREE. It does require you to download the software but one huge benefit to that is it will never be bought and shut down on you. It is a very powerful and feature intense program so unless you’re really experienced with editing and graphic design, or you have more time than it takes to close a short sale, you may want to stick with one of the others.</p>
<p><a href="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gimp.jpg"><img title="Gimp" class="aligncenter wp-image-5807" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Gimp.jpg" height="234" alt="" width="601" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p>I personally like to use GIMP for graphic design more than image or photo editing.</p>
<p><strong>Combine all these together and you’ll have more FREE editing tools and features</strong> than you’ll ever need or use and absolutely FREE. Take a few moments to review each site, bookmark them, then give each one a try to see which one(s) best meet your photo and image editing needs. Enjoy! </p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Keyword Tools for Your Bloghttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2709998/keyword-tools-for-your-blog2012-01-11T14:26:11ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>Back in the day, </strong>a few of us discovered a really cool tool from Google known as "<a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1615112/how-to-use-google-s-wonder-wheel" title="Google Wonder Wheel" target="_blank">The Wonder Wheel</a>" which helped members with keyword selection for their SEO friendly blog posts. Now that the <a href="http://searchengineland.com/official-the-google-wonder-wheel-is-gone-84105" target="_blank">Wonder Wheel is gone</a>, I get literally hundreds of requests from members looking for good alternatives to<strong></strong> enhance and better the "Keyword" content on their blogs, sites, posts, and blog titles.</p>
<p><strong> Understanding The Importance of Keyword Searches:<br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>Search engines like <a href="http://google.com" title="Google" target="_blank">Google</a> focus on returning the best quality </strong>and "<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Available</span>" <a href="http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_SERPs" title="What is a SERP?" target="_blank">SERP's</a> (<em>Search Engine Results Pages</em>) It's all based on what "Keywords" or phrases are being typed into the Search box. Search engines simply want to return the best available matching content based on both short-tail and long-tail keyword searches.</p>
<p><img title="Google Search" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5588" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Google-Search.jpg" height="229" alt="" width="458" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><strong>The two things people search most are</strong>: the item, the person, the company, the thing or service, and then a geographic or what many refer to as a "hyper-local" location. Having this knowledge about search engines and keywords is the first step, the next steps will hopefully help remove the guessing game of...</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><em><strong>"What are people looking for and typing in the search box of search engines?"</strong></em></span></h3>
<p><img title="Search" class="aligncenter wp-image-5590" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Search.jpg" height="112" alt="" width="602" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><strong><br /> No pun intended (<em>well, maybe a little</em>...) SEARCH NO MORE!</strong> While we can never really be 100% certain of what people are searching and the exact keywords or terms they're using, these keyword tools will help you not only define what IS being searched on the web, but how and what keywords to be using when creating and refining your blog titles and blog content.</p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #0000ff; font-size: large;"><strong>Keyword Tools for Your Blog</strong></span></h3>
<h3><strong>Introducing <a href="https://adwords.google.com/" title="Google Keyword Tool" target="_blank">Google's Keyword Tool</a>:</strong></h3>
<p><img title="Google Keyword Tool" class="aligncenter wp-image-5577" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Google-Keyword-Tool.jpg" height="274" alt="" width="600" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><br /> <strong>In the "Keyword Search" we typed "Real Estate in San Francisco"</strong> which seems like a pretty reasonable search that most web surfers would type if interested in looking at Real Estate in San Francisco. Interestingly the "Keyword Tool" came back showing that there is a larger percentage of people searching San Francisco Apartments which might make sense considering the space and demographic of San Francisco.</p>
<p><img title="Google Keyword Results" class="aligncenter wp-image-5578" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Google-Keyword-Results.jpg" height="60" alt="" width="602" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><br /> <strong>Maybe creating a Blog post with the Title "San Francisco Apartments</strong>" and then provide content on how those living in "San Francisco Apartments" could qualify for a great loan, with great rates, and possibly become first time buyers and first time homeowners. Would this be a worthy option and idea worth trying? This is just a sample of how you can use these Keyword tools to better your content, your traffic, and hopefully your business.</p>
<div>
<div id="gwt-debug-help-topic-summary-title"><strong>How should I use the Keyword Tool for keyword ideas?</strong></div>
<div id="gwt-debug-help-topic-summary-body">
<p>Search for specific keyword ideas that are related to your business, product, or service. Or you can search a URL containing content relative to your specific niche, business, or service. You can also go straight to filtering out specific keyword categories. Use one or the other or both of them together; the keyword tool is very flexible and intuitive depending on how you choose to use it. Go ahead and try this:</p>
<ul>
<li>Use the <strong>Advanced options</strong> to refine your search, for example, by county, city, or neighborhood.</li>
<li>Check or Un-check the keyword match type check boxes to refine your search.</li>
<li>Select the <strong>Columns</strong> button above the results table to customize the columns you see in the results.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<p style="padding-left: 60px;"><a href="https://adwords.google.com" title="Google Keyword Tool" target="_blank">Give the Google Keyword Tool a Try</a></p>
<p style="padding-left: 60px;"><a href="http://www.googlekeywordtool.com/" title="Google Keyword Toolbox" target="_blank">Check out the Google Keyword Toolbox</a></p>
<h3><strong>Soovle Is Another Great Keyword Tool</strong></h3>
<p><img title="Soovle Keyword Tool" class="aligncenter wp-image-5583" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Soovle-Keyword-Tool-1024x389.jpg" height="230" alt="" width="599" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><strong><br /> <a href="http://soovle.com" title="Soovle Keyword Search Tool" target="_blank">Soovle.com</a> search multiple sites and returns most searched results</strong> on multiple platforms of your choosing. You can select from up to 15 sites at one time to get the most poplar searched "Keywords" or related "Phrases" on those individual sites. Here are the results as I started typing the keywords "Real Estate" when suddenly I realized that if I stopped typing, the Soovle tool kicked in and started solving...</p>
<p><img title="Soovle Tool" class="aligncenter wp-image-5582" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Soovle-Tool-1024x483.jpg" height="284" alt="" width="600" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><a href="http://www.soovle.com/" title="Soovle Keyword Search Tool" target="_blank"><br /> </a><strong></strong>I was personally pretty excited to see that on the Yahoo site, "Zillow Real Estate" was a pretty popular search by consumers and Internet surfers. <em>(I do hope you have a profile setup on our site for those visitors to view)</em></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.soovle.com/" title="Soovle Keyword Search Tool" target="_blank">Go Ahead, Take Soovle For A Spin</a></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>SEOBOOK Keyword Suggestion Tools</strong></h3>
<p><img title="SEOBOOK" class="aligncenter wp-image-5584" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/SEOBOOK.jpg" height="297" alt="" width="600" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><strong><br /> <a href="http://tools.seobook.com/keyword-tools/seobook/" title="SEOBooks Keyword Tools" target="_blank">SEOBOOKS</a> Keyword suggestion tool cross-references</strong> Wordtracker.com, Google, and others. It displays links to related search results, semantically related phrases, and offers a new CVS exporting option which rocks. SEOBooks combined with <a href="http://www.google.com/insights/search/" title="Google Insights" target="_blank">Google Insights</a> will provide you with a wealth of FREE data and information to set you on your way using "<strong>Keywords</strong>" effectively in your online marketing, advertising, and blogging endeavors going forward. </p>
<p><strong><a href="http://tools.seobook.com/keyword-tools/seobook/" title="SEOBooks Keyword Tools" target="_blank">Check out SEOBooks</a></strong>, you won't be disappointed.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>"The objective of a business website or blog is to attract potential buyers and convert them into paying customers. Keywords can help. Use appropriate keywords on your site and you’ll attract visitors who want to buy the types of products you offer." Source: <a href="https://wordtracker.com/" title="Wordtracker.com" target="_blank">Wordtracker</a></em></p>
</blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Free+Keyword+Tools" title="Click Here for More FREE Online Keyword Tools and Sites" target="_blank"><img title="Click Here for More FREE Online Keyword Tools and Sites" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5593" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Let-me-google-that-for-you.jpg" height="215" alt="Click Here for More FREE Online Keyword Tools and Sites" width="517" /></a><strong></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"<strong><em>Hover your mouse above for hidden message</em></strong>"</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br />I'm always looking to provide better, faster, more efficient, and cost effective ways to help get the job done, but I'm only <a href="http://bradsdomain.com">one grain of sand</a> on a very large beach. If you find this content useful and worthy, take a second to reblog it. You can help spread the ActiveRain love across larger beaches much faster, and by doing so, you're helping to take the" "<em>keyword</em>" message further and make the process easier and better for those that might be following you or your blogs. Thanks. :-)</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><br /></strong></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> The Importance of Strategic Distributionhttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2704165/the-importance-of-strategic-distribution2012-01-09T15:59:05ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p>Spencer Rascoff, our CEO at Zillow, just posted this great article about the "<strong>Importance of Strategic Distribution</strong>" which discusses the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">hot topic</span> of listing syndication. I'm excited to see the conversations and engagement that develop around this subject as it's one that I too am very passionate about. I find myself having conversations and discussions around this topic daily.</p>
<p>Thanks Spencer for posting this and for addressing head-on many of the industry and member issues and concerns. Definitely reblog worthy, I hope many others will reblog this too. :-)</p>
<div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2697254/the-importance-of-strategic-distribution">Spencer Rascoff (Zillow)</a></b>:<br/><blockquote><p>It’s a new year, so what better time to take on a controversial topic: listings syndication. There is a lot of discussion about this in our industry, and I thought it was time to give Zillow's thoughts on this important topic. My comments below will also be the basis of my speech at this week's Inman Connect in New York. </p>
<p>First, let me emphasize that Zillow has <strong>a lot</strong> of usage. In December 2011, more than 23 million unique visitors used our websites and mobile applications. The primary reason they use Zillow is because of Zestimates, and the other unique content we have on our website. It is because of this traffic that nearly every major real estate brokerage in the nation puts their listings onto Zillow, for free.</p>
<p>Because the number of real estate websites has dramatically proliferated, real estate brokers and MLSs are now giving a more careful review of what sites they send listings to. I applaud this, as I think it is important to carefully evaluate which sites make the most sense. This trend towards "strategic distribution" is different from the more shotgun-like approach that characterized listings syndication for the last few years.</p>
<p><strong>Strategic distribution is all about making the right decision on where to put listings based on criteria that makes sense for your business.</strong> Brokers own their listings, and can put them on whichever sites they choose. But in my opinion, brokers should carefully consider several important criteria when making these decisions:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">1<strong>. Which sites are most likely to provide my listings with exposure to the most buyers.</strong> After all, that's what the listing agents and their brokers have been hired to do by their home sellers: get the house sold quickly, at the best possible price.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; padding-left: 30px;">2. <strong>Which sites have business rules which are most acceptable to my brokerage. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Listings on Zillow receive exposure across Zillow.com, Zillow Mobile - the most popular suite of real estate apps across all major mobile platforms - and the Yahoo!-Zillow Real Real Estate Network the <strong>largest real estate network on the Web </strong>(according to comScore Media Metrix, 1), so clearly we have many millions of buyers visiting our website and using our mobile apps. Sellers benefit from their listing receiving as much exposure as possible. </p>
<p>Some in our industry have commented that although Zillow has more than 23 million unique monthly visitors to our websites and mobile apps, perhaps Zillow and other national media sites "don't have very much traffic in my area". That's incorrect. Zillow reviewed November 2011 data from comScore Media Metrix, the leading third-party source of website traffic information. Note that this data does <strong>not</strong> include traffic on mobile applications, where Zillow and other national brands have overwhelmingly more usage than others. Just looking at website statistics though, <strong>the Yahoo!-Zillow Real Estate Network is the #1 or #2 real estate entity in all 20 of the top 20 local markets in the United States </strong>(2)<strong>.</strong> The data simply does not support the argument that "those sites aren't big in my area." [If you'd like to learn more about Zillow's traffic in your area, please email me; we will happily share Zillow's internal traffic statistics for your region.]</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To emphasize the <strong>mobile</strong> point further, let me stress that <strong>not putting listings on Zillow, REALTOR.com and Trulia is tantamount to abandoning any hope of finding a buyer who is using a mobile device</strong>. In December 2011, Zillow had more than 36 homes viewed every second of every day on a mobile device. Zillow has leading real estate apps on iPhone, iPad, Android phones, Android tablets, Blackberry, Windows Phone 7, and Kindle Fire. Mobile usage accounts for about a quarter of all of Zillow's usage -- it's too important a channel for a seller or their listing agent/broker to ignore. </p>
<p><strong>Brokers and MLSs should not only consider a website's traffic when making syndication decisions. But they should also consider how each website gets its traffic.</strong> At Zillow, most of our traffic comes directly to Zillow.com or Zillow's mobile apps, rather than coming to us through SEO. Our tens of millions of users are attracted to Zillow's unique content, including over 100 million Zestimates and 100,000 consumer reviews of real estate agents. We bring this traffic to the table in these syndication discussions; it's not like we showed up at the potluck with just a fork. </p>
<p><strong>Putting listings onto top real estate sites is what sellers want, because it helps sell their homes. </strong>But don't take my word for it -- let's look at the data. Zillow data shows that <strong>homes which receive the top 10% of page views sell more than a month faster than their counterparts in the bottom 10% of views. Similarly, these highly viewed listings achieve sale prices closer to their asking price than those with less exposure. The difference is especially pronounced among homes priced less than $250,000. </strong>It's obvious, but if you give your listing exposure to lots of buyers, it will sell faster and at a higher price. The data proves it.</p>
<p><strong>The Objections</strong></p>
<p>I've already addressed one objection to sending listings to leading media sites: the local traffic stats.</p>
<p>The second objection I sometimes hear is that "<strong>the media site is selling my leads</strong>". Most major media sites (including Zillow) have free models which pass buyer contacts to the listing agent -- all they have to do to be presented as the first choice for buyers on their own listings is set up a free account and free profile on the site (which ensures that the buyer contact will get through to them).</p>
<p><span style="text-align: justify;">In addition, some listings syndication services such as ListHub, owned by Move, Inc. (operator of REALTOR.com), have recently introduced dashboards to help brokers and MLSs understand different media sites' business rules, and decide which sites to send listings to. This allows the MLS to facilitate the efficient distribution of listings under the direction of the broker who owns the listings.</span></p>
<p><strong>Diverse Solutions</strong></p>
<p>No discussion of listings syndication would be complete without mentioning Zillow's acquisition of Diverse Solutions, the leading tech provider of IDX for websites. Many of you have told us what a great company, staff and products they have. But there are some conspiracy theorists who have speculated that Zillow will simply flip a switch and take all of the IDX listings through Diverse and put them up on Zillow.com.</p>
<p>It won’t happen and can’t ---due to contractual and legal reasons. </p>
<p>However, from the day the acquisition was announced, we started hearing from brokers that asked why they needed to continue to send Zillow a direct feed, when it was already coming to Diverse through their MLS. Therefore, if a broker wants us to use their listings from IDX, and their MLS agrees, then we will do this. We are in the midst of conversations with many brokerages and many MLSs about this, since it significantly reduces the complexity for the brokerage and it improves accuracy of listings on Zillow, which benefits brokers, agents and their MLS.</p>
<p>Speaking of listings accuracy ... Zillow invests massive resources in making our listings as accurate as possible, and it all starts with what’s provided to us by our partners. Complaining about accuracy while providing us with a less than stellar feed or no feed at all does none of us or our industry any favors. Those who decide to pull listings from sites like ours due to their own business reasons have the right to do so. But to take that step and then say a key reason was listing accuracy feels disingenuous when they have removed the very direct feed that is the most accurate, often leaving their agents to rely on less reliable options.</p>
<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>
<p><strong>Strategic Distribution is an important part of a broker's marketing strategy. It is very important for brokers to put their listings where buyers will find them -- this is critical for agent recruitment and retention, and to help sell clients' houses. </strong></p>
<p>It is for these reasons that <strong>nearly e</strong><strong>very major brokerage in the country has chosen to put their listings onto Zillow</strong>. We are very proud of our partnerships with companies like RE/MAX International, Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Windermere, Halstead, Prudential Fox & Roach and hundreds more.</p>
<p>I look forward to further discussion of this important issue, and I hope to see you at Inman Connect later this week. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Data Sources:</em></p>
<p>(1) comScore Media Metrix Real Estate Category Ranking by Unique Visitors, November 2011, US Data.</p>
<p>(2) comScore Local Market Key Measures, November 2011, Real Estate Category by Unique Visitors</p><div class="agent_signature"><p> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> How To Have Your BEST Year Everhttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2670787/how-to-have-your-best-year-ever2011-12-29T00:25:03ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p>My hope is to encourage anyone and everyone that reads this to <strong>DREAM BIG</strong> and then <strong>LIVE YOUR DREAMS</strong>!</p>
<p><strong>What will you do with your future? You really only have two choices...</strong></p>
<p><strong>You can choose to just survive, or you can choose to succeed.</strong> Know this though, if you do choose to succeed, and you decide to prosper, and commit to focused and clearly defined goals, then anything is and will be possible because YOU were born to succeed! <strong>Your very BEST can still be in front of you.</strong></p>
<p><strong>YOUR future is in YOUR hands.</strong> Inside you is untapped potential. You have unlimited value and your dreams can definitely come true but ONLY if you believe they can. You are unique and very special which <strong>NOBODY can ever take away</strong>. You can achieve whatever you put your mind to so choose to enlarge your vision.</p>
<p>Retrain your brain, increase your confidence, attract the GOOD around you, and seize the profitable opportunities in and around your path. Step forward daily and positively engage relationships. Unleash your maximum wealth and don't forget to "<strong>DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT!</strong>" </p>
<p><strong>Prepare for your success and believe in yourself.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Plan before you do anything.</strong> Ask questions and question everything. Avoid the negative and move outside of your comfort zone. Let go of the past and remember, <strong>NEVER GIVE UP!!</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/4/9/6/ar132513010069402.JPG" height="516" alt="" width="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>Share this with anyone you know that might need a bit of encouragement and inspiration in these challenging times. It might make a difference in their day . . . and maybe, just maybe . . . their entire year! </p>
<p>I wish the <strong>VERY BEST</strong> to you all in 2012~</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Seller Incentives Increase Buyer Contactshttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2605512/seller-incentives-increase-buyer-contacts2011-12-21T21:06:52ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>Incentives offered by sellers at closing are nothing new to the real estate industry.</strong> </p>
<p>Sometimes it’s as simple as leaving that beautiful pool table behind, rather than moving it out of the basement. Or, it’s the seller agreeing to fix the front porch, or repaint the pink bedroom that the future buyer just can’t get past as they dream of a new in-home office.<br /><br />Seller-funded incentives have also gone to extremes. It wasn’t too long ago that everything from a free car, boat, and luxury trips could be included in the mix. </p>
<p>Incentives are back and have become a bit more realistic. Perhaps they are back to their true purpose, which is as a valuable marketing tool that can draw attention to a listing while providing an added benefit to the buyer.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/California_rb/#/homes/for_sale/WA/59_rid/49.851299,-114.245842,44.620813,-127.429435_rect/6_zm/1_rs/1_fr/" title="Zillow Special Offers in Washington" target="_blank"><img title="Zillow Special Offers Get MORE Contacts" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/1/1/1/ar13213980911157.jpg" height="360" alt="Zillow Special Offers Screenshot" width="450" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a><br /><br /><strong>In October, Zillow introduced "Special Offers"</strong> to address this need and it’s already having a positive impact on agents who are taking advantage of this new marketing tool. More than 1,000 listings have a seller-funded cash incentive attached, which provides added visibility on <a href="http://zillow.com" target="_blank">Zillow</a>, among other benefits. <br /><br />The early results for those agents that are participating in the program are promising. Listings with a Zillow Special Offer are currently receiving <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>10 times more buyer contacts</strong></span> than listings without. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.zillow.com/profile/Tyler-Rygmyr/" target="_blank">Tyler Rygmyr, with Revolution Real Estate</a> in Nashville, is already a fan of the program. <em>“I learned about the Zillow Special Offer program late one evening, so I ran a special later that night on a listing that had been on the market for 9 months. Several scheduled showings happened immediately thereafter, and an acceptable offer was submitted within days. Pretty cool!”</em></p>
<p><em></em> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/1/6/ar132451951061988.jpg" height="228" alt="" width="551" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><br />Let me know if you have any questions or if you need more information about seller-funded incentives, I'd be happy to show you some great examples of how other agents are using these "special offers" in their areas.</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> How To Add Blogs To Facebook Business Pageshttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2653102/how-to-add-blogs-to-facebook-business-pages2011-12-20T14:12:46ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>Many Facebook Business page owners want to automatically add their Blog posts to their pages.</strong> While this can no longer be done on your Facebook personal profiles, it CAN BE DONE if you have a Facebook Business or Fan page. <a href="http://networkedblogs.com" title="Networked Blogs" target="_blank">NetworkedBlogs</a> created a Facebook app that allows you to now add your Blog posts directly and automatically to the Facebook page(s) of your choice. </p>
<p><strong>The first step is to make sure you have a Facebook Fan or Business page.</strong> If you don't have one, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php" title="Create A Facebook Business Page" target="_blank">Create A Facebook Business Page or Fan Page</a> here first. Once you have a page created, you can run through the following <a href="http://bradsdomain.com/how-to-add-blog-to-facebook/" title="Step-By-Step Tutorial to Add Blogs to Facebook" target="_blank">step-by-step instructions</a> to add almost any blog content from any site to your Facebook selected pages. </p>
<p><strong>This should also work nicely with your ActiveRain blog content if you choose.</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/7/5/ar132414918757946.jpg" height="237" alt="" width="601" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>You'll want to visit <a href="http://facebook.com/networkedblogs" title="Networked Blogs" target="_blank">http://Facebook.com/NetworkedBlogs</a> to begin the process.</strong> For detailed step-by-step instructions including the screen-shots that you'll need to do this, I've created a <a href="http://bradsdomain.com/how-to-add-blog-to-facebook/" title="How To Add Your Blogs To Facebook" target="_blank"><strong>12-Step Blog to Facebook Tutorial</strong></a> that will walk you through the entire process.</p>
<p><strong>Some of you may not want your posts to appear on your Facebook pages</strong> and that's ok too. If that's the case, you might still find this tutorial helpful and useful to share with a friend or associate when they ask you how to do this? This is what <a href="http://activerain.com/bhunter" title="Bernadine Hnter" target="_blank">Bernadine Hunter from ActiveRain</a> asked me, I hope this will help others too.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com/how-to-add-blog-to-facebook/" title="Click Here for Detailed Instructions"><strong>Instructions - How To Add Blogs To Facebook</strong></a></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Real Estate Marketing Plans: Most Effective Marketing of 2011http://activerain.com/blogsview/2646950/real-estate-marketing-plans-most-effective-marketing-of-20112011-12-13T14:06:46ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>Is your Real Estate Marketing Plan ready and in place for 2012?</strong> </p>
<p>This post might be useful in helping you determine where to best spend your time and money for maximum results. Online and offline, you're going to need a <strong><a href="http://agentassist.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/defining-your-goals-and-business-plan/" title="Setup your Goals and Business Plan" target="_blank">business plan with goals</a></strong>. Here's a great article and resource to help get you started. </p>
<div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2641172/real-estate-marketing-plans-most-effective-marketing-of-2011">ActiveRain Corp.</a></b>:<br/><blockquote><h1>Real Estate Marketing Plans</h1>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><big><big>Do you have your <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>real estate marketing plans</strong></span> for 2012 ready?</big></big></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Real Estate Marketing Plans" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/2/0/5/7/ar132372385175021.jpg" height="251" alt="Real Estate Marketing Plans" style="vertical-align: baseline;" width="734" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>With <strong>SO MANY</strong> alternatives for real estate marketing plans, are you confused on what to do in 2012?</p>
<p>So as you develop your 2012 real estate marketing plans, here is some great food for thought:</p>
<p>ActiveRain, the largest blogging platform and professional social network in real estate, conducted a survey of 1,910 real estate professionals asking the simple question of "what is the most effective real estate marketing or advertising that you do?" </p>
<p>The results:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Referrals</strong> (including word of mouth and sphere of influence) were overwhelming the most preferred marketing with 26% of responses.</li>
<li><strong>Blogging</strong> was #2 with 13% of responses. (Keep in mind that the survey was conducted on ActiveRain, so these results may naturally be skewed to blogging).</li>
<li><strong>Direct Mail</strong> continues to be incredibly popular. Direct Mail includes post cards, mailers, and newsletters. Direct Mail also received 13% of responses.</li>
<li><strong>Internet Marketing</strong> as a general category received 12% of responses. Our assumption is that Internet marketing is generally speaking pay per click marketing on Google, Yahoo or Bing or lead generation from a number of different sources.</li>
<li><strong>Networking</strong> Networking includes partner referrals and face-to-face meetings. Face-to-face networking received 8% of the responses.<br /><br /></li>
</ol>
<p> <img title="Most Effective Real Estate Marketing Plans" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/2/2/8/ar132372042982213.JPG" height="413" alt="Most Effective Real Estate Marketing Plans" style="margin: 4px auto; display: block; vertical-align: baseline; border: black 1px solid;" width="550" /></p>
<p> <em>(Share these stats - link to this article: <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2641172/real-estate-marketing-plans-most-effective-marketing-of-2011">http://activerain.com/blogsview/2641172/real-estate-marketing-plans-most-effective-marketing-of-2011</a>)</em></p>
<p> <strong>As you can see based on 2011 real estate marketing plans</strong>, real estate professionals continue to favor more traditional offline, "tried & true" hand to hand real estate marketing techniques. Though the general bucket of Internet marketing & blogging are equivalent to direct mail, the top marketing techniques tend to be more offline - referrals, direct mail, networking, working with past clients, open houses, door knocking and cold calling. Hard to know if ActiveRain is the same as blogging and if Zillow or Google are the same as Internet marketing, but interesting to see that from a response perspective, that Open Houses are more popular than any one web site AND Door Knocking is more preferred than CraigsList and FaceBook.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> <img title="Offline Real Estate Marketing Plans" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/8/0/8/ar132372080380849.JPG" height="413" alt="Offline Real Estate Marketing Plans" style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; border: black 1px solid;" width="550" /></p>
<p><strong>When real estate professionals were asked, "What is the most effective real estate marketing or advertising that you do?"</strong> only a small number of real estate web sites were mentioned in reasonable frequency: ActiveRain, CraigsList, FaceBook, Zillow and Google. Of course, blogging and Internet marketing are large categories with a lot of different companies. But there were very few mentions of Wordpress or other ways to market online. Noticeably absent were Trulia and Realtor.com Though we believe ActiveRain is a very powerful blogging platform, fans of ActiveRain are likely over-represented in the survey. Kudos to Zillow to have name recognition equivalent to Google in the real estate industry.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="Most Effective Real Estate Web Sites" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/6/9/6/ar132372122269667.JPG" height="413" alt="Most Effective Real Estate Web Sites" style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; border: black 1px solid;" width="550" /></p>
<p>For 2012, here are the key questions to ask:</p>
<ol>
<li>How important is developing your <strong>REFERRAL BASE</strong>? How are you going to do it?</li>
<li>Are <strong>Blogging and SEO</strong> part of your 2012? If so, what to do - ActiveRain, Wordpress, Blogger, or other?</li>
<li><strong>Direct Mail</strong> continues to be an important part of the real estate professional's marketing mix. It is amazing, but true. Direct Mail allow neighborhood targeting unlike online marketing. What kinds of direct mail campaigns will you be using?</li>
<li><strong>Internet Marketing</strong> needs to be part of your 2012 marketing mix, but there are a lot of options from pay-per-click advertising to lead generation to Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com </li>
</ol>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>ActiveRain</strong></span> is great place to start the learning process to figure out the best Internet marketing strategies to achieve your personal and financial goals in 2012! </p>
<p>Share this blog post! Either blog about it or share on your social networks. Link to and reference this blog if you use this content: <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2641172/real-estate-marketing-plans-most-effective-marketing-of-2011">http://activerain.com/blogsview/2641172/real-estate-marketing-plans-most-effective-marketing-of-2011</a></p></blockquote></div> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Zillow Text Message Alerts Are Livehttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2636086/zillow-text-message-alerts-are-live2011-12-12T18:57:39ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/2/4/0/ar132322273304283.jpg" height="373" alt="" width="188" style="float: left; margin-left: 7px; margin-right: 7px;" /><strong>We know how important it is to respond quickl</strong>y to contacts that are using mobile devices to search and shop for homes and loans. Now you can take your multi-tasking to the next level. Starting today, you'll receive text message alerts for every email contact/lead that comes your way!<br /><br /><strong>What You Need To Do:</strong><br />To make sure that text alerts can be sent to you, add your mobile phone number to your Zillow Profile. *If your mobile number is already there, you're ready and good to go. <a href="http://www.zillow.com/myzillow/Profile.htm" target="_blank">Check your profile now</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Not Interested in Text Alerts?</strong> Are you nuts? Just kidding. You can deactivate the feature in your Zillow Profile.<br /><strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>Changes to your tracked Zillow phone number:</strong><br />Over the next few weeks, your Premier Agent toll-free number will be changed to a new local number. You do not have to do anything for this change to take effect and you can continue tracking contacts in your profile as you do today.<br /><br /><strong>Now you can connect with your contacts on the go!</strong><br /><strong>»</strong> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/myzillow/Profile.htm" title="Add Your Mobile Number To Zillow Profile" target="_blank">Add your mobile number to your Zillow Profile</a><br />* <em>Individual text message fees vary. Check your mobile plan.</em></p>
<p><em><strong>Download Mobile Apps Here:</strong> <br /><a href="http://zillow.com/mobile" title="Zillow Mobile Apps" target="_blank">iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone 7.</a> <br /></em></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> 10 Tips for Better Online Contact Conversionhttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2638105/10-tips-for-better-online-contact-conversion2011-12-07T23:24:37ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/5/1/3/ar132331644631553.jpg" height="197" alt="" width="205" style="float: right; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;" /></p>
<p>Are you getting the absolute most and best results from your ActiveRain, Zillow, and other Agent memberships and sites? Are there some things you’re doing or maybe not doing that could increase the results and successes you’re currently experiencing?</p>
<p>Many times we feel confident and believe that we are doing all the right things possible, but sometimes as Gary points out in the video below, there might be a better or more efficient way to get even more and better results.</p>
<p>Take it from someone who is successfully active in both the local real estate community as a REALTOR, and online as a successful Agent. He’s been doing this for over 30 years, and the past two years have really paid off for him as he has fine-tuned his marketing skills and advertising efforts.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"> <br />In this video, Gary will explain the “<strong>Best Practices</strong>” and the importance of the following:</p>
<ul style="padding-left: 90px;">
<li>Using Market Data, Information, and knowledge To Close More Transactions</li>
<li>Understanding How Important Your response time is to every Online Contact</li>
<li>What to do when you get calls on homes that aren’t for sale or not your listing</li>
<li>Having all the right answers is impossible, it’s all the right questions that count</li>
<li>Keeping your eyes and ears open for those subtle signs of opportunity</li>
<li>Follow-up can mean many things, but what does it mean to YOUR contacts</li>
<li>What is the most critical and important activity that produces results online</li>
<li>The perception of your role portrayed online within your community is their reality</li>
<li>Using creativity with the featured showcase advertising gets you more contacts</li>
<li>Recognize the advantages of using Zillow as a Buyer Sales tool and a Listing tool</li>
</ul>
<p>Enjoy this short 3-minute video and be sure to <a href="http://www.zillow.com/profile/garygold/" title="Contact Gary Gold" target="_blank">contact Gary directly</a> if you have any questions at all. </p>
<p>I think you’ll be convinced from Gary's 2 years of experience converting online contacts into clients, that his tips and advice could be very useful and powerful additions to your online efforts and marketing strategies in 2012.</p>
<p>*<a href="http://zillowacademy.com/tips-and-tools/" title="Tips and Tools by Agents For Agents" target="_blank">Get More Tips and Tools "<em><strong>By Agents for Agents</strong></em>" Here</a></p>
<center><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jaCCksa14-g?rel=0" height="360" frameborder="0" width="640"></iframe></center>
<p><a href="http://www.soldbygold.net/press" title="Gary Gold Press" target="_blank">About Gary Gold:</a> <br /><em>Gary Gold is the Executive Vice President of Hilton & Hyland. He's an active Real Estate Agent representing Celebrity's in the Luxury Housing Markets of Southern California. Gary is a Zillow Top Marketer in the Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Sunset Strip communities. He recently debuted on HGTV's "Selling LA" and has appeared numerous times on local and national television.</em></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Agent Ratings & Reviews Generate New Businesshttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2625599/agent-ratings-reviews-generate-new-business2011-11-30T21:07:14ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>Do you ever wonder who's reading the content on your websites and blogs?</strong> </p>
<p>Is it possible that people reading and seeing your online content might be considering using you or your services based on the information you're sharing? Do you wonder if they're quietly sizing you up? We sure hope so... that's why we're doing it, right?</p>
<p><strong>Your online presence and content is now part of the "Interview" process.</strong></p>
<p>When online visitors and target prospects are reading your ratings and reviews, they're making decisions and choices based on what others are saying and have experienced. The results can be incredible.</p>
<p><strong>I had the chance to catch up with Erica Vautier Liodice</strong> at the NAR 2011 Conference in Anaheim this year. Erica is the Director of Marketing for <a href="http://realliving.com/" title="RealLiving.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2255aa;">RealLiving.com</span></a>. When I asked her what tools and services she and her agents were using online to help generate more business this year, here’s what she shared with me.</p>
<center><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/s_f6NNwx2g4?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/s_f6NNwx2g4?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="360" width="640"></embed></object></center><p>
<strong>Word of mouth referrals are a traditional and powerful way</strong> that business does get done. Online ratings and reviews are just as powerful in that they remain online and visible long-term to anyone and everyone that may want or need your services.</p>
<p><strong>The BIG message and tip here is</strong> to solicit and get lots of great reviews. The secret formula to getting great reviews is to provide an “AWESOME” customer experience with each and every client you ever work with or do business with period.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.zillow.com/directory/real-estate-agents/">Agent's Ratings and Reviews</a> are definitely generating client referrals and new business.</strong></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><a title="ActiveRain Members - Subscribe Here" href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent_id=22617" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/9/4/1/0/ar130997890201494.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="20" /></a> <a title="Get Email Updates Automatically" href="http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=219333" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/2/4/4/ar130997893344262.jpg" alt="" width="184" height="20" /></a> </p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> 10 Ways To Lose Your Online Businesshttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2620705/10-ways-to-lose-your-online-business2011-11-27T13:33:45ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><span style="color: #993300;"><strong>These are just a few ways</strong></span> I’ve seen large and small business owners and marketers fail or lose business from their online efforts or lack thereof. There is no perfect science for online success, but there are some simple principles and methods that should be considered if you’re serious about building and growing your online presence and business.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>TOP 10 WAYS TO LOSE ONLINE BUSINESS</strong></span></h3>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong><a href="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Mad-Man1.jpg"><img title="Mad Man" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5197" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Mad-Man1.jpg" height="495" alt="" width="512" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></strong></span><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong><br /> 10. Don’t market and advertise your page or site properly and effectively.</strong></span></p>
<p>Word of mouth is just the beginning of getting the word out to your potential prospects and clients. Linking to your site from every possible social network and profile on the web is an often missed opportunity by many. Adding links back to the mother-ship in your email signatures and other strategic locations can never hurt the volume of visitors you'll generate.</p>
<p><em>(Not understanding and maximizing SEO may also be one of the greatest missed opportunities)</em></p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>9. Use controversial content that creates “camps” or makes people choose “in” or “out”</strong></span></p>
<p>Your opinions and expressed feelings regarding Politics, Religion, and a variety of other topics can and will create a parting of the ways with much of your traffic if you’re not careful. Avoiding the “Like” versus “Don’t Like” or “I’m with you” vs “Against You” is advice I hear often from successful professionals online. Don’t make readers choose a camp, it may not be yours.</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>8. Spend too much time just playing on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks.</strong></span></p>
<p>If you poke 3o people a day on Facebook, that’s nice. If you tell everyone following you on Twitter your play-by-play plans for the day and share photos of every image your eyeballs land on, that’s really cool. If you’ve signed up on over 15+ social networks and feel guilty that you haven’t visited each one and updated your status, you may want to get help!?! </p>
<p>STOP IT! Your business should come first!</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>7. Focusing on making money instead of providing value-added content.</strong></span></p>
<p>Sell, Sell, Sell. Me, Me, Me! This won’t work off-line, and it certainly won’t work online. Providing value with absolutely no expectation of anything in return over time will produce relationships which are necessary if you ever want to do business. This doesn’t mean to give up the farm and all your goods, just use a strategy that builds like, trust, and a rapport. The rest will fall into place when you connect and meet IRL. (<em>In Real Life</em>)</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>6. Trying to build traffic and analytics instead of building quality relationships.</strong></span></p>
<p>Some people get very excited about the amount of traffic their sites and blogs generate every hour, day, and month. They feel and believe that just because they are on the first page of the search engines for certain keywords and phrases that they are successful. Even with 500 hits to your site an hour, if you haven’t created or built one single relationship, then what is the point? Don’t count hits, count trips to the bank.</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>5. Don’t know your markets, your products, your tools, and your service areas.</strong></span></p>
<p>Let me look into that for you… I’m not sure? Hmmm… that’s a great question? Let me see, not sue what I can do? Not sure if that’s an option? What does that mean and where did you hear that? Are you kidding me, are you nuts? These are all comments and signs that you may want to know a little more about your market, product, business, or service. You are the expert, it’s no different when your doctor says… “Hmm… I’ve never heard of that before…” Yikes!</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>4. Lack in response time to online contacts. The sting and power of the 1st hour.</strong></span></p>
<p>100% of online contacts have the option of being mobile and 100% of people usually are. What percentage of people want to “WAIT” to hear back from you for any reason at all? NONE. This is why text messaging has become the fastest and most popular way for the world to communicate. It is the number one communication tool besides face-to-face and the phone. Answer your phone. Respond to email quickly. Online contacts will often wait 3-5 minutes before they’re gone…FOREVER!</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>3. Don't use a good CRM to manage campaigns and follow-up with online contacts.</strong></span></p>
<p>If you can’t remember what you ate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner two weeks ago on Thursday, then there is no way on earth you’re going to remember what you’re suppose to do two weeks from tomorrow at 10am, 1pm, and 7:30pm regarding your business, clients, follow-up, or personal life. Most people can’t even remember what to get at the grocery store so they bring their detailed store CRM with them. (<em>The Shopping List</em>) You NEED a “shopping list” for your business as well.</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>2. No calls-to-action, no methods of next-step, and no form of contact capture.</strong></span></p>
<p>Your website may get hundreds of hits. Your various blogs may have thousands of readers and subscribers. Your real estate MLS or IDX might produce millions of visitors but if you have no form of contact capture or call to action, then why even bother being online, spending the time, money, and effort to build your online presence and empire? It’s OK to give information and share value-added content but don’t throw out the baby with the bath water. Use multiple and creative ways to capture contacts.</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>1. Don’t update ALL your online profiles and sites: email, phone, contact info etc.</strong></span></p>
<p>You have a company website, you have 3 niche websites, you have 4 really cool traffic driving blogs, and now you’re on more than <del>15</del> <del>20</del> 30 different social networks and sites including Four-Square, Yelp, and Google+. Changes in real life are inevitable so don’t forget to make those changes online as well. Watch out for “<em>Page Cannot Be Displayed</em>” “<em>500 Server Error</em>” or that infamous phone recording “<em>This number is no longer in service</em>” and the worse one is when the email auto-responders says “<em>mailer daemon YOU@email.com is undeliverable.</em>” Make sure you Keep track of your online bread-crumbs.</p>
<p><em>“Maybe I should rename this article the “10 Ways To Grow Your Online Business!”</em></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> NAR 2011 Anaheim - Takeaways and ReCaphttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2602169/nar-2011-anaheim-takeaways-and-recap2011-11-14T16:52:16ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><a href="http://www.realtor.org/convention.nsf/" target="_blank"><strong>The National Association of REALTORS convention and EXPO</strong></a> is without a doubt one of the largest and most attended real estate events of the year. This years attendance was around 24,000 according to NAR on-site sources. My favorite part of the event is the <a href="http://www.realtor.org/convention.nsf/pages/ExpoLandingPage?opendocument" target="_blank">EXPO</a>. There are literally hundreds of vendors covering every possible product, tool, technology, and service, and this year was no exception. </p>
<p>Here are just a few of my Takeaways, tips, and a Re-Cap from NAR 2011.</p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/6/0/9/8/ar132129795189064.JPG" height="447" alt="" width="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.yourcoach.com/" target="_blank">Tom Ferry</a> came and hung out with us at the Zillow booth</strong> giving away and autographing what seemed like thousands of his best selling books "<a href="http://tomferrybook.com/" title="Tom Ferry Book" target="_blank">Life By Design!</a>" I finally got one for myself too, thanks Tom. The book provides 6 essential steps to creating and delivering an extraordinary you. The line seemed never-ending but Tom just kept smiling and signing as he met and greeted every single person that came by our booth.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/0/5/9/ar132129817895036.JPG" height="223" alt="" width="300" /> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/3/1/3/8/ar13212982883132.JPG" height="223" alt="" width="300" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.theumanskygroup.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Mauricio Umansky, CEO of The Agency</strong></a> who is also a <a href="http://www.zillow.com/profile/mumansky/" target="_blank">Premier Agent on Zillow</a> and a regular on Real House Wives of Beverly Hills, stopped by to share some of his <a href="www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdmaQTe485E" target="_blank">ideas and innovations</a> along with some BIG plans for his <a href="http://theagencyre.com/" target="_blank">Real Estate future</a>. Mauricio couldn't help but be noticed by so many fans and friends and of course spent a great deal of time taking photos and signing autographs. Take a look at Mauricio's <a href="http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/9577-Sunset-Los-Angeles-CA-90210/2130142070_zpid/" target="_blank">$55,000,000 dollar listing.</a></p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/9/1/ar132129927619377.JPG" height="448" alt="" width="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>As I walked around the EXPO floor, there were hundreds of booths</strong> and vendors sharing their wares and products. The Scarf King was rocking it right along with Kathy's jewelry, just as they always do. There were tons of mobile tech tools, plenty of website designers, MLS & IDX tools, software products, and <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">so much</span> tons more.</p>
<p>Wells Fargo and Chase looked like they had opened branch stores right there on the EXPO floor.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/5/0/3/ar1321303130544.JPG" height="224" alt="" width="301" /> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/4/4/0/0/ar132129945500443.JPG" height="224" alt="" width="300" /></p>
<p><strong>So this year, rather than get overwhelmed and allow myself to be morphed</strong> into one of those bobble-head dolls from information over-load, I decided to focus on my own personal overview of the entire event. I feel fortunate that I was able to interview many of the attendees this year and visit nearly every booth.</p>
<p>Here are 5 important things that really stood out to me by the time I had to leave. </p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/3/1/3/8/ar13213034283134.JPG" height="448" alt="" width="600" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>These might seem simple and basic</strong>, but it's some of THE BEST fact gathering from NAR I can impart.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>1.</strong> The Real estate Industry and <strong>EVERY</strong> business within it <strong>MUST BE MOBILE</strong> and <strong>MUST</strong> incorporate mobile device technology. Marketing and advertising on the mobile platform is NOT OPTIONAL anymore if you want to survive in business today. Period!</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>2.</strong> <strong>Your websites and blogs must be mobile friendly</strong>. Don't have QR Codes that link to your site from a users mobile device that land them on a standard non-mobile website that they can't view or read. (<em>Believe it or not, this is more common than you might think</em>) Go Look at your sites or Blogs right now and see.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>3.</strong> <strong>Response time to online contacts/leads</strong> is the most critical piece of your business today. It only takes seconds to get a lead, and it only takes minutes to lose them forever. Answer your phone whenever possible and respond to email within 2-3 minutes, even if you have to let them know you'll get back to them later.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>4.</strong> <strong>There are two types of people out there</strong>, those that know you, and those that don't. The ones that don't use Google so <strong>GET SEO</strong>! Also use sites like Zillow, ActiveRain and others where people are researching REAL ESTATE. My father always told me to fish where the Fish are, not where I think they are or where I think they should be.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>5.</strong> <strong>ALWAYS</strong> use a <strong>GOOD CRM</strong> to manage and follow-up with your contacts, prospects, and past clients. There is no way to manage your business efficiently and effectively without the most important tool of all, your CRM!!!</p>
<p><strong>Lastly, don't think you need to have and use every tool</strong>, technology, app, software, etc on the web. Don't try and be everything for everybody on every site and social network. Find the right IDX tools and sites that help you cultivate contacts and connect with prospects. Make sure you have GREAT capturing tools in place. Constantly and consistently keep sharpening your people and conversion skills, it's an art to be mastered.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/6/6/ar132130158066249.JPG" height="224" alt="" width="300" /> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/3/7/7/7/ar132130411177739.jpg" height="223" alt="" width="300" /></p>
<p><strong>Visit <a href="http://www.narconferencelive.com" target="_blank">http://www.narconferencelive.com</a></strong> for LIVE NAR Conference updates, videos, and photos etc. Also search Twiiter.com with the hashtag <a href="http://www.twitter.com/narannual" target="_blank">#NARannual</a> to see all the ongoing tweet streams. We'll be at NAR 2012 in Orlando Florida. We have some cool surprises in the works for next year so I hope you can be there too.</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Come Visit Us at NAR in Anaheimhttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2596318/come-visit-us-at-nar-in-anaheim2011-11-09T20:44:53ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong><a href="http://www.realtor.org/convention.nsf/" target="_blank">The REALTORS® Conference & Expo, Nov. 11-14</a>, in Anaheim</strong> is coming up this week, and I'm excited and proud to welcome two special guests you’ll want to meet at our Zillow booth (#1705) at the Trade Expo. I know many of you will be coming and I'm hoping that those of you still on the fence will go ahead and make the trip.</p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/0/6/8/7/ar132087067378605.png" height="320" alt="" width="528" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><br /> <strong>On Saturday:</strong><br /> <br /><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/5/1/2/1/ar132086963412151.jpg" height="109" alt="" width="125" style="float: left; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" />For close to 20 years, Tom Ferry has earned a peerless reputation as a top trainer, motivator speaker, author and business coach for real estate professionals. He's also a personal friend.</p>
<p>Come Meet Tom at the Zillow booth on <strong>Saturday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.</strong> to sign copies of his bestselling book, “Life! By Design.” Tom's passion for helping agents and the strategies he imparts definitely rule!</p>
<p><strong>On Sunday:</strong><br /><br /><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/9/1/0/0/ar132086969000195.jpg" height="113" alt="" width="125" style="float: left; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" />Mauricio Umansky appears regularly on Bravo’s hit reality TV show, “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” which stars his wife, Kyle Richards. To the real estate community, he’s known as the CEO and co-founder of The Agency, a Southern California high-end real estate brokerage.<br /> <br />Meet Mauricio and learn about his success on and off camera during an exclusive appearance at the Zillow booth, (#1705), <strong>Sunday, Nov. 13, 1:30-2:30 p.m.</strong> <br /><br /><strong>There will be several of us from Zillow at the booth</strong> throughout the show to hear feedback on how we can better serve your needs. When you visit, please remember to ask us to share some tips and ideas on some new and exciting ways we can help drive buyers and sellers directly to you.</p>
<p><strong>For those of you who just can't make it for whatever reason,</strong> I understand and that's why I'll be doing some "LIVE" TV Broadcasting in many areas of NAR this year. Follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/bradandersohn" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/bradandersohn</a> and I'll be sharing tips, tools, interviews, links to live broadcasts, coolest expo technologies, the latest updates, breaking news and more. <em>"It will be the next best thing to being there!</em>"<br /> <br /><strong>Looking forward to seeing you in Anaheim!</strong><br /><br /><p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> 5 Free Screen Sharing Siteshttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2594095/5-free-screen-sharing-sites2011-11-08T18:28:01ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>Have you ever been talking on the phone with someone and wanted to share</strong> your computer screen with them? Even if for a moment, just to show them something? How about that conference call with two or three people on the line and no way for them to see what you see on your screen?</p>
<p>In most cases, people just share or mention sites, give a URL, or email everyone a link.<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://gotowebinar.com/" title="GoTo Webinar" target="_blank">GotoWebinar</a>, <a href="http://gotomeeting.com/" title="GoTo Meeting" target="_blank">GotoMeeting</a>, and <a href="http://webex.com/" title="Webex" target="_blank">Webex</a> are great sites and tools</strong> for doing online conferences, training, webinars, and screen sharing but they are not FREE. I continue using these for daily training and support webinars but what about the individual who doesn’t have tons of attendees, or doesn’t want to pay hundreds of dollars for a “<strong>screen sharing</strong>” account?</p>
<p><strong>Let me show you how screen sharing can be easy, fast, and FREE!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Here are the Top 5 Free screen sharing and collaboration sites </strong>I’ve found, researched, and used personally either to share my screen “live” with someone else, or to have them share their computer screen with me. Check out all 5 and see which one will work best for you when the time comes <em></em> for you to share your screen with one of your clients or friends.</p>
<p><strong>Click on any of the screen captures below</strong> to start using that site immediately and for FREE.</p>
<p><strong>1. JOIN.ME</strong> - <br />To see my screen "LIVE" right now, got to <a href="http://join.me/577-819-446" title="Come See How Easy This Really Is?!?!" target="_blank">http://join.me/577-819-446</a> but only for the next 60 minutes.</p>
<p><a href="https://join.me/" title="Join Me" target="_blank"><img title="Join Me" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4506" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Picture-26.png" height="269" alt="" width="551" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>2. SHOW MY PC</strong> <strong>or SHOW MY MAC</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://showmypc.com/" title="ShowMyPc" target="_blank"><img title="ShowMyPc" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4507" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Picture-32.png" height="320" alt="" width="551" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>3. LIVE LOOK</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.showscreen.com/" title="ShowScreen" target="_blank"><img title="Live Look" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4508" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Picture-41.png" height="471" alt="" width="550" /></a></p>
<p><strong>4. DIM DIM by SALESFORCE</strong><a href="http://www.dimdim.com/" title="Dim Dim by Salesforce" target="_blank"><img title="Dim Dim" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4509" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Picture-5.png" height="285" alt="" width="550" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>5. SKYPE SCREEN SHARING</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/features/allfeatures/screen-sharing/" title="Skype Screen Sharing" target="_blank"><img title="Skype Screen Sharing" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4510" src="http://bradsdomain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Picture-61.png" height="273" alt="" width="550" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Here's A few creative ways to use these screen sharing tools and sites:<br /></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Showing a client how to use your MLS or IDX website.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Teaching another associate how to accomplish tasks for your business.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Walking a client through some paperwork or online contracts.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Explaining and navigating a client through a site that can bring them value, or...</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sharing a tool or site with a prospect that could bring them closer to being your client.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The possibilities are unlimited and the technology and tools are available and FREE.</strong></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><a title="ActiveRain Members - Subscribe Here" href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent_id=22617" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/9/4/1/0/ar130997890201494.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="20" /></a> <a title="Get Email Updates Automatically" href="http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=219333" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/2/4/4/ar130997893344262.jpg" alt="" width="184" height="20" /></a> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Top 10 ActiveRain Outside Blog Tipshttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2576794/top-10-activerain-outside-blog-tips2011-10-28T18:30:30ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>ActiveRain Outside Blogs offer members the opportunity to have a "stand alone" presence</strong> outside the network and they are included with the rainmaker memberships. I still get many questions on how to set these up and the most common question is "How do you customize it so it's not like anyone elses blog?"</p>
<p><strong>Here are my top 10 best practices and tips</strong> for those Rainer's wanting to maximize their outside blogs.</p>
<p>1. Select a theme that works best for you, your brand, your company and target audience. </p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/5/0/0/6/ar131981448360054.png" height="158" alt="" width="500" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>2. Utilize all the features and tools available form the dashboard toolbar. (<em>you must be logged in</em>)</p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/1/6/1/9/ar131981539491611.png" height="30" alt="" width="509" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>3. To customize the CSS formatting, colors, backgrounds etc. and if you're a techy, use the Chameleon theme.<br /><em>I like it because I can make sure my blog won't ever look like anyone elses.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/2/4/4/0/ar131981460404429.png" height="185" alt="" width="161" /> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/2/8/8/ar131981462688213.png" height="186" alt="" width="208" /></p>
<p><strong>Maximize your SEO, analytics, and widgets by implementing the tools made available.</strong> </p>
<p>4. I highly recommend the "<strong>Google Search</strong>" which magnetically draws the Google spiders to your site. Since this is a Google product and tool, I can assure you that they follow its placement and use very diligently. Make sure you have plenty of content on your site first, you don't want to draw Google attention to your site if you only have 3 or 4 posts there.</p>
<p>5. Adding the "<strong>Analytics"</strong> tool helps so you know what's working best, and tracking your visitors and target audience couldn't be made any easier. You can't add the Google analytics to your ActiveRain blogs, but you can add it to your outside blogs. </p>
<p>6. Each of these tools available adds additional value to your outside blogs but it's your content that matters the most. Great content on ANY blog will garner traffic and create business opportunities. Allow those that find you the chance to get notified via email every time you post something by adding the "<strong>feedburner</strong>" widget. Let people subscribe to your blog.</p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/2/3/3/4/ar131981481643328.png" height="438" alt="" width="247" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>Note</strong>: <em><strong>MyBlogLog</strong> and <strong>Retaggr</strong> are no longer services that are available on the web.</em></p>
<p>7. Give your outside blog a Kick-Arse custom domain name (<em>it's included</em>) making it easy to search for your site, find your site, and easy for you and clients/targets to remember. What's in a name? Everything, so try to incorporate the most important aspects of your blog in the title to get the most impact and results. Including Hyper-local if you can is always a good thing.</p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/8/4/8/4/ar131981515748481.png" height="113" alt="" width="325" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>Note:</strong> <em>The "Internal" URL is your back-end dashboard, the "Custom Domain" is the public view.</em></p>
<p>8. Adding good "links" and using great anchor text for "calls to action" is a key traffic generator and lead capture opportunity that often times gets over-looked and most often under-utilized. Think about what would make someone absolutely have to click on these links and trust me, they will. I can prove this by just having you create a link similar to this one that says something like... <strong><a href="http://lmgtfy.com/?q=activebradsblog" title="If you do click here, you were warned :-)" target="_blank">"DON'T CLICK HERE!"</a> </strong><em>haha~</em><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>Adding links is easy: </strong> Just paste the URL in the Link box, and place the anchor text in the Title box<strong>.<br /></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/2/4/4/1/ar131981670014424.png" height="265" alt="" width="468" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></strong></p>
<p><em>BTW - Did you click on the DON'T CLICK HERE link? lol~ </em></p>
<p>9. The last thing you should know is that the SEO (<em>search engine optimization</em>) on outside blogs carries a great deal of weight in the SERPS (<em>search engine results page</em>) which is great for your ROI (<em>return on investment</em>) since ultimately the people you are trying to reach and get in front of are the ones that will find you when searching the Internet.</p>
<p>Google search results DO matter, and where you land on the page makes all the difference in the world.</p>
<p><a href="http://lmgtfy.com/?q=activebradsblog" title="Yeah, but Google says... and remember that no one clicks on page TWO!!" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/1/6/9/ar131981818296138.png" height="302" alt="" width="500" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>10. All of these tips and best practices are to help you do one thing:</strong> create content that cultivates traffic/visitors which allows you to capture contacts and convert them to clients right? There are really ONLY two types of people out on the web and searching Google: Those that know you, and those that don't. Which audience is your target? Exactly! :-)</p>
<p><strong>ActiveRain outside blogs are one of the best and most powerful tools</strong> that I think ActiveRain offers its members, but then on the other side of that coin, the greatest tools and power of ActiveRain IS IT's MEMBERS!!</p>
<p><a href="http://activebradsblog.com" title="To Visit My Blog "Outside" - CLICK HERE!" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/1/7/3/ar131981765137197.png" height="416" alt="" width="499" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p> Stop by anytime and check out my <strong>ActiveRain Outside Blog</strong> at <a href="http://activebradsblog.com" title="Active Brads Blog" target="_blank">http://ActiveBradsBlog.com</a></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><a title="ActiveRain Members - Subscribe Here" href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent_id=22617" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/9/4/1/0/ar130997890201494.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="20" /></a> <a title="Get Email Updates Automatically" href="http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=219333" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/2/4/4/ar130997893344262.jpg" alt="" width="184" height="20" /></a> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Peer To Peer Lending, Borrowing and Investinghttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2562190/peer-to-peer-lending-borrowing-and-investing2011-10-18T19:17:13ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>Have you heard of <a href="http://www.prosper.com/" title="Prosper" target="_blank">Prosper.com</a>?</strong> This is a new way for consumers and investors who want to borrow money and invest money to connect online. Peer to peer private lending? Though it seems to me this might be a bit risky to say the least, especially for the investor, the fact remains that there are over<strong> 1,150,000</strong> members<strong> and $264,000,000</strong> in personal loans funded already. If that doesn't grab your attention, some of the creative ways this is being used will for sure.</p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/5/6/8/5/ar131897929358656.png" height="269" alt="" width="550" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>Could this be an alternate solution</strong> for a lack of funds for new first time buyers needing some down-payment assistance? Might this help someone lower some debt with high interest payments on credit cards or other loans? According to the site, they have lower rates than most banks and other commercial lending sites. What are your thoughts? </p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/1/6/9/3/ar13189793339616.png" height="201" alt="" width="549" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>I'm not going to lie, I'm intrigued</strong> but will have to research this further before I can give you my honest opinion...but in the meantime, you might want to be aware that this is available and do some research of your own. I'm just the piano player here so if you like it, you got it here from me, and if you don't, then go over to <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/arbob" title="Bob Stewart - A Good Man :-)" target="_blank">Bob Stewart's Blog</a> and vent there! lol~</p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/6/5/8/ar1318979485649.png" height="54" alt="" width="559" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><a title="ActiveRain Members - Subscribe Here" href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent_id=22617" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/9/4/1/0/ar130997890201494.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="20" /></a> <a title="Get Email Updates Automatically" href="http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=219333" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/2/4/4/ar130997893344262.jpg" alt="" width="184" height="20" /></a> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Zillow Launches Premier Agent Special Offers http://activerain.com/blogsview/2543663/zillow-launches-premier-agent-special-offers-2011-10-06T16:03:02ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong></strong><strong>Today, Zillow is announcing new features to the Zillow Premier Agent Program</strong> to further increase exposure for agents’ listings. One new feature, Zillow Special Offers, allows agents to add an offer for homebuyers who find the listing on Zillow. Only Premier Agents can add a “Zillow Special Offer” to their listings. An example might include $1000 credit off closing costs. Special Offers are paid for by the seller.</p>
<p><strong>Special Offers are incentives offered by the seller at closing for buyers</strong> who found a home on Zillow with a “Special Offers” tag. This new feature provides a way for the listing to be more visible to potential buyers. The seller may feel an added incentive will help their listing – whether it be new on the market, in need of new appliances or lacking a washer/dryer – be more attractive to buyers. Any Special Offers created will appear within minutes of being posted.</p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/5/7/8/ar131791718887583.jpg" height="358" alt="" width="455" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>Another new feature is the ability for agents to add a custom logo or picture</strong> to their listings. A Zillow Special Offer appears at the top of search results, giving a listing heightened exposure among home shoppers. These Special Offers give Premier Agents an exciting way to merchandise, market and differentiate a listings through a seller-funded concession.</p>
<p><img title="Zillow Special Offers Featured Photo or Logo" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/5/9/6/5/ar131791755856956.jpg" height="321" alt="" width="567" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><br /><strong></strong><strong>Premier Agents using Special Offers will help sell homes faster</strong>, by offering incentives for buyers and a way for their listings to stand out from the crowd. We are always looking for new ways we can help our Premier Agents grow their business and their brand.<strong></strong> <br /><br /><strong>What is a Premier Agent?</strong> The Zillow Premier Agent Program highlights agents and their listings across Zillow, Yahoo! Real Estate, and on our popular <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mobile/" title="Zillow Mobile" target="_blank">mobile apps</a>. There are a variety of packages, features, and even more options available that help agents get more local buyers and sellers. Check Out: <a href="http://www.zillow.com/advertising/Agent.htm" title="Zillow Premier Agent Membership" target="_blank">http://www.zillow.com/advertising/Agent.htm</a></p>
<p>Premier Agents on Zillow have shared some of their experiences <a href="http://www.zillow.com/advertising/Testimonials.htm" title="Zillow Premier Agent Testimonials" target="_blank">HERE</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.zillow.com/advertising/Testimonials.htm" title="Click here to see what others are saying..." target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/5/2/2/9/ar13179184792255.jpg" height="131" alt="" width="470" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>The Special Offers feature is designed for agents and their sellers</strong> who are interested in providing an incentive at closing. This has gone on in the real estate industry for decades, and Zillow Special Offers simply provide a way for this to be more visible to potential buyers. Special Offers are a marketing vehicle that helps to shine a spotlight on those properties that the agent, working with the seller, has decided to market in an additional way.</p>
<p><strong></strong>Visit our <a href="http://www.zillow.com/advertising/real-estate-marketing.htm" target="_blank">Real Estate Marketing</a> page or call 866-324-4005 if you'd like more information..</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><a title="ActiveRain Members - Subscribe Here" href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent_id=22617" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/9/4/1/0/ar130997890201494.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="20" /></a> <a title="Get Email Updates Automatically" href="http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=219333" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/2/4/4/ar130997893344262.jpg" alt="" width="184" height="20" /></a> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> How Many Boxes Do I Need To Movehttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2522618/how-many-boxes-do-i-need-to-move2011-09-27T11:49:51ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>How Many Boxes Will I Need To Move?</strong> - <em>A question EVERY person asks more than once in their lifetime!</em></p>
<p><b>One thing that has been most challenging</b> for me when buying or selling Real Estate and moving is the actual "MOVE" itself. I wonder if there are others who feel the same way and just the thought of packing and moving prevents them from making the decision to buy or sell?<p>
<b>I don't mind looking for properties</b>, signing documents, getting appraisals, working with agents, lenders, title companies, and inspectors etc. It's the actual move, now that's a lot of work! </p>
<p><b>My grandma used to always say</b>, "<em>Three moves is as good as a fire!</em>" Until I moved a third time, I never really knew what that meant? Now I do! We tend to have soooo much stuff. We start off with a small amount of stuff, but then we're always wanting and needing more stuff and eventually over time, we have a great deal of stuff. Now we need a bigger kitchen, bigger bedrooms, BIGGER HOUSES etc.<p>George Carlin did a great comedy skit talking about this very thing..."Stuff!"</p>
<center><iframe allowfullscreen="true" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/29667703?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" frameborder="0" height="313" width="501"></iframe></center><p>
<p><b>I'm excited to announce this really cool new tool</b> we've just launched called the "Moving Box Estimator" and I know you're going to love this one. I recently added this little widget to the sidebar of <a href="http://realtoolsforrealtors.com">RealtoolsforRealtors.com</a> and it's getting some rave reviews and generating many inquiries. Widgets like this are all about providing a "value-added" and needed service to your visitors and target audiences.<p>
<b>Once a home is purchased or sold</b>, you know the next question that goes through every mind of every client and consumer, <i>"How Many Boxes Will I Need To Move?"</i> Now you can assist them by providing them the Moving Box Estimator widget on your site or blog. Go ahead and give it a try below.</p><br>
<center><div id="zillow-moving-boxes-estimator-widget" style="width: 278px; height: auto; border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 0; margin: 0; font: normal normal normal 10px arial,verdana,sans-serif; text-indent: 0; line-height: 13px; background-color: #ffffff; letter-spacing: 0; color: #999999; overflow: hidden; text-align: center;"><div style="width: 278px; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff;"><div style="color: #000000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; padding: 6px 5px 6px;">Moving Boxes Estimator<br><i>Create Custom Titles</i></div></div> <div style="width: 268px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: normal; color: #000000; padding: 0 5px 1px;"><div style="padding: 9px 0 10px; width: 268px; overflow: hidden; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000;"><div style="float: left; border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px; margin-right: 5px;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn/#{scid=gen-wid-movebx&scrnnm=bradandersohn}" style="text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><img src="http://photos3.zillow.com/is/image/i0/i0/i1010/ISzd7rldrkpdwj.jpg?op_sharpen=1&qlt=90&hei=36&wid=36&size=48,48&scl=1" alt="Picture of bradandersohn" style="border: none;"></img></a></div><div style="line-height: 16px; width: 120px; margin-left: 48px; overflow: hidden;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn/#{scid=gen-wid-movebx&scrnnm=bradandersohn}" style="text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer; font-size: 14px; color: #000;" target="_blank">YourDomain.com Here <i>(Co-Branded)</i></a></div></div></div> <div style="width: 268px; height: 285px; padding: 0 5px 0; overflow: hidden;"><iframe src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/misc/MovingBoxEstimatorWidget.htm?bc=%23000000&bt=Contact%20us!&cap=We're%20happy%20to%20help%20you%20move!&bl=http%253A%252F%252Fzillow.com%252Fprofile%252Fbradandersohn" height="285" frameborder="0" width="268" scrolling="no" style="display: block;"></iframe></div><div style="width: 278px; overflow: hidden; background-color: #ffffff;"><div style="margin: 5px auto; color: #000000; font-size: 11px;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Fairfield-CA/1_fr/?scid=gen-wid-movebx&scrnnm=bradandersohn" style="font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; color: #000000; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span class="region">Find A Home</span> for "YOUR STUFF!"</a></div></div></div></center><p>
<center><b><a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/moving-box-estimator.htm">Get Your Own Customized Moving Box Estimator Widget Here</a></b></center><p>
<p><strong>For my next post:</strong> <br />Now that we got the boxes issue resolved, lets remove the next biggest challenge from the moving equation: "<em>How to call and get your buddies and friends to come over and help you move all "YOUR STUFF" over the weekend!</em>" lol~ We've all been there right? lol~</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> 3 Things To Know about Google's New Searchhttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2522014/3-things-to-know-about-google-s-new-search2011-09-23T14:24:27ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>3 Things To Know about Google's New Search</strong></p>
<p>This morning I decided to Google some search terms to see what would come up? I try to do this as often as posssible with different keywords or phrases to see what shows up on the results page. Now maybe this was there all along, but it's the first time I noticed it or maybe it's just the first time I was paying attention! lol~</p>
<p><strong>Google has added a new preview feature</strong> to their "Search Engine Results Pages" (<em><strong>SERPS</strong></em>) so here's some suggestions to keep your sites and posts at the top of those pages. (<a href="http://bradsdomain.com/nobody-clicks-on-page-two-seo/" title="Nobody Clicks on Page Two" target="_blank"><em>because nobody clicks on page 2</em></a>) It's one thing to get to the top of the search engines, it's another to get visitors to click on the links to your sites and posts when they do find them.</p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/9/0/9/ar131678560390972.jpg" height="47" alt="" width="600" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>One:</strong> <strong>Your Title's and content are more important than ever!! </strong></p>
<p>Google is all about "results" and NOBODY wants to provide better, faster, exact results on a search term or phrase than these guys. Always think of the audience you are trying to reach and what keywords, terms, or phrases they might be typing in the search engines. Those title's being searched will greatly increase the odds of you showing up in the SERPS.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=The+Real+estate+tech+guy+social+media+concierge&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/8/1/9/0/ar13167859509182.jpg" height="241" alt="" width="528" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: 1px solid black;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Two</strong>: <strong>To Click or Not To Click will now be the question?</strong></p>
<p>With the addition of Google's new "preview" option, now folks may or may not click open your site or article even if it is at the top of page one in the search engine results page. They can simply hover their mouse over the "<strong><em>preview arrow</em></strong>" and see your site or post displayed to the right of their screen. </p>
<p><em>Note: See the new Google Search Preview Tool that displays on one of my wordpress training blogs below:</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp=pfwc&cp=4&gs_id=23&xhr=t&q=Brad+andersohn&qe=QnJhZA&qesig=8g8Hm7IR7NbBFfihFy0Gtg&pkc=AFgZ2tkuoFJPQQkSP920viJ0kOxDXXX4uOfrtIWht7TEaa28lkJEoxIg1KMn77U8N1lCKbU5-27w2rOxIfG17eddOa9OS5GYrg&pq=bradsdomain&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&source=hp&pbx=1&oq=Brad&aq=0p&aqi=p-p2g2&aql=t&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.&fp=e024a72350f2f971&biw=1320&bih=713" target="_blank"><em><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/2/7/1/9/ar131678665791722.jpg" height="133" alt="" width="600" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></em></a></p>
<p><strong>So how important is it NOW</strong> that the content of your blog, website, or post be rich in quality and cosmetically appealing? In my opinion, this now becomes another key ingredient and important component to getting positive results (<em>or not</em>) of your "click-thru ratios" since a simple "hover display" may NOT get you "clicked" or help your SEO. </p>
<p>(<em>Google's Display Image</em>) </p>
<p><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/9/4/7/ar131678792174985.jpg" height="735" alt="" width="542" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Three:</strong> <strong>Which Click Counts Most? The text Link or the Image?</strong></p>
<p>Both the search engine results text link and the new preview page are live links, you'll notice they both have the same URL structure but I'm sure Google can determine and measure what the majority of searchers are clicking on, the links in the text, or the images that are being displayed? I'm guessing it may eventually be the previewed images. </p>
<p>Make sure you're including quality images, graphics and photos, good relative and useful content, awesome titles, and other pieces of useful and valuable data and information that will lean your target audience to clicking on your websites, profiles, and blogs. Your online business is going to have to kick it up a notch to stay in the game and at the top. </p>
<p><a href="http://google.com" title="Search Google" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/4/8/5/ar13167883158472.jpg" height="240" alt="" width="598" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Go ahead and give it a try yourself.</strong> Search any keywords, terms, or phrases where you want to show up on page one. See what your page or site display/preview looks like in the new Google Search results page? Sometimes running experiments like this in the search engines can be a very beneficial learning experience. </p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Is Gen Y Ready To Buyhttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2518941/-is-gen-y-ready-to-buy2011-09-21T16:53:04ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>This week is the <a href="http://expo.car.org/" title="CAR Expo - California Association of REALTORS" target="_blank">California Association of REALTORS</a></strong><span class="st"><strong><a href="http://expo.car.org/" title="CAR Expo - California Association of REALTORS" target="_blank">® (CAR) EXPO</a> in San Jose California.</strong> </span></p>
<p><span class="st"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/0/5/4/9/ar13166269494501.jpg" height="181" alt="" width="550" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></span></p>
<p><span class="st"><strong>One of the luncheon speakers this year was guest Jason Dorsey,</strong> a recognized "Gen Y" representative who spoke to the group about how Gen Y IS ready to buy. The information Jason shared in a more than enthusiastic and exciting manner was well received by the audience but more importantly was "DEAD ON" regarding the Gen Y culture and mentality. </span></p>
<p><em><span class="st">If you were there, you know exactly what I'm talking about and if not... I'm sorry you missed out.</span></em></p>
<p><span class="st"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/1/5/0/ar131662710805192.jpg" height="364" alt="" width="467" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></span></p>
<p><span class="st"><strong>I was fortunate and able to capture a few short minutes of Jason's presentation</strong> that will give you a small dose of Jason's knowledge, humor, and accuracy of the "Generation Y" that's ready to buy. Listen closely to what he says regarding trust, tech savvy, communication, experts, and who the most trusted website is for Generation Y. You'll love this!!<br /></span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span class="st"><em>"Technology has fundamentally changed how we communicate" Jason Dorsey</em><br /></span></p>
<p><span class="st"><strong>Is there really a gap between "Gen Y" and YOUR generation?</strong> Do you feel that "Gen Y" speaks a different language, dances to a different beat, or thinks differently than you or I might think? Have you looked at the numbers, done the research, and considered some of the facts surrounding the "Y" Generation?<p>Once you see this, you'll realize that the tools available can and will make a difference if you decide to seize the opportunity. Why should you care? <strong>Your future business may depend on it.</strong></p>
<center><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c73sdEV9TDE?hl=en&fs=1" allowfullscreen="true" height="400" frameborder="0" width="525"></iframe></center><p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><em>"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!</em>"<em></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /><a title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" href="http://activerainrealestatenetwork.ourtoolbar.com/exe" target="_blank"><img title="Download the AR HELP Toolbar - FREE" src="http://bradsdomain.com/AR/ARToolbar.jpg" alt="ActiveRain HELP Browser Toolbar" width="536" height="19" /></a></em></p>
<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> ActiveRain Real Estate Technologyhttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2499457/activerain-real-estate-technology2011-09-12T18:37:22ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>The ActiveRain <a href="http://activerain.com/groups/techstuff" title="Real Estate Technology" target="_blank">Real Estate Technology Group</a></strong> is a public member forum and is now inviting all members to join and participate in our group. We will be selecting an additional 3-5 moderators before year-end and will also be putting more focus and attention on our contributor's content for group featured posts.</p>
<p><strong>The group started back in 2007</strong> and has now grown to over 1450 members with over 4200 Real Estate Technology posts available. You don't have to be a member of the group to enjoy and benefit from the blog posts and entries there, but we'd love to have you join if you're interested.</p>
<p><a href="http://activerain.com/groups/techstuff" title="ActiveRain Real Estate Technology Group" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/1/2/ar131560156221423.jpg" height="370" alt="" width="650" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://activerain.com/groups/techstuff" title="RE Tech Group on ActiveRain" target="_blank"><strong>The Real Estate Technology Group</strong></a> is now one of the Top 100 Groups on ActiveRain out of the 7200 plus that are currently available. (<a href="http://activerain.com/groups/list?blogger_group_catagory_id=&hide_private_groups=true&order_by=subscribers_desc&page=2" target="_blank"><em>#42 for Most Subscribed</em></a>) If you're looking for information and content specifically related to Real estate and technology, this may be a great group of folks for you to visit and join.</p>
<p><a href="http://activerain.com/action/channels/technology_and_tools" title="Click Here to visit "Technology and Tools" Channel" target="_blank"><strong>Technology and Tools</strong></a> - is also another great resource here on ActiveRain and comes highly suggested.</p>
<p><strong>We look forward to your participation and contributions</strong>, even if that means just stopping by from time to time to see what NEW and EXCITING technology(s) are available that you may just want to know more about for your real estate business.</p>
<p><strong>Here's an additional great benefit for members of the group:</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/1/2/0/ar131560174002157.jpg" height="88" alt="" width="651" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>You Can Join Us Anytime here - </strong><a href="http://activerain.com/groups/techstuff" title="Real Estate Tech Group - Join Here" target="_blank"><strong>http://activerain.com/groups/techstuff</strong></a></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3px; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://bradsdomain.com" target="_blank">Tutorials</a> | <a title="Zillow Academy" href="http://zillowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Training</a> |</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Mobile Solutions" href="http://zillow.com/mobile" target="_blank">Mobile</a> |</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a title="Zillow Widgets" href="http://zillow.com/webtools/widgets" target="_blank">Widgets</a><em> </em></span><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><br /></a><a title="If I'm not here on AR, You'll find me over here." href="http://zillow.com/profile/bradandersohn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/5/5/9/ar128837054595542.jpg" alt="" width="80" height="24" /></a></p>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></p></div> Using Groupon Power to Purchase Real Estatehttp://activerain.com/blogsview/2497733/using-groupon-power-to-purchase-real-estate2011-09-08T18:12:17ZBrad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager)
<p><strong>Recently I was invited to join this investing opportunity using "Groupon"</strong> buying power to purchase Real Estate. Is this a fad, a trend, or will it become a standard in the home purchase and selling process? I've used Groupon to make "deal" purchases for smaller material items in the past but never considered investing in purchasing real property in this manner? </p>
<p><strong>I remember hearing that someone put their home on eBay and sold it.</strong> I was told another homeowner put an ad on Amazon, and I've seen hundreds of homes on Craigslist and other classified sites but <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Groupon power</span></strong>? I'm curious how many others have this happening in their areas and if so, what are your thoughts? is this something you would participate in? </p>
<p><strong>Can they really do this?</strong> <em>Dumb question: Looks like they already are...</em></p>
<p><strong>Would your potential clients or past clients go for an opportunity like this? Would you?<br /></strong></p>
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/3/8/8/ar13155173188333.png" height="343" alt="" width="550" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<h2 style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Lucida Grande',Helvetica; font-size: 20px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin: 0pt; padding: 10px 0pt 0pt 60px;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Join us for a group buying discount & group leverage Meeting</span></strong></em></h2>
<p style="padding-left: 60px;"><em>"We have negotiated with the builder a discounted price on duplexes near Round-Rock (Austin). We are combing the group buying power to get better prices and create a rent protection concept. The duplexes' (2 units each) price is based on a group purchase."</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://simplydoit.net/events/" target="_blank"><strong>NEW Concept: “Groupon” Purchase of Duplexes</strong><br />Tue. 9/13/11 7PM - In the room & via web<em><strong> <br />RSVP for details</strong></em></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Investment Highlights</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Regular price: $260,000 – $270,000 per duplex ($130,000-$135,000 per door)<br /> “Groupon” price: $249,900 – $259,000 based on a minimum purchase of ten duplexes (20 doors)</p>
<p><strong>Myself and others could sure use your help, advice, and feedback here.<br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>This is happening right here in the Bay Area, just about an hour away</strong> and I'm curious what my ActiveRain friends would advise or do themselves? No need to pull punches here, give me your honest thoughts and opinions. Usually, I'm the one trying to give information and advice but this time I need yours? Thanks.<em><br /></em></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p>
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