Hi! Welcome to the site. I recommend that you read, read, read and then comment, comment, comment. There are so many different blogs to read. There are tons of topics out there from real estate, marketing, technology, seo, staging, mortgage, etc. It goes on and on. Find topics you like (in the groups) follow those for a little while, start to find certain writers you like. Comment on their posts. You'll start to get to know people and before you know it... you'll have figured out the benefits of the site. Also reciprocate your comments. Consider posting blogs with content for consumers. Those are included on localism.com. So you could write about your area or about things you know in real estate or related etc. Also check out Resources for the Active Rain Newbie.

Good luck!