Real Estate Blog - Widgets: How to Add Them to Your Blog

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Widgets: How to Add Them to Your Blog

How do you add "Widgets" to your Active Rain Blog? You can only add them to either your profile page, your posts, or in the right side column on your main Blog page. These instructions are to add a Widget to your Blog under your photo, the same as you see on mine.

The first step is to select a "Widget" that you'd like to add to your blog. All Widgets will require you to use the HTML code provided by that Widget, and then paste it into Active Rain. If you would like to see some samples of the Widgets I have previously used, you can click here . All these Widgets are FREE. You just need to register with them to get the HTML codes.

***WARNING: Be careful using too many Widgets, they can cause your Blog to load slower on older computers "Blogging them down", therefore, causing readers and members to not come back and view your posts. Too many Widgets can do more harm than good. See: "Widgets can be hazardous to YOU and your readers!" DETAILS>>>

To add a Widget, I am going to use the TopBlogArea widget as a sample: It looks like: This is a just a little Widget that is used to track your Blog, and see what position you are in on the web. It's also known as a chicklet.

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STEP 1: INSTRUCTIONS FOR WIDGET REGISTRATION

Go to the Widget Website TopBlogArea to sign up, register, and get the HTML code:
(open the link in a new window so you can still read these steps)

a. Click on "Register an Account"

b.Add your information about you and your Blog

c.Complete other information IE: Blog Category, Blog Name, Blog URL, Blog Description etc.

*NOTE:(Your URL is http://activerain.com/blogs/YourUserNameHere ) Your RSS Feed will be the same.

d. Click on "Get HTML Code" It will look something like below:

<a href="http://www.topblogarea.com/real_estate/" title="Real Estate blogs"><img border="0" src="http://www.topblogarea.com/tracker.php?do=in&id=8242" alt="Top Real Estate blogs"></a>

e. Highlight and select ALL the HTML code with your mouse, and then press CTRL + C to copy.

Now you're ready to paste into your Active Rain Blog!

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STEP 2: INSTRUCTIONS TO ADD YOUR WIDGET IN ACTIVE RAIN

Now that you have copied the HTML code, you need to paste it into the proper place on Active Rain.

a. Click on "My Profile" in Active Rain (that means your profile, not mine) LOL!

b. Next, Click on "My Settings"

c. Now paste the HTML code by using the CTRL + V on your keyboard in the "Blog Description" box just below the
Blog Title box as shown below:

d. Now click on "My Blog" to review your Widget. It should be on the right hand column, just under your photo.

For Hundreds of Widgets, GO TO WidgetWorld or WidgetBox. See Missy Caulk's post: "Why I Love These Little Guys"

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*TIP: You can adjust the sizes of your Widgets and graphics in the HTML code. Height="350" and Width="500" can always be changed to any size you like. Just change the number between the quotations " ". Be careful of the LARGE Widgets, they'll run your photo and Blog right off the screen. I use around "150" max width to be safe.

*TIP II: If you want your Widgets to be centered, you'll need to use an HTML code <center> at the beginning and </center> at the end of your HTML code. This will center ONLY the widget, and NOT everything else, like your links, your tags, or anything else above or below your widget.

See the sample HTML below...
<center><a href="http://www.topblogarea.com/real_estate/" title="Real Estate blogs"><img border="0" src="http://www.topblogarea.com/tracker.php?do=in&id=8242" alt="Top Real Estate blogs"></a></center>

You can also use Widgets on your profile page. If you do use Widgets, be selective. They can be fun, cute and even entertaining, but they can also be distracting, annoying and irritating. Always use moderation and good judgement. Change them around and update them often. There are some great Widgets out there and I am sure that with Apple leading the Widget and Gizmo way, there will soon be many more to choose from. Good luck, and good Widgets!

This post is for Seth Callen, a new member on Active Rain who specifically requested this.
Paying it forward, "Active Rain Style!"

"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount

Posted by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager on 08/12/2007 07:18 PM

Comments (223)

Widgets in the ActiveRain Channel

activerain community support, widgets, gadgets, gizmos, help, faq

Originally posted at: The Official ActiveRain Guide: Widgets: How to Add Them to Your Blog

Post is included in group: Real Estate Technology
Post is included in group: HELP/FAQ (Read 'Purpose Statement' Carefully!)
Post is included in group: Gadgets, Tools, & Extras
Post is included in group: Blogging & SEO
Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies

223 Comments on Widgets: How to Add Them to Your Blog

AUG

2007

Wow! Thank you. We were on the save wave length. I was just wondering how to do some of these things.

Brad,

Nice to see this post right after your post of removing them :) so, that is why you said not to put too many as they can slow down your blog. Thanks for the "How to" on this. does it also work with putting this on your website?

Michael - glad you found this then. I have had numerous people ask about this, supply and demand right?
Glad we're on the same wave length! :-)

Brad, I rated this a 5 it is a excellent tutorial for new members and old members. I posted on widgets last week but didn't go into that much detail, just where to find a few. This is fabulous to put them into this framework so the community can follow and add them. I like your word of caution about using too many.

Great job !!

This a great post. I wondered about those widgets but never really spent much time looking into them...now I have a great resource to help me add them to my blog. Thanks

Brad - Thank you! I have kept fooling around with these darned things and so far have gotten none of them in the right spot! Your instructions are clear, concise and well done. Thanks again!

great information and well written too. Thanks for the great ideas.

Brad - any chance you'd post this in the Blogging & SEO group? Come on, it'll be fun - I'm seeing stars in your future. ;)

Brad.... you spend way too much time on here and the computer. I am still having problem with my bloglog on the side of my profile. In any case, thanks for sharing all of the types of widgets.

jeff belonger

Kathy - I actually put so many widgets on my blog, it locked up and crashed. Other members let me know they couldn't even open my posts. Now that's a community that's got your back! Now my Blog works fine. You can add widgets to any website as well, in fact it's so much easier to use HTML on a website. Thewhole thing is already HTML. One of the links above for samples, show them on a website page. Now you just have to decide what widget you want on there and why? :-)

Love all these how to blogs... its people like you that make it so much easier for people like me... and spare me alot of frustration and cursing at my computer... thanks

Missy - thanks for the high 5! :-) I saw your post, and have added a link to it on mine. I'm sure we will see more and more on widgets in the future too! :-)

Jon - I think some of the gadgets you'll discover can actually help your Blog and contribute to the success of returned visitors, which can mean business growth. Enjoy!

Carol - thank you. We'll be checkin out your Blog to see what one's you select. If you need any additional help with that, you're definitely in the right place!

Joe - thanks for recognizing what it takes to get a "Final" edited edition of a post, which in my opinion takes way too long to create.. LOL!!! Ahhh, the things we'll do for another member! :-)

Maureen - I took care of that, thanks!! :-) I miss the early days when we could post to unlimited groups. There are so many now, maybe the 5 allowed, should be increased to 10 based on how many we have on AR. Hmmm... :-)

Jeff - you might want to move your bloglog from your profile page, to your blog home page. That's what this post is all about. As far as my time goes, if friends like you didn't need help all the time, I could be doing my needle knit or crochet! (hahaha) Shoot, I may even join the Bingo Club at the Elks Lodge!! LOL!

It's nice to know there are those out there who really do appreciate our time and efforts, and are able to express it by the exchange of business and referrals. I'm certain that's why we all do what we do. :-)

Desiree - If I can help just "ONE" member from frustration and Cursing at the computer, then I have accomplished great things planet earth! LOL! You're probably cursing right now at all the widgets that are calling out to you....Try me.. Try Me...!! Thanks for the sweet comment. :-)

Brad - another valuable post - well done I know many will benefit from this! Well done.

This is excellent, Brad. You are SO good at this stuff. Gread reading, and bookmarked for the future.

Jeff

Good stuff, Brad, I really appreciate you taking the time to share tips with the newbies!

I love these but they drive me crazy at the same time... I notice that when I make a comment on a post with one of these I start typing then the page finishes loading and I have to type my comment again.

Brad - Your post has been featured in the Blogging & SEO group.

It is true there is some overlap. I try to go with the groups that have the most members. And ones where they changed the featured blogs often.

Thanks again Brad...I bet your kids never have a problem finding you something on Fathers Day....gadgets, gadgets!

This is really great information. I am also bookmarking it. I just figured out how to make a cartoon person and put it in the sidebar - but that was as far as I got. This is a fantastic resource!

Widgets Rock!

Hi Brad - oh I'd say you've likely helped far more than just ONE person here on AR with this post!! If I EVER get around to checking out all the widgets you mentioned, I'm sure your instructions will be of great help to me.

Many thanks for taking the time to write this out like you did - very helpful!
Ann

As usual, you are willing to share your knowledge with the AR community. This is easy to understand and I appreciate your taking the time to share this information.

Brad- Thanks for the tips on adding widgets to my blog. Now I just need to add them.

Looks like a pretty cool widget. But do note. Every time I go to your blog, it locks my browser up for about 60 seconds. Apperently there is a bug with Firefox and Vista. I have noticed this with other bloggers on AR that have widget heavy side bars. But I guess there are not too many others running Vista and Firefox.

Brad

Brad, you 'da man! I'm going to try that slide show for my profile. Try and soften that puppy up! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the info! I will definitely put it to use. I just think the name "widgets" is hilarious, dont know why!

Thanks for you assistance on this. My time is torn between selling homes and working on the computer. You just made me more productive. Excellent!

Brad, I did it!! I almost had a brain freeze trying to figure out how to work these widgets and here comes your post- and it's all done. I still have to decide why I need this particular widget, but I was not going to make it any harder on myself - I just followed your steps. The widget now as promised appears under my name. Now the description of my blog is gone. How do I get it back ? Thanks from the former widget-challenged.

Brad, VERY detailed, informative post for those needing help with this. Way to be a source of support here in the Rain!

Thank you I have tried a few times this week and kept doing it as a link. Thank You

Very good post! I have wanted to add widgets but have not because of the time in figuring out who to do it. I have bookmarked for that time whan I have time.

Thanks for that...I was trying to figure that out the other day...great way to show off listings to people reading your blog.

Thanks for the variety of widgets, Brad, and also for the warning about using too many. Nice step-by-step that I'm sure will be helpful to many Rainers.

Cyndee - your comments make doing these posts very much worth it!! The greatest reward for a post like this, is a comment like yours and all the others here. Thank You! :-)

Jeff - I know many like yourself already know how to do this. I hope this will help some of the newer members to feel confident knowing there are members on AR that are here to help. Thanks for the kind words and comment! PS. Love your new photo, I think I told you that in a previous post, but if not...well...there you have it!! B-)

Rachel - Thanks! It's a great feeling to be appreciated!! It's even a greater feeling to be featured with a "how to" post!

Brad, what a great post. A wealth of information and very concise. I am going to bookmark this one and

see where else I can put some of those widgets!

Brad,

An awesome post---now all I have to do is put your tips into motion. Thanks!!

Thesa - try waiting until the writers page loads completely before starting your comment. I have had the same thing happen to me, sometimes it even happens on my own posts! Not very funny, but LOL anyway!

Maureen - thank you for the great tip and advice. Also, thanks for featuring me in the SEO group. Looks like someone else decided to "Feature" this post. Sure would love to know which moderator made the feature only so they could be thanked. Guess that might take all the wonder out of it, and it could probably create more challenges than gratitude! Thanks again Maureen, you are the BEST!!

Joan - my kids are my gadgets! Sean is my Widget, Dustin is my Gizmo, and Brandon is my what-cha-ma-callit! LOL! Thanks Joan, love and appreciate your comments always!!

Erica - I will have to come check out your cartoon person. I think you may be referring to meez avatars, but either way, glad it worked out for you, I"m heading to your Blog now to see what ya got cookin! Thanks!!

Thanks Brad, I knew I had a reason to come back and read your informative blogs.

Yvette - ok...here you go!

My Name is "Widget"

Ann - sometimes just helping the needs of the few or the one, really helps the needs of many. Glad this post fell into the latter category. Always nice to see your comments, thank you. These are just a few of the widgets I have seen during my adventures and travels in the rain.

Joan - it's fun to post a "how to" that actually works and helps other members. All these comments, but nothing yet from Seth, who I was hoping would be one of the first few to comment. Where are you SETH? Oh well, the time it took to create this post was worth it when getting comments like yours, thanks Joan! :-)

Robert - like my post says, be selective and use moderation. It's easy to get excited and start overloading your Blog with widgets and gizmos. Just use caution and maintain integrity. Thanks for your comment!

Brad - Great tutorial and an excellent way to "pay it forward"!

Brad Carroll - that widget was just a sample to show how the HTML code works in AR. You'll find that some pages take longer to load actually due to the content in the posts. Remember, there are 8-10 posts that load when you click on a members blog. Depending on what graphics, videos, animated gifs etc that writer has used, it too will have an impact on the loading time. My widgets are few compared to some, and are small in loading time. It could be my graphic and video rich posts that are slowing the process. Not sure it is a Vista or Firefox issue, just wanted to share that with you, but I am sure you knew or considered that already!! You are the Man when it comes to web stuff, thanks for all your efforts and contributions out here on the rain. :-)

How ironic is this security word: LOL!

Notify me of new comments:

What does the graphic say?

Tracy - I hope the slide show works for you, it's great! Let me know if you need any help softening that puppy up! LOL!

Carolyn - You reminded me of the first time I heard the term widgets and how hard I laughed. I don't know why either. It's just a whacky word for some reason. Soon, these widgets will be more than just a gadget on our blogs and websites, they will be like RSS feeds are to the blogging industry. There are hundreds of widgets and thousands more to come. I am working on one now that will pay your bills and do your dishes!! ROFL!! :-)

Drew and Christine - don't be torn between your time, just figure a way to manage it!! It's like a car. You can't drive if you don't have gas, and you need to make money to buy the gas. Should you drive or work? I say both, just have to manage it. Do a search on AR for Time Management and Blogging and see what you come up with? If there isn't anything, well, there you have your next post...and add a widget while you're at it! :-)

Faina - I went and checked out your blog to see if I could help. I don't see a widget under your photo, so I assume once you tried it, you saw it worked, and thn changed it back until you decide what you really want on your blog. If you need help, just let me know, I'd be glad to help you with that! Your description box can contain HTML and regular text, but I think you are limited to 100 words (regular text) or something like that. HTML does not count towards those 100 words, so you are unlimited on what you can put there. Thanks!

Brad, this is fabulous!!! I have bookmarked this post. Even though I added a widget or two to my blog, I always forget. Love the step by step. THANK YOU!!!

Brad~ You are so good at this stuff, I love it! You and me have something in common...we are widget crazy! Thanks for sharing;)

Good post, Brad. I'm not sold on massive amounts of widgets unless they have a payoff for me of some sort - not interested in overly personal demonstrations, etc. I really like Mybloglog and widgetbox.

AUG

2007

Brad, I did it! Thank you, this post was sorely needed. I did a search on widgets three times and couldn't figure out how to install them on AR. I had no problem on my personal blog, but I was stumped with Active Rain.

I love the vFlyer widget and it was free! Great way to showcase my listings on both AR and my personal blog.

This is a great show and tell. Thanks for taking the time to post this information.

Thanks Brad, I was wondering how to do this. Now I have to step up to the plate and try.

Brad, sorry but the image of you sitting around the fireplace and blogging is more than I can handle at this hour...

As far as your widgets, do you find that they slow down your site at all. That is my concern -especially if I want to do one where I can showcase my listings.

Thanks,

Now Have a Blessed Day,

by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®
Mission Grove Realty
Preforeclosure Specialist

Oh, is that my 25 points I see... let me pick those right up

Ryan - thanks, I appreciate your comment!

Rebecca - links work too, but sometimes the widgets add a bit more to the everyday links we all see and use. Let me know if you need any help. :-)

Marchel - hopefully this post and some of the others will save you some of that precious time.

Jeffery - that is one of the better widgets out there. It's a great idea to be exposing your listings anytime and any way that you can. Hope your widget sells some homes for you!!

John - thanks. There are quite a few widgets available on the web for your blog. Just in case you want more, just google "widgets" and watch what happens. Do it again one week later and you'll be blown away all the new ones that become available.

Finding post like yours is one reason I never want to leave this place. I know you are right in the neighborhood. Please let me know. When you or someone locally is hosting a class that would beneficial to the AR experience. Thank you so much for sharing your skills and knowledge.

Pam - I'm glad you found this post to be useful. This will work on any blog or website. Have fun and enjoy!

Diane - put them into motion, just be careful to not over-do-it! Too many widgets may be harmful to your blogging health!! LOL!

Diane - glad you come back to read my posts, I hope you'll subscribe to my blog and come back often. I'll try to make it over to your blog as much as I can too! Thanks for the great comment!

Paula - paying it forward is really what AR is all about. The best "pay it forward" is the referral of a buyer, seller or client that needs great service. Our AR members are 1st class!! Thanks!

Irina - now you don't have to worry about forgetting how to do this. Since you bookmarked me, feel free to come back and visit anytime. My door....I mean Blog is always open to you!! :-)

Laura - You and I do have something in common, but it's not so much the widget part as it is the CRAZY part!! LOL! Thanks for your comment.

Jeff - I don't believe in massive amounts of widgets either. The two you mention are great! Just don't forget that it's ok to add some WOW factor to your blog once in a while. People like to see change when they come back to your blog, especially google. Widgets or no widgets, just keep making changes every so often to maximize your exposure and stickiness to readers and future clients!

Gail - vFlyer is great! Hope you are posting them in the Active Rain MLS Online group. Great place to feature your vFlyer listing!!

Bob and Carolin - thanks for taking the time to read it and comment. That's thanks enough for me unless we can do some business together in the future... :-) Appreciate your comment, thanks!

Suzanne - it's not too hard. Give it a try with whatever widget you like, then let me know it worked ok for you. Thanks for your comment too! B-)

John - it's not really me...IT's A WIDGET!! LOL!! Seriously though, if you just showcase your listings and have maybe 1 - 3 widgets, it shouldn't slow you down or your readers and subscribers. I have actually crashed on AR due to an overdose of widgets. I would not want that to happen to you, not sure what I'd do if you weren't around to keep snaggin your 25 points off my blog! ROFL!
Ok...enough is enough! Truce already!! :-) Pass me up, be #1 for all I care, just don't let those points turn you into an obsessed compulsive gambler or drinker!! I love your competitive spirit, now go after Jeff Turner, he's the one you need to focus on for the long haul! (no offense Jeff Turner :-) )

Thanks Dionne, I am doing a round table Focus group on Blogging for the CRB next month in Concord at the Holiday Inn, and then again for the WCR in November at the Benicia Yacht Club in Benicia. Let me know if you'd be interested, or if you'd like me to put on a custom training for you and your office in town. All my contact info is on my profile page, I know that you know how to reach me. Thanks!!

Brad- yes I tried the widget and it worked, and yes my profile is still work in progress. Thanks for the offer of help . I am taking you up on it right away. I was wondering if and how I can put a widget not under my name but somewhere lower on the page. Any other advice: my profile, post or anything else is also greatly appreciated. I am just feeling my way through the AR, so if I am asking to much, let me know.

Great Info. Thanks for posting this!!!

Hey, Brad, now that I've bookmarked great pages like this, how do I get back to my bookmark list?

Brad, thank you much. That was eactly the info I needed.

Faina - where ever you place the HTML code for that widget, that's where it will go. That applies to any page in or outside Active Rain. If yo want blank space and need to move it down the page, use the HTML code or . That will create the same affect as pressing enter. If you need to move your widget down 4 spaces, just put . I hope this helps, if that is not what you're asking, just let me know.

Richard - glad to do it! I am assuming this was something you were trying to do. :-)

Tracy - to view the bookmarked posts that you've tagged, go to your "My Home" page, then scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page, it will be over on the left hand side toward the bottom and look like this:

Seth - YEAH!!!! You found it!!! My work here is done!! LOL! Glad you were able to get this. As you can see, your email request came at a perfect time. There are many who benefited from your request. Thanks for being so patient to get this, the only thing I ask in return is that you "Pay It Forward" to another member some how or some way! That's what we do in the "Rain". Thanks Seth. B-) Have a great week...

Brad this one got a big 5 rating and has been bookmarked. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom!

Great post! Thanks for sharing! I think the widgets are fun!

Brad, Thanks for the follow up. I think it's just a glitch with Vista and Firefox. Your blog loads fine in IE7 and Vista. On firefox, it loads everything but the sidebar and then waits for a while before it unfreezes. I did some Google searching and found other people also referencing the Vista/Firefox issue.

This is great! Thank you so much. Bookmarked.

Hi Brad,

Wish I had this back when I was trying to figure it out. Here's a question: How do we set the columns across? Never could figure that out. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, Brad. I know who da man is to ask!

Brad-thanks for the tips. I am working on an outside blog and am slowly learning about the wonderful world of widgets. Great post.....

Marlene - you're the best! Thanks for the 5 and for your wonderful comment! :-)

Candy - widgets are fun, but getting more clients is always funner! Hope this post helps you to do that one way or another! :-)

Brad Carroll - thanks for researching that. Glad you found the info you did, I would hate to think it was my blog blogging people down! LOL!

Rosemary - you are very welcome, you know that!! :-)

Lisa and Robert - with widgets, it's height and width. Just adjust it in the HTML code as outlined in this post. When you say columns, not quite sure what you mean. If this is NOT what you are referring to, please let me know in a little more detail, and I'll help you out. Thanks!

Tracy - thanks! I am assuming that was what you were looking for and found it! :-)

Midori - I look forward to seeing your outside blog. I'm sure it is awesome, just don't use too mant widgets, they can consume your blog!! :-) Good luck with your blog, though I don't think you'll need any of that!

Hey Brad, thanks for the great tutorial on posting widgets. We actually just developed a widget ourselves here at HouseFront as a tool for people. So if anyone’s looking for a cool widget on their blog or web page you can find ours here, and we’d love to hear back from people to let us know how it's working.

Brad, way cool!!! As a newbie at AR, I'm thrilled to be able to read your posts and actually understand some of this stuff! Can't wait to try it! Thanks for the instructions and the red flags on roadside hazards to watch out for!

Thank for the info. I am gonna bookmark it.

We have seen many cool widgets on blogs but never new where to get them or how to do it. This step by step is perfect. We have bookmarked it for future references. Once again....thanks for your help!

Way to go Brad. It's bookmarked. Have got a to-do list of widgets alone. Hope to get to it next weekend.

This is very helpful... and AR spirited to the max.

Whoa!! This is great. I was trying to figure it out myself and could not do it. Thanks for the know how.

Thank you Brad. It is great to know. Thanks for paying it forward.

Brad, AR should include this information in their FAQ's. This is a classic. Thank you.

AUG

2007

Thanks for sharing about the Widgets to use in AR!

Gurjit - Cool, thanks!!

House Front - thanks for the comment, I'll go check out your widget now. I may add it to this post if you don't mind. I am always looking for great technology to share with other members and especially my clients. Thanks for sharing that!!

Stephen - (house front) - I put your widget on my blog, check it out. I do have a couple suggestions, left you a message on your VM. I think it's great! I'll let you know more when we can discuss it in detail. Give me a call when you get a chance. Thanks for the widget and the comment.

Sarah - let me know how it works out for you. If you need any help with these, just let me know, we'll help you out. Thanks for your comment!

Malika - thanks for the bookmark, come back and visit my blog anytime. I hope you'll subscribe too! :-)

Rick and Lynn - glad this post will help you guys out. Enjoy your widgets and feel free to ask any questions if you need to. You might want to look at some of the widgets that are coming soon, they will affect your RE business dramatically! Thanks.

Brad- Awesome post, I have been wondering how to do this! Thanks so much- you get a 5!!

AUG

2007

Gary - don't get so caught up with the widgets that you miss out on that beautiful Tahoe weather!! LOL!
Wish I was there! Thanks for your compliment and comment. I appreciate that.

Chuck - now that you know how, be sure to pay it forward in another way to someone else. Give and Take is the beauty of Active Rain! Glad you commented, and stopped by my blog.

Randy - no problem, just do the same for someone else, paying it forward that is. :-)

Gail - if they read your comment, AR just might do that. Thanks for your comment and your kind thought, that was a very nice thing to say. I really do sincerely appreciate that very much! Thanks!! :-)))

James - you're welcome, glad you found this information to be useful!

Melissa - thanks for the comment, the 5, and especially the smiley face. I love it, Thanks!!

Awesome! I love that Gizmo on your widget page! The answering machine is hilarious! Great post.

I see by all the comments that this has been a very successful post. I always appreciate detailed instructions. Thanks for the info!

AUG

2007

Ray - I know, that talking head cracks me up! I picked that one up from Jeff Turner, he's the "Real Deal" when it comes to technology and gadgets. He's also a really cool guy. Check out his blog if you haven't already. Thanks for your comment and checking out my blog. :-)

Deb -thank you. I think the success of a post is often measured by the amount of comments, but in my opinion, it's really measured by the "value" it brings to the readers. It is perceived successful only because you appreciated the detailed instructions on how to add widgets. The other success is measured by SEO and where this post will show up on google. The fact is, it won't. Members only posts don't make it out to google from my understanding. *Just another little tip for the day in trying to bring "value" to this blog. :-)

AUG

2007

Brad, Thanks. This kind of help is very useful to a technophobe like me.

Bill Roberts

AUG

2007

I love widgets.

I get a lot of hits on my chat applet

Bill - I never have referred to you as a technophobe, but if the shoe fits, wear it! LOL! I too am one of those techy things you mention! hahaha

Tom - are you referring to the jaxtr widget? I have seen so many widgets in the past few months, it's almost overwhelming. Problem is, I love em all! Thanks, great to hear from you again. Hope all is well!

AUG

2007

This is HUGE, thanks for the post and for looking out for the rest of us, keep them coming!

AUG

2007

Chris and Maria - I do, and will continue to do my best, or better!! (BIG SMILE) Thanks! :-)

AUG

2007

Brad, Thanks for the information. There are so many choices that it is tough to pick which ones to use.

David and Kristin - choices choices choices!! Decisions Decisions Decisions!! It's all good! Thanks!! :-)

Thank you very much for sharing, that is very good information.

AUG

2007

Shane - you're welcome! It's only very good information if you use it and then share something else with others. I know you do that already, and therefore honor and support the "Paying It Forward" theory here on Active Rain! Thanks again Shane!

I always wondered where these little people came from. They're cute. Thanks for the info.

Tammy - only as cute as you make them!! LOL! Enjoy!

AUG

2007

Brad,

Thanks for the post. I missed this one, but glad I found it. Definitely bookmarked!

William - with 45,000 members, how could you miss my post!! LOL!

Glad you found it, hope it becomes useful to you each time you comeback to view it. I will be updating the webpage link in the post with new widgets every week. Check back regularly, I have already added 4 new widgets in the past 2 days. Enjoy!!

Brad

Brad, just as I was about to go into meltdown trying to figure out how to get a Stage It Forward Widget on my blog, I had a brainstorm and ran a search....your post was *just* what I needed. I rated it a 5 as I'm no technogeek (actually quite the opposite) and the clarity of your directions made it even fool-proof for me. Thanks!

Jackie

AUG

2007

Jackie - that is awesome. So glad you found this post. Let me know if you need any help at all! Thanks!

AUG

2007

Hi Brad, thank you so much, I had spent awhile this afternoon trying to figure this out before I did a search on this topic here at AR, and found your post. From now on, I will search first!

Thanks for the info, Brad. I just added a Blidget to my blog. I'm totally excited!

AUG

2007

LaShon - I'll have to come check it out!!! Way Cool!! :-)

Allison - you have discovered the secret weapon and most under utilized, least discussed tool on all of Activerain. You have found it!

The "search" feature on AR, is as good as the "google" feature on the web. You can find anything and everything right here on Activerain! Great Job, you're well on your way. Congrats!

SEP

2007

Brad, I am so glad Colleen included this on her list. I am definitley widget-challenged. I just haven't quite grasped the bigger picture of how to use them and why. I will read all of your links and ideas. Thanks!

Brad, I am so glad Colleen included this on her list. I am definitely widget-challenged. I just haven't quite grasped the bigger picture of how to use them and why. I will read all of your links and ideas. Thanks!

Nice post. This one would go well with Jeff Turner's post regarding how to create a widget. I wish I had this when I started posting widgets.

Brad - Such a helpful post. Sometimes I just scratch my head trying to figure out how to do something on ARand you've just solved a few of those mysteries. Thanks!

What is the link to Jeff's post? It does sound like a nice companion post.

Diane - I'm glad too! Hope you enjoy the reading! Thanks! :-)

Tracy - Thanks! Glad you found this post too! Jeff has some great ones as well. My fav is his RE Shows!!

Tom - Great, but you're still alowed to scratch your head if need be! LoL! :-)

Tracy - if you use the AR "Search" feature, you can find anything. Just type in "Create a widget" and you'll come up with everything that covers widgets. It's like an internal google search right here on Activerain.

SEP

2007

This blog is much easier to do than trying to figure out the widget page thanks for the help.

Thanks to Susan I had to view your Blog on widgets. I had no idea what a widget was, and am not sure I have a full understanding what they can do for me, however I will experiment and see where it goes. Thanks for the post.

Susan - I am truly glad and grateful that this post worked well for you. That is great news and very rewarding.

Roy - Susan did a good deed sending you to understand widgets. To a Mac user, widgets are the norm, but to a PC user who is not familiar, I can understand some of your frustration. All the things you see under my photo on the right are referred to as widgets. They can serve many purposes depending on what part of the Industryyou are in or that you service. You can also click on the "LINK" in the post that will take you to my Widget Showcase webpage. Let me know if you need any additional support or help. Thanks Roy! B-)

OCT

2007

Please feel free to email this to other members who may be having difficulty adding widgets to their blogs. I have received 4 emails in the past two days of AR members wanting to know how to do this. I have also created a web page with tons of Real Estate widgets for you all to choose from. Go to Brad's Real Estate Widgets to choose the one's that best work for you, your business, and your blog! Happy Blogging to all!! :-)

OCT

2007

This is great information. Thankyou

Donald - glad you found this information to be useful to you, you're welcome. It helps to have posts like this out there for those who need a little help from their friends here. :-)

OCT

2007

Perfect post for a AR Newbie. I really appreciate it.

OCT

2007

Perfect comment to give an Oldbie! LOL! Thanks Kristen, I appreciate it back!

OCT

2007

Brad: I'm new to this board today and want to introduce myself. I'm Jan Wood and I have enjoyed reading all the posts.

You are great! I have been trying to find this information for most of the afternoon, I even e-mailed a tech friend to figure this out. Eureka!! I found the information and I did it! Thanks ever so!!

OCT

2007

Jan - that's great, I'll have to come check out your Blog. I have about 38 more comments to go then I'll be by. Thanks for your kind comment here! :-)

Brad: You are a busy man! Thanks for your comment and I am trying to get going here. Well, I got the widget on my site; now, I have two other questions. I am alot of trouble, I'm afraid. 1) how do you add another widget; 2) how do you embed... Trouble in Tennessee ! but I'm trying! Jan

Jan - you are well on your way, and you're no trouble at all.

1.) You can add as many widgets the same way you added the one you have. Just keep adding the HTML codes in the "blog description" box using the "My Settings" link. Be careful to not add too many, it will slow down the load time of your blog which can chase readers away, especially if they have older and slower computer systems. I had to learn the hard way. I like to rotate my widgets, and keep the ones that are the most valuable up and running.

TLW and Broker Bryant hardly come see me any more because I was locking up their computers and browsers. I've since removed most of them, but for some readers and subscribers, I guess the damage was already done.

2.) To embed text into your sidebar, just type <center>Trouble In Tennessee</center> This will appear like this on your sidebar Trouble In Tennessee. <center> centers your text and makes your text bold. Not sure if that's what you mean by embedding the term, let me know if that answers your questions. B-)

OCT

2007

Brad: Yes, this is exactly what I needed. Thanks for everything! Sorry it took me so long to respond... but I am grateful.

Jan - no worries. Glad this is what you were looking for. The Widget World is my latest project and seems to be really taking off. I am getting a ton of calls and emails. It's just a wordpress blog but it looks like a website. If you go to http://WidgetWorld.WordPress.com, you'll see there are oodles and oodles of widgets and links to widgets for everyone! :-)

Love it !! Now if I can just resolve my Firefox issues with Virtual Tours I'll be set. I read your blog posts on Firefox and I.E. and posted an inquiry the other day with no comments so far. I have solved the problem by just going back and forth from FF to IE.

Jan - I have to use both as well. Sorry for the "No Comment" on the other post, I'm still going through 16 pages of comments and replies from my last too posts...poor me! :-( LOL! I could think of worse problems to have right now! I'll get to the other...I Promise, just give me a chance to get there. I really am sorry for the delay!

Jan - I checked my post about FF and IE Explorer and there is no comment from you. Are you sure you hit the submit button? Check for yourself, I swear I looked! :-) The Firefox vs Explorer Post

OCT

2007

Brad... I had been trying to figure out how to do that.. then I stumbled across your post... THANKS. I was about to think AR was going to get the best of me. :)

Jesse and Kathy - stumbling across my post, when there must be 1,000,000 of them our here, is sheer luck! LOL! Glad you found it, and that you figured out how to do the widget thingy!! If you want to see more widgets that you can add, go to Widget World, it's packed with links to RE Widgets and Gadgets.

DEC

2007

Your are definitely the best! This was so easy to do, I can't believe it. Thank you very much, I am so happy right now, you have made my day!

Merry Christmas and have a wonderful New Year!

Lorinda - your comment has made my day! Thank you so much, your sincerity came through loud and clear! I hope this is the best Holiday for you ever. To really get you in the spirit, I hope you'll check out the "12 Days of Christmas" I did for all AR members. (if you haven't already!) Happy Holidays to you and your family Lorinda! :-)

Wow, thanks for this great information Brad! You are a computer wizard! Happy Holidays!

Hey "Lucky", not a computer wizard, just enjoy helping others and paying it forward! Thanks for the compliment. Happy Holidays to you and yours. I hope the Holiday Season is good to you this year! :-)

JAN

2008

Thanks so much for the great information! I've already put it to use and I'm sure will be using it in the future as well!

Knikkolette - you're very welcome. Glad to see you made it by, Welcome again to Active Rain, I think you're gonna love this place. You will also find many useful posts at the bottom of my profile page. I know I sent you some links on your post yesterday as a welcome, but there is so much more you can learn here on AR. Not just about Blogging and tips, RE in general. Enjoy, my door is always open to you. :-)

Very good points. Thanks for the info Brad.

Thanks for the very informative and detailed instructions, I shall give it a try Dottie .

JAN

2008

Matthew - glad it was useful to you! Thanks!

Dottie - this concept works for any widget or gadget. Let me know how it works out for you... :-)

Brad thanks for the help.

Bronson - you don't have to mention it, but since you did, thanks back! :-)

Just 4 days into AR and I've learned the "go to guy"! thanks!

Leah - I'm just one of the TEAM here, there are so many go to guys and gals here, 4 days is just the beginning, just wait till your here 40 days, you'll be blown away! :-) Enjoy your time and successes here, but most of all, enjoy the relationships and business you'll do here! Active Rain really Rocks!! :-)

JAN

2008

Howdy Brad

How are things going for you and your family ?

You are a very good Active Rain community Team player Brad that is for sure. You are always finding ways to help us. Thank you for the help with Widgets.

Have a good one

Dale

Dale - you're a gentleman and a scholar, thank you. Things are good with the family, I really hope the same for you and yours. Thanks for stopping by, checking in, and for your kind compliment and comment. :-) Always here if you need anything, not just Title and Escrow, AR membership has it's privileges!!

FEB

2008

Sooooo helpful! Thank you!

Where do you find the time? But we are all grateful that you do....thanks again....Mike

FEB

2008

Dawna - you're sooooo welcome! :-)

Mike - time is always an issue when trying to balance the things you HAVE to do, and WANT to do. Balance is the "key" word, and having it is sometimes more challenging than we'd like.

MAR

2008

Thank you Brad - I very much appreciate the info!

Tiffany Cloud, Arizona

Tiffany - glad you found it, I hope it helps, let me know if you need any other assistance! Welcome to the Active Rain family. You can check out anytime you like, but you will never want to leave!! :-)

MAR

2008

Hi Brad.. I lovethis post and wantto kep it for future reference, but I can't fugure out how to bookmark it. Can you help?

Laura - at the bottom of every post on ActiveRain, you will find a graphic that looks like this:

Just click on it one time and it will turn red, now it will be in your AR bookmarks. To get to your bookmarks, click on the "My Home" link at the top of any page, then scroll down and it will be on the left hand side of your screen. Just click on "Blog Bookmarks" and you'll see all your saved posts. Let me know if you need help. :-)

MAR

2008

Got it, Thanks!

Laura - no problem, bring your questions, I'll try to find you answers! :-)

APR

2008

Brad, thanks for the tutorial.

John

Thanks for the tips Brad! This is awesome! Keep the info coming!

John - anytime!

Jeffrey - I'll do my best! Thanks! :-)

JUL

2008

Brad, looks like you are a widget machine. I've bookmarked your blog so I can go back and figure all this out when I have a minute. Where do you find the time to do all this? Great post.

JUL

2008

Ben - It's a full time job....literally! lol~

BTW - watch those widgets, too many can cause you a case of widgetgidgetphobia!

Brad, I love your Blogs they are always so informative..

Thomas - thanks, and I love comments like yours, they are encouraging. :-)