Blogging Monkeys

OK, I have to admit I joined Active Rain based on a recommendation, have been here for a couple of months and frankly I just keep wondering... "What is the point"? I HATE writing with an absolute passion so I haven't gotten into the whole blogging thing like everyone else and can't understand how anyone else can find it so enjoyable that they would become addicted to it.

 

I keep reading that blogging is the thing to do to increase rankings, get recognition, etc., but I still just don't get it. I don't understand what I need points for, or why someone I don't know or ever even talked to added me as an associate, and if this is beneficial to me in some way that I'm not aware of. So, even though I enjoy reading (most of) the blogs (some of you seriously just need to get a life and get out of here) and have learned a lot about SEO and Google rankings I've been wondering if I'm just wasting my time coming here on a daily basis just to read blogs. I mean, seriously... how is reading blogs going to help me grow my business? 

 

Then last Friday, I get an email from a businessman looking for bookkeeping services, in one of my emails to him I ask him how he managed to find me (he is in Kansas, I'm in Oklahoma). I was curious because I've only had my website up for about 2 months, and although I have managed to get on page one of Google in this short amount of time, that is only if you type in my actual company name, which obviously he wouldn't know. He told me he found me by typing in "quickbooks virtual assistant" on Google, so out of curiosity I went to Google and typed in these words, and you'll never guess what I found... my Active Rain profile (and only my active rain profile).

 

So, although I still don't really get it... THANK YOU to those of you who do, because it's working whether I get it or not.  I enjoy reading your blogs and have spent hours implementing the SEO tips from Brad Carroll (I'm glad your back) and Riel the Traffic in Traffic guy, which totally work by the way, and luckily while I'm in the process of using these tips to bring traffic to my site potential clients are still able to find me through my profile on Active Rain.

 

Sorry, for the babbling, but that's what happens when I try to blog.

 

 
Posted by R M on 10/10/2007 10:47 AM   Comments (41)   virtual business services blog  
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41 Comments on AR.. I still don't get it, but thanks anyway

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

DEC
28
2007
269,968 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Rebecka, Great post - very funny and entertaining. All good things will come to those who blog!
1:04am • #22
194,916 Points 2 Featured Posts

I think you are starting to get it. Not completely converted, certainly not addicted, but on the way.

You probably want to build your business. (A guess.) If consumers could find you on the internet, it might be a good thing, right? If you networked with people who either needed your services or new someone who did this might be good too, right?

I can't make you like writing, but I think you probably get most of the "why" of blogging.
1:08am • #23
Rebecka, you are better at this blogging thing than you think.  Keep it up
6:26am • #24
188,783 Points 44 Featured Posts
I agree with Peggy...keep it up!
7:59am • #25
549,274 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Amazing isn't it? Hopefully your next contact will be for your business! 
9:34am • #26
1 Featured Post

At the very least blogging gives me an excuse to do my homework.  Setting a goal a writing a blog a couples of times each week means I need to have something to say.  There are plenty of areas for me to learn and grow my business and expertise.  Putting pen to paper helps me to focus the thoughts and remember more.  While, I think blogging is part of the marketing plan, it is also a part of my education plan.

 

Good luck.
9:40am • #27
Thank you all for the support and the advice. Although I still hate writing I plan to make an effort to do some blogging in the new year.
2:29pm • #28
204,281 Points 2 Featured Posts

It's a great and wonderful world out there.  This lets us "talk" with others in the profession, share our knowledge and learn from others in addition to the increased web exposure.

It's a great thing.  Keep it up and congratulations on getting the customer.

Read some other blogs for ideas.  Don't forget to use "Localism".

http://localism.com/real-estate/KY

 AND break it down to your county and city!
10:58pm • #29
DEC
29
2007
136,706 Points
Rebecca, this is a very good post for someone who hates writing and blogging.(:-) I would also recommend Mike in Tucson's blog, He wrote a post about the many ways people here on AR can get points and place high in their area----not ALL were blogging...check it out - it might help your options.    Even if it doesn't, Mike is a good read.
8:05pm • #30
JAN
03
2008
Rebecka, You do very well for someone who doesn't like writing. I love to write but think I have too much to say sometimes. Keep up the good work and it will pay off for you.
6:41pm • #31
JAN
09
2008
304,064 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Hi Rebecka,
You answered your own question "people are finding me through my AR profile" and "get on page one of Google".  I'd say these are very good reasons to blog.
5:43am • #32
644,526 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Rebecka.

For me activerain is my opportunity to take it to the next level. I am learning so much from my peers here. Also, search engines love the rain as much as I do so lets just sing in the rain and gather all that business that finds us on the internet because of our profile page or one of our blog posts.
5:58am • #33
Good blog. I was just like you at first, and I have found that it helps to refresh your page and the spiders on google pick it up. You may want to add RSS feeds so that your AR account is linked to your website.
9:29am • #34
I'm on AR to get a sneak peak into how agents work. Even if I don't get one sale directly from someone I meet here, it can only help me relate to my clients better.
9:59am • #35
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor
If you really hate writing, try to find other powerful ways to make your blogs interesting- podcast, videoblogging, and pictures are a great way to assist those who don't care to write!
7:32pm • #36
325,091 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Rebecka,

It takes a while to realize the power of blogging in general and doing so specifically in AR. In short, doing so will vastly improve your Internet presence and consequently bring in more business. In AR you can also learn about the business by reading other posts.

9:56pm • #37
JAN
10
2008
8 Featured Posts
Crazy huh???  Arent you glad you stuck with it even though you didnt know its power!!!  Good job!  Keep wondering BUT dont give up!
6:17am • #38
373,580 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Glad you got your answer...don't question the google juice!
10:05pm • #39
I just got my first referral from Active Rain today. A lady called me and was said a member of Active Rain highly recommended me. I'm guessing he was reading my blogs and thought I would be a good fit. So, Active Rain can bring you referrals!
10:26pm • #40
559,330 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master
Never give up.  See how it works.  AR is great and blogging is too.  And there is just so much to learn to make it even better.  I think they say don't question the google juice
11:35pm • #41

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R M

Spencer, OK

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