Following the suggestions of several Active Rain members, we installed Google 
Analytics and placed the code on our blog to better understand the traffic to our blog. It's been interesting to watch the results. How many hits, where they're from... but the most interesting part is the WHAT that brings them to our blog!
The most recent Google search phrases that led people to our blog:
laurel glen subdivision springboro... we've got a listing there, posted about it!
lebanon city schools excellent with distinction...we just did a post on the most recent Ohio School Report Cards!
ohio stocked pond for sale.... we've got a listing in Clearcreek Township with a stocked pond, posted that too!
All understandable search terms for real estate or associated topics!
AND THEN:
precious gukama... one of the spammers we called out by name in a recent post. Turns out she's quite busy on the fake dating scene!
Not exactly what we expected to be a traffic driver to our blog when we posted! So you just never know WHAT will bring the next click to your posts!
Keep on blogging!
Liz and Bill
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
Hello Lyn,
I'll concede the expertise to Brad. He did the post at the bottom that lays out the process (and you probably already know this...). This is what we did to make it work. The only thing I don't see clearly laid out on the post is getting the Google Analytics code, but there is a link on the widget that says how to get it. If you've already installed elsewhere, I think all you need to do is open your Analytics page and add the URL for your outside blog to get the unique code, then copy and paste in, then give it a day to kick in with data.
If this doesn't work, please let me know and I'll see what I can do to help you and Debbie whip the problem!
http://activerain.com/blogsview/1009750/activerain-launches-google-analytics-for-outside-blogs
I don't have Phly's video capability, but I could do a snip step by step post if needed :)
Sep 02, 2010 08:09 AM
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services
Firstly, I can't understand Google Analytics. I think your next post should be GA 101! Secondly, did you notice if the hit on precious gukama came from L.A.? It wasn't me.....
Sep 02, 2010 09:13 AM
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
Jane, I didn't look that hard! I'm learning the GA101 as I go! I just keep clicking into I see what I want to see!
Sep 02, 2010 09:20 AM
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
Realtor®, Springfield Mo Real Estate
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
Private Label Realty ( Denver metro area, Colorado - Aurora, CO
The Dawn of a New Real Estate Experience!
L & B ~ you guys are all in college and I feel like I'm still in first grade when it comes to SEO's. But I am learning.
Sep 02, 2010 04:04 PM
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services
What a riot. It is incredible what people search for. As they say, you just never know how people will find you.. in this case, however, you may not want to be found. LOL
Sep 02, 2010 04:06 PM
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
Dawn, we're still just starting with SEO. The Google Analytics is pretty much cut and paste. After that, it's letting that tool do the work and just looking at the results. Optimatization is something we haven't really started trying to decode yet!
Joan, It is amazing. I've seen some other posts on long tail search, and the terms can really get out there!
Sep 02, 2010 04:44 PM
eXp Realty - Birmingham, AL
Serving Jefferson and Shelby Counties (Alabama)
Looks like precious is a busy little bee. Oh and I second Jane's motion. I don't understand Google Analytics either. How about that GA 101 she suggested?
Sep 03, 2010 01:14 AM
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
I can make an attempt, but it will take me a bit to put it together. I may search the previous posts, perhaps someone has put together a How To guide beyond Brad's post on how to install.
Sep 03, 2010 01:28 AM
Hansen Real Estate Group Inc. - Wellington, FL
REALTOR
Liz & Bill - Google analytics is a great tool and sometimes the results can be surprising/interesting.
Sep 03, 2010 07:47 AM
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
Michelle, Now we need to start working harder on the SEO part so we can get more surprises!
Sep 03, 2010 09:31 AM
RE/MAX Metro Realty, Inc. - Seattle, WA
I think I need to install Google Analytics. I will google to find out how. :-) Where do I install the code? I know, I am behind the times. :-)
Sep 04, 2010 11:49 AM
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
Ally, Go up to comment 15 and follow the link to Brad's post. It will probably cover everything you need to know. If not, come on back and we'll see what we can do to help.
Sep 04, 2010 12:01 PM
RE/MAX Metro Realty, Inc. - Seattle, WA
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
Ally, You're welcome! Need anything else we can help with, just hit our email!
Sep 04, 2010 12:45 PM
RE/MAX Metro Realty, Inc. - Seattle, WA
Hi Bill and Liz! Thanks again. I followed the instructions and installed Google Analytics. At least I think. So it says in my widgets. :-) I guess I will find out tomorrow if and how it works. Now if only I knew how to do the same for my wordpress website. :-) Actually I found directions on the net but there are so many plug-ins that can be installed that I think I may contact the guy who helped me built the website.
Oh, I also subscribed to your blog. :-)
Sep 04, 2010 09:00 PM
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
Ally, It should work! I know you have to wait about 24 hours before the Analytics reports start to populate. As far as Wordpress, we haven't done that yet. I would guess that if you hit the Active Rain search bar and put in Google Analytics, someone has probably done a post on how to load with Wordpress! I know Barbara Todaro has a Wordpress blog, perhaps she could provide some guidance.
And thanks for subscribing! We'll try to make it worth your while!
Sep 05, 2010 12:24 AM
San Diego, CA
What do you mean "fake dating scene"? I was out with precious gukama all weekend! LOL
Sep 07, 2010 03:15 AM
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
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