19 years since we signed up for ActiveRain, and we're still here.
A lot of faces have come and gone, and the days of Bob and Kerrie are long gone too. The community more or less sustains itself while Ben keeps the lights on and the doors open.
SEO isn't what it used to be, whether that's due to not having enough internal ooomph to keep Google happy, or due to the fact that competition is exponentially higher than it was over a decade back when pretty much anything could index and rank highly within moments. Now between the big gorilla portals and paid sponsors and AI deciding what matters and what doesn't, it's more challenging than ever to get found by potential clients.
So why are we still here? Is there still value in participating in the Rain?
For me, the answer is pretty simple: connections.
Literally, you can connect with people from coast to coast, north and south and even over the border.
Want insight into the different ways real estate is practices around the country? It's right here for the learning.
Want to learn about different niches in real estate? If there's a niche, there's someone here working it and willing to share the how to's.
Want to learn tech stuff? Plenty of people willing to teach you about AI and the associated tools. We've come a long way from QR codes! Bottom line, if there's something worth knowing about tech and real estate, I probably heard it here first.
It's an a la carte experience.
You get to decide how little or how much you participate, and the style of your blogging. I'm still here scanning the blog roll daily looking for a tidbit or something from Rain friends we've had for almost 20 years. But if you want to take some time off and come back months, or even years later, come on back, the light is always on!
People REALLY care about this community and helping others. I've never asked a question and not gotten help. Seriously, what other real estate community do you participate in where if you're traveling, you're checking out who you know in the area for a possible meet-up?
The connections aren't just about real estate either. We've watched kids go from freshly baked out of the oven all the way to college! Shared the heartbreak of loss. Vicariously traveled the world. Played trivia games. Learned gardening tips and recipes. The fact that people retire from real estate and continue to participate should tell you everything you need to know.
This place is what you make it for yourself. There are communities within the overall community. Not everyone is a good fit for everyone else, and that's okay too.
And despite rumors to the contrary, content written here is STILL being found by potential clients.
So participate...or not...the choice is yours.
Until next Tuesday, just Ask An Ambassador if you need help,
Bill & Liz aka BLiz
Comments(17)