The Official ActiveRain Guide

There is so much concern and “Buzz” about Google shutting down Picnik.com, I decided to provide you with some alternative tools for editing and customizing your graphics, photos, and images.   While Picnik.com will be shutting down in April 2012, here are some other options you have available immediately.

FotoFlexer – Create some dazzling photo and image effects in your browser for FREE.  Use Animations, resizing, coloring, contrast and more.  Take a look at These 5 Demo’s for a quick tour of what FotoFlexer has to offer, you’ll love some of these cool features.  Smart Scissor is a favorite feature.

Pixlr – and for Picnik users, try Pixlr Express.  You’ll love the Editor, the Pixlr-o-matic, the Pixlr Grabber for Firefox and Chrome browsers, and the Pixlr Imm.io hosting, all of which are very robust and user friendly cool features.

LunaPic – This site will rock your world!  Lunapic offers more choices and options for photo editing and custom effects than some of the paid software applications I’ve purchased and used in the past.  Use vignettes, color bars, animated imaging, picture frames, retro color, collages, custom text, reflection animations, slide shows, and a ton more.  One of the most feature rich FREE online editors available.  You’re gonna love this site.

FreeOnlinePhotoEditor – A really simple and easy to use photo and image editor for those “quick fix and gotta go” graphics.  Very basic but simple and fast.  Some of the other online photo and image tools include:  OnlinePhotoTool.com: Online photo editor,  Automatically resize your images when sending it by email,  Create an Image from your RSS feed,  Create Image from your Tweet and Twitter account, and Create, save and email screenshots.

BeFunky -  Be Funky lets you do some pretty amazing things with your photos and graphics.  Most of the features and tools are focused on creating cool, fun, and funky effects and artwork.  The site’s name says it.  Some of the effects available would take hours to create in Photoshop or other high end and costly photo/image editors.

Definitely worthy of a visit and tour.

Photoshop.com – That’s right, you can use Photoshop online and for FREE.  You’ll need to register, but I promise it will be worth it.  The Photoshop tools are powerful and very easy to use.  Be prepared to spend a little time here, you’ll be amazed at what they have to offer and allow you to do online for free.  I’m not going to lie, this is one of my favorites and my personal replacement for Picnik.com closing down.

GIMP – GIMP is very similar to Adobe Photoshop except that GIMP is FREE.  It does require you to download the software but one huge benefit to that is it will never be bought and shut down on you.  It is a very powerful and feature intense program so unless you’re really experienced with editing and graphic design, or you have more time than it takes to close a short sale, you may want to stick with one of the others.

I personally like to use GIMP for graphic design more than image or photo editing.

Combine all these together and you’ll have more FREE editing tools and features than you’ll ever need or use and absolutely FREE.  Take a few moments to review each site, bookmark them, then give each one a try to see which one(s) best meet your photo and image editing needs.  Enjoy! 

Many Facebook Business page owners want to automatically add their Blog posts to their pages.  While this can no longer be done on your Facebook personal profiles, it CAN BE DONE if you have a Facebook Business or Fan page.  NetworkedBlogs created a Facebook app that allows you to now add your Blog posts directly and automatically to the Facebook page(s) of your choice. 

The first step is to make sure you have a Facebook Fan or Business page.  If you don't have one, Create A Facebook Business Page or Fan Page here first. Once you have a page created, you can run through the following step-by-step instructions to add almost any blog content from any site to your Facebook selected pages. 

This should also work nicely with your ActiveRain blog content if you choose.

You'll want to visit http://Facebook.com/NetworkedBlogs to begin the process.  For detailed step-by-step instructions including the screen-shots that you'll need to do this, I've created a 12-Step Blog to Facebook Tutorial that will walk you through the entire process.

Some of you may not want your posts to appear on your Facebook pages and that's ok too. If that's the case, you might still find this tutorial helpful and useful to share with a friend or associate when they ask you how to do this?  This is what Bernadine Hunter from ActiveRain asked me, I hope this will help others too.

Instructions - How To Add Blogs To Facebook

Even though ActiveRain is a powerful Real Estate Social Network and one of the greatest industry blogging platforms on the web, I wanted to share a few ideas on how many folks I know are using this network to grow their relationships and business. Everyone ultimately has to "find their own way" and use whatever sites and tools work best for them, but don't overlook the potential and opportunities right here. 

ONE:
Online Knowledge Library

ActiveRain serves as a fantastic resource to learn about the wide variety of real estate technologies out there and how to strategically apply them to your business.  Read and learn how to use many of the newest and most powerful tools and sites on the web.  Keeping up with all the new and exciting stuff online is easy when you follow the right bloggers on AR. 

Learn from those who willingly share how and what works for them.  You can filter through thousands of posts here and select specifically what will work best for you. Start here with the Top 100 Most Subscribed To Bloggers on ActiveRain.

TWO:
Relationships and Referrals

Connect with like minded individuals, build relationships, then give and get referrals. Using ActiveRain as your National Real Estate database makes the site instantly one of the largest databases for accessing and networking with other industry professionals.  Sharing ideas, asking questions, getting support from the many AR friends and family here is what makes up the unique AR culture and it's also what makes ActiveRain one of the most unique online real estate networks.

THREE:
Engage With Other Members

Commenting creates links back to your profile so use quality commenting, not quantity commenting.  Don't just leave comments for points, make points with your comments.  Every comment you leave in the rain is like a planted seed that can sprout at anytime.  They help build rapport and trust with other readers. Who reads your comments? More people than you think, and what they think matters and makes a huge difference in your reputation and growth here.

FOUR:
Deliver and Receive Amazing Content

Content is and always will be king. Share and give back as much as you learn and take from ActiveRain.  Those who give ALWAYS receive.  Content is blogging, commenting, interacting in groups and participating in channels.  Use and share a variety of your experience, wisdom, and knowledge about numerous topics, ideas, and discussions.  Amazing content will get you back-links, reblogs, and lots of comments.

FIVE:
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Google Results

ActiveRain is well known for its SEO and has a reputation of landing members articles at the top of page #1 in the search engines.  Be sure to blog for clients, SEO, and for Google.  All three are your target audiences. ActiveRain has some of the best SEO to benefit Rainmaker members. Remember, hope is not a strategy, and page #2 of Google gets very few clicks.

There are many other great ways to grow business on ActiveRain, these were just the first 5 that came to mind when I was asked this question at RainCamp in Seattle. 

You will get out of it more than you put into it and the relationships you can potentially build here are more powerful than any other tool or feature the site can offer in my opinion.

Youtube's NEW Online Video Editing Tools and Features

I've been waiting since the launch of Youtube for them to do this.  Now that it's finally in place, I can only imagine that it's just going to get better and become an even more powerful module for Youtube video users.  The new Video editing features are awesome.  Let me show you some things you can do with that raw video from your mobile device, your flip or Kodak video camera, or even that HD $2000 video camera you just got for your birthday.

In order to use this new Youtube feature, you will have to have a Youtube account which you can get here. 

Next you'll need to be logged in to Youtube and then follow these 3 simple instructions:

1. Click on your account name in the upper right corner which opens a pull-down box and select "Account"

2. Across the "Menu Options" bar, there's a NEW link called "Video Editor" click on it

3. Select any (previously uploaded) video you want to edit, and let the fun and simple editing begin:
(simply drag and drop the video of choice into the empty box below to begin your video editing)

Some of the features in the new editor include:

• Color, brightness and contrast correction and adjustments

• Video stabilization which works great and is helpful for those "bumpy" recordings

• A variety of music and audio files available including instrumentals and background tracks
  (note: an ad may show up in video if you use one of the free tracks provided in the editor)

• There are some cool transitions and effects that can be added to smooth out your video

• An easy to use cropping/trimming tool lets you get rid of the unwanted portions of video
  

It may be a little easier to demonstrate all this using a video.  I'll show you some of the features and how it works.  I think you're going to like the Youtube video editor, it's easy to use all the features, it could help increase the quality and enhance your videos, and since it's all online and a simple editor, there's no learning curve or any real challenges incorporating some of the tricks I'm about to show you.  Enjoy!

Today it is official so I'm announcing my new role.  It really is going from "A" to "Z". 

My thought was if I said from "A" to "Z" many of you might figure it out.  I'm sure some of you already have.  I’m excited to announce that I'm now the Industry Outreach Manager at Zillow.

Over these past few days I've spent a great deal of time with some really awesome people learning all about my new company, their culture, the products and services, but most importantly, their passion as a team for helping connect real estate professionals with consumers. 

"I'm 100% confident that I am in the right place and working with the right people and company."

The relationships I've developed here in the rain mean more to me than anything.  I'm so thankful for all I've been blessed with here over the years, and I'm very enthusiastic and excited for what the future holds.  I'm also committed to bringing even more value and meaning to those relationships by sharing new and exciting ways/tools to help you get more business and maximize your efforts while spending less time and money to do it.

I'll continue to work from the greater Bay Area in California, but I'll still be mobile.  I'll be doing many of the same types of things you are used to seeing me do here on ActiveRain.  Social media and marketing training, classes and seminars, webinars, speaking at national events, and providing education and support for the many tech tools, products, and services I can offer you.

Those of you who know me know that I have a passion for sharing real estate technology, widgets, and all that tech-y and useful kinda stuff.  I have written about so many different companies and tools that can help increase your business, save you time or money, or just simplify your life.  There really are lots of choices in real estate both for agents and consumers and I'm feeling positive and confident that I've found a single solution that will serve and bring great value to both sides.

So now it's official, I'm on board, I'm part of the  Z-team and very excited!  As I continue to get adjusted, trained, and adapt to my new role, it will be difficult for me to resist the temptation to want to share everything I learn as I go along.  So I promise I won't fight it, I WILL be sharing.  :-)  I'll open some huge doors of opportunity for many of you, and create some great ways to contribute to your growth and success. 

Fasten your seat-belts, hang on tight because from the "" in Activerain, to the "" in Zillow, it's going to be a fun and exciting ride!  Here's a link to my profile when you need me.  As I've said in the past, and it still holds true today, my door is always open to you and I'm looking forward to our continued growth and successes together!  :-)

I'm excited to announce that I am taking on a new role and change in the Real Estate Industry!  

Over the past few years in my role as Community Manager for ActiveRain, I've learned so much and grown in so many ways.  During this time my role has included helping many thousands of people and that work has been immensely rewarding and exciting.  However, I am now moving to a new place with my career. 

To all my friends at ActiveRain, a big "Thank You" for all your love, support and friendships over the past few years.  I also want to thank the staff and my good friends here inside ActiveRain for all their hard work, and for the passion that they sweat into this network each and everyday.  It's been a wonderful learning experience.  Getting to witness the growth and changes on AR has been an honor and privilege.

I feel blessed to have so many great friends and such a truly authentic extended family here. 

I look forward to telling you all about this new challenge that I have accepted in the days ahead.  I'd spill the beans right now, but I have to head out the door... I'm running off to get married in a couple weeks. Then ActiveBrad's spending his honeymoon in some untold locations.  I am not leaving the AR network or all of my friends and family here, I'm just merging onto a different road up ahead and creating a new and exciting path.

So wish me luck, I'm looking forward to YOUR future as I plan to still be part of it.  :-)

The rest of the scoop coming soon ...to be continued

No matter the path you travel, make a difference in the world and enjoy the Journey...

ActiveRain Members and RainMakers - Do You Need Help?

I'm looking for AR members who feel they need some training and coaching.  There are many great trainers and classes/coaching offered out there, but they might NOT be what you're looking for and what you REALLY NEED.

Are You Serious? Are you Ready?

What are your questions or concerns about Social Media, networking online, or Blogging on this massive Real Estate community and network?  What things might you be missing that will make a difference in your efforts here? What do you want-vs-need?

After many years of working with AR members day in and day out, I have seen and heard it all, believe me.  Today I'm taking my experiences and the knowledge I've gained here to the next level. I've come up with an idea and plan for a possible solution for those who struggle in the web 2.0 arena.

I'm offering coaching classes to ALL ActiveRain members.  The design and content was built and based around the needs of those who I see challenged and struggling in the RE.net world daily.  In this case, it's a simple one-hour training and coaching call designed to educate and simplify the power and the tools of the AR network. Take advantage of my 12-16 hour days 6-7 days a week that I've spent learning and finding answers and solutions to member's challenges. 

The goal: My experience and knowledge here will save you time, and dramatically reduce your learning curve.

Are you not sure how to use Hit Router because you're not a REALTOR?  Are you lost when it comes to creating an effective signature for your posts?  Do you struggle with understanding how SEO works?  What about titles, content, and great anchor text?  Do they make a difference to the search engines?  How do you manage your time with Social Media?  Is there a Business Strategy or Plan that works?  How do you generate, cultivate, capture, and convert leads?  Are you different than the other 200K AR members?

Over the years, you've shared your questions, needs and concerns, and one by one I've been trying to help.  Now I'm going to open the "Rain" flood gates to everyone.  OK, here it comes...  what's the catch?  This coaching call is $99.00, but will be HALF OFF to any and all AR members and Rainmakers.  Why?  Because I want you to take advantage of an opportunity to get the most out of your membership and the efforts you invest here on ActiveRain. 

Remember, it's not the AR network that will make you successful, it's what YOU do with it, and how YOU use it that will make it worthy of your time, your efforts, and your financial investment.  Celebrating your "Thrill of Victory" with you is much more rewarding for me than witnessing your "Agony of Defeat!"

Marketing and Advertising On ActiveRain - How To Create and Setup Ads

Your ActiveRain BLOG is not necessarily the best place to be marketing and advertising your goods or services to other ActiveRain members.  Promoting and marketing yourself is great but is there a more effective and efficient way than using your Blog to do it? Maybe, but you'll never know if you don't try it or know about it right?

One of my favorite quotes from Ardell DellaLoggia, another member here on ActiveRain: "Blogging is the show, not the commercial.  If you make it into a commercial, then your readers will go get a sandwich, like they do when a commercial comes on T.V." 

Advertising on ActiveRain is easy and you can set it up yourself using the built-in Advertising feature. 

   Step By Step Instructions:

1. Login to ActiveRain then click on the link located in the upper right corner of your screen.

2. On the left side of your MY HOME page, you'll see the link to "Advertise with AR" just click it~

3. To create a New Ad Campaign click thelink to begin.

The following screen will appear. 

4. All you need to do now is add the proper URL or WEB address for your Ad and then a 125x125 image for your ad.  Your image can be custom created using whatever graphics application you prefer, I use picnik.com to create some quick, easy, and free graphics with effects.  If your credit card information is not on file, you'll need to enter that as well. 

5. Once you're satisfied with your settings, click the button and you're DONE!

Be sure you don't refresh your Browser screen or hit the back button at this point.

This entire process takes less than 2 minutes not including the time it may take to create your graphic and to find your credit card.  I've spent more time in the past just trying to find my wallet and keys.  lol~

Your Ad will now appear on many of the millions of pages located through-out the AR Community.

The question you might have now is "how effective is this and will it work for me?"  There are plenty of other people using this on ActiveRain, just click on any of the Ad campaigns you see on future pages while you're browsing around.  Contact these companies or individuals to see if it's working for them? 

I'm sure they'll have no problem with you contacting them, and I'm certain they won't have a problem telling you if this is working for them or not.... I mean, why would they be continuing to do it if it wasn't?  You can also try it yourself for 30 days then drop it like a bad habit if it doesn't work for you.  Marketing and Advertising is changing the "face" of the WEB, are you getting the most from the "faces" seeing your ads?

How To Improve your Video and Images for Higher Ranking in the Search Engines.

Acquiring SEO and traffic to your Blog or Website using great content, titles, descriptions, and keywords etc. has always been a subtle yet powerful strategy in the Blogging community.  Many new businesses and individuals don't start off blogging or creating websites with the understanding of how SEO (Search Engine Optimization) works, or why it might be important to their success. In time... they learn. We all do.

In my travels around the country teaching SEO, Blogging, and Social Networking, the one thing that is least talked about or questioned is the power of video and images. You hear "Content is King" but you won't hear or learn that video and images are the most viewed and sought after items on the Internet.  Could this be one of the reasons Google has links to them at the top of every search results page?

How do you get YOUR Video and Images to show at the Top of the Search Engine Results?

Matt Cutts from Google explains a few ways you can accomplish this.  He shares some great ideas and tips on using and adding meta-data and user generated content.  The idea of using captioning in Video is brilliant!  You provide the transcripts and youtube will auto-align the text.

Creating captioning is easier than you may think, Matt and others do this on every video and I can show you how.

Matt also shares some great ideas on how to use flickr, he gives some great examples and says “it’s almost like crowd sourcing!”  Flickr has great SEO but you need to understand how to use tags, descriptions and some of the tips in this video will assist you in knowing how and why.

If you create and use your own pictures, images, or video, and you want to get views, traffic, and ultimately generate leads and business, it's important to know a few key things including the SEO tips Matt shares in this video. It's also important to know that SEO isn't the only key ingredient that gets your material found on the web. Apply the concept that "Content Is King" to images and video, along with these tips and you've won 90% of the battle.

I reblogged this post to give some additional exposure to the new ActiveRain Leaderboard.  This in my opinion is a nice supplement to the City/State pages that use to feature the ability to find specific individuals in various States under a selected category. Great job on the post Kerrie, thanks and kudos!  :-)