The Official ActiveRain Guide

Thank you, I need to go now and change my signature.

STEVE - I'm glad to be of help!

Jason,

Good information presented in a very understandable way!!! Thanks,   Fran

FRAN - I am glad you liked it.  I am just trying to help out my friends!

Hey, my comment didn't go through. Jason, this is a great post. Been here almost a year and I never knew how this worked. I changed my blog title like you suggest.

SWEET - Thanks, Jason.  I didn't know how to search for link backs on Google so I found this very, very helpful.  I learned some other stuff to - definately bookmarked!

Thanks for the tips.  Very interesting.

Hello Jason,,,  thank you for the post today with the information  on SEO tips.  I didn't know about the backlinking so I tried it on google and go this.....1-10 of about 87 linking does that sound right?? If so would you email back to me what you think of it.  good?  not so good?   I have always written out my signature as follows  My email address:  sold@patricia4realestate.com   my site  www.patricia4realestate.com

Thank you once again Jason, I'll look forward to hearing from you when you have the time.

Patricia Aulson, Realtor    Hampton NH Real Estate 

Jason, I have a question: Somehow my signiture includes "Paula's Blog" and there does not seem to be a way to change that. I can't recall if I put that in there or not but I can't find where I can edit it on my Profile page..can you tell me where I go to do that? I would appreciate some help because I see that you have your real estate tag line in yours and I want to be just like you so I can get on google. Right now when I enter: http://activerain.com/paulahathaway, I get everybody but me!!!!

Thanks for your help!

ANDREW - Glad to be of help.  Thanks for your comments - I hope this makes a difference for your business.

LEESA - Thanks for bookmarking this one.  I am happy that you learned something new here on my blog.

KEVIN - You are more than welcome.

PATRICIA - Actually, your current AR signature just says "Patricia Aulson".  I would recommend altering this to include your market area or keywords.  You can put your name in the "First Name" field and more info in the "Last Name" field if you like.  That sounds like a decent number of backlinks on Google.  Is that for your main site or your AR profile?

SHANNON - I just ran it on Google, and I see 87 backlinks for your profile, and 18 for your blog.

 

JASON - This is great!  I just flagged it for a feature.  I have 192 on Google and 1580 on Yahoo.  I guess I better get to commenting more since all I'm seeing is your taillights.  Thanks for the tip.

PAULA - Your user name is "114097" rather than your name.  I just sent you an email with some answers for you.  Thanks!

ADAM - Thanks, man!  I am glad you enjoyed and learned from this one.  Talk to you sometime soon.

Hi Jason,  I put my active rain link in the google and yahoo, my information comes up, takes me back to my profile page-where do I see the backlinks?  Maybe I am too new to AR for back links?

Thank you for your help!

 

Audrey

Hey Jason:  Very cool Tip.... I just checked my backlinks, and wow, thanks!  I love learning all this Google SEO Pro Info.

AUDREY - You are showing 10 backlinks on Yahoo right now.  You must include the "link:" part before the site name.  I hope this helps.  Google takes awhile between updates.

Wow!  I am just amazed with the amount of information I have learned from being a member on AR!  Oh, I am going to change my signature also...Thanks

:::Parked for backlink:::

Jason, I have no idea how you do it, but you are so G R E A T !!!! 

I love reading your posts and receiving your comments.  You are a wealth of information.

Big Favor Please:  Could you help me install a big button with "Subscribe To My Blog".  I've figured out all by myself how to place a "Join AR" Button, but the html language for the subscription one doesn't seem to work. 

Thank you, Jason!

 

Thanks Jason!  This is fun stuff to learn!

 

Audrey

CHRISTINE - Cool!  It's a neat way to track how much impact your AR blog/profile are having in Google or Yahoo.

Jason...I know that some blogs have commenter's links so that you can click them, but they're not recognized (noindex?) by google spiders. This is to prevent people using blog comments for SEO (although it still works for msn, aol, etc.)

Do you know whether that is a decision of the AR management to allow the comment links to build SEO? Or whether or not they may change it? hmmm..

I hope you're doing well, my friend.

KELLY - Let me know if you have any questions, and I would definitely make the change if you have a minute.

PAUL - Nicely played.

MIRELA - Thanks!  I so appreciate your compliments.  Thanks for being such a big supporter.  I will email the instructions to you for the button.

AUDREY - It's my pleasure to help.  Thanks!

JOEY - Yes, there are forums that definitely disallow this in order to keep comment spam down.  I think they have done a great job of regulating that kind of thing here, since they have the "Report as Spam" link after every comment as well.  I hope they don't change it, but I am not in charge.  I hope you're also doing well - have a great week, buddy.

Thanks so much Jason, Think I got it now.

RETTA - That's great.  Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions.  By the way, my in-laws live in Pearland!

Thanks for your help with this, Jason.  It's very interesting to read the back links. 

ELAINE - You're welcome!  I enjoy looking through them from time to time also.  Take care and we'll talk sometime soon -

Jason,  Thank you for sharing this valuable information.  It is very much appreciated.  It is an important goal to have good exposure for our client's benefit.

Jason- Oh my goodness....this is priceless information!  I really haven't been paying attention to SEO, but your post was so straightforward I have to pay attention now.  I guess I had better spend some time looking at my signature line and consider making some changes.

Thank you!

Jackie

KATHLEEN - You are more than welcome.  Please let me know if you have any questions about it.  Thanks for your comments!

Thanks for the great advice on the signature line.

Jason - Holy Cow! I just checked my backlinks... Google: 236; Yahoo: 2690.  No wonder my site ranks so high.  Thanks.

Thanks for teaching me how to do this, Jason.  Now, If I could just figure out how to get my Focus On Crofton site up in those numbers for links...

JACKIE - I'm glad that you found it to be helpful and interesting.  Let me know if you have any questions that I can help you with.  I hope you're doing well!

Hi Jason - Another question for you - I've made the necessary changes (I think, we'll see when I post), do you know if doing this will automatically go back to "fix" all of those already out there?

I'm off to figure out my backtracks.

Jackie

Jason - Very usefull information. Keep up the good work.

Jason:  Thank you. I never knew that commenting on posts have SEO benefit.

Jason.... I'm just amazed at all the great information that you and others are willing to share here on AR.... Thanks for all your willingness to share with others.

Jason, great topic.  I'm learning how all this stuff works.  You are light years ahead on me.  Continued success. 

Jason - Thanks for all the info on backlinks. I never knew how to check my backlinks. Should this also work for outside blogs as well?

Jason,

Thanks for the post.  I just did a search on Yahoo and I have 292 links!

 

RUSS - Anytime.  Have a great week!

DAN - Sounds like you are definitely on the right track.  Keep up the good work!

MARGARET - You're welcome.  Link building is often drudgery, truth be known.  It was like a full-time job for me at one point, but it paid off for us.  I would recommend outsourcing that task to an SEO expert if possible.

hmmm never checked that ... Thanks for the information and how to go about the search.   Have a good night.

I had no idea about the backlinks.  That's good to know.  You can never have too much exposure-well, you know what I mean!

Jason,

I'm an SEO orphan...I couldn't get anything to work when I tried the link search! Any suggestions, Thanks,   Fran

great tips thanks

FRAN - Type this into the Google or Yahoo "search" box, as if you are going to conduct a search there:

link:http://activerain.com/patriotland

It shows 153 links on Google, and 1440 on Yahoo.  Well done!

JACKIE - I looked at my first comment, and it did not change (i.e. I don't think it fixes the old ones).

LARRY - Thanks!  I am glad you liked it.

JILL - They do have a benefit here on AR, although that may not be true elsewhere.

ROLAND - You are welcome!  Thanks for reading and for your nice comments.

MARVIN - Keep working at it - it takes awhile, but it is worth the time usually.

RICH - You're welcome!  It should work for any website, including outside blogs.

JOHN - Way to go - keep up the good work, and that number will continue to grow over time.

KATHY - That's great!  I am so glad that this was helpful and useful for you.

DEZ - Let me know if you have any questions about it.  I bet you have a lot of incoming links!

CINDY - I agree (I think). :-)  Thanks for your comments!

DAVE - You're welcome - thanks for commenting!

Jason,

Thanks,   Fran

P.S. I don't really like my signature line!!!

FRAN - You're welcome, buddy.  I would probably recommend changing the signature line to include whatever keywords you think are important to you.

Thanks, Jason, for "teaching" your AR friends more SEO tips.  I've learned a lot from following you in the Rain.  I'm going to try to figure out how to add my location to my name in my "backlink" ... yes?  "duh?"

JAN - That is flattering and nice to hear!  As for changing the signature, I probably should have included that part in the post.  Just edit your profile, and put whatever you want in the first and last name fields.  Mine says "Jason Crouch, Broker -" as the first name, and "Austin Texas Real Estate" as the last name.

Jason, As interesting as it is for us to all see this as positive SEO ramifications, it is very important for people to realize that it would be equally easy for a tech savvy consumer to search for someones blogging comments.  Its not just your posts that represent you, but your comments as well. 

Great post!  Thanks for the info!

STEVE - This is a good point, and one to keep in mind.  Thanks for your input!

JIM - Thanks!  I thought it was some good information to share with my friends here.

Jason- You are right on target with this post. Commenting is so important for SEO and trackbacks. Thank you for the reminders. But I love to comment to make friends too, it is a great way to make friends! 

Jason, thanks for the tip I did it and found about 55. I also did not know about the comments thing...good info! Thanks for answering my email too!

Jason - Really excellent job of explaining how the search engines work. SEO has been one of my favorite topics. I am always looking for new ways to improve upon my positions and to make my website and blog better. There are so many at AR that don't fully understand how things work with SEO. I find myself constantly trying to help them do a better job in the serps....just not my competitors :)

Jason, great job explaining a tricky subject.  I will be checking your blog often!

Thanks for the great tip. As soon as I finish posting a few more comments here I an going to see how many backlinks I have. All of this SEO stuff is just overwhelming to me..

So I think I kind of messed up when I first signed on to AR When I registered I used joshdani as my login name I didn't think anyone was going to see it or that it would matter, but now I am wondering if it is hurting my linking numbers. Is there a way to change the login name I have tried in the past but do not see a way

Jason:  I had to come back to tell you thanks... I edited my profile name per your instructions!  So simple when you know what to do!  Thank you ... and here it is .............. 

I don't get it...I've got over 1000 comments...but google link back show a whopping 68! What the heck am I doing wrong?

Awesome info!  There is so much to learn about SEO it's incredible and frustrating because it seems to constantly change as well!  Well, I have to go change my signature line thingy now!

Hi again Jason, you are not only funny, witty, smart, sharing, caring, have I kissed up enough?  Also I believe in not reinventing the wheel, so hope you don't mind my new siguniture :).  Thanks again, thats 2 in 15 min.  Guess I should just read your blogs daily to start out with.  Hope to get to know you!  Liz Carter, Broker - Katy Texas Real Estate

KATERINA - Thanks!  You're right -there is no question that commenting regularly will develop friendships, too!

VANESSA - You are more than welcome.  Please call or email anytime with questions you might have.  Sorry I couldn't be more help with the question about your site.

BILL - Thanks for your great comments.  I also like to "pay it forward" as much as I can with regard to SEO, although I am not really an expert.  If I have something worth sharing, I will certainly continue to do so.

DARRYL - If you haven't already done so, I would encourage you to subscribe to my blog in order to keep up with any helpful tips, coaching, or just funny stories that I have to share.

SALLY - The login name will not affect your linking numbers in any way.  I wouldn't worry about changing it.  If you want to change it anyway, I would contact Bob Stewart via email and see if it's possible (bob@activerain.com).  He is a super-nice guy and very helpful.

JAN - That is great news!  I'm glad that this post was helpful for my friends.

DANE - I have posted almost 7500 comments, but Google only shows 239 backlinks.  It will never pick up all of them.  I would suggest checking Yahoo if you want to feel even better about your efforts here.

KRISTA - That's really quite true - things always seem to be shifting and changing when it comes to search algorithms and SEO.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks!

LIZ - You are my newest raving fan, and I love that, especially since you are so close.  If you want a real honor, you could be my 300th subscriber.  I am currently at 299.  That way you will know every time I put out a post.  Seriously, thanks for your kind compliments.  I am very flattered, and flattery will get you everywhere in my book.

Jason:

This is such a great post. Thanks for the information. I am going to try and put it to work.

Testing

Jason,

You really turned the light on for me. I will check for my backlinks and see how I am doing.

Thanks for the Tips!  I should read a book "SEO for Dummies".  But I am learning!

ALAN - Thanks for meeting me for lunch today.  Talk to you soon!

MIKE - Good plan.  Thanks for your comments!

JIM - You're welcome!  There is a lot to absorb, but it can be done. 

Jason this is a nice easy to understand article.  I had been wondering if the members only posts were no-follow so thank you for explaining this.

Jason

 

This is unique and great info for all of us to know............AWESOME. And a BIG APPLAUSE to you for sharing,

Jason - Hmmm, this is really interesting information. I've made something like 150 comments to date. Yahoo has 98 Inlinks for me, but google has none, unless I'm not doing it right. Can that be right? I appreciate the information that comments are more helpful than just for points. Thanks.

Great information, Jason. The little tips always add up to so much more than I expect. SEO can be so frustrating at times that sharing these types of tips eases some of that frustration. Thanks.

CAROLYN - I am glad this was helpful for you.  Thanks!

MARCI - You're welcome, and thanks for the "applause".  That is much appreciated.

KEN - Yes, that is probably correct.  Google updates backlinks very infrequently, and it will always show less than Yahoo.  The fact that Yahoo shows so many is interesting to me.  I am surprised that you have that many as a percentage of the total.  That's great!

JOHN - Thanks for taking time to read these tips.  I enjoy sharing them, and I'm happy that you found it helpful. 

I just stumbled on this looking for something else. Good blog and helpful. Jason, what do you suggest be done when one has a business name: King of the House Home Inspection and the personal name: Steven L. Smith

Currently my user name at AR is the business (KOH) yet my blogs are tagged as:

Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector

Thanks for sharing. I will check it out .

STEVEN - I think it really depends on what you think the average person would type in on a search engine in order to find you.  I think your current signature is just fine, actually.  I have seen a lot of people here who put their keywords FIRST in the signature (e.g. "Bellingham WA Home Inspector - Steven L. Smith").  This probably does help, but I haven't been able to bring myself to change my own signature yet.

GITA - Thanks!  I hope you find it helpful.

Jason, Thank you for making me feel good. Finally, vindication for all my comments even if "they" don't respond to them.

Bill Roberts

BILL - You are welcome, sir.  It looks like you have some stout backlinks to your profile!  Thanks for stopping by!

Jason,

You made a believer out of me regarding how important comments are for optimal SEO and why to put some keywords in your profile name. Learning about SEO is never-ending. Thanx for the info.

ESKO - Cool!  I am glad you found it to be helpful.  Have a great week!

Jason:

Thank you for the tip.  I knew everything you said, but hadn't thought to do it here.  Much appreciated.

BOBBI - Honestly, that was true of me until very recently as well.  Thanks for stopping by to comment!

Jason.  I have no backlinks on Google.  I have 573 on Yahoo.  2 on MSN.  AS A BIG GOOGLE LOVER, I FEEL BETRAYED!  Do you have any wisdom on this?  Oh yes, I also forgot to say thank you for sharing!

Side note:  Does anyone have  a tutorial on inserting Google analytics on your blog?  I've tried and failed! 

Jason,

I found this very helpful.  It is the little things that I learn everyday that make a BIG difference :)

NATALIE - The Google thing doesn't surprise me.  Google is notoriously slow to update backlinks, so it's really just a matter of timing.  Those backlinks don't show up yet, but they will whenever Google has its next backlink update.  It's funny that you mentioned the Google analytics thing, because I was planning to work on this very soon, and hopefully write about it, too.

TOM - That's great to hear!  I agree with you - it is often the little things.

I know this might be a corny question but what and where is your signature?

Good tip... I've updated my profile to incorporate your suggestions.  Thanks.

Jason, great tips I always wondered how you could see the backlinks.

Jason...you rock. What a great post filled with things I did not know. I will update our profile ASAP!

Thanks for the info, changed my signature.

 

Jason..thank you for the time you spend with this post. I changed my name. Yea and now when I try the link with google I get completely nothing. Can you see what I am doing wrong?

link:http://activerain.com/debbiemounteer and link:http://activerain.com/debbie

Thanks!!!!

great tips, i just went back to my signature and changed it. how about that activerain does it once again for us

Jason - Thanks for the informative post.  I'm overwhelmed on a daily basis by the quality and availability of all of this incredible information.  I'm keeping a log by my laptop so I can continually make notes on things I need to look into.  Wow, I never realized how much I don't know.  Thanks and keep the good info coming.

great...

now all I need to know is how to change my signature... cant seem to find that... 

Thank you so much for the informative post. We've implemented some of your suggestions and bookmarked it.

Jason: I just found your blog entry -- many thanks for this post, I've a lot to learn and this is great stuff! But when I take a look at my backlinks, I get nothing. What am I missing here?

I'm trying another post to see if my change in signature worked - I just tried changing it in our profile. We also changed our blog title.

Crouch - Very informative and congrats on this being one of the winner's of Bill Robert's contest!

Why are there so many more backlinks on yahoo than google? Any clue?

Hi Jason - interesting post and I didn't have any idea how to check backlinks.  I just did google and it shows 555 backlinks.  I tried yahoo, but they apparently having problems with their internal systems, or so the message says that keeps popping up.

I'm not surprised you have that many comments - you write some great posts and you do end up on the feature board quite a bit as well.

Thanks for these tips!
Ann

Well, I added Rhode Island Real Estate after my last name in my profile, and we shall see if it shows up as expected...

Again, great post... 

Thanks for the great tips. Much appreciated. I love SEO stuff.

Good blog.

Wow, that's pretty neat.  My numbers are nothing like yours, yet, but it's interesting to see what it links back to.

Thanks so much for the insight.  I have been trying to learn about SEO little by little and discovered that many of the things that I was working on actually were of no use ( all of which you mentioned LOL).  I look forward to additional info and appreciate the knowledge you share.

Jason, Thanks for the great information.

Jason -thanks for the great information. There is always more we can learn about SEO. Just one more reason to be on AR.

Thank you for sharing this with everyone - I never thought about what my signature line could do! Kudos!

Thanks for the info Jason. I am always tring to absorb this SEO stuff.

thanks jason for all of this info.  Verrrry helpful

Great Post, I love to see posts that still have legs after 2 weeks!

Comments are a good thing for all.

Interesting. I will look at my siggy after this comment

 

 

This is when I start feeling the age. New stuff and new info about the stuff that is not new comes all the time. I did not even have a clue how this could work.

Thanks for showing.

Jason,

My User name is different form my signature, should they be the same? when I checked my links I did not have any, maybe I'm doing something wrong. Great Post

Jason I have 97 links on Yahoo 0 on Google my user name is lodoluxurylofts

Thanks

Very good detailed post, 

thanks for sharing.

Chris

Thought provoking and excellent tips. Thanks for this post. One thing I like about the way your write is that it's easy to understand. Thanks Jason!

Jason, I have to admit, I have never even thoght of trying to check my backlinks for Activerain. DUH.... done it for other sites but not AR. So thanks so much for doing this and I'm off to try to it and check mine for my blog here.

Jason:    Could you please take a look at mine... when I click on the link below, it takes me to my home page.  What have I done?

 Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate

 Jason, you're a fountian of useable knowledge and an excellent teacher as well. Thx for sharing this with the group. Have a great weekend...

Jason, wow thanks for this information!  I'm new to Activerain and this is excellent news.

awesome post. Thanks so much for these easy, practical suggestions

It's interesting...I've been posting on Disboards.com for a few years and in my signature I have a link for pictures that are on my website.  We aren't allowed to have any websites on there, but I have it so my actual name and info isn't on there, just my Disney Cruise Pics.  Anyhow, I have page 1 on Google for Canton Real Estate and Portage Lakes Real Estate.  I never really thought much of it until I wasn't posting as much on there and I started to slip.  Now when my husband yells at me for spending too much time on the Disboards, I tell him it is actually helping me for work.  Not really sure how it all works, but it def. does.

Great info, especially about the nofollow links.  Thanks. 

Jason, thanks for taking the time to point of the facts on tracking the backlinks. I did not know how to do this until now. Thanks.

Jason:  I always look forward to your enhanced perspective on subjects. You bring much value to the Rain

 

 

I will have to check that out today. I would like to know where i am but moreso knowing consumers know where i am. thank you for this valuable information.

Jason - again, THANKS for the tips.  I will check all my backlinks too. 

Great post!  I have been wondering about this.  Congrats on all of your success.

Ken

Hey, Jason.  Thanks for that insight.  I look forward to your Google An. blog relative to tracking blog activity.  :->  Nat

Jason,
 Thanks for providing such simple yet incredibly useful information for all of us! You put it so simply and detailed that you make it easy for us to follow your suggestions.

You mean like this?  Just went back and edited my blog title.  Amazing feat just coming on A/R in mid-2007 and generating all that traffic.  Nice work Jason!

JASON - Wow!  I can't believe that it took so long to feature this.  There certainly are a lot of comments here.  Good luck responding to all of your fans, taillights.

Jason

THanks and I am checking right now my backlinks. Great post

Jason , as a relatively new member of AR I have had a few opportunities to blog but I must say that every time I have seen your recent posts I have come away with some very valuable information or a hint that makes life a little easier. Thank you for the extra effort on our behalf.

Hmmm...I must be doing something wrong. I could only get results on Yahoo(338). Nothing at all on Google. Any ideas?

Great post... Great advice... Could not agree more.

Jason, usually when I read SEO stuff my brain starts to get numb and I have a hard time figuring out what I'm supposed to do.  I think I can handle commenting!  Thanks for the tip.

That's a great idea and a reminder.  We should not forget the anchor text of those links.

Great post!

Jason:

It is surprising how many people on AR are so generous with their advise and their sharing. Thank you Jason.

Isaac Bensussen-www.besthomesinlajolla.com

Jason, Hats off to you, not only do you write well, you are smart, and a wonderful mentor,  But what impresses me is that you take the time to acknowledge your fan base.  A true gentlemen.  Thank you, since I am floundering my way through this new expedition into the unknown, it is wonderful to have a guide like you to show me and others the way.  Kudo's to you and thanks, now back to my profile to make a few changes.    

              Dottie                  .

Yep thats a lot of comments daily.   How about some stats on the amount of words you typed.  You do crank em out.  All pretty darn good in quality too. 

Way to go Jason...40 per day? Do you sleep?

I completely agree agree with you about the blog and Google.  Yahoo and MSN don't seem to rank for blog post, but Google loves them.  We have tried to SEO our sites but always are working on it.  I wish I would have known you about four months ago, I had a client relocate to Austin for a job at the University.  She found a home on her own, but I might have been able to send her your way.  Anyway, I've been really involved with trying to learn SEO from the net, Stompernet Videos, Mike Filsaime, and other internet Guru's.  It is a fun and Challenging ride.

Minnesota Real Estate

 and

 Minnesota Mortgage Broker

Jason, Jason, Thank you so much for the juicy info and congrats on your feature! How do you manage to stay so full of great topics that you're able to share, work a great business and cultivate a wonderful family all at once. You are a sight to behold. Thanks for being you..Later in the rain, Deb

LINDSAY - You can edit your signature by going in to "Edit" your Profile here.  It shows up after every comment that you make here.  You can put whatever you like in the First Name and Last Name fields.  Mine has "Jason Crouch, Broker - " in the First Name field, and "Austin Texas Real Estate" in the Last Name field.  I hope this helps to better explain it.  By the way, our toddler's middle name is Lindsay.  Great name!

 

Thank you so much for this info. If I leave out the state, and just put my city which way will rank me higher on google and yahoo.I have it both ways in my tags for my website, but am a little confused as to whether people put in oneonta real estate or oneonta ny real estate more often. What is your opinion? thanks Carol

Congrats on this one getting selected for the contest. We got one too, and we're honored to be in such good company.

cheers 

Hey Jason. Thank you very much for writing this post. I just changed my signature right after I read this post. But I am still trying to get the Search Engine ranking,backlinks thing down. I am having problem with that. I am going to need your help on that one. Great post.

Great post Jason, thanks for sharing your knowledge.  When I grow up I want to be smart like you.

Jason, I really wish you had left Johnny Carwash's ridiculous comment in place so the entire community could see what a horse's ass he is.  Don't sweat not being able to reach those grapes, Carwash, they're probably sour anyway.

One more thing to do --- check my signature -- and then there is figuring out even further the lingo..... Total Believer!

Wow...now I'm really curious...what did I miss?

Jason, this was a good one the first time...nice that it's re-featured.

Damn... (and I use that infrequently)

Slaybaugh just emailed me that mean 'ol comment.

Hey, I'm jealous of Jason, too.

He's got the skillz to right the posts that get the starz.

But quit hatin'

Peace

Joey - I sent you an email as well. 

DON - That's great!  Glad to be of help.

BRIAN - Now you know!  I am happy to share.

TEAM DIMURIA - Thanks!  It sounds like some good information for you.  I see that you are in Katy.  I will be in that area in a couple of weeks helping a friend of mine who is organizing a huge relay race.

STEVEN - Looks good!

 

DEBBIE - You did everything right.  Google takes a LONG time to update their backlinks (months).  Yahoo shows that you have 56 backlinks.  Keep checking back with Google and they will eventually appear.

DAVID - Yes, AR rocks.  I'm glad that you found this helpful.

LYNN - You're welcome!  It sounds like a good plan to keep track of things that you learn around here.  I find myself using something I have read here almost daily now.

PAUL SILVER - Just go into "Edit" your Profile, then put in whatever you like in the First and Last Name fields.

KEVIN & MONICA - That's great to hear.  Thanks for your comments!

 

Jason, feel free to delete if you take offense to me putting this back in place, but I copied that comment prior to it being removed.  I know you do not like confrontation on your blog, so I'll understand if you delete.  I just can't sit idly by while someone posts such pompous venom.  For all the world to see, I give you the wisdom of Lance Winslow.

"Jason, I totally dismiss your claim to fame over the number of comments per post, per day or over the 183 days because the AR gods are over generous with the number of "featured posts" they give you. No need to reply, just an observation."

Only a true meglomaniac fancies himself to be in a position to dismiss the achievements of another, especially when they vastly surpass his own.

Great tips, Jason.  I am going to change my signature right now.  Thanks.

Okay, now let's see if it worked. . .

Looks good.  Two backlinks with keywords and counting!  Thanks, Jason.

Paul, don't be silly. I have some 460 blog posts here, 5,000 since 2000 on another site and 12,500 online articles, some 60,000 backlinks to one of my websites. Indeed, I have 3,000 plus comments in under 60 days, so actually, my achievement cannot be questioned here. Additionally, I was merely making an observation, it stands. Check facts Paul before calling me a meglo-maniac, whatever the heck that is (mirror?), ActiveRain has been more than generous with Jason's "featured posts" obviously. Come on, how can you deny that? - Lance

So Lance where do you rank for your key words on Google?

Lance, you missed a spot on my car last time I was in.  Aside from that inconvenience, I really don't care that you have made 76,890 comments in the past 24 hours.  The guys in the white coats might, though.  Feel to engage further or just accept my assertion that you are a massive tool and we can go our merry ways.

Thanks for this wonderful tips.  Just wanted to let you know that I also applied your tip in changing my signature line.

Great job.  You just gained another comment and another friend.  Welcome refreshness to see other people share such great ideas on Active Rain.  I love that we are together as a community.  Thanks for you blog.  Look forward to reading your next.

 

This is really helpful.  Thank you! 

The Active Rain Community is like having people in the office to talk to.  I miss that.  I work from my home office now and being able to get little tid bits here and there and read all of these great blogs is a nice plus in a busy day. <g>

That was wierd, when I commented I wasn't logged in.  Don't forget to log in. 

Hi Jason!

Thanks for the tips.  I'm new, so this was extra helpful!

All the best,

Audrey 

Jason - Thank you! Sharing information like this helps us all. I'm trying to soak up as much as I can.

Wow- this is pretty impressive stuff- I have bookmarked and will save- thanks for sharing

Jason,

When I found this post, you had 175 comments--Not bad!  Our AR members really found this post helpful, including myself.  Now, I'm off to figure out this signature issue.  Thanks so much for sharing.

Hate to ask you , but if you have a spare moment, could you check my signature to see if I got it corrent?

Jason, I've tried everything and I get no back links at all.  What is wrong?  Used several permutations of my name and site - notta.

Wow Jason - that's a lot to learn - thanks for spelling it out so well.  Not sure I GET it all still - but will try to incorporate your ideas!

Jason, I didn't have time to read the 177 comments but am wondering if this helps our own blogs as well?  Thanks for the great info!

Someone wrote that they have "460 blog posts here, 5,000 since 2000 on another site and 12,500 online articles, some 60,000 backlinks to one of my websites. Indeed, I have 3,000 plus comments in under 60 days, so actually, my achievement cannot be questioned here"

 

---

I would have to say, assuming this is true, that their "achievement" as they call it is large... but how do they have that much time on their hands? posting blogs is one thing... actually doing business is an entirely other thing...

Anyway, Jason, thanks for  a great post, and obviously a well deserved Featured Post...

Bookmarked!  Thanks, Jason.

Excellent post and advice ! I will be checking out my back links and see what I come up with ! I have also bookmarked this there is so much great info !

Thank you!

Jason, Thanks for being a great teacher to us all.  I appreciate it.

Thanks for sharing Jason.  As an AR newbie these tips are a great help.

Thanks Jason,  This is very valuable information.  I'm glad my signature also includes my area but I didn't know how glad I was until I read your awesome post.  Thanks again!

Jason, I am trying trying to get this to work and am having difficulty.  I 've tried every way (MY NAME) I can think of.  What can I be doing wrong?

OK I need to park and revisit.  This appears to be some great 411!!

Jason,

 

Thanks for all the tiips.  Quick question I do not know what my signature is.  Is it my name, or Cidalia'blog etc.  How to I make suret that the signature is correct.  I am http://activerain.com/matukas

 What I typically do is type everything like it shows below.

Thanks in Advance

Cidalia Mendonca Matukas

Keller Williams Realty

Cidalia@kw.com

www.HomesbyCidalia.com

That is awesome. Thanks for the tips. I just checked mine. Almost 200 for Google and a little over 1500 on yahoo. I didn't realize that was a good thing.

TO ALL WHO COMMENTED HERE: I want to thank you for taking the time to comment.  Since this thread has so many comments now, I simply won't be able to respond to everyone individually.  However, later tonight I will attempt to respond to everyone who left a specific question for me, either by email or on this thread.  Thanks for your patience!

Jason:

190 comments. This is incredible. it really is a great post. Thanks for sharing it.

Test of signature.

Ken

Jason, 

I really appreciate you sharing this information.   Doing something and understanding something your doing is great.  I actually started reading your blogs from a link. 

Have a great weekend.

   Thats a great bit of info, i had on idea how these engines picked you up for this so thanks for clearing that up for me to a degree. . Now, which signature do i need to change?

  If you get a minute , is this how to imbed my signature ? ? Thanks a million ....

Thank you, Jason!  I'm finally starting to get into my blogging consistently and this was so helpful!  - Kelli Grant, Arizona Realtor

GABRIELLE - I would recommend checking Yahoo as well.  Google takes a really long time to update backlinks.

 

Great post Jason thanks for the info

Anne

Jason

Thanks again, just checking back in with my new signature line, however I have been unable to track back the link.  Will keep trying however,  Thanks again,

DOTTIE - Did you change your signature by changing the First Name and Last Name fields in your profile?  The automated signature still appears to be the same for now.  Let me know how I can help.  Thanks!

Thank you for this information.  I am still struggling to understand all of this but thanks to members I am slowly learning.

Thanks so much for this wonderful information!

Great stuff Jason; even for a wordpress"er" like me.  Just started my blog, so collecting all useful info I can.  Thanx...

Hey jason,

Those are some great tips, I just wish I did not have to learn SEO along with my craft.

Take care!

RJH 

BEN CLARK - Yahoo will ALWAYS show more links than Google.  No real reason for that, other than it's the way that it has always been.

JANE - You are showing 99 backlinks on Yahoo, but none on Google YET.  Google will eventually update this and they will show up there.  Use your profile name like this "link:http://activerain.com/lodoluxurylofts" and put this in the search box as if you are going to run a search there.

NATALIE - I am planning to put this out within the week if I can get it to work properly.  Thanks for your support!

LIZETTE - Give it some more time, as Google really does take a long time between backlinks updates.  I bet you will be showing some there within the next couple of months.  By the way, I liked the look of your blog and I subscribed tonight!

BOB CARNEY - I have no idea how many words I type daily, but I guess it's a lot.  I am pretty fast on the keyboard I suppose.  Thanks for your compliment.

BRETT - In a word, yes.  I LOVE my sleep.

CAROL - It is my opinion that the state abbreviation would be included more often, since that is the case here, but you would need to do some keyword research with an online keyword tool to figure it out for sure.  I hope that helps!

DIANE - It looks great to me.

RUTHMARIE - I found 305 backlinks using this command on Yahoo: link:http://activerain.com/realestate4peoplewithpets

Give Google some more time.  They are much slower to update this.

DIANE - It will help your outside blog if you link to it from posts here.  In other words, try to incorporate some links to your outside blog within your articles and on your blogroll.  Use your keywords and it will help somewhat.

RICKI - I found 329 backlinks using this command for you:

link:http://activerain.com/rickieichlerrealestate

I hope this helps.  Give Google some more time and keep checking back there.

CIDALIA - Your "signature" as I am referring to it here means the First Name and Last Name fields in your profile.  Mine has "Jason Crouch, Broker - " as the First Name, and "Austin Texas Real Estate" in the Last name field.  I would recommend using your name and some keywords there in order to take advantage of what I described in this post.

ANONA - I am curious to know how you first found my blog if you want to share it.  Thanks!

ERIC - That looks much better and more useful for SEO purposes.

DOTTIE - I see 7 backlinks on Yahoo using this command:

link:http://activerain.com/dottiehicks

 

 

Hi Jason,

Great post thanks for the information. 

Hi Jason,

Amazingly, my signature was correct.  I've been doing this seo stuff since about 2001 so not an expert like you and your post had some new tips.  The tracking information was very helpful.  I'll continue to enjoy your posts.

Hi Jason - Just changed my signature as per your very helpful blog.  I am now a subscriber.  Thank you!

Jason.

 

What are you refering toas a signiture , the more I read it is becoming to be info over load, Katerina told me to write 10 comments a day. can you help me with this issue. I need to do it right.

great tips Thanks a bunch

Jason

Thanks for the tip. Like some others have said, you wrote this so it is easy to understand.

Good luck with your business.

Great advice. Will certainly use this information.

Jason,  This is my second try maybe the first time I hadn't hit the save button.  I'm going to see this time if it works....

p.s.  Thank you very much!

Great info, although still a little over my head. I tried a few things but really need a tutor for this one. I'kk keep working at it though! What I'd really like to know is how did you (and how can I) get that cool "subscribe to my blog" green button in your signature??? Thanks again.

Thanks for this post. i will work on my signature.

MARA - Google is not showing any backlinks for your profile yet, but Yahoo has 15 right now. 

Here is your own "subscribe" button with the correct link ready to go with your member number (just copy and paste it into your posts):

 

 

 

Jason, I typed http://activerain.com/enyea in both google and yahoo.  One links back to my profile page and to someone else's page and yahoo doesn't show anything either.  Can you assist me too?  Thank you for sharing.

LATONIA - Not a problem.  You must type this command exactly (you were missing the "link:" part):

link:http://activerain.com/enyea 

Right now, it shows 379 links on Yahoo, but none for Google yet, since Google takes longer to update this.

 

Just to set the record straight, this particular post of one Jason Crouch was not featured by the AR Gods per se.  It was submitted to a contest with the judges being myself and a few others, a contest thought up by Bill Roberts.  I will say, without hesitation...that I play no favorites.  In fact, I guess it could be suggested that this post didn't stand a chance to be featured from that contest because I was a judge.  While all judging is subjective to an extent, this post was chosen on merit alone.  That's that.  Nice job Mr. Crouch, now where's my button?:-)


(Kidding, don't you freaking dare:-)

Jason, there is nothing more that I can add to this except it's great!!!  I appreciate you sharing.

Very interesting information! Thanks

Not that it matters at this late hour Loveseat... but I'd like to extend a hearty congratulations for your excellent submission and subsequent recognition in this contest!! The whole backlink issue is actually rather fascinating! Good work - as always!!

Bummer Lance!  Guess you danced with the wrong guy - LOL!

Hey Jason, I thought I had already added you?  Anyway just got home from Cancun, and have 147 e-mails to check, but started reading your posts first, and haven't got to my e-mails :).  Anyway I might now have you twice, which is OK too.  Remember that book by Steven King, and the movie where Kathy Bates played "His # 1 fan"...oh scary :).  Now I really am going to get busy, needed my "Jason fix".  Liz

As usual, you get killed from the small details you miss.  Thanks, I saw what you were talking about finally.

Jason,

Make out like I don't know my butt from first base. 

Would you please tell me exactly what I personally need to do to follow your advice?

(No, you don't have to make out like....it's a fact, I don't know my butt from first base.)

Thanks

Hi BILL - Right now, Google shows 69 backlinks for you, and Yahoo shows 1640 - great job!  You would use this exact command in the search box as if you were looking for something on Google or Yahoo:

link:http://activerain.com/billcherry

Since you are in Dallas (my birthplace and where I was raised, by the way), I guess it depends on what keywords are most important to you, such as "Dallas TX Real Estate" or something similar.

In order to help your blog get better attention on those terms, you must edit your profile and change the first and last name fields.  For First Name, you could use "Bill Cherry, Broker -" and in the Last Name field, you could put "Dallas Real Estate".  I would recommend something along those lines. 

Unfortunately, it won't change the links retroactively (i.e. old comments), but it will start working as you continue to comment on Public posts.  I hope this is helpful.  Let me know if you have any additional questions.  I hope you will also consider subscribing to my blog.  Have a great week!

Thanks for the great ideas!  I'm putting them into place RIGHT NOW!!

Thanks for the helpful information.  It is great to read technical tips that are not too technical!

smart post and great information.  Thanks for sharing I so need to catch up on my commenting.

Have a great day!

Great Information. SEO is sometimes difficult to explain. You did a great job of giving the details without getting too technical. One thing to note. No follow does not mean that search engines will not follow the link (yeah, it's a dumb name for it given this fact). The no follow simple means that search engines will still follow the link but your site does not pass any "credit" to the link. In other words, by having a no follow, you say "Hey Google, feel free to follow this link but note that I do not vouch for this links so don't "count" it as link juice.

Thanks for the tip Jason. I didn't know exactly how to change my signature (since there is no actual "signature" section in the edit profile page). So, with that said, this will be my first post with my new signature. Let's see if it works ;-)

MATT - That sounds like a great plan.  Thanks!

JO - I don't enjoy technical-sounding stuff myself, so I tried to make this easy to understand.

DEZ - Thanks for stopping by.  I'm glad you found this useful!

BRAD - Thanks for the info.  I appreciate the vote of confidence.  I would edit the post, but so many people have already read it now.

PAULA - Looks great!

That's awesome...thanks for the information! I will definitely have to change my signature line.

Thanks for sharing!

MONICA - That's terrific.  I am glad that I could be of help.  Have a great day!

Thanks for a great post.  I bookmarked your post and changed my signature. 

Thanks for sharing this info.  I'm new to AR and learning quite a lot lately. 

ROSALINDA - I am glad you found it to be helpful.  Welcome to AR!  Have a great week -

hey jason,

  I do not see any back links to my profile?  any ideas.... Great post and great Ideas.

Jason, thanks for the tips - I signed up and used a keyword for my last name.  later I found I that I should have used a keyword for my username too, but I guess it's too late to change that.  Maybe we'll do a deal together soon, I'm in the Georgetown market.  

CHRIS - I see 10 backlinks on Google and 174 on Yahoo for you.  Type this exact phrase into the search box at either site to see your backlinks:

link:http://activerain.com/chrisfuller

EDWARD - I was actually in Georgetown today for lunch and I had to pick up a check at Georgetown Title.  I hope we can do some business together at some point.  Thanks for your comments!

OK, forgive me for being dense, but how do I change my signature? And how do I change my user id for the blog, which is apparently a number rather than a name? Appreciate all your help! Thanks!

SHANNON - It looks like you changed the user name already.  To change the signature, you click on "Edit" for your Profile, then alter the First Name and Last Name as you see fit.  For example, my First Name is "Jason Crouch, Broker -", and my Last Name is "Austin Texas Real Estate".  I hope this helps.

Hi Jason,

Great post.  Talking about back links, are you familiar with viral linking?  I have created a real estate networking list that will use a viral linking technique to add back-links to our websites or active rain urls.  You all are welcome to check out the group or the blog post for more information or to add your site to the list.  Hope this helps everyone as well as Jason's post.  Isnt Active Rain great? 

Awesome!  Keep up the good work and THANK YOU:)

MICHAEL - I hadn't heard that term before.  Good luck with your idea.  Thanks for stopping by to comment.

No problem, Thanks for the great post.  Viral linking is basically where a networking list of website links is created, this is a running list that anyone who adds to also is suppose to copy that same list and add it somewhere in their website.  It doesn't need to be added somewhere where your clients can see, just so that it is a part of your site that Google bots can crawl.  By everyone on the network list doing this, the larger the list gets...the more back-links your website will receive.   The word Viral linking sounds like something negative but it really is not.  It is a great way to network and promote your site.   

CHARLIE - You're welcome!  I am happy that you found it helpful.  Have a great day!

hey Jason, Thank you for taking the time to look at my signature,  I missed having  LINK in front of my name     LINK:http://activerain.com/Chrisfuller      Thank you again......  If you have time maybe you could comment if my signature seems ok....  Thanks again Jason....

Jason, this is a great post.  At least I know my comments are worth something. I have a new understanding of how this stuff works.  Thanks again!

Great information.

Thanks

Dan Dillashaw, REALTOR

Virgil Adams Real Estate Inc. Olympia, WA

www.SouthSoundLiving.com

Google loves AR.  Do it right and you may find yourself like me...My AR blog on page 1 for several prime key phrases in my area.  Maddening, though, considering what I have tried to do with my personal website...;)

Jason, Another great post considering I am comment 252.  I could find my links on Yahoo but not google.  I will check back with them later.

Jason - My ignorance never ceases to amaze me - which keeps me continuously amazed.  I came to your post from one by Bill Gassett, and my head is starting to spin.  Prior to reading Bill's post, I had no idea what a back-link was.  I have only been on AR for about 4 weeks, and have been reading and commenting as much as time allows.  I had no notion that there was an actual SEO benefit to my comments, though.  Thank you for the information, and for the tip on how to search the engines for back-links. 

Hi Jason, i just finished reading two of your posts.  I changed my info at the bottom and want to test it.  If I understand it correctly, the info at the bottom should contain the most common key word - mine now does, I think.

 Also, I like the way you answer the posts in the comments section.  How do you do that?  When I tried I got an error that said I can't comment on my own posts.

 Thanks again for the great information.

Hi again Jason.

My signature has the words Edit Delete in it.  What happened...

Weird...

Hi Jason-

Just changed my name, to include my market.  This is a test to see how it looks

Linda - I think that is because you are logged on in the edit mode?  I don't see Edit/Delete.

This is what I call a blog that continues.  It seems as if everyone on AR has taken a bite out of this puppy!

It was very practical and useful info.  I dare you top the number of replies.

Make my day! 

Hello Jason,

 I am going to try to comment different peoples Blogs and see if it generates back to me. Very good Blog, I read some good information.

Robert Swetz

www.SwetzSellsVegas.com

Thank you for the easiest explanation of this I have seen yet!

Tina Merritt

CHRIS F - Sorry it took me over a week to come back and respond.  The signature looks great!

CHRIS G- You're welcome - glad to help!

DAN - You're welcome!

JOE - I can understand why that would be frustrating.  You're right, though - Google loves AR content.

JIMMY - Sounds like you already have it figured out, but Google is much slower to update the displayed backlinks.  Take care -

STEVEN - I went to look for Bill Gassett's post about this one, but I couldn't find it.  Could you tell me where it is?  I'm glad you found this useful!

LINDA - You should always be able to respond to your own posts.  If you can't, I would recommend contacting Bob or Rich at AR (bob@activerain.com or rich@activerain.com).  Every time you comment, you have the option to Edit or Delete your comment, so that is perfectly normal. 

MARILYN - Looks good!

FIND A NOTARY - I have actually had a couple of posts with more comments, but only a couple.

ROBERT - Go for it!  Comments will help you.

TINA - You are welcome! 

 

I'm just juicing google! LOL That is hilarious.

RAY - Keep on juicing! Thanks for your comment -

Holy cow! 262 comments!?! But seriously, I think I read this post when you wrote it, but I completely missed the reason you stated for commenting on other posts. I'm a commenting maniac anyway, so I can't wait to go check my stats. Thanks! =D

I am finally getting a better understanding of SEO and of the power of blogging as a learning tool and outlet for some really great sharing. Jason, thank you so much for sharing what you know so the rest of us have some hope of catching up. I am bookmarking so many of your posts.

Thank you for the information.  I will try to add it to how I use Active Rain.

Grrrrr....... I can't get mine to pull up.......

LISA - I am sure that you'll be happy with your stats in this regard.  Thanks for stopping by!

JANE - That is great to hear.  Thanks for bookmarking several of them!  Take care -

SERENA - Sounds great.  Thanks!

ROLAND - You are showing 324 backlinks on Yahoo, but none on Google (yet).  Google simply doesn't update the backlinks very often, so it's really a timing issue.  Keep checking - I assure you that it's working!

Hi Jason,

Quite a popular post. Well done my friend! Can you help me out? I learned a lot from your initial post and following responses, but...only 1 link for me. Is it because my user name is lp1mc rather than my name?

link:http://activerain.com/lp1mc

Please, advise if and when you have the time. Thank you sir!

All good wishes,

Larry Penilla

 

LARRY - You are showing a few additional links on Yahoo (8 right now).  It looks like you haven't been on ActiveRain very long yet, so you should definitely show more links over time.  It is not related to your username at all.  I hope this helps!

Thanks Jason. I guess I have to read more on SEO and backlinks and such...

Larry Penilla

LARRY - No problem.  There is a lot to learn about this subject, and SEO is always changing as they change the search engine algorithms.

Great Post, Great info. I am just getting started trying to get some quality back links and this is all great to know.

ROB - I am glad you found this to be handy.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Jason, I just tried to search for possible backlinks on GOOGLE; went to the google search screen, put in my AR web address  http://activerain.com/mhawks

and got this:

1. Michael Racz (RE/MAX Action Realty) - Real Estate Agent ...

and nothing else... can you suggest anything here?? Have I been hijacked or something??? I'c be so grateful for a response... thanks you!

MARA - I ran the same search on Google.  Since you have been here about three months, Google hasn't yet indexed your profile, so it was trying to provide a similar match.

You don't have any backlinks displaying on Google yet, but you have 52 on Yahoo.  Make sure you use the "link:" in front of the address, like this:

link:http://activerain.com/mhawks

Yahoo indexes a lot more often than Google, so you will probably see your progress there much faster.

Thanks Jason - I feel like such a tiny little minnow amongst the Google whales... I'm glad to know that I matter to Yahoo!

NOTE: I haven't read all the posts since there are a lot, so I might be saying something that has already been said.

I believe that Google does NOT report all their backlinks.  They have stated this before.  You can do a search on Google and backlinks for more info.  If you use their webmaster tools, you can see them all.  However, you must be the website owner to do that.

More info below.

http://www.mattcutts.com/blog/google-provides-backlink-tool-for-site-owners/

Hope this eases some people.

 Rick

MARA - Cool!  I am glad to be of help.

RICK - You're absolutely right, and I certainly don't want to give the impression that you can see all of them by using this particular search.  Yahoo seems to display all of them, but I may be incorrect about this.

Jason, very helpful. New to the network and trying things out. I have read two of your post and I will be subsribing to your post.  In simple terms you have been able to explain what I need to know and do. I would also like to Thank Jo Soss who directed me to this group.  Heading on to edit my first and last name. 

Great Post Jason.  In fact I'll be change my sig right away.

 

I thought it might be helpful to do video on how to change it for everyone.

 

Here's teh link to the video Tutorial:  http://activerain.com/blogsview/429537/Changing-your-Signature-File 

MICHELLE - I am glad to hear that you found this one helpful!  Thanks for subscribing to my blog.  Which group were you directed to by Jo?  Just curious -

TOM - I enjoyed your video tutorial, so I edited this post to include a link to yours.  Thanks!

Nice post Jason, how do you get that nice green button on your blog to subscribe to your blog?

Thanks

Betty

BETTY - My friend Adam wrote about this awhile back:

Creating A "Subscribe To My Blog" Button -

Your specific link for your button is http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent_id=95425

Jason when I make a comment my name is not "clickable"  How do I make it so that you can click on my signature and go to my profile?

deVismes - It seems to be working just fine right now. 

Okay I am confused.  When I make a comment in other area where it asks for your name it is not "clickable" but on my comment before I just made to you it is.    What is the difference?

deVismes - If it asks for your name in the other area, that means you were not logged in before.  When you are logged in and commenting, it will also be clickable and you won't have to fill in your name at all, as the system will automatically do this for you.

WOW! It took me half a day to get past all those comments!!! lol!

You are very informative! I enjoy reading your blog and love all the helpful advice! You are certainly 'paying it forward'!

Hi, jason!

 I found your comments on SEO for real estate sites to be most informative, although it took me awhile to get the hang of how to deal with Yahoo Canada.  If you go in on the Business and Commerce tree, the only way you can suggest a directory is to pay the $299, so you have to go through one of the other directory trees and choose a less obvious branch, such as (in my case) Travel, which eventually leads to a region or state.  that one is free.  I put in my keywords (Cape Coral real Estate, Cape coral Florida Golf course Homes), which fit in with both travel and recreation.  I guess we will see if this produces any backlinks to my cape coral real estate  site.  I have a page on there for the Pickwick Pines Resort in Mississippi, where I also work, so I plugged ina few of those keywords, as well.  It will be interesting to see which one, if either, produces some action.  I had no luck at all with the Yahoo India.  maybe just my inept choices on the tree, but I never could get to a free directory insertion.    ditto the Yahoo7 directory.

I have increased my backlinks from 7 to 179 in the last month using this basic technique.  It seems to produce almost instant gratification with Yahoo, but Google does not respond so fast, at least to the backlinks I have set up.  interesting, as well that neither one seems to respond or even acknowledge the Squidoo thing.  Maybe too obvious SEO?  All of the Active Rain blogs show up where I use the http://www.JimGibson.biz/blogs/home.aspx, but neither one responds to http://www.JimGibson.biz/My_Blog/page_202488.html, which is the same page.  what is that about?

I want to build traffic to my Active Rain blog and my website Blog, but this seems to work only intermittantly.  cross-linking the two does not get recognized. ??

Thanks agan for the help.  I'll learn this Yet!

Jim Gibson, Realtor, MBA, E-PRO
http://www.JimGibson.biz
http://www.squidoo.com/ListYourCapeCoralHome

 

Hi Jason--this is all very helpful because I had no clue about "backlinks".

Jason,

Man, oh man, what a great tip!  I already changed my name on my profile page and checked yahoo for my backlinks (9 - google showed only a couple...).  Thanks for the GREAT info.  Now, how do I get that cool "subscribe to my blog" button that Mara (above) asked about?  Can you send me  a tutorial on how to create it?

Thanks.

Vince- DUCTZ

623-466-8625

Great job.  You really know your stuff.  I've bookmarked this for future reference.

I have tried but I cant figure out why we get zero backlinks. Any ideas?

TEAM DIMURIA - I checked Google, and you are right.  However, I also checked Yahoo, and you are showing 500 backlinks there.  Google is simply very slow to update their displayed backlinks.  It is working - believe me!

Jason, you always have great tidbits to help us out.

I hope you are keeping well and busy~!

Jason-thanks for sharing this info with us. I have bookmarked this post.

JACQUELINE - I am staying busy, although not all of it is real estate (family, church, etc.).  Thanks for your nice comments!

PATTY - Great!  Let me know if you have any questions.

Comment 300 Parked for: Brad Andersohn!  Congrats Jason, it's obvious how much you are loved here in the "Rain!"  :-)))

Yahoo had lots of backlinks but Google had none. Is there something I'm missing for Google

BRAD - Thanks, buddy.  I appreciate that. 

BONNER - Google doesn't update nearly as often with their displayed backlinks.  Yahoo is more frequent, and they will also always show more than Google.  Keep checking Google over time - you will see them.

Jason, wonderful information for all to know about the essence of how Google Juice is created. Commenting on others blogs helps us all out with the back links eventually.

Thanks so much...following your advice I am posting a comment!  Do you have any idea how to change my designation on AcitveRain from "other" to "home stager"?  Have a great day.

All American Concierge

www.AllAmerican4you.com

 

 

Thanks I am new to AR and enjoy all of the tips from all of the experts out there.....

Jason - great post.  I need all the help I can get!

I am new to Active Rain and SEO and meta tags.  The information that you are postings is wonderful!  Keep up the good work.

I want to read this later... Thanks

Jason, I think you are right up there with Brian Block as a son I forgot to have!  Great post.

Jason,

Great post, and thank you for all the help you've given to all these folks in the ActiveRain community!

Jon,

Lots of information to digest here.  I'm still working on my backlinks so if you have additional places to read about them please pass them to me!  Thanks for your help!

WOW!!!  I did not know about the back links. The part about "Members only" is great info too.

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge!!!  

BRAVO... Yes we are not trained in Google search and matter of trial and error, I probably have 1000's of hours vested in internet DAILY.... with PR3 ranking in Google less than 4 months, with 1000's of hits each month. It amazes me... Thank you for taking care of everyone with your suggestions.

 

Lynn 911 Dallas Top Real Estate Agent Team

Dallas homes for sale, Dallas home foreclosures, Dallas home rentals, Dallas houses for lease, Dallas condos for rent.

Visit our website http://www.lynn911.com/ over 4,000 Dallas home foreclosures

972-699-9111

Lynn

Dallas Real Estate Agent

911@lynn911.com

Jason,

Great posts first of all.  Second I was wondering if I squeeze in multiple keywords in my signature line does it diminish the power of the first keyword, or the more I can squeeze in the better?

Wish I read this when I started. I've always been the one who plays around on the computer until I figure out how to do what I want. This is good info and the replies tell me something too.

Jason - excellent information for the blogger with a limited amount of SEO knowledge

Thank you so much for the information.

Thank you so much for the information.

So Many things to think about when it comes to a web site!!  Thank you for sharing about the signature.  NOw  I am wondering if I should change my signature or not.   Hummmmm..  Thanks again for posting some great info!

Take Care & Have a Great '08!

Jason:  I'm always picking up some great tidbit from you and entertained in the process.  Thank you.

Nicely written Jason, people really under estimate the postive effect joining the conversation can have.  Just by adding your two cents to a post you improve your own SEO efforts, create a network, find friends and generate business.

Jason,

I have a question on my post how do I add links. Do I add <a HREF="HTTP://www.etc">name</a>

confused!  Sorry but I was not able to follow--will have to study this further!  But thanks for sharing.

STEVEN - If you are looking to add links to your comments, they will not benefit you at all, since they have "nofollow" tags.  To be honest, I am not an HTML expert, so I normally use the WYSIWYG tab to post links in my blog.

AIDA - Let me know if you have any questions that I can answer for you.

So was Lynn spamming you on 10 remarks ago. I thought I read and it was probaly from you that if you link on comments it does not back link your site. Your thoughts. Also I did follow your advise.  also l like your remarks on church and family you have a life.

So was Lynn spamming you on 10 remarks ago. I thought I read and it was probaly from you that if you link on comments it does not back link your site. Your thoughts. Also I did follow your advise.  also l like your remarks on church and family you have a life.

Jason, thank you.  I just changed my signature. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Great piece of advice!  Keep it up amigo!

Richard David

Federal Funding

Dallas, Texas

richard@fedfund.us

 

Commercial Investment Advisors • Loan Originators • Lenders • DPA Providers

Gee, when I set my profile up I didn't realize what I was doing would work so well for me, check out my backlink

Hi Jason.  Thank you for your post.  I'm learning something new every day... thank you. 

have been around a LONG time, haven't we?  I think you know more about SEO than any Realtor I know, and I you continue to amaze me.  Active Rain is very lucky to have you.  I hope they realize that.  They should make you part of the staff.  ~Jan

Jan - Maybe you could pass that along to the AR guys.  :-)

Darn it...I wish they would fix it to where you can't comment unless you're logged in.  I never realize I'm not until my comments publish with some weird name like that one.  Grrrr.

At least you knew it was me...:-(

Jan

HAHAAA! Jason! I just found this post while trying to figure out how to make some minor changes to my outside blog. I can't believe you were commenting 40+ times a day! I assume you've scaled back now, since you're posting a lot as well. Soooo, OCD much? :p

Thanks for the info on checking backlinks, Jason.  I am going to check it out now:-)

JAN - I guess they want to leave it so that members of the general public can comment here.  I have been burned by that a few times myself.

LISA - I checked it today, just for you.  My current average is 34.95 comments per day - of course, that includes all of the responses on my own blog, too (when I have time to respond).  If I am OCD, it seems like I would be a bit more organized, huh?  I think I am only OCD with numbers.

DEBRA - I hope this comes in handy for you.  Let me know if you have any questions - I would be happy to help.

Thanks for the great tips! I really do not have time to blog and comment as often because in spite of the semi-slow market here in Austin, I am very busy with clients. I hope to meet you at the upcoming gathering in August!

Thanks

RUSSELL - You are welcome!  I have also been quite busy lately - AR is kind of a hobby for me, and I work from home pretty often, so I carve out some time for it.  Hopefully, you received the Evite to the gathering?  If not, let me know and I will re-send it.

 

I have been working on this for days, but I can't seem to get any links to work. I try checking link:http://activerain.com/ogormask to see if I am showing links but it shows nothing. I have made quite a few posts here and have tried to be very active. Any ideas?

Shane - It looks like you started posting here on ActiveRain last week.  It is going to take some time for any backlinks to show up on Google for you (perhaps 2-3 months or so).  That being said, Yahoo does show 4 backlinks for you already.

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.  I think I have changed my signature line.  I guess I will see if I did it correctly after I post this comment.  Thanks again and look forward to reading more of your post about SEO.

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.  I think I have changed my signature line.  I guess I will see if I did it correctly after I post this comment.  Thanks again and look forward to reading more of your post about SEO.

PAUL - Did it work the way that you wanted it to?

If anyone needs a backlink (who doesn't?) that is related to real estate and interior design, our website's blog is accepting article entries. If your article is accepted and has a word count of over 1,200 words, you get to add a free backlink in your article (so it appears natural). Dofollow links plus of course on-topic so Google gives it a higher importance.

 

The main site is PR 3. Here's the site, just copy & paste in address bar: http://www.prioritywindows.com/interiordesignblog

 

I hope that helped, I know how hard it is to get backlinks and how much we gotta work for it (don't we all).

Hey Jason,

Thanks as always for your ongoing advice! I was curious about my back links so I went to Google as you suggested. The only thing that came up were two of my older blog posts. So what is that telling me?

 

Thanks!

Jason,

Thanks for the info brother.  I am slowly learning and this was a big help.  I started out reading  your post about how to get over 100 comments and that lead me here.

Leander

thanks so much for adding some light to another complicated process that us beginners are working at trying to learn. I appreciate the fact that so many of you take the time to share so much with everyone. Thanks

Keep in mind that if the post you comment on isnt indexed, then the sig links have no value.

Jason, I love the fact that you posted this back in January yet it is still getting comments and is relevant today. Personally, I do a lot of things wrong while I figure out what is right but that's why everyday is a new opportunity to learn something good.

Happy closings

Chris

Chris - It's fun to see this one popping up from time to time.  I think it has been the most consistent with regard to getting new readers.

Hey Jason,

 

Long time. I hope all is well. You make some really good points.

Thanks for sharing all these great ideas. You have been busy. How do you find time to do all this, SEO and sell homes?  You must be burning the midnight oil :-)

This is great!!! Thanks for the detailed info. Chalk up a link back to my AR profile ;).

JEFF - Sorry I missed your comment before.  I hope you're doing well!

NATIONAL RELOCATION - I am a bit of a night owl, but I sleep late for the most part.

GREG - Glad to be of help.  I hope you have a great week.  I have a few other SEO posts.  You might consider subscribing to my blog if you haven't already done so.

Jason,

 

Thank you for the great information.   So much to learn.   Great info!

 

Tim

Finally, some SEO I can actually begin to understand.  Okay, I did what you wrote about to see how many back links I had...a measley four!  Guess I have some work to do!  I have been reading your posts on a fairly regular basis, wish I knew you a year ago.  My husband's son lives in Austin (actually Plugerville) and bought a house last year.  We used a Keller Williams agent and he was great, but you seem to have a lot of great knowledge and I bet would have found him a great house too.

 

 

Thank you for sharing this valuable information with all of us.There always something new to learn about SEO.

Jay

This is great info Jason. Thanks for posting this and I will also be able to pass it on to the agents I work with.

With sales like they are we need great advice Thanks !  Checking my signature now!

interesting.  I'll keep an eye on it.  I have one on google, many on yahoo and none on msn.  I'll see if I can figure that out.

Jason,

Thanks for this valuable information.  Being new here there is much to learn, and you comments are a big help.

Thanks for the info very good stuff here.

Jason. Thanks a million for this one. I never realized the value of one's signature here and how it works with the backlinks. This is what is called an A-HA moment. You have greatly increased my awareness on this. i appreciate it. And one more thing, just by reading a lot of your posts this morning, I have received a much better understanding of how many things work here and how I can improve my own efforts. Thanks again.

Jason. Of course, I had to go in and change my profile immediately to see if it appears as I intended. Thanks again. I think i did it right. just had to squeeze the last name on to the same line as the first name. Is that okay?

I am guessing that I did one thing wrong....get rid of the comma between the city and state ???

I must need to keep seeing this information as I keep ending upon this post every month or so.  Thanks,

Learned a lot in 10 minutes!  From now on I'm reading your blogs everyday!  Thanks so much for sharing all this valuable information.

Thanks for the info. - This gives me something to experiment with this morning.....

More great stuff Jason. Thanks for schooling all of us here in the Rain. Have a great day.

HI JASON!

I followed this to the best of my ability, but I got no results.  Granted, I'm probably doing something wrong, but I've tried 3X.  Can you help me please?!?!

Thank you,

arg only 568. ah well. babysteps, babysteps.

This was an excellent post. This one is bookmark worthy.

This was very helpful. Thank you for the tidbit of valuable information

I see why this is so popular.  Thank you very much.

Jason,

GREAT BLOG! I got a years worth of education in one read. I never knew the impat of making comments on this and other sites. Motivates ( or should ) folks to pay attention, read and respond! Thanks!

Vincent Arcuri

 

 

Dear Jason,

Thanks for the fantastic tips. I am adding my signature to everything from now on!!

Regards,

Betina

Betina Foreman, Realtor Austin Texas

www.BetinaForeman.com 

 

Dear Jason,

Thanks for the fantastic tips. I am adding my signature to everything from now on!!

Regards,

Betina

Betina Foreman, Realtor Austin Texas

www.BetinaForeman.com 

 

Hi Jason:  More great thoughts.  The power of A | R becomes very clear when you do assess the backlinks pointing to your website.  As you stated, not all of the backlinks immediately show but the ones that do are dominated by A | R (for me anyhow!).

This is good information; however, the truest way to see back links picked up by Google will be found by webmaster tools. You have to get your site verified and then you will be able to see all inbound links pointing to your site that are recognized by Google.

 

The "link:http://activerain.com/your profile name goes here" doesn't give all the information.

I am new to the blogging scene and have a lot of questions.  I just thought I would send you a comment rather than trying to go through all the comments to try to find answers. 
I am looking to get backlinks.  Do you just have to pretty much be active on here for a while along with making numerous quality posts to get them?
Also I wanted to add blogging to my Hawaii site.  I currently have some blogging through godaddy, but it does not seem to be too good for SEO.  You could view it at hawaiiblog.hawaiivacationstop.com.  I had read about wordpress and that seems to be a good one.  Do you agree?  Any help on how to get some backlinks throgh blogging would be great.
By the way, I am from Tyler, Texas and just moved out to Hawaii about seven years ago.  Longhorms looked good today.

Thanks for the tip.  Never thought about some of these issues.  New signature is in the works.

Amazing.... your post is great, and the comments worth reading too.  Thanks!

Jason,

I started reading the newbies posts again to refresh and update my existing marketing efforts.  Thank you very much for this informative post.

Tina in Virginia

 

Okay I went to google and typed in http://activerain.com/rebeccagaujot and got this reply  "Sorry - the user "rebeccagaujot" no longer exists."

I then went to Yahoo and typed in my above link and received "We did not find any results for http://activerain.com//rebeccagaujot."  So, I guess this means I have no backlinks??

 

 

Question for you:  you wrote, "So, EVERY TIME I write a comment (if the post is public and not "members only"), this link has the potential to be seen as a backlink for my profile page, which links to my primary website, so it actually benefits both of them."  Is the link from the profile page on Active Rain to my outside website automatic? Or, is that something I have to manually do? Also, how much time does it take for the link(s) to occur? My site is really new (days old) and I am not back linked at all according to search tools I have used.  Is the problem just time or did I miss a crucial step? Thanks for your feed back.

Jason: I just stumbled upon this very helpful post. I now have a better understanding of how commenting will help my SEO. Thank you!

this is such a good post. you may want to repost it to the SEO Q&A group too.

Great post! thank you for sharing this valuable information.  I still have so much to learn...

Maria Tascon

Oldie, but a goodie, thanks!

Great info on using active rain for SEO.

Looking to buy or sell real estate in Tewksbury MA call me.

Jason, great advise on this post. I still need and learn everyday on Active Rain about SEO.

As always, very informative.  I need to update my signature line!

Jason,

Great explanation. I was wondering why one of my comments  showed up on a friend's google alerts and now I realize it is becuase my signature says Menlo Park and the alert was for blogs about Menlo Park.

Marcy

Jason,

This post was amazingly helpful.  I am definitley a "newbie" but I have many contacts that rave about AR and connections it can generate.  However the Backlink process still seems a bit daunting so far.

Thank you,

Ryan

This is one of my favorite posts -- I need to bookmark this one.  Thank you!

This was great information, I hope this will help me to get some rating on my site.  Currently, I'm at ZERO!

Thanks for sharing thesewonderful tips! I ahve changed my signature and hope it will make a difference in my business.

Jason- I always thought this was the case, and your post was confirmation.  Thank you for posting this- it made my night!

so Jason, I just checked myself by searching on the AR search box, and the juice is pretty cool--this article came up first when I put my name in the box!  Thanks again!

Thanks for all the helpful tips Jason.  I've been following you for a while now and appreciate your insite and interesting blogs.  I am near you so all you local info is most helpful!  That's me flying over in the parachute sometimes,  I launch from the east end of Blackhawk Subd!   My website is moving up the ranks in Yahoo and the AR site is hitting pretty good on Google.   Anxious to spend some time tweaking it further,

Regards,  Glen

WoW Jason... Back in March you posted this comment ...

ROLAND - You are showing 324 backlinks on Yahoo, but none on Google (yet).  Google simply doesn't update the backlinks very often, so it's really a timing issue.  Keep checking - I assure you that it's working!

Now it's time to see if I can find this and see how I may have improved. 

Roland - I see 17 backlinks on Google now for your profile here on AR.  Google never displays all of them, so that's actually pretty good!

Jason:

I found this article today and thought I would compliment you again.  When do you ever have time to sell real estate?   Thank you for sharing.  I am very very impressed with what you do!!!

Carol - Thanks very much for stopping back by!  I think I just work faster than most people.  ;)

Jason, I am new to AR. I have been struggling with the person who is supposed to be doing my SEO work.  I was getting traffic for forclosures, short sales and properties fifty miles away under 40K .  My market is high end luxury in Naples FL .  Recently, I found someone who truly understands. I found her teaching a class on social media.  She got me on to AR, which was the first best thing.  She is now working on my site and pages, (2nd best thing) and last,but not least, she said you have to read Jason Crouch!  THE best thing.  Thanks so much for all your good work!

Thank you for this information jason.  I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience.  Your info is a great help to a novice such as myself.

I had to bookmark this a re-read it when my brain was not so tired.  The info sounds too good!

Great blog post Jason. It's never too late to learn something new...

Jason, This is an old post but it taught me someting new. I have only been here for 3 1/2 months. Google doesn't have any backlinks yet. yahoo had 458 out of the 464 I've made so far. No wonder i"m doing better on yahoo. Thanks for showing me how to check.

 

wow! I didnt know how to check for backlinks! Thanks for the info.

informative post

-nelson

Thanks for the tip

Hi Jason,

Gud Job. You poured information like a heavy rain in Active Rain. Thanks for sharing. Keep posting.


Best - Sash

Jason, I cannot thank you enough for you information.  I can already smell tiff's treats arriving at your office very soon!!!!

Great information about comments, which I did not know.

Jennifer - There's always room for Tiff's Treats!

Excellent Info!

Excellent Info!

Jason,

   There are some great ideas. Thanks for sharing this information.

Jason,

   There are some great ideas. Thanks for sharing this information.

Jason,

   There are some great ideas. Thanks for sharing this information.

Jason,

   There are some great ideas. Thanks for sharing this information.

Jason,

   There are some great ideas. Thanks for sharing this information.

Jason,

   There are some great ideas. Thanks for sharing this information.

Changed my signature line tonight, because of your Wisdom ... Thank you for sharing!

This Active Rain info just keeps on going!  It's turned into an exciting new venture, and I appreciate your tips.  Will check into this more today. 

I edited my signature to link back to my real estate website.  For some reason, the signature did not seem to take.  For one, it still points to my activerain profile.  Also, the actual body of my signature does not appear to show up.  It looks like a default signature.  I made sure to hit the update and save buttons where necessary.  Is this because I'm not paying activerain nearly $500/year to have my blog posts appear in search engines (rainmaker)?  Paying for rainmaker seems crazy when any other FREE blog software on the web is searchable.  What's up?  I could use some help.

Thanks, Ben

Thanks Jason.. I just came across your post. I  can't believe that I missed it. Now, I have to make sure follow through on your tips.  

Thanks Jason.. I just came across your post. I  can't believe that I missed it. Now, I have to make sure follow through on your tips.  

Missy sent me here! Thank you for the information!

Wow not sure how I missed this post years ago but I just got here through Missy's post.  Glad I found it.  I'm going to check out my backlinks now.  Hopefully I'm understanding all of this.

Thanks.

Wow not sure how I missed this post years ago but I just got here through Missy's post.  Glad I found it.  I'm going to check out my backlinks now.  Hopefully I'm understanding all of this.

Thanks.

Wow not sure how I missed this post years ago but I just got here through Missy's post.  Glad I found it.  I'm going to check out my backlinks now.  Hopefully I'm understanding all of this.

Thanks.

Jason -

Is this information still current?  I'd really like to know.

Jim - Everything here should still be accurate and up-to-date.  :)

I really like your post and appreciate you sharing it with me. I have signed up for your RSS and hope to read more great posts from you. Thank you. I would appreciate you approving my comment and letting me add my link to your great site and build a great base of constant visitors for us both. Here is my RSS link if you would like to signup for mine as well.

Bank Instrument RSS feed: http://www.mtn-cmo-bg.com/feed/

My site also has a lot of great information regarding bank instruments for intermediary / Broker Education to help you succeed. See you around.

Thanks MTN CMO BG

Thanks to the Texas Dude on a great post once again! I even added my website as a middle name... see below.  :-)

Great post! I work in dallas real estate, do you think your method could work for me? http://www.dfwrealties.com

Jason, when I clicked on this Post,

Aloha Jason, when I clicked on this Post, How to generate and track backlinks for your Active Rain profile - A few basic SEO tips, even though I'm on Road Runner, Cable, it took a bit of time for it to come on the screen because of so many comments.  That's a good thing!  I'm going to implement your ideas here on Oahu.  There probably some longer term ActiveRain Rainmakers here already doing it.

Thanks for the tips Jason! Glad I found this...I will definitely be implimenting your ideas!