I can't say that it has added to my bottom line in any major way. But I've learned things, which should help me be a better professional. I'v made relationships which also enhance my professionalism.

This is a blogging site.  If you blog consistantly and correctly and point your blogs at your website, people will follow.  If it's not done correctly then it's just a waste of time.

My online presence is very good now.... I had minimal before joining AR and then creating several Niche websites....plus Google+... I would not have been familiar with any online marketing had it not been for AR....

I've gained many clients over the years that came to me directly from reading my blog posts.  In fact, just yesterday I had another who googled my area and read post after post.  He's looking to buy in the area and realized I was the Realtor for him because of my blogging about the local area.

What I've learned from others here in the Rain has been invaluable to me - far more than any courses or seminars I've taken!!

Chris and Dick Dovorany nailed this one.  

The blogging is the main source of business.  It brings in many leads and now accts for about 1/3 of my business.  Secondarily, I have met some local realtors here who have referred business to me.  And, some of them have introduced me to other realtors.  Some realtors here have gotten other referrals from realtors (and vice versa).

Good morning Jennifer. I refer any on AR on a regular basis. Always great to refer rainers that I have gotten to know.

 Good morning Jennifer. When I started blogging, I really thought that AR would really help the business. It has not! I'm here totally for the social interaction.

Your question actually is muliti-faceted and deserves a more thorough response.

A blogging site such as AR which has 'closed' membership, is regarded by search engines to be an authority website. Other authority websites would be any: GOV, EDU, This authority will be restored with the new onwership and return to ActiveRain.com URL. (as part of Zillow Group, a non-member website, much authority for AR was lost) This provides members the ability to leverage this authority to boost their business website. This is the machanics one needs to understand to put the rest into play.

Other authority websites you should consider is your franchise and mls as leverage opportunities. Link 'em up.

The consumer, before chosing to raise their hand or contact an agent will seek online validation of the company or person. WHERE WILL THEY LOOK?"

There is a known number of validation points the citizen needs to find. You use AR, PPC, inbound, placement, franchise and any other tool you want to made certain they find those validation points.

Now, that citizen will not know with any precision how they reached their intent to call you. They will say 'Found you on the internet' which provides no guidance for you.  That is why I purpose to make my writing uniquely different in style and content from any you willl read. It is when a citizen reveals a fragment of content that identifies the origin that confirms for me how AR increases my sales and bottom line. If you write as everyone else, repeating the same content, youi will never know what is working regarding your validataion initative.

My suggestion to you Jennifer, is to understand your blogging purpose before investing your time. When your purpose is understood, your writing will be supported with INTENT to attract your preferred buyer or seller.

It is not just words. In the past three day, I have taken three listings. NONE of these homeowners know the role AR played.