Drizzle of honey on kitchen counter looking suspiciously like a snake.
Honestly, folks…I have no idea.
However, ever since my friend, Terrill, from Creative Potager blog, asked me a question about blog hits, I’ve put on my Thinking Cap.
Here was Terrill’s question:
Do you have any tips Kathy that you can offer new blog writers to help them to increase their readership?
I had just congratulated her on getting 3,342 views since she started at the end of December. That is quite a feat! If you’re a relative unknown blog-writer, you can be lucky to get a 1,000 hits in a year. Sometimes (it pains me to say) 250 hits. Sometimes, a certain blog just doesn’t catch on fire in the cyberspheres. It can be heartbreaking.
I’ve had sizzling blogs and dud blogs. The dud blogs were anonymous: just checkin’ to see how this blogosphere works without a network of friends, publicity, and blabbing. (Of course, don’t tell your dud blogs they were duds. Shhh. That isn’t nice. And, besides, maybe you are writing them from your heart and it doesn’t matter if three other readers ever witness your words. More on that later.)
Hurray!
Last year’s Opening the Door, Walking Outside blog started with something like 28 readers per day in December, 2008. It jumped to an exciting 53 in January and 54 in February. Yet every month it crawled or leapt upward, especially when the search engines started rolling. (It helps to visit lots of places and write about them. The search engines love that.) At the end of the outdoor commitment year, the blog usually hit between 300-400 hits a day. It was great! (The old blog still gets over 200 hits a day and not a word has been written since December. Hmmm…. The new blogs are envious. They sniffle about it sometimes. I try to be patient with them. It takes a while to build up readership, you blogs…)
My infant blog Simply Here (started last week) is lucky to get 20-30 hits a day. She isn’t too fussy. She’s a brand new baby, a different kind of blog. A blog of lyrical words, a poetry blog, a shimmery blog. I grin when anyone reads her.
So here are the tips from my limited knowledge.
1. Write a zinging headline. Write a headline that will pull people away from their busy lives and intrigue them. How many of you would read a blog that said “Tips for Increasing Blog Traffic.” OK, maybe you would. Maybe you would get a zillion hits. But I think creativity in blog titles often helps. (And it entertains the blog writer to no end.)
2. Add photos to your words. Yep. This is a biggee. My newspaper-husband-photographer said, “If you want to get ANYONE to read your words, use photos. I’ve been telling reporters this for years.” I sniffed back to him, “Yeah, well I’ve written other blogs without using a single photo and people read ’em!” But he is right. 99.6% of you people process visually. Stun ’em with something that intrigues the eye.
The flower of your blog.
3. Here’s the publicity part. Publicize. Open your mouth and share about your blog. Twitter it. Facebook it. Tell your mom and dad and brothers and sisters and Uncle John. Yack, yack, yack about it. Although, I must warn you: this scheme can backfire. If people think you’re tweeting your own horn too royally, they’ll scowl and mutter and refuse to read. And they might even write you off as a raving ego-blogger. You have to balance the scales. Get the news out in a neutral way. (I have never succeeded being neutral too often.)
4. Write a blog about what moves you. Your passion! Your excitement! Your joy! That’s what will gain you readership. If something excites you, it’s bound to excite Mary and Joe Reader. They’ll feel your energy. They’ll feel your creativity. They’ll think, “We want some of that energy for ourselves.” They’ll subscribe to your blog.
5. OK, here’s the karma part. What comes around goes around. This means you are not alone in the world. You are not a solo blogger. You are surrounded by a community of bloggers who would like readership. Thus, out you go into the blogger-world and shake hands and read and introduce yourselves. Say, “Hi. Wow, you wrote a great blog. I am going to put you on my blogroll.” Nine times out of ten they come over and visit your blog. Then they put you on their blogroll. Pretty soon you’re friends. Reciprocate, reciprocate, reciprocate. We’re not all out to get readership for ourselves. We’re out to become a Better Community. All of us. WordPress, Blogger, Typepad and the rest. Amen.
Fireworks that look like musical notes.
6. Write a lot. Write every time the muse strikes. As creative channels, we stand at the ready. The Universe wants to create through us. If we’re open, the Universe is ready. If you open your eyes you will see 6,000 things to write about. Start now and don’t stop. (Unless you want to take a nap or celebrate your 30th wedding anniversary in the Bahamas. Hi, Laurie at Speaking from the Heart! Don’t you even think of us when your gone!)
7. Be yourself. Be your unique wild wonderful quiet exotic beautiful self. Speak your own truth through your blog. Don’t imitate any one else. When you’re most truly yourself, others perk up and look around. They want to be more truly themselves. They will be inspired and stick around to find out how to succeed.
8. If you’re the kind of person who can…don’t worry about blog hits AT ALL. Share from your heart. Write because you love to write. Ignore every single piece of advice just offered if your heart tells you “no, that advice is not for me.” Blog because. Just because. Blog because it enriches your day. Blog because you just have to share about what happened. No hits can be just as enriching as a zillion hits. (Yeah, right, Kathy…)
Now! I really truly want to hear from YOU. Any other advice for new blog writers wanting readership? Some of you probably know lots more than I. Do share! We’re all ears… What’s the secret to blogging success?
Lake Superior Spirit 
Kathy,
I really appreciate your generosity of spirit in sharing what works for you. I’m a new blogger, learning to walk the path, and these guidelines will help me map out my journey.
And thanks to Terrill who reached out to you and asked you to share what you do.
Glad to help out, treewithroots (gosh, I love that name!) This blog was SO fun to write. It kept writing itself in my head all day…refusing to let me concentrate on anything else until it was written. Hope it will prove helpful!
Kathy – This is a FANTASTIC blog! THANK YOU!
I just “tweeted” it on Twitter! Yesterday I put your blog(S) on my blogroll and Terrill’s (Creative Potager) as well. She pointed to a wonderful blog (Creative Every Day) in her post today and I added it as well.
As of this moment, my infant blog (born Feb 21, 2010) — Speaking from the Heart — has 492 hits (thank you for the live link).
I’m listening with my heart,
– Laurie
Thanks for the Tweet and liking this blog, Laurie. And for the addition to the blogroll. Your infant blog is going to be a huge success, Laurie, cuz you do listen to your heart. And your heart will help the baby out into the world. Baby blogs are so sweet…and so are you.
There’s no point in writing at all, online or off, unless you’re writing about something that moves you, or tickles your funny bone, or makes you mad. Then it doesn’t matter how many people read it–OK, that’s a lie, because we all like to feel that lots of people out there find our offerings compelling!–but it does matter that the people who read it are moved, tickled, or outraged by the injustice.
Or, in the case of TLV, that they find someone who can fix their busted snowblower or sell them a half bushel of organic potatoes.
There is nothing so satisfying as having someone say to you, “I read what you wrote and I liked it because . . . ” (And there is nothing so depressing as a loved one who says, “so what have you been up to lately?” You want to say, “Wait, wait–do you not read my blog????”)
Gerry, you have some very good points here. When we’re writing about what moves us…that’s a HUGE key. I am laughing that people come to your blog and find who can fix their busted snowblower. Ha ha… Now YOU have a real community blog, a blog rooted in your community. What a gift you share with the people of Torch Lake (and surrounding areas.)
Had to laugh about the loved one who asks what’s up in your life. That was so hard to take at the beginning of last year. Did you ever want to say, “If you really cared about me, you’d be reading my blog?” LOL! It took me six months to let go of the expectation that certain loved ones should be reading. (Hopefully I’ve let go of that…I’m sure I have…)
I’ll second both the positive and the negative here–great when people say they read, discouraging when they don’t but want individual reports. One of the reasons I started Books in Northport was so I could share my bookstore and northern Michigan world with all of my wonderful out-of-state customers and my out-of-state family. I had to accept that some will follow, some will peek in once in a while, others will never be bothered unless I send them a link to a specific post, which occasionally seems to jog a response. Love you both, Kathy and Gerry!
Posting comments on another person’s blog…that is how I found some of the people on my blogroll. They posted interesting comments, on someone else’s blog, which caused me to surf on over to their blog. And I agree, write whatever is true in your heart.
Yes, Annie, that’s a big one. That is surely true. When you read an interesting comment on someone’s blog it is often incentive to click over to their blog and check it out. Very good point!
Kathy, thank you so much for your thoughtful and sometimes humorous response to my question. Thank you, thank you!
Seems it comes down to the same skills we use to create community in real time used on a different playing field. If we can answer the questions “how DO I want to show up? and who DO I want to be friends with?” we will get a starting point for building our blog readership and for being in online communities.
Now I need to go place a link on a couple of posts where I promised I would when you posted your answer. There was no pressure – honest:)
This is awesome Kathy and is most helpful. Terrill
Terrill, thank YOU again for the incentive for this post. It was so entertaining writing it (sometimes I think the main reason I write these blogs is to laugh at what comes out of the typing fingers…) Your point is well taken about this community-creation, simply on a different playing field.
You are one of the most astounding on-line community builders I know (add Laurie to that, as well.) Your sprout questions on your blog about creativity are fabulous–and get all of us thinking much deeper. You are teaching me to add more questions into this blog.
Congrats again on the success of your–almost–teenage blog!
Do let us know if this post got massive hits.
Wasn’t veggie scraps one of your big hits? I’m constantly amazed at the stuff that gets the hits – word or image searches.
I love to tag search – that’s how I found you 🙂
Dawn, so far this post has maybe 20 more hits than usual. Wa-hoo! (giggling…)
If the new baby blog (the writing one) gets 25-30 hits my heart is full and satisfied.
Tag searching: Another great idea! I have found a few people through tag searching. We can often find folks with similar interests through the tags. Thank you for this reminder.
Blogging on a semi regular basis. When I have taken a week or in the most recent case, a month, off I have had to re-earn my readers. Hope that makes sense. So try sticking to a schedule. And on that note, I am going to head over to Blogger to work on mine LOL
Jessica, I do know what you mean. If you stop posting, the readers dribble away after awhile. I lost two thirds of my readers by quitting for ten days and switching to a new blog. It’s a trade-off. Sometimes we may need to take a break…but then we have to realize we’re going to be losing readership. Sigh. I am heading over to your blog right now.
Great post, Kathy. Great advice especially #8. I confess I am a numbers person and check my stats why too much. If I get 100 hits in a day I am ecstatic.
Ah, where can I find you on Twitter and Facebook? Don’t see them anywhere around here. 🙂
I think leaving insightful comments that have some actual depth are a great way to get people to check out your blog. There are certain blogs with 100 comments each time for ridiculously short posts, but half the comments are “I agree!,” “LOL” or “You look great!” While that does get the name out there, it really doesn’t add anything to the conversation or the quality of the response (in my opinion).
As for me, I don’t publicize my blog, as no one in my “real” life knows about it. Through the blog I can truly be open, honest and true to anything I feel, as I don’t feel as judged or evaluated by people I don’t really “know.” It’s the one place I can go to just vent or opine without worrying about the ramifications. Along the way, I’ve “met” some great people, so it all works out!
Great post 🙂
Some good tips in there, thank you very much!
“When you’re most truly yourself, others perk up and look around.Thanks for reminding ambitious newbies like me of this simple, reassuring universal truth. It’s exactly why I signed up a few weeks ago – for that emboldening, intoxicating thrill of putting yourself out there – not to plug your blog’s face with ten thousand stickies and keep count …. i’m trying to hang on to the joy of writing and sharing what’s special about my perspective and knowledge.
This is great! I try to do most of the tips, but zingy headlines just don’t seem to come to me that well. But you’re right, writing about what moves you, what your passion is, makes the blog that much better. Thanks for the great advice!
Great post. A real breath of fresh air, and a nice change from the usual ‘how to be a successful blogger’-type posts across the web.
I think breaking the rules and just writing about what you feel is right is as good a place as any to start. If you’re looking just to monetise your blog, or get lots of readers, you’ll soon be in trouble. If you have a passion for writing and for contecting with other people you’ll be just fine.
My blog is predominantly sports-based, but the first post I wrote about something completely different was the one that took off, and made the WordPress front page. So, you never know what might work. From that point I stopped worrying about fitting tidily in a niche.
Reaching out to other bloggers is a really good stategy for getting regular visitors, and quality visitors at that, who are likely to leave great comments, as well as plug your site on their own. But you must be genuine in building those relationships.
I think you and most of the other commenters here are on the right track. I have only been blogging a little over a month and yesterday I hit my high of 99. woo hoo! I ALMOST broke 100! I was so excited.
I think visiting other bloggers, commenting on their blogs, adding them to your blogroll and sharing in awards is BIG BIG BIG… and it helps if you have a friend who has a blogroll with different readers than yours. You can “feed” off each other. i.e. mention “my friend over at…” and link them and people will follow. It’s up to you to write something interesting enough to have them want to come back. Right?
Great ideas! And you’re quite right. The more we talk about random things (like our pet bunny with a famous name) the more we see random search engine hits. Even though our blog is geared towards a very specific project, we have let it branch out into our daily experiences. Though for the most part our blog is to share our experience with family and friends it’s great to know that what we’re learning and teaching is available to all curious surfers. We also find it interesting co-authoring a blog between two folks, different styles and perspectives; but of course we clear all content with one another before we click publish.
Thanks for the tips. Hope this headline hit it off for you! Best wishes, J
It’s true. I basically follow most rules you’ve written down, but #8 is definitely the winner.
And this *was* indeed a very creative response to the initial question you were presented with. Congratulations for making it to the frontpage – actually it would be odd not to!
OH… and a catchy title to our posts and your blog itself helps.
Thank you for this! It can get lonely out here in low-traffic blog land, so I appreciate you reaching out to us newbies. 🙂 Loved your line about writing every time the muse strikes. Sometimes I think, “Oh god, who would want to read about that?” Or: “Am I being too personal?” But I go ahead and do it anyway, and often times those are my most well-read posts. Thanks for the encouragement Kathy!
Thank you so much. I needed to hear #5, #6, #7, and # 8 this morning! I appreciate your taking the time to write this post.
You’ve nailed it. Your title got people to click through. And isn’t that what it’s all about? Getting more eyes? I find that there are times when I’ve got nothing to say, but am afraid not to post for fear of losing hits for the day. I have to remind myself that it’s not a job…that it should be a passion. Maybe then and only then will the creative juices start flowing.
And yes, leaving comments, loads and loads of comments, is always a great way to draw people in. Aren’t you curious as to who’s leaving that random comment on your blog?
I know I am.
Great article, Kathy. Reassures me that I’m doing something right. Keep up the great work on your end.
uhhh…why we do wonder about hits? unless you are selling something and hoping people go to your blog and buy things otherwise continue your passion for writing and sharing…most people read but they do not click…
Thank you, Kathy! I am SO new at this, and your post is very helpful. Have been writing in my blog just to get my life emptied, and then re-filled with Happy…rather self-serving goal for now, but I am also sharing just in case someone else is re-doing their life. So thank you for opening up my blog-universe for me. I definitely Will be back!
Thank you for the reminder, Kathy.
For many (also for me) it might be nothing new, but also reminders are important. Focus. Relax. Keep at it….
Thanks!
I’ve actually been mulling over starting a blog – you, Gerry, Amy, Dawn – you’re all inspiring me! Just mulling at this point so the tips will come in handy.
Great post! Blog duds can be frustrating, but it’s nice to know that there can be successes among the ruins. Thanks for the great advice! Twitter, with a catchy 40 word lead and a short link, is a great way to drive traffic.
Sarah Kassel
http://www.sarahkassel.com
Thanks, I really liked the article, and am going to try a few of the tips in it out.
Hmm interesting post with some good tips, I’d like to see something like this for photoblogs, specififcally. I’d write one myself but I don’t think I’m qualified!
Joe
Hello wonderful writer! Another great post.
I would like to add another element. Time. It all takes time.
Can be tricky when we’re very busy.
Heh. Usually the thing stopping me from writing is that I have TOO many ideas and I can’t choose which one to write. I also have some standards for each posts. For instance, it has to be able to be a certain length because I don’t want to just write a couple lines in my post.
Another helpful thing in attracting hits is probably when your post makes the front page of wordpress, like yours did
What great advice you’ve posted here! Thank you! I am VERY new to this whole blogging experience, so your ‘tips’ here are very much appreciated!
Wonderful posting. I agree, there is not great way to get a zillion hits. But, the sentiment that I agree most with is writing often and writing well. This has worked for me… You have pumped my ego a bit as I have been blogging since December as well and am up to 6300 hits…. Woohoo!
Please, come check it out!
http://olderbrothersadvice.wordpress.com/
Great Post! It’s always nice to read good advice.
I think you will find that this post will be the one that gets you a zillion hits because of the title! I will also tweet if for you but I don’t have many followers yet.
Wonderful post! Full of great insight.
Love your post. Now I can apply your tips on my blog.
Thanks a lot. I suppose we all want to be lofty and say the stats don’t matter, but the thing is, they do ;-( But sometimes, it is nice just to write and post.
This is really helpful…I especially agree with adding photos and images to your blogs. As a journalism major, I’m learning how people want to see images and creativity within someone’s writing, as opposed to just a long block of boring text.
Good advice! Thanks for the post. My dogs agree…
Good post.
You sort of stroked my ego today. I never thought my 2,719 hits since November was that big of a deal. I feel behind compare to another blogger that started out the same time I did and hit 9000. I strongly agree with #5. High traffic starts out with being involved in the community.
#3 did wonders for me. My first month I hit 672 just by sending out a greeting to a community in livejournal. Can you imagine? I drew a picture saying “happy turkey day” and people still till this day hit that post at least once a month.
Bottom line is networking is the key. But I think people should just blog because they love it and it fills that void they have.
Dear Kathy,
Thanks for that enlightening article.
One more thing I have noticed that works is writing about topics appearing popular culture. My blog is all about sports business (http://CSBcomsportsbiz.com) and I am relatively new to all of this; since I started back in October/November of 2009, I saw that if it was football season, my article on Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers got the most hits. However, posts on NASCAR are now getting more hits because it’s NASCAR season. People will be asking their browsers about things that are presently in their mind (it’s a phenomenon in sports business that I think I’ll talk about in another article one day… how out of sight really is out of mind).
Lastly, I noticed that if my titles match common search queries, it could make my posts more visible in Google et. al. I love writing really clever titles, but sometimes the more they match common questions or search queries, the more visible they are.
Just a thought… =)
Cheers,
Cam.
Inspirational piece gratefully read and digested from someone who is @ the very beginning of starting a blog.
Thank You
My blog hits jumped up a freakish number on the day I posted about charities in Haiti post-earthquake – went from 30/40 a day to 750! I wasn’t even featured on the front page, the topic was marginally related to my blog but it was something close to my heart. But I agree, you can’t write about what you think will attract the most traffic, it’s disingenuous. And besides, since people weren’t looking for a blog on the environment, how many of those 750 actually ever come back? Not that many. I’ll forgive them.
http://jenclinton.wordpress.com
I think your post is great. I agree with the points that you’ve made. I’m NOBODY, but I agree anyway. I just barely started blogging and had formed some similar opinions. You shared some valuable points. The UP is beautiful, BTW.
I’d rather have a zillion hits than a hillion zits. Thx for an informative article. I blog for me, in my heart of hearts I don’t care if nobody reads my writing…but then, I do care, a little.
loosefemme.wordpress.com
Thank you for the helpful hints! Being a newbie to the blogging realm, I was really excited to read something helpful and that may potentially increase traffic on my own blog! 🙂
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing.
Here’s hoping you make it to a zillion. Send us all a postcard when you get there.
This is a great post (and hopefully being on “Freshly Pressed” will bring your blog more readers. I do write about what I’m passionate about – photography and landscape design, whether they intersect or not – and have lots of photos because it’s partially a photography blog. And I think you’re right that the more often you write, the better. But that, as one of your other commenters noted, takes time. I’ve been posting twice a week since I started the blog in December but now that design and planting season (and garden wreckage season, for those of us in the DC area) are almost upon us, I will probably have to cut back to once a week. Sigh. But thanks for the wisdom – very well written too!
Thank you so much for your relevant and well thought out words.
We are always looking to increase our blog traffic.
As a tutoring company, we are looking to reach out to parents, students and the educational community at large. Trying to find ideas that excite and stimulate as well as help and educate.
Love the pictures!
Henry @ http://www.tutoringmatch.com
LOVE your title and the post! I’m new to blogging and having fun with it. Great advice! Thanks
These are awesome tips, I’ve been blogging since june 2008 and so far I think less than 1000 reader following. Something has to be done then. Thanks
Thanks so much for the tips. I especially liked your information on the number of hits per day, year, since you started, etc.
I fall into the catagory of writing because I love it. I agree with you, I need to continue to do it because I love it and not worry about the number of hits. I have received 769 hits since I put out my first post on January 25th.
I write funny and insightful stories about our family and our wonderful nine children.
Check out my latest story, “The Tooth Fairy Goes to the Beach” at http://davidsteen.wordpress.com/
Thanks Again!
I guess that all the things I could have said have been said already in the previous umpty-ump comments. So, simply sincere congratulations, Kathy. You are the star of the WordPress Blog! You certainly have the magic formula.
Thanks for sharing this advice, and for starting this “conversation!” It seems like so many of us share the same passions and worries about our blogs. That in itself makes me feel less alone! My main downer is being obsessed with stats. I know I shouldn’t be but…
I blog at http://heartlandwriting.wordpress.com. Come visit and I’ll do the same!
Leslie 🙂
Good post!
Thanks for the blog. I started my almost daily blog last July and am closing in on 33,000 hits but about 6 of those account for 90% of the hits. I haven’t been able to figure out why some are so popular. I don’t know where else they are located. To me they were just ordinary blogs. It is a mystery to me. I have a few dedicated most of the time readers who comment but I don’t need my toes to count them. Come visit me some time. Attic Annie
What a well written and inspiring post, Kathy! You’re absolutely right about all of it and I’ve learned a few things.
In my opinion, I believe #7 is bang on. It is the essential of human behavior – to know and to be known – and blogging certainly offers a way to bridge the gap between countries and states, sexes or age. There is so much learning that comes from blogs it is astounding! Seeing things from anothers view offers the reader the ability to have compassion, understanding, or even just a different way to view the world in which we live.
Well done and I’ll certainly be adding you to my blogroll. 🙂
Well, having a title like, “How to Write a WordPress Blog and Get a Zillion Hits” helps. 🙂
And getting on the wordpress homepage with said title REALLY helps– congratulations!
I think blogging success isn’t all about hits. I get ALOT out of my little blog even if I’m an audience of one, and sometimes it feels that way 😦
When someone does discover the magic key, though, come over to my blog and let me know! Until then I’ll be cramming in a bunch of photos, typing zingy headlines, and type-type-typing away. Glo
Possitively on the write track, great job!
Loving this advice. I been wondering how to improve and yet still be myself at the time. And i think number 6 is key, its a clique phrase ‘be yourself’ but here on the web and in our blogs some (including me) at times might cross over and do something crazy in hopes of hits. I will remember that ‘be myself.”
While I would LOVE my blog to be world famous, I really only write for cathartic reasons and to prompt myself to write everyday. If people read it then that’s great! If not, I still get things off my chest if necessary. Kudos to those who do get the hits!
Thanks for the tips!
Greetings,
I am a new blogger, thank you so very much for your words I believe they will help me a lot.
I am one of those people who will write from the Heart, but I will also like to have someone come over (hits). My Blog Name is not Popular but it is one that was Sent to my Brain from a Higher Source.
Thank you again for your words….
Tata for now and Happy Blogging.
Miss Perseverance
Hey I just wanted to thank you for what you said. I posted my blog on my facebook and said that I just wrote “another boring blogpost” and I have already had a bunch of hits from that. So thanks!
Jonathan
Great collection of comments and advice and encouragement for blogging… Kathy isn’t awesome?
Hi Kathy, thanks for the tips. I’m a BNB, a brand new blogger, and created my blog, as research indicated I should, to support my BNS, brand new store on Etsy. Anyway, I don’t get very many hits, perhaps because I’ve told no one about my blog, although the url does lurk quietly on my Facebook and Etsy store pages. You see, I’m an introvert and as such, find it hard to blab blab about myself, then ask my friends to read all about it when I hardly have time for such pasttimes but still… here I am. And here are all the thousands to do enjoy looking through the little windows into other people’s lives. I’m going to try some of your suggestions… thanks!
Well.
I am so new.
Thanks for the tips
Way to get on WordPress’ front page! Nice work…great blog…I was surprised and excited to see that you were from the UP…Awesome!
This is excellent and thank you posting it!!! I have been wondering how this blogging stuff works…I really enjoyed the spirit in which you have written about community. Now if I can figure out how to get other blogs onto my blogroll I will be very excited!!!
Very great advice. Thanks
Paul
Kathy,
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am new to blogger-dom, and I’m having a great time so far. I really enjoyed your voice in this article, because to me it come across as really genuine. I’ve started documenting my journey through the Four Hour work week, and am just off to a start with only 11 posts.
My goal is to write the best content I can and then get my blog found by people who may be looking for exactly what I’m writing. Would you tell me more about what you meant when you said: “(It helps to visit lots of places and write about them. The search engines love that.) “.
Anyways, thanks again, and I really enjoyed your post.
Jackson
Great post. I try not to get caught up in the number os hits/views/comments I get but it’s hard when the stat analysis is right there when you log in. You are absolutely right about creating/writing for your own heart’s sake. That way whatever you do is pure. Even commerical writing and photography can come form the heart if those mediums are your passion.
Thanks for the words of encouragement… I am a newbie blogger that started my blog because it was something that interested me and something I wanted other people to think about as well…I will definitely try some of your tips to up my reader numbers!
I love it… Words of wisdom.. Be Blessed
Kathy you have definitely captured the attention of blog-writers. Who knew answering my one little question would lead to such an outstanding gathering.
Now, I’ve a request of each person who takes the time to leave a comment: I would like you to visit every other person who has left a comment here and leave a comment on their most recent post. And if you are really inspired and feel like there is harmony with your blog – add them to your blog roll.
This one small act of curiosity will increase community traffic for everyone as a spin off from Kathy’s wonderful post.
No you don’t need to do it all in one day:)
So be on the look out Creative Potager will be coming your way soon!
Thank you for sharing even your “limited knowledge” it was an intrigueing read I will definitely try some of your tips. (Like meeting other bloggers by posting on their site) lol. thank you and merry be.
Hmmm. So interesting! I started my blog in July. In spite of the fact that I eagerly watch how many hits I get each day, I never looked at my total hits and had no idea what that number was. It’s 631 – which though likely lame is better than I imagined it would be! I’m going to try out your tips and see what happens. I’ll let you you know! Thanks for sharing your advice.
Thanks for the post! I’ve recently starting blogging and this subject matter really hit home! I always get a little surge of happiness when I check my stats and have a few hits a day!
Hi Kathy, thanks for this blog, as a brand new blogger I welcome your suggestions as they are all very sensible and smart.
I started this as a way to keep a personal\private journal for myself, but with my passion for Classical Guitar, and Healthy cooking\eating (having recently lost 42lbs and reversing diabetes) I think I will end up setting up one or two blogs, to discuss these passions, and one for my private thoughts.
Anyway, I have started with wordpress.com, and registered my domain name but for now my blog is being kept private until I get familiar with what\how to use the software.
You are right so many levels, and for me it IS all about the writing, or rather the Journey.
Funny thing is that up to now, I wondered, why would anybody want to blog, but having two passions of my own, I now feel the desire, the need to share what I love and if even one person benefits from my effort, then it is well worth it, and if not, at least it’s a place for me to jot down my thoughts.
Anyway, thanks for your advise, and do visit ivanolarte.com in the near future as I hope to open my blog in the very near future.
Ivan
Thank you for this article! I was wondering how to do exactly that!
I am writing my first blog, and I never really considered how I would go about getting hits…
Thanks!
Great advice and I have tried many of the things you suggested. I love photography so always try to include quality photos, I visit other blogs and join other health related blog groups, I tell people about my blog if a particular post might be of interest to them……..but, due to family pressures I wrote not one word for 3 months and …my stats went up four fold! How does that happen?? Hopefully it is because my blog is educational rather than entertaining and people are always seeking knowledge, especially ways of enhancing their health and wellbeing. Getting 35 hits in one day has given me the motivation to continue and to follow your advice to write more. Thanks.
Dear friends, I am truly blown away by your presence and comments. In fact, I am sitting around our little cabin in the woods with my mouth hanging open. Almost 2,300 of you have visited in the last six hours and there are 87 comments! (OK, some of ’em are mine.) It looks like it might be too overwhelming to post personal responses to all your comments here…but like Terrill just suggested… (Gosh Terrill, you have some good ideas)…I am going to try to visit all your blogs in the next few days and say hello.
Love the fact that we’re all talking about a passion that is close to our hearts–blogging!
I want to add just one more thing right now: have patience. If your blog isn’t growing fast enough, just keep writing and have patience. The longer you write…the more results you will see.
Happy blogging, everyone! And thanks for stopping by. I’ll see you in your own blogosphere soon.
I guess, if you speak from the heart, and if you blogg it… they will come 🙂
Haha, you are correct that such a title can attract attention! I saw your headliner and though to myself ‘hmm! I should check this out!” so I did! I really enjoyed it!
-rachel
Thanks for the insight! I will keep these tips in the back of my mind as I write my blogs!
I just started a blog and I really have no idea what I’m doing, so I’m constantly looking for advice and suggestions. The title of your post grabbed my attention, so here I am. Thank you for the practical suggestions. I will definitely use them…and I will definitely be back.
inspirational!
This inspires me to get off my butt and write on my blog again instead of being lazy, as I have been lately. thanks for the nudge. Please add me to your blogroll. I’ve already added you to mine.
It helps to be unique too. As the world’s only physician bluegrass fiction writer I hear from everyone in the world who is interested in my topic.
Dr. B
drtombibey.wordpress.com
But what happens if you don’t want your family & friends to know about your existence in the blog world?? lol
Thanks for the insight. Enjoyed reading your post :))
Thank you so much for this post Kathy! I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on blogging and how we affect others with every post (even the ones we think aren’t being read). Often, I tell people who ask “Why post so often?” that no blogger writes in a vacuum. I’ve met an interesting community of people through the work and am constantly cheered up by the people who come along and comment. Very nice piece.-Mel
Question & seeking advise: I have a bloggin partner that only posts reviews/giveaways. Our blog seems like a review/giveaway site rather than a blog about our lives with our girls (original idea). We get hits on these posts for the obvious reason, but I’m not a fan of that. She says this is to get a high readership established. Should I continue on board with this new idea just to retain readership?
I don’t know how to have a blog roll, I don’t think you can with wordpress.
I love it! I just came across this blog on the WordPress homepage. I’m fairly new to the game and I loved all of your tips. Come check mine out!
Holy smokes Kathy, how do I spell envy? I don’t have near as many hits as you do per day. sometimes it’s as few as 25 and sometimes it’s 260.
My way of establishing a readership was to use my email address book and sending out little notifications. I made up “calling cards” and hand those out like candy. I used to hold little contests and that always drove up visitor numbers.
I started blogging Arpil 2, 2009 and have only amassed about 25000 hits – very little compared to some, quite a bit to others.
How nice of you to share your tips with the competition, heehee 🙂
Good advice. Detailed but not set in stone so that each person can make it work for their own tastes and preferences. I like that. I’ll have to try some of those out.
Thanks for writing such open guidlines, as that’s what Blogging should be! Open, free… who knows where it’ll end up! I’m new, exploring, and enjoying! I was worrying that I should narrow my topics to one category, now I’m unburdened and carefree! Fashion, small towns, exercise, food. Anything that inspires me or…. something so uninspiring I can’t ignore it 🙂 Thank you for being inspired!
Great Ideas…and there are books available at your local library with tips (and some of them do not even scratch your surface).
Keep up the good work…hope to mee U out there in the universe!
GOOD advice. I am going to put some of it to use asap!
Thanx, Spidr
Excellent post Kathy. I started blogging last week and it’s been lot of fun so far deciding what to write and thinking about who is reading the posts.
From reading through the comments and looking at other blogs I think there’s two key things for a successful blog:
1) Write about your passions
2) Ask your readers questions
Thanks again for the advice,
Will (http://ifnobodyspeaks.wordpress.com)
Happy Accidents – Hi Kathy, your “How to ” get a zillion hits certainly grabbed me. And I was happy to learn that I am actively practicing your five tips – my actions weren’t premediated however. They were more like happy accidents. Still it’s nice to see I’m on the right track.
I have one question though. I do blog quite a bit about the places I travel too and I was wondering if I should be tagging more key words and phrases from the posts – or will the search engine spiders find them anyway? Some times I’m afraid to put too many tags.
I’d appreciate your opinion.
These are totally awesome tips! I love it! I think I’m definitely going to add you to my (nonexistent) blogroll.
Very inspiring especially to a fresh blog starter like myself. What’s your secret?
I write all sorts of stuff that comes to my head and yet I never get a zillion hits.
I’m running into the same problem. I started my daily blog on January 26, and I have had almost 2000 views. I have advertised it, emailed the link to friends, and even made a “Fan Page” on Facebook. My views seem to be going down as time go on. Advice would be awesome!
Thanks for the informative and quite entertaining article. I’m very new to blogging (blogger site up and running for 2 weeks now) and yet I have not had a single visitor yet…as far as I can tell. Do you have any other advice?
Hi Kathy. Thanks for your blog on blogging! As someone who still didn’t understand what blogging was about (until reading this) I really appreciate your suggestions. I’ve been wanting to write…and am now encouraged! Besides your honest and encouraging words, the photos you’ve included are beautiful! It’s also helpful to know that while I may not get many readers (and not to take it personally) it doesn’t mean that starting my own blog is not a valuable undertaking.
Informative and entertaining article that was also very engaging. I’m a first time blogger starting out in an attempt to improve my writing skills and just so I can write down my thoughts on the experiances I go through day to day. So I will definatly be interested in at least a few people reading them. Therefore I will definately be trying out some of the tips in this piece. Thanks again 😀
Thanks. As you said the best advice is to write from the heart. Thanks for sharing.
“Sometimes, a certain blog just doesn’t catch on fire in the cyberspheres. It can be heartbreaking.”
With those lines I realize how lucky I am with 35 hits a day. For two years I’ve been thinking: what a pitiful figure I have! But actually I don’t really mind those hits. They give me pressure. And that’s not good for one’s creativity. I must have fun!
This post is a booster though. Thanks! you deserved all your hits
That was a great post and advice like that is invaluable for bloggers who are just starting out and looking to get more readers. Thank you!
this almost summarized my travails as a blogger. i almost crawled my way. i started with almost no one visiting my site in a day to my current, on average, 600 a day. the hits will inspire you to be a batter blogger, but in the end, it’s just about having to say what you think because somebody might be interested to listen and read.
thanks for this post.
Thanks! Great post. I’m a new blogger myself and was wondering how this hit stuff worked.
I just started my little blog and even seeing that one person read a post I wrote makes me so giddy. I love blogging and I hope that I can continue to keep posting for a long time (I am horrible at finishing projects I start). Thanks for the tips!
Great Advice, and I so appreciate your perspective. I think it is cool, to venture out, and comment, etc. Even if someone does not agree though, with your thoughts, and I find that in my situation sometimes, because my blog is a Christian based blog. I know, to some people, they cannot relate. And then there are some who are searching, and those who can relate. So my goal, is to inspire. I can’t help but write about God. Because really, my favorite subject is the Lord, and not in a “religious” way, but in having a relationship With the King of Kings. Because he changed my life. He is a person, and he understands us. Anyway, thanks for your thoughts. I was so inspired by your great outline, your photos, experience, etc. concerning writing a “successful” blog. Oh and by the way, I love WordPress. This is a great place to write, because where else can someone write, and have someone see your work? Instead of sitting in the “internet zone.” Lost in space….:>)
Blessings,
Elena
Just My Thoughts and A Prayer of Hope.
HI FrOm the mitten part of the state! Nice blog. 🙂
I started my Blog by writing what I wanted to read. I love to hear from the people and make new friends.
Gerardine Baugh
http://gerardinebaugh.wordpress.com/
Interesting blog and useful tips. Sometimes it gets hard to network when there is not much time. I invited my cousins and friends. They stopped by initially and then their interest fizzled out…
Now I just wait hoping someone shows up at my doorstep 😉
Very inspiring reading Kathy’s advice and ALL the great comments! My husband and I started a writing (mostly about food) and photography blog a little less than a month ago and have found that reaching out to the blog community is a HUGE help! A major food blogger we know posted a whole page from our blog on his and gave us a great plug, which generated our biggest hits day ever.
(The hardest thing for both of us is not checking our stats, however …)
Thanks!
Susan
Tags help. Themes as well. I wrote some ditty about Ninjas that corresponded with the opening of some Ninja movie and my hits went from around 20 a day to nearly 500. Not quite ready to trade my passion for the eternal Ninja post!
Great post of yours!
Ha! Great blog 🙂 I’ve been blogging for a little while…alternative canSer treatment experiences. (yes, I spell it wring on purpose… don’t give it any respect, you know?)
I love my new friends in blogland (as I call it ). and get seriously excited by good stats…come visit and make my day (subtle hint)
I’m in the process of opening my humble blog to more and more readers…seriously under construction at this point and learning all the time.
So nice to meet you 🙂
cheers,
Liz
Honestly Kathy, It’s not your hits I envy, It’s your comments.
A very well written piece and very helpful comments.
Great headlines. Visual interest. Write what you love. And community. All great tips.
(And loved the honey drizzle snake!)
Kathy, great post. I think the number of comments alone serves as a testament to how many in the community agree. I have only been blogging for a year myself, but I would have to say that all of your points have proven to be beneficial. I find myself learning new things about the art form/pastime/guilty pleasure everyday. Best of luck on your blog endeavors to come.
-Tyler
This is some great advice.. I have to admit… Your title of this blog really caught my eye… i’ll be sure to start doing that too!
Okay, practicing tip #5. 🙂 Hi, my name is Joseph. This was a very interesting read. I just started a blog less than a week ago, so I’ll will definitely be trying out some of your tips. Thanks for blogging about this!
THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH!! I started my blog after watching “Julie and Julia”. Not because I want to be famous (I wouldn’t mind if it turns out that way), but it reminded me a forgotten dream of mine–writting. I JUST WANT TO WRITE!!! I thought I can’t because English is not my native language…. But I am not letting that stopping me anymore!! Your words are very encouraging!! Thank you again!!!
Inspiring! One day, when there is time ::cough cough hack choke:: I will head your fantastic advice. For now, let the sporadic, soul blogging continue! Jawohl!
Yours truly,
~Little Miss Ray of Sunshine
Having only recently started women’s health blogging from Cape Town, South Africa, as a means of sharing what I chat to my patients about daily (am a gynaecologist), I would love or other women in Africa to have benefit as well – Ambitious without internet access in the continent, but mobile phone access is spreading – hence my interest in a ‘zillion hits’ and vehicles like twitter (of course, we are not even vaguely a thought on the list of twitter on our phones which make 140 character one liners of no use at this point!) and facebook.
Your tips AND other posts are totally cool! Thanks…
“Hi. Wow, you wrote a great blog. I am going to put you on my blogroll.”
….Did it work?
I’m relatively new to wordpress – and by “relatively new,” I mean I started a blog two days ago. I ended up stumbling across this post, and (of course) it peaked my interest. What you said, it’s true. I was worried about hits and views, but I know I really shouldn’t be, since the internet is such a massive void, consisting of thousands of other bloggers. It takes time and effort. And I’m still developing my blog (as in, aesthetics and organization)!
I also checked out Opening the Door, Walking Outside, and – may I say – I love your photographs. I think they’re beautiful.
…Actually, my laptop battery is about to die. Adding you to my nonexistent (for the moment) blogroll will have to wait until tomorrow…I hope that doesn’t hurt my chances! <–that was my poor attempt at humor. Sorry x)
Kathy – Thanks for the post. I began my blog about 7 weeks ago and just passed 3,500 views. It has been a slow steady incline and I will incorporate some of your tips. Thanks!
Court Vreeland
good points, good points. I must be doing okay then..since I’ve had over 5,000 hits on my blog since I I started it September 2009. Now, here’s the test… will all of your blog readers look at my blog now???
LOOK AT ME, LOOK AT ME!!!!
; )
Hey!
Good post. I’m new to the blogging world. Started in January. I’ve had 3,600 hits since that time. It’s going pretty good. I have 14 subscribers via email, and just put up the rss subscription option so we’ll see if that takes off. Things are very “roller-coaster-ish” though. Yesterday for instance I had 250 hits. Today, I’m back down to 65. The day before yesterday 30. Do you have tips for keeping a more consistent audience?
How do you appear in the search engines? I still haven’t showed up and my girlfriend has. My blog has 2,000 more hits then hers and is the same age. Any reason for this?
Also, does anyone know how to get ads on your blog to start making a few bucks here and there?
Thank you for this advice! I’ve just begun bumbling around the blogosphere and this is my first-ever time to leave a comment. So let the good times roll.
Just supposing my blog ends up a dud, I think I’ll end up learning a lot from it, and can use my knowledge for newer, non-dud ventures. That’s not so heartbreaking, is it?
Thanks for this information. I have a baby blog. The day I got 14 hits I was celebrating, so getting 30-40 will make me faint…LOL! I had never thought of using Twitter and I’m going to check it out. I already facebook my blog. I also sent an e-mail to all my e-mail contacts announcing the blog and it’s in my signature at any message board that I participate and on my e-mail. Those have been my resources. I do need to write more often. Thanks for all this information once again. Baby blogs like mine truly appreciate it!
Your title is catchy and the honey drizzled snake is cool. You captured my attention.
As someone new to the blog-o-sphere it’s nice to hear that readership can be a trickle. I was starting to get concerned.
if you get a few comments, I’ve noticed that people will actually be interested in those comments and be compelled to leave their own.
To get plenty of hits, write a blog entry about how to get hits! 🙂
Hi – this is a good and helpful post. The only thing you mentioned that hasn’t always worked out for me is reciprocal listing, but if I really like the blog I’ll list them even if they don’t reciprocate.
My blog is 6 months old today – so far my hits are at 5,756 and I have 260 posts. Not bad for a (mostly) Catholic-theme blog ~ I don’t use tags or categories – maybe I’ll look into that.
Thanks!
Thanks for this Kathy. I found it at the end of a day where my blog had much fewer hits than normal, and was feeling down about it. Although we try to maintain a certain level of focus and professionalism in our posts, my main motivation is to blog for fun, because I like it. I look to the hit numbers for validation that I am doing something worthwhile, and on a day like today where despite extra promotion and still below average hits, it’s nice to be reminded that doing it for myself is itself worthwhile.
THANK YOU!!!! I get stuck quite often. The idea of being myself makes me nausiated and vulnerable yet moves me to realize that “myself” is the reason people are drawn to me. Thanks to everyone that posted a comment because these are really priceless to someone who really thinks she has a lot to say about fitness, faith and family the 3 things I’m so rediculously, contagiously passionate about. http://www.inneractivefitclub.wordpress.com was created for that reason! did I already say thank you!
Wow you really know a lot! I have no good advice, I’m at the very begining of my blogging adventure… Haha I really have no idea what I’m doing… Thanks for the help! 🙂
Thank you for this interesting and helpful post. I recently started my own blog for the first time and I was honestly about to give up until I read this and saw no. 8. It reminded my that I didn’t start my blog for blog hits but for my need to express my thoughts and opinions. Seeing that was quite encouraging for me so thank you. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I’m new at this blogging thing and love it! I had a great new post to write (with pictures) but put off doing it cause I’m feeling a little down and out. You really put confidence in me again. And it cheered me up!
This is a well thought out treatment of the topic. I will reference you in an upcoming article and quote from your wisdom (:
I find it very interesting to be having this conversation much earlier in the month and then log into wordpress and read this. I think what you say is true about getting readers. Just the other day a reader commented on my blog title which is, “The Daily Perspective” He says that, that title gives off the impression that there is something to read all the time. He told me to write write write and since then I have just been writing. With that said, I really agree with what you say when you say to write with passion and from your heart. I hate writing when it feels like a chore but when I have an issue I just really want for people to know about or if it is exciting to me, I just blog so much.
In short, great responses!
I’m curious about the connection between hits and ego. I understand hits in terms of advertising and revenue, but beyond that, I wonder how hits feed into our sense of self and self-worth. Ahhhh, just thinking ‘out loud.’ I was reading a celebrity gossip blog prior to this!
Hi Kathy, great tips for an aspiring blogger new on the scene. As a designer, I think I have to agree with your husband about the photos. Although they seem irrelevant sometimes, they kinda help the flow and give your eye and mind a pause to think about what you said. Here’s an interesting article by Patrick Lynch called “Visual Decision Making” that takes a closer look at how people see and react to web sites, you might enjoy it – http://www.alistapart.com/articles/visual-decision-making/
I’ll be checking back often to see what other inspiring thoughts you have!
http://angelawvu.wordpress.com
Kathy,
Great post…I’m a new blogger, two months new. I think your advice is spot-on. I have unknowingly done all the things that you’ve mentioned and I have seen my blog grow. It’s not consistant yet, but my main focus for this blog was to start writing again and since my job allows me to travel 10 months a year…I thought it was a perfect opportunity to write again. I also found your blog by using Tags.
Visit my blog sometime (The Misadventures of Miss T)
http://wildrideofmisst.wordpress.com
Cheers~
Kathy…I just started blogging in February. My passion is politics. I blog because it allows me to let out my frustration…rather than biting my nails off. I watch the News channels most of the time. I’m receiving about two hits a day, but no comments. Everyone I meet, I tell them about my blog. Politics seems to have become my passion since 2009. Maybe, one of these days I will try adding pictures after I learn what I am doing. Anyway, thanks for all the information. This is very enlightening. You can read my blogs at Myopinionmatters1.wordpress.com. If your not into politics that fine. My way of thinking may not be the same as yours…..That’s cool.
Thanks for all the useful information.
Carol
Hi. Wow, you wrote a great blog. I am going to put you on my blogroll. (Sending virtual vibes… visit me… visit me… visit me…)
Ok… that little joke was too enticing. But seriously, nice bit. AAAAND… since you asked, I would say that if you aren’t into writing on your blog, it’s a waste of your time and too much work. Blogs aren’t for everyone. They can be great, but if you aren’t into the writing part or picture-posting part, if there’s none of your person on the screen, you won’t make it through the slow blog days. That’s my thoughts anyhow. Thanks for writing!
Really good article Kathy – not sure if anyone else has mentioned it (you’ve got so many comments I didn’t read them all – I’ve got comment envy!) but I find writing everyday helps build regular readers. It also gets you in the habit of writing regularly and if you love it you get the bug. It also disciplines you to keep going – the pressure of knowing people (even if it’s only a handful of friends and family) are waiting for a daily article keeps you on your toes!
My blog is only a month old and some days are better than others on the stats – like others I care way too much about them. A big jump is a huge boost. I’ll keep popping back to see what else you blog about…
Paul
One way I have found to get heaps of traffic (if only for the day) is to join in on memes (I think that’s what they’re called). It is when a blog owner runs a little weekly game, for example Shadow Shot Sunday, Pink Saturday, Bookcase Tour Tuesday, Mellow Yellow Monday, Washuko Warriors. You join in by submitting your photo (usually, but it could be a recipe or something else depending on what the meme is about), you go look at other peoples submissions, they look at yours, you all leave comments for each other and you get your blog out there in the community.
Hello Kathy ! this is my contribution to your goal 😉 But not only. It is also to say how great and generous your advices are about blogging. Photography, writing, reading are some of my passions and it is not too difficult to blend them together and share them with others. There is a blog I visit often and like a lot. A generous one too !Here is the link to a particular entry that might interest us all : http://smartpeopleiknow.wordpress.com/2007/12/14/how-to-drive-traffic-to-your-blog/. Hope it helps you and your readers 🙂
Dear Kathy – simply great and interesting stuff. I am adding you to the blog roll of my blog. Secondly, I have sent your article on face book to all bloggers I am aware of.
When one of my friends said: Start Blogging, my initial response was: What would I write? Advice I received, as you have rightly pointed out in your post: Write something about you love / your passion. I started writing on books, management books, business books, self help books and the ideas contained therein. People started reading – slowly and gradually.
In order to get traffic, one needs to be patient and persistent. Write, write and write – if its good, people will read. Main issue: continuity of writing….
Again, nice post.
hahahahaha…. 🙂 U that which I usually do for my blog(s), infact I had 1 step more i.e I encourage the non-blogging friends, seniors, colleagues of mine invite them to join blogsphere… and even help them to write there very first article…
The best thing I feel about blogging is: It gives good mental satisfaction and encourages a lott…. to me its next step from regular dairy writing stuff…
Happy blogging to you… 🙂
This is useful knowledge for me thank you to share it
Hi! I also have a wordpress blog, please add it to your blogroll!
http://browniestories.wordpress.com/.
Don’t underestimate me! I’m only eleven, I know…
Zenn
Hey NIce work….but no hard feeling.
You r a good Blooger. and this is good but i think u have made this blog to get your self the “Zillion Hits”
lolzzzz
Hi Kathy
I must say, your blog title caught my eye when logging on to the site today. I don’t normally go blog surfing, but it’s definitely something I need to do going forward, if I want to improve readership.
I just write because I enjoy writing. It’s a way for family and friends to keep up with what I’m doing, since I am terrible at phoning and e-mailing.
End of the day, though, I would love to get a few more hits.
Thanks for this article
Aphy
Hi!
This blog is really useful, thanks. I am writing a blog for a unit on my degree and I am really getting into it. It’s quite addictive blogging. Everything I see on TV or in the newspaper or just walking around the town I want to blog about. I think I will continue once the unit is finished!
Thanks again for the hints.
Caitlin
I don’t usually get a lot of views, so my advice is worth a pile of beans. However, that won’t stop me voicing an opinion.
I find that when I write about something that interests me and nobody else is talking about it, I get a lot of views.
I guess that’s called finding a niche.
Great blog, fantastic information and somewhat frightening to us ‘would-be bloggers’ who are only at the thinking-of blogging stage!! I will probably give it a whirl after I have reviewed your advice!
hey,
was logging into my ac when i happened to this blog!!
i have been wondering very often how to increase the hits on my bog and your article inspired me to continue writing all cause for the love for writing that i have & everything will fall in place! including the zillion hits!! 🙂 lol!! thank u it was a ncie read!!
thanks for your sharing!! u’ve got a point really.. 🙂
Thanks Kathy.
I really like the 7th and 8th steps.
“Be your unique wild wonderful quiet exotic beautiful self.” and “Blog because it enriches your day.”
I do believe like you wrote above, you share this post from your heart too. ^_^
nice attempt
We all benefit when we share our kindness. Thanks for an inspiring post.
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for such humorous and informative write up on this raving issue. My blog after it started had good sum of visitors and the visitors keep on increasing but since 1 month it has been falling and has fallen down to 3 to 4 per day. I just read yours and am motivated to write more as I had lost the zeal to write anything and throw it in the void. Hope I succeed in letting people know what I think, what I wanna do.
Hope you’ll read my blog. http://elatedandconvivial.wordpress.com/
Great post Kathy 🙂 And just through the title of this blog you caught my eye! I’ve been blogging (www.lorenasepiphany.com) for almost three years and have a readership of 20-40 per day.. not bad for a private blog, but can certainly be more. Your tips helped alot and I will apply them 🙂
Thanks!
Interact with your readers, tell them a little bit about yourself (A little bit, don’t make it boring). This would also make them want to know more about you. Hence, they’ll keep coming back 😉 even if they are ghost readers..(those who read, & don’t leave comments..
Here’s my blog if you like to check my recipes: http://andaluss.wordpress.com
Great post!
It’s almost a given that you must have something interesting to blog about!
The last time I blogged, was when I was on secondment in Beijing, alone in a new city. My blog served as a great way to share my new experiences with my friends and years later it serves as a great memory aid on the good times and rough times I had.
Amazing to see how technology has changed and new techniques employed.
Am starting an infant blog on power dressing for success, and I feel like a virgin blogger again. Thanks for a great post to get me thinking! 🙂
the teacher appears when the student is ready. Yesterday, one more person suggested that I write daily or blog and there you are giving advice and pertinent data. Thank you.
Thank you Kathy, it was very useful reading your post. I’ve only just started discovering this blogging-tweeting world. However, just because I found there are things I really want to share with people around me. Lots luck!
As a total newbie to blogging, this was fun to read. I will certainly check out your new blog as well since writing from the heart is what pushed me to do this in the first place. I always get more done if I am accountable to someone – even if now I feel accountable to friends and some complete strangers – it’s motivating me to create daily. I would love to incorporate pictures, but struggle on images that are appropriate or related to the topic. (my last post was about breasts, a humorous piece I hope, but don’t think pictures of bras and boobs will attract the kind of readers I am hoping.) I loved that your images were just totally quirky and entertaining. I look forward to following your blog. Thank you.
Sorry Kathy … it took so long to get to the end of the line that i don’t have time to comment. Wha!
I love that this made the front page. Really funny to me! I once wrote what I learned from blogging post and part of the advice was – write your post like it will be featured on the wordpress front page – because you never know.
It happened to me once so now I’m prepared every post.
Way to go wordpress! 😀
Well written. I’m starting out in this space and these tips are very handy. I just have to figure out what kind of photos I can use on my blog! 🙂
But yeah, I particularly agree about the subject of the blog – it needs to be something you’re passionate about, otherwise you just don’t have the motivation to write… and that’s what you need to do – write, write write! And write with inspiration!
Thanks for the tips!
I love your thoughts. They help me to continue on just for my own joy. I thought that no one was reading my blog (which I just started last month), so I decided to publicize it on Facebook. I didn’t realize that it would appear on the walls of my 13! friends. Unfortunately my friend #13 was my boss and she fired me!
So I deactivated my Facebook account and started a new one with (hopefully) more open minded friends.
I just if I keep on writing about my obsessions eventually people will read it. The tips from your post that I am going to start using immediately are: zippy headlines and photos.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi there. I just happened across your post because WordPress.com had your blog highlighted. It intrigued me because I just started my very first blog. I got a domain name for it and everything. You can check it out at http://www.lifenormal. com.
It’s a baby blog and I’m still trying to figure out how to find images that fit the topic.
Thanks for sharing.
Scott
Great post! 🙂
The advice I always heard when writing is, tell people a story. I have a few blogs on wordpress and the one that gets the most hits is the one where I tell a bit about my day and add a few pictures – it is simple and nothing complex – just life.
By the looks of your comments, you did it! 😉
Cat
Kathy, what do you think about links? I’m lazy about them, in general, but every now and then I make an effort to include them in a post.
Great post!!! I’ve been blogging on and off (more off than on!) for some years now, and never really paid attention to visitors, clicks, or anything like that. I’ve recently started doing so, and your post has made my day. I needed tips, encouragement, data… all in one little post!
Thanks!!!
http://mythoughtsinablog.wordpress.com
Kathy, great advice – I read your blog yesterday, and then made a little extra effort to make a zinging headline for the blog I was writing at the time… what do you know, it made the front page for the first time! So, thanks for sharing!
Great post and I agree with you 100%. I also think it’s important to be honest- people can see through fake writing far more easily than you would imagine. I also try to put myself in someone else’s shoes and read my own words back…some of my old posts make me want to gouge my eyes out. I initially started blogging after I outgrew Livejournal but just wanted a journal. Now it’s written more for an audience…it’s hard to find a middle ground between staying 100% true to yourself and writing what people want to read if stats and ratings are a priority. I wish they weren’t for me, but…heh, I do care what people think of what I write. But at the same time, I can’t compromise who I am just to be “popular” in the blogging community.
I took the plunge, and setup my log in the last 24 hours.
Please stop by and see what you think… I will be re-reading your article again to see what I can apply…
My blog is at http://ivanolarte.com
Hi, I clicked on your blog from wordpress’ homepage because it was intriguing. I have an anonymous blog that gets about 20 hits a day now (I haven’t written in over a month!) However, I’ve had it for a year and I’m up to a little over six thousand views. I’m not doing it for hits or views, but its always nice if people read what I write.
You wrote that its best to not have an anonymous blog, so reading your post left my undecided. I blog about my career as a librarian and hoping to change the stereotype. I wasn’t sure if I should use my name or it would affect my career or getting hired? In those situations, what do you recommend? Is it best to just go for it with your identity or stay anonymous? Thanks!
I forgot to include my blog, its http://www.betweentheshelves.com if you could give me your opinion, I would appreciate it. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this! I just started my blog two days ago. This was very helpful, now I have to figure out how to put you in my blogroll 🙂
Hi Kathy, it’s no wonder that a sweet person like you can attract swarms of readers 🙂
I think people need to be uplifted and encouraged, and communicating a positive, yet realistic, outlook such as you do with your writing is very appealing.
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Put you in my blogroll and shared your ‘how to get a zillion’ hits with my readers!
Excellent advice 😉
Hugs and blessings,
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I am really Sorry for my previous Comment….i was just Jerking Around….i know i Shouldn’t have done it…..but still i am sorry from the bottom of my HEART….
U r A really goood Blogger and you have been a Great Helper for all the new blogger and also to those who wanted to right the blog but always fears that – who will read my blog, is there anything wrong with my language or something like that…..
Sorry Once again.
u have a been a great help…:-)
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Great set of advise, Kathy!
Found you from Trudie’s blogroll.
Thanks (and hello!)
Thanks for this post – it is really helpful !!
I am a newbie.
And great blog.
Jan
Thanks so much for this well written, entertaining and informative blog post! I really enjoyed it. I will try to implement your tips when posting my blog 🙂 http://www.thecrazylady.wordpress.com
Hi Kathy
“Reciprocate, reciprocate, reciprocate.” sounds good to me.
I’ve found that there is a great blogging community out there who will answer a comment with a comment.
Thanks for a well written article with practical tips.
Judging by the number of comments on this post – the tips are working for you.
I’ve put your blog in my feed reader and I’ve just bookmarked this post because it’s great and because I want to read all the comments and your replies and it’ll take me ages…!
Now, back to your question. My readership is going up slowly, which I don’t mind at all. For me, it’s not so much how to get a lot of people coming as to how to get peope to return, and the way I do that is I use a lot of humour in my posts, in the way that I do everyday in my life. I have always written the way I speak, but haven’t always spoken the way I write (eh?)… well, let’s say that a lot of this humour inside me had been bottled up for years and had only ever come out in correspondence. When I started blogging a few years ago, it didn’t occur to me to base a blog on this part of myself and since starting my wordpress one, Duck Billed Platitudes (which, I should’ve put in the URL of the blog but didn’t!) I’ve let that bit of me have free reign.
As well as that, I concentrate a lot (as I can see you do, too) on responding to people who comment and also on commenting a lot in other people’s blogs. I like to get to know people who read my posts, it seems only fair as they like to get to know me!
🙂
oh my gosh, your blog is amazing, i’m so interested to know how you get like over 200 in a regular post, I just wanted people to comment, but i never recieve any comments that much, please advice! because my blog isn’t going anywhere, the traffic isn’t increasing a lot.. 😦 are there any advice on getting many comments?
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Thank You for the tips, as a new blogger I need all the help can get!
Great post and great blog
Great to google “increasing blog hits” and finding another wordpress blog. Especially one from another Superior Shore resident. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks for the advice – my blog is just in its infancy at the moment, but hopefully it will soon be getting more readers now I have read this!
Thank you for this post.I’m feeling a tad bit better after reading it along with the couple of hundred comments following it .I’m new to blogging and have been at it for a month.I was getting seriously discouraged.First because the stats seem to be so random. Occassionally I get more hits for no reason– the traffic is going to older posts too not some intantaneous hit I put up.On other days well- the hits are few and far between.The second dampner is the fact that my blog is no longer readily reachable on Google. Previously I just had to type in the name of my blog and I was on my Home Page,now I get suggestions for correct spellings.
I am still coming to grips with Wordprss.I guess now I have an idea of how most links on the Dashboard work.But thats about it.I’ve just found a couple of posts through Tag Surfer….I suppose I’m inexpert at it and using the Search WordPress feature makes my browser hang.I found your post via Google search.Is there any other way I could start meeting other bloggers?If only to cry over how tough life as a newbie blogger is?
And thanks for your blogroll.It is an example of how I could get mine set up.I read about the blogroll feature in the tutorial at WordPress but had no idea of how to set up a good one.I didn’t know of any other blogs that focus on all or just the themes I do but I do know of many good ones that deal with some similar topics some or most of the times.So I think i’ll use your way of catagorizing the links.Thanks.
I see your post has three readers who have liked it.I’m not quite certain how this feature works or what it does,but I too am going to add my voice to the chorus and like it to show just how much I appreciate your post.Thanks again.
This is a great post. I really like the tips. I just started a new blog about learning Japanese and I have a big total of two posts, hahahahaha. So this information really is great. Thank you for being so generous with your tips. Arigatou gozaimasu.
Great advice!
So glad everyone has enjoyed this. Good luck with your own blogging!
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This is extremely helpful and I really do appreciate you. I am a new blogger. My blog is 5 days old now but those days were all building and customization. I start officially blogging tomorrow. It would really help if you informed your followers about me. Thank you so much and great advice!