"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Blog Audit-How Do You Measure Success?

Let's face it: numbers have always been used as an assessment tool in our society.
A female who ranks a "10" is said to be a man magnet.
"Zero" tolerance policies seek to establish high standards in the workplace.
While the age 21 is said to be a qualifier for adulthood.

Blogging isn't much different. What do your numbers say?
Millions of Americans will be using the upcoming months to prepare for audits and the associated tax season.

I like to establish a similar procedure to analyze and scrutinize my Blog growth and to identify my future goals. And you should too.

Here's what a recent Blog audit, (along with Google Analytics) has revealed:

1. Pen and Prosper has maintained continuous growth over the last 12 months.
2. The "average reader" here has a master's degree and is female.
3. About 75% of my following is female based.
4. The busiest comment day is typically Tuesday, followed by Sunday evening.
5. I have gained most of my new followers via guest posts and blog commenting at other sites.
6. The number of comments received on posts varies, but collectively reveals a higher level of response than 2010.
7. My Blog visibility and recognition has increased, (though still not recognized by Writer's Digest). :-) For example, Pen and Prosper has been linked to or referenced by sites such as All About Freelance Writing, Dollars and Deadlines, Diary of a Mad Freelancer, and other influential sites.

Conclusion? I may not be where I'd like, but I am at least on the "write track".
Numbers don't lie.

Still, I'd like to know, how do you measure your Blog success?
And too, how does Pen and Prosper "measure up" in your opinion?
Any suggestions for improvement? Anything you'd like to see remain? Do tell.

Image: Stock Photo

12 comments:

  1. I used to measure my blog success by comments, but that is not reliable if you look at your stats. Many people world-wide read, but don't leave comments. I know people whose blogs register dozens of comments, but the content of those blogs is what I would consider 'fluff' (sorry, it is my opinion only, obviously).

    I would be less pleased with a hundred comments about my latest trinket, and more pleased with ten comments about a more substantial topic. There are many ways to get noticed. Give aways of objects or ideas are a huge draw.

    The one thing I sincerely appreciate on any writer's blog is calls for submission. Your blog is informative and inspiring, you have a good balance. Thanks for all you do.

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  2. I track my blog stats daily and some days the views are many, but I don't get a lot of comments which I would like more just to get a feel for what people thought of a post. I enjoy reading your blog which is very informative. I may look into having 'guest bloggers' to add a pop to my blog. Great post, thank you!

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  3. I would say that you are definitely on the "write" track! Congrats on your success!

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  4. Okay, I don't have a Master's Degree and I'm not female. Have I gotten lost in the wrong blog? :) One thing I think you've definitely got going for you, Jennifer, is you've maintained a system, a schedule, and a consistency. Much more than I can say for myself. Even when you didn't feel like it, you've kept it up. Good work on the numbers. :)

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  5. I'm visiting new blogs today for the first time, so i also thought id wish you a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your readers. And i hope that the day is spent generating positive memories for years to come. Richard from Amish Stories.

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  6. Linda,

    You make some good points here. I'll elaborate a bit later, when I get more feedback from others. In the interim, thanks so much for your interesting and engaging feedback.

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  7. Thanks, Cynthia! I'm always glad to see your smiling face and "positive" input. :-)

    Enjoy your week!

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  8. Hi there, Karen,

    ...And thank you for your role in making mine a fun and interactive blogging community.

    Have a great holiday!

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  9. Hey Bryan,

    We love to have a little testosterone in the mix here. :-) I appreciate the contributions and support of all my readers. And I would definitely encourage the guys to speak out and be heard! :-) We'd love to get your thoughts.

    And, yes, I have tried to be consistent, (as much as possible). Hope that's not the only positive you perceive about the Blog. lol

    Thanks for stopping by and weighing in, friend. :-)

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  10. Thanks, Amish Stories,

    Happy holiday to you as well.

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  11. Hmmm. Now I'm curious. I love your blog.

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  12. Hi Rebecca!

    It's always a pleasure...thanks!

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