What blog posts do you find most engaging?
I recently completed a monthly check of my blog’s analytics. I’m always curious to see which posts engage you, my readers. I typically look at three measurements: top five posts visited in the past 12 months, the most clicked on posts in Google Search in the past 30 days, and most commented on posts since the blog’s inception.
These measurements are pretty random, so please don’t ask me why I chose them. However, if you have suggestions about which analytics you find helpful, I’d love to hear them.
Anyway, without further ado, here are the results of my May analytics check.
Top 5 most frequently visited posts
Number 5
My experience as a first-time hearing aid user I was interested in improving my hearing, but had some concerns about hearing aids. I decided to give them a try. Here’s my experience making that decision and the early results.
Number 4
A reluctant viewers take on the Barbie movie I enjoyed Barbie much more than I expected I would. I laughed a lot, and I even cried…twice. Isn’t that what we are looking for in a movie? To feel something.
Number 3
60 before 60 A few years back, I announced that I would be completing a 60 before 60 Challenge in the year leading up to my 60th birthday. Here’s how I was doing five months into my challenge.
Number 2
A letter to my 40-year-old self My youngest daughter turns 40 this year and is seeking advice for this new phase of life. Here are some things I wish I had known when I was 40.
And the most popular post…drumroll please…
We are more alike than different When you meet (or just see) someone for the first time, do you first notice the similarities or the differences? Is your initial instinct “them” or “us?”
Most clicked-on posts in Google Search
5. A letter to my 40-year-old self
4. Encouraging words for caregivers
3. Spring bucket list: 60 before 60
2. We are more alike than different
1. How much is 800 grams of produce?
Most commented-on posts
5. Take a hike: why hiking is good for your soul
4. Are you wasting precious time?
3. My staycation is over, even if sheltering in place is not
2. Coping with grief after a sudden death
1. Changing course mid-blog post
What does it all mean?
The truth is I’m not sure what these statistics tell me in terms of where to go with my blogging. The posts that made the lists cover a broad range of topics and don’t seem to have a lot in common.
I do find it interesting that a post from July of 2019 remains the most frequently visited post on my site today. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised, as the message is perhaps even more important today than it was five years ago.
Your turn
- Did any of the blog titles above draw you in? If you are a blogger, do you spend a lot of thought on post titles?
- How did you find this particular blog post, and why did you decide to read it?
- If you are a blogger, do you track your site’s analytics? If so, what is your most popular post and by which measure?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love to hear from you.
Image by Sophie Janotta from Pixabay
I’ll admit that I don’t pay much attention to my blog’s stats. I know I get a lot of comments but after that I’m indifferent to the numbers game. I do know that over time the posts that consistently draw readers to me, the ones that seem to be evergreen, are the ones that involve lists. Years ago I wrote a list of pig sayings and every few days someone hits on it. I wrote a list of the names of measuring spoons and cups, very popular. Even posts where I write a list of links that interest me, those are popular, too. Like you, I don’t know what it means, just that it is.
I understand what you’re saying, Ally. Since I’m not trying to sell anything or be an influencer, the numbers aren’t all that important to me either. I am always curious as to what posts seem to be more engaging and wonder why. That’s interesting about the list posts being some of your most popular.
Hi Christie, this is an interesting exercise, isn’t it? I don’t really look at the stats although there is a graph on my dashboard that shows daily views and the posts. I don’t delve beyond that. I am finding that some posts I’ve not felt were up to par have done well whereas others I thought people would be interested in fell flat. The What’s On Your Bookshelf? and What’s Been On Your Calendar? are always well received as well as travel. These days I write what I’m feeling at the time and lately if I haven’t really got anything I feel is of value I just don’t write anything. x
It is surprising sometimes what catches people’s interests, isn’t it Sue? I do love our blogging community and the connections we’ve built.
Christie, I honestly don’t know what attracts readers to my site. I hope it is because I come across as honest, positive, and fun-loving. As self-centered as it sounds, I am the subject of my blog. I write about our retirement, hobbies, travels, and daily life. I hope my words inspire and encourage others to live a fuller life. What does well? I wrote a post about blogging that is still my most viewed post. Also, one about my favorite color (blue) did well. Anything I write about cruising receives a lot of comments. Go figure? I feel the same as Sue when she says she ‘writes what she is feeling at the time.’ Maintaining my blogging connections is important, so I don’t stray far from what feels comfortable and conversation-worthy. Great discussion questions. I hope it generates lots of feedback for you to consider.
You hit the nail on the head, Suzanne. You definitely come across as honest, positive, and fun-loving. And more than once, I have come away from reading one of your posts inspired and encouraged. I think writing about what you are feeling or doing makes it more interesting and authentic. So keep it up.
I heard about your blog because we’re sisters, and tell each other almost everything. I read all of them because you’re an excellent writer. (And because I love you.)
I love you too, sister. Thank you for your continued support of this little project of mine and for your kind words.
Christie, I’ve not looked at my blog stats for awhile, but like you, I recall trying to make some sense when I did. One thing I recall noting, questions in the titles seemed to be a draw for my blog. Not that it made me start writing more titles that way! I try to make my titles clearly reflect the topic I’m writing about. I do know that my more personal posts generate the most comments. You have me curious now to look at my stats, especially as I draw towards another blog anniversary. Fodder for a blog post!
Like you, Pat, I’ve noticed that questions make engaging titles, as do lists, which Ally mentioned in her comment. I go back and forth between trying for creative, intriguing titles and more clear-cut straightforward titles. Every once in a while I get lucky and find a way to combine the two. 😊
Hi Christie – I subscribe to and read all your posts because they always have something in them that interests me. I try to read and comment on all my blogging friends because being supportive of each other creates community. I have less comments on my posts these days because I don’t participate in the blog parties anymore – I’d rather people visited me from subscribing and wanting to read my thoughts. That being said, like Sue, sometimes I’m surprised at what posts people like and which ones have less views…. but despite that, I’ll just keep writing what engages my mind or my heart and hope it sparks a light with others. x
Thanks for your support of my blog, Leanne. I really appreciate it. Like you, I also try to regularly read and comment on my blogging friends’ posts…both to be supportive and because I genuinely enjoy hearing what they are doing and/or thinking about. I’m happy to hear that you plan to keep writing about things that engage your heart and mind. That engagement comes through in your writing and is a big part of what makes your blog so engaging for those of us who read it.
I love that your most popular one was about bringing people together. That’s a lovely feeling.
I remember your 60 before 60 when you were scouting ideas but I don’t recall you doing them – I wonder if i just missed those posts (tho i seem to forget a lot of stuff!)
#WWWhimsy
Thanks Lydia. It makes me happy too that people are drawn to a blog about people coming together. As for my 60 before 60 list, I accomplished all of the goals except for walking 60 miles on new trails. It was a fun exercise none the less. I can’t believe that was nearly three years ago. As for forgetting stuff, I’m right there with you on that one!
Hi Christie, I haven’t looked at my blog stats in absolute ages but I used to back when I first started. It is interesting though isn’t it as to which posts get the most views and interest. It can be very surprising! I remember most of the posts you’ve listed there and they’re all great reads! Thanks for linking up again with #WWWhimsy – remember to link up at either Sue or Deb’s for the next two weeks until I return. Have a great week! xo
Thank you, Min. Yes, it is sometimes surprising what posts take off and which ones don’t. Thanks, as always, for hosting #WWWhimsy. Enjoy your time away!
Waaay back when I was first blogging, 2011-2012, it was all about statistics and I admit my blog did poorly because “I wrote” from a perspective of an older person who was a retired educator.
I also ‘tried’ to market for an audience as was suggested by Australian blogging groups at the time and that too fell flat.
I blog for me…and for others to connect with me if there is a shared interest. I also write now on Substack and feel relatively free to write about what I want but I remain mindful of my readers too.
You did a great job there with your stats and I always enjoy what you blog about Christie!
Denyse.
I love that you blog for you, Denyse. I do the same. Of course, I hope others enjoy what I’m putting out there, but I’m not chasing followers. I prefer to have a smaller, more engaged audience. I really appreciate the connections I’ve made with other bloggers around the world, including you.
This is always an interesting exercise Christie and I usually look into the stats at the end of the year just to see what has been on most interest. I agree with Suzanne’s comment that when the blog is about your own life, ‘As self-centered as it sounds, I am the subject of my blog’ it can be interesting to try and work out why a certain post is more appealing than others. Like Sue says, sometimes I think a post will do well but it doesn’t while another that wasn’t all that good in my eyes comes up trumps! I blog for fun and stay for the connections 🙂 Great insights and I always enjoy reading your thoughts .
It sounds like most of us are having a similar experience in terms of writing about what speaks to us and not being sure what will strike a chord with others. I too blog for fun and connections…which is not necessarily what I was expecting when I first started. You just never know, do you?
I do like to check out my stats but I haven’t done any real analysis for a while. Hasn’t been a top priority. And I do it more out of curiosity than anything. My most viewed posts are recipes, especially those that are from well known people – Pioneer Woman, Lost Kitchen. But I’m frequently surprised by some older ones that seem to have a new life. It doesn’t change anything about how I blog, but I’ll continue to watch because I can.
I whole-heartedly agree, Linda. I check my stats out of curiosity and because they are easily accessible. It doesn’t necessarily change how I blog. Mine is a hobby blog. I know that others who make a living from their blogs are more concerned with stats, and rightly so.
I must admit, I only analyse my blog stats once a year and when I do I’m always fascinated at which posts are top of the pops. I think my most popular blog post is how to make a DIY dog toilet LOL! My blog is my hobby so I’m not about the numbers but more about the purpose and the sense of connection. I still love reading blogs and receiving comments on my own posts. Love the idea of the 60 on 60 I’m going to try that when I hit the big six oh!
I love that you most popular post is a DIY dog toilet, Sammie! In fact I am so intrigued, I think I must look at that one now.