What is in a number?
Well, in blogging there seems to be a lot of numbers to think about, ponder on and in some cases: Stress Us Out! I’ve had a number of conversations with bloggers of all sizes about this game we seem to play. Then I attended BlogHer 2012 and heard from some brands.
First and foremost, I believe there are two types of bloggers:
1) Hobbyist – one who sees their blog as a fun outlet to share crafts, recipes, the kiddos, etc.
2) Monetized – one who is looking at it as a small business. Sells sponsorships, works with media groups and brands while sharing crafts, recipes, fashion, etc.
What is monetizing?
I’m sure some of you may even fall somewhere in the middle, but this post is going to speak more to those of you who are interested in monetizing your blog. I am strictly focusing on the numbers/pageviews in this post. For some of the newer bloggers, an overview of ways to monetize your blog will come at a later time. If you want to monetize your blog, then you have to be willing to work for your blog, which means research, a little more research, test some things out and (you guessed it) more research. Over the past eight months I have worked very hard to get my blog to where it is today — and that’s not because someone spoon fed me information. I’ve done a lot of homework, brushed shoulders with some fabulous women and continue to do a lot of research and learning.
Okay, so you want to monetize your blog. One question to consider when talking about monetization on your blogging is, “What numbers should I take more seriously then others?” or “What numbers are important to brands?” Let me first state, that I am not the expert on this. I am sharing some of my own personal opinions, observations and experiences, along with some sound advice received from brands and larger bloggers.
I’m going to break this up into a few a posts — it’s a wealth of information and it’s not my intention to overwhelm any of you. For some of you, this is super old news, but for others you might be getting your monetization feet wet and have a few questions. Let’s start with some thoughts on Google Friend Connect (GFC) and Pageviews.
I admit that before making the conversion to WordPress, I thought Google Friend Connect (GFC) was thee spoken word as to my growth and popularity. Why? Well, that’s what number seemed to get a lot of focus around bloggy land — and I even had one brand tell me that my GFC number wasn’t high enough to work with me. However, that number is truly (in more ways than one), meaningless. Yep! It really doesn’t hold much weight at all. I’m pretty sure I’m going to step on some toes here, but I think this needs to be said. Aaaand regardless of what is said here — I still love every single one of you!! Got it??
Here’s the proof in the pudding! There are some blogs that have well over 1000 GFC followers, but have you looked at their monthly pageviews? 15,000-20,000 pageviews per month. Ladies and gentlemen! Which of those numbers do you think carries the greater weight in deciding on sponsoring that blog? Or if a brand is seeking out bloggers to partner with on a campaign? Yep, it’s those pageviews! The number of pageviews truly defines the following and readership of a blog. In the two sessions that I sat in about working with brands (in which brands were represented on the panel), the number of GFC followers was never once mentioned. However, pageviews were. Pageviews carry a great deal of weight, maybe not all the weight as you’ll read about in another upcoming post — but these numbers do tell a story. Sooo, in a nutshell. STOP worrying about that silly GFC number. Honestly, I’d remove it all together! I think it’s become more of a popularity contest tool and it carries no weight. It’s simply wasting precious space on your sidebar (aka, your retail space)! Right? So, stop tweeting that your 5 followers from 100 and worry more about your pageviews!
Side Note: This will be covered more under monetizing; however, if you sell ad space and are not disclosing your pageviews — you’re doing your sponsors an injustice. That information is pertinent to your potential sponsors. If you’re sponsoring a blog without knowing their pageviews, shame-shame! Regardless of how many followers (via GFC, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc) the blogger has — without the traffic to the blog (aka pageviews), how are your ads being seen? Something to think about. You have to consider the Return on Investment (ROI), something else I’ll touch on under monetizing at a later time. Can you tell that I’m super analytical? I am… and you know what? I think it all makes sense!
Some of you might be asking yourself, “Where do I find my pageviews?” You can see some very basic stats in your Blogger and WordPress dashboards, but those numbers are not what brands/sponsors are looking for. The pageviews you report should come from your Google Analytics stats. Here is a screen shot of mine from July 1st to August 1st.
Do you have a Google Analytics account? If not, you NEED to do that pronto tonto! Visit {here}. Search on Google how to set up your google analytics for Blogger and/or WordPress, you will find all the necessary help you need. Once you have your account set up, be sure to install that within you blog. Again, search for this information on Google. It’s all there, right at your finger tips. The world wide web and Google will become your best friend if you’re willing to do your homework {wink}. Alrighty, let’s get to work on our pageviews — shall we?
Next Up:
The Numbers Game in Blogging: Social Media
The Numbers Game in Blogging: Let’s Grow + Engage
I’ll be partying {here, here, here and here}.
Home Stories A to Z, Craft-O-Mania and The Shabby Creek Cottage.
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shoprubyjean says
Great information. I think I am Hobbtized blogger.. 🙂 Kinda of split between the two LOL!! Thank you for the great information!
Kelly says
You go girl… a little both worlds is a great mix too 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a lovely afternoon. xo, Kelly
Amee (Inspired-Housewife) says
Thank you for this post! I am a total newbie when it comes to blogging (only about 8 months old). I always wondered about GFC because it was not an option to WordPress. I started my blog as an outlet, but I do take my posts seriously and could not agree more about the pageviews. I have no clue how to rate or compare my blog vs others, but I also try not to worry about it. I do work on getting pinners and fans, but at the end of the day I try to make my posts helpful so people will WANT to come back for more and build a relationship. Sorry for running at the mouth, but love your blog and look forward to more of this series. Amee
Kelly says
Hi Amee! Blogging is an incredible community! Don’t rate or compare your blog to others.. be uniquely you. Set goals for yourself. When deciding to sell advertising (particularly to other bloggers), round up some stats and costs from other bloggers — consider what is fair and what is a little overprices. Be sure to also think about what you’d be willing to pay and will your readers get the ROI. I hope to do a post on monetizing in September. You can share all you want her, Amee… so glad you did! Hugs.
Amee (inspired-housewife) says
Thank you! What I meant by comparing is not necessarily trying to be like others, but with regards to the numbers game I have no clue if my site is small, medium, big. So when it comes to monetizing I see people charge prices all over the place. Yes I want to be unique and be me and I think that is exactly what I am doing. I post what works for me and what I love. What is important to me and if I had more time I would post everyday of the week because I love to write that much. Yes I have found the blogging community to be wonderful and it all takes time of course which is where I am limited. I recently put click ads on my site and am doing very well with them. I have had Google analytics from the start because my hubby is a computer geek and I know that is what brands look for. Thanks again!
Jenny says
I love every single word of it! Thank you so much for putting this out there and for taking the time to see the error in my old ways.
Kelly says
Jenny, you’re too kind. After we hashed through all of this at BlogHer, I knew I needed to get my booty in gear and write this post for my readers 🙂 Blogging is a learning curve — I learn something new every day 🙂 Thanks so much for your support. HUGS!
Janel from NellieBellie says
Great info!! Question…you have over 6 page views per visitor. What do you think you are doing that gets that high number??
Kelly says
Hi Janel! Good eye 😉 Someone else asked me this recently and I honestly can’t say that I know why. I wish I knew the answer and if I’m able to figure that out, I will gladly share. Thanks for leaving some comment love. HUGS!
Jessica @ Mom 4 Real says
Great information, Kelly! I have been considering taking mine off as well. What are your thoughts on Linky followers, isn’t that the same kind of thing? One more…My thought has been, if I take GFC off of my blog, then aren’t people more likely to follow me the other ways, which is what I rather them do any way? I’m taking it off now…thanks for the push!
Kelly says
Hi Jessica! I took linky followers down about a month ago and saw no difference in my pageviews. Again, it was wasting precious sidebar space 🙂 You’re absolutely correct — if you take down GFC and Linky, where will they go? Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. Thanks so much for leaving some comment love. Have a fantastic week. Hugs.
Dana {crafted niche} says
This is a great series girl!
Kelly says
Thanks, Dana!! We NEED to catch up again soon… after I get back from vay-cay 🙂 Have a fantastic week. xo
Katie @ Little Becky Homecky says
Such great info Kelly! I think you are exactly right about the GFC and pageviews! I have seen a lot of “big blogs” who do not have pageviews that are very high at all which definitely makes me wonder why their advertising space is so high! Thank you for being the voice of reason in this!!
Kelly says
Hi Katie! At Bloggy Boot Camp earlier this year, they said that some blogs are perceived as “BIG” and when you look a little deeper and compare some numbers, you find something different. A lot of bloggers are overcharging for ad space and that’s unfortunate. All I can say is do your homework… be sure you’re getting the ROI 🙂 Thanks so much sharing your thoughts. Have an incredible week!
Jelli says
What an insightful post! I had definitely jumped onto the GFC bandwagon, thinking it held some weight with companies. So glad to have your experienced blogger info letting me know it’s really no use. Can’t wait to read the rest of this series…and I joined Google Analytics two weeks ago.
Kelly says
Thanks, Jelli! Yeah, we learn a lot along the way, that is for sure. CONGRATS on Google Analytics… it’s a goldmine of information 🙂 Have a fabulous day! xo, Kelly
Thistle says
Kelly,
You need to write a post on great headlines. I saw this over on Twitter and had to visit! Great information. Thanks so much for sharing.
blessings,
karianne
Kelly says
Awww. How sweet are you? I’m so glad I caught your attention with my headline 🙂 Thanks so much and I’ll have to give some thought to writing great headlines. Have a fabulous week.
Nicole says
I’m a total Rookie so this info is super helpful! I’m looking forward to your upcoming posts 🙂 Thanks for sharing your tips!
Kelly says
Hi Nicole! We were all rookies at one time, which is why I try to post some of my learning experiences. Thanks for stopping by and have a fantastic week 🙂 HUGS!
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Holy crud, your stats are seriously amazing! I need to work on getting my unique visitors to visit a bunch more pages. I had 40k visits in July but it only translated to 55k pageviews. You’re 6.5 pages per visit is something to strive for 🙂 Thanks for sharing this!
Kelly says
Lol. Jessi, you made me laugh. My numbers are mediocre — I have goals too 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by… Stay tuned for more!
Sarah says
This is great information! Thank you! I’m just getting into selling ad space and I need all the advice I can get. I don’t know how I feel about getting rid of my GFC, I have a giveaway going on right now, so I’ll have to wait until that’s done if I decide to remove it. If it’s going to help, then I’ll do it though. I tried Google analytics a while ago and had problems with it, I’ll have to try again. Anyway, thanks for the wonderful info!
Sarah
Kelly says
Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving some comment love. Wishing you and your blog all the best 🙂 xo
Linda says
Hi Kelly, my blog will be 3 months old (young) tomorrow – I’m counting from my first real post and I very quickly discovered that no matter how many followers you have, the quickest way to get pageviews is through linky parties. My blog passed the 20 000 pageview mark last week and although the followers do count, it’s impossible to get (in my case) this high a number of pageviews with only a little over a 100 followers. Looking forward to further posts from you – all newbies, like myself, need all the help we can get – whether it is a hobby or moneywise 😉
Linda
Kelly says
Hi Linda. Congrats on your 20,000 pageviews. Those 100 followers do NOT define who your readers are. You most likely have more readers than that. Next weeks post will offer some help in understanding the difference between the followers versus the readers. Nothing is impossible 🙂 Hugs!
Shannon says
Great post, Kelly! Keep it coming!
Kelly says
Thanks so much, Shannon! I hope you’re having a fabulous week. xo
Carole says
Most helpful thanks, Kelly. While I am not thinking about monetizing currently I am certainly interested in building page views. I will do Google Analytics todat, Have a great week!
Kelly says
Hi Carole! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving some comment love. I trust you got the Google Analytics set up — you’ll have a wealth of information at your fingertips. Enjoy. Hugs!
melissa atkinson says
Great post Kelly! You hit the popularity contest on it’s head. So sick of it. Now, can I get the courage to remove GFC from my sidebar? Hmm….
Can’t wait to see how you break down the rest.
xo
Kelly says
Thanks so much, Melissa! I hopped on over to see you didn’t get the courage to pull that GFC… I PROMISE you will not see a difference in your numbers! They’re meaningless…. you can do it! HUGS!
Emily says
It’s like you read my mind. I’m not sure if I want to monetize or not right now but I was wondering what companies look for. Sometimes I get too caught up in the numbers in general but it is kinda fun when you have a big day. It makes me feel all happy and fuzzy inside!
Kelly says
Thanks, Emily! Yes, a big number day does make you feel all warm and fuzzy 😉 Hugs.
Jill @ Create.Craft.Love. says
Fantastic insight as usual! I consider myself a newbie (8 months old) and this is the sort of information that you learn along the way. I’ve been thinking about removing LF and Bloglovin’ for a while. Thanks for the extra push!
Kelly says
Hi Jill! So glad to hear you enjoyed reading this information 🙂 Do whatever works best for you in regards to LF and Bloglovin’. I still have the Bloglovin’ follow button up and use it for personal use every now and again. Wishing you and your blog the very best! HUGS!!
Jill @ Create.Craft.Love. says
Fantastic insight as usual! I consider myself a newbie (8 months old) and this is the sort of information that you learn along the way. Although from a follower standpoint, I always look for GFC. I like that it pops right up in my Blogger feed. I’ve been thinking about removing LF and Bloglovin’ from my blog for a while. Thanks for the extra push!
Kendra says
Thanks for posting this. Right now I’m more of a hobbyist; however, I would love to be able to monitize in the future. The past few weeks I’ve been thinking about GFC and how much the count really matters. For blogs that I love, I have them in my favorites as opposed to reading them through GFC dashboard. There have been many blogs that I “follow” but have never returned to visit. I’m also finding that following through Twitter is a really good way to know when a new post is up for ones that I really care about.
Kelly says
Hi Kendra! Thanks so much for stopping by. I agree in regards to Twitter, I think a lot of readers are taking that route — as well as Facebook 🙂 Have a fabulous end to your week. Hugs!
The Partiologist says
I have learned more in this post then my last 15 months of blogging. I really don’t know if I take of GFC off my sidebar if I will lose those subscribers or not. And I’m off to set up a Google Analytics account now! Every step of my blog has been an adventure and takes me 4 x as long as the normal blogger I’m sure! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to help us little bloggers out! 🙂
Kelly says
You are so very welcome! I enjoy sharing my learning experiences and paying it forward. Wishing you and your blog the very best!! HUGS!
Mindy Harris says
kelly, i can’t tell you how wonderful it was to read this today. we have chatted on twitter once or twice, but i’m mindy and i write at marigold road. i have been writing for 4.5 years and “only” have 850 followers. It has been discouraging, but now that I’ve read this it takes me back to the root of why I blog–and it’s to write about what makes me me and to write about what encourages others.
I am wanting to monetize. I have put the word out about sponsoring, and got a few thru passionfruit, but it just hasn’t “caught.” So i just keep blogging quality posts (even if that doesn’t mean blogging every day…i don’t like filler posts) and keeping my chin up. I feel like i stand out among bloggers and that, eventually, advertisers will want space in my margin. redesign coming soon (and it looks amazing) so i think that will help…
Kelly says
Hi Mindy! Thanks so much for being so open and honest. Do NOT get discouraged. You are your blogs CEO, so do what works best for you. We’ll talk more soon! Super excited to hear you have a blog redesign coming soon 🙂 YAY! Hugs.
Bliss says
Great tutorial. I found one to help me put it up on blogger and now I’m set, thank you.
~Bliss~
Kelly says
Excellent! So glad you got it up and running 🙂 Have a great end to your week. xo, Kelly
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
Thanks for the info! I have a question – do you know how google analytics were affected when you switched to wordpress? I’m doing some of the switch myself and want to make sure I do it right! Just wondering if you had any dealings with that.
Kelly says
Hi Dorothy! My google analytics dropped pretty drastically and it took about 3-4 weeks to recover. Does that help?
Nicole Robinson says
Thank You for this info. I have been working my tail off for several months on my blog to get followers? It’s definetely time consuming and sometimes I feel it’s a waste of my time!!
Kelly says
Hi Nicole! Blogging (especially when you’re getting started) can be a roller coaster ride of emotions. It’s not a waste of time — but it does take a great deal of time to get it off the ground. Keep your chin up! Blog on… xo, Kelly
Erin says
Thanks so much for this post! I’m thinking of trying to monetize my blog and knew in the back of my mind that it was the pageviews that really mattered, but you saying it “out loud” really helped me to focus on that. I’m not sure if I’m brave enough to remove my GFC, but I”ll keep that in mind if I need more space at some point. Thanks, again!
Kelly says
Hi Erin! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving some comment love. I challenge you to take GFC down for a week — see if there are any changes in your stats. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised 🙂 HUGS!
amy says
Thank you for your feedback from the conference! It means a lot to people like me who want to grow my blog and learn more about these topics but just cannot attend conferences at this time.
I fall into the category of low GFC followers but much higher pageviews so your news is good to me. However, I still have no idea what end of the spectrum I’m on. I guess that’s something I need to research more 🙂
Monetizing is something I’m working towards for the future. My only fear is that blogging will become more of an obligation than an enjoyable hobby. Gotta figure out that fine line balance. Thanks again so much for your straight forward tone and generous information.
Kelly says
Hi Amy! Thanks so much for stopping by and expressing your appreciation. It is sooo hard finding that balance, but you will. Wishing you the very best. HUGS!
Emily says
What a wonderful post! I’m so glad to be reading this. I don’t use GFC on my blog. I decided that it wasn’t something that I thought I needed, although on my previous blog, I was all about GFC and the number of followers that I had. I am using Bloglovin to follow and keep up with other blogs. Great info!! 🙂 Can’t wait to read the next post.
Kelly says
Thanks Emily! I’m so glad you found this post helpful. Bloglovin’ is also something I tend to use to follow some blogs… I think it’s finding and know what works best for you. See you at next weeks post! HUGS!
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says
Thanks for sharing you dirty little secret! I am in your court with the whole GFC thing – meaningless! Here’s to realizing the real way to monitize our blogs.
You go girl!
Kelly
Kelly says
HAHA! You’re too funny. Thanks for stopping by, friend. HUGS to you.
Emily @ Hope Squared says
Excellent post – I heard that pageviews were more important than GFC followers – what’s your take on pageviews vs. unique visitors? Which is more important to potential sponsors?
Kelly says
Sponsors? Pageviews…. Brands? Pageviews with some interested in unique visitors. You see much more focus being put on pageviews, but the unique visitors is something to pay attention to. Hope that helps. HUGS!
Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says
Perfecto!!! 🙂
Kelly says
Thanks, ladies!! Super duper big hug!! xo
Raquel says
Thank you for this great post! I am so in the dark about the google analytics. I am somewhere in between the two types you mentioned. I was wondering about streamlining the follow choices for readers too! I want to be able to focus on my blogging. I cannot wait to read the rest of your series on this.
Kelly says
Hi Raquel. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving some comment love. Wishing you all the best. Anxious to share the rest of the series 😉 Have a fabulous end to your week. HUGS.
Britni @ Hubby Made Me says
I am loving this post! I thought I might be missing out by not using GFC {I’m on WordPress} but I’m so glad to hear {see?} that I’m not! 🙂 Since you’ve been on both platforms, it’s good to hear your advice. Thanks so much for sharing!
Kelly says
Hi Britni! My pleasure to share 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by. Hugs to you!
Jodie Fitz says
Okay, my numbers are not nearly as impressive, but I’m so excited to actually be on track w google analytics, page views, etc – phew! LOL… look forward to hearing more. Thanks for sharing!
Kelly says
You’re too funny. Thanks so much for stopping by, Jodie!
Carrie says
Thanks for sharing, I think the more bloggers openly discuss monetization the more we can stand as a united front to brands!
Carrie says
By the way, I attended a brand session at Haven and the PR companies there said they do also look for engagement with posts when selecting blogs to work with . For example, a blog with 10,000 pageviews is still very useful if the readers are engaged and commenting and clicking through, whereas a blog with 100,000 pageviews isn’t very useful if no one is engaging with the content. Does that make sense?
Kelly says
Hi Carrie… I’ll actually be touching on engagement in one of the final two posts for this mini-series 🙂 Engagement is HUGE! xo
Hilani-Handmade by H says
Kelly what a GREAT, GREAT, GREAT post! Thanks for spelling it out, talking about it, and sharing your thoughts with us. I look forward to more! 🙂
Kelly says
Thanks so much, Hilani! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post…appreciate you stopping by and leaving some comment love. Have a fabulous end to your week. xo, Kelly
Melissa @TheHappierHomemaker says
Great article, this is my first time to your blog and I’m subscribing so I can see the rest of the series. I just recently monetized my blog. Thanks!
Kelly says
Hi Melissa! Super excited to have you visiting with us here at LLR. — and that you’re enjoying the series. Looking forward to seing you next week for Part II. Have a fabulous day. HUGS.
Jennifer says
WOW! I SSSOOOO needed to hear all of that….you cleared up some dangling questions I have had as if you were reading my mind! I am learning so much as I go and this post was a wealth of information! Thank you so much for sharing this!!
Jennifer
@ Decorated Chaos
http://decoratedchaos.blogspot.com
Kelly says
Hi Jennifer! Thanks so much for your sweet words. I’m tickled silly that you found it helpful. Wishing you a blessed day. HUGS.
Barbara says
Kelly, Great info! I always wondered what exactly the GFC meant other than an ego boost?! It makes so much more sense that pageviews are the most important when it comes to monetizing. Really appreciate the research you did!
XO, Barbara
Kelly says
Hi Barbara! My pleasure. Thanks for reading the post and leaving some comment love. Have a great end to your week. xo, Kelly
Leah says
Thanks for this great article! I recently started a new blog, after taking two years of maternity leave (haha) from the online community (I used to have a jewelry business on etsy). As I’m hoping to monetize my blog over time, this information is really useful.
Kelly says
Hi Leah! Welcome back to the online community… wishing you the very best 🙂 Have a fabulous day. HUGS.
[email protected] says
Thanks for the info…now I just need some sponsors! 😉 And hugs for pinning my dessert!
Kelly says
Hi Tonia! Go gett’em 🙂 Girl… that dessert looked delish, it screamed, “PIN ME” {giggle} I trust you’re having a fabulous week.
Holly says
Great post and very well said. When I signed up for Google Analytics I was surprised that my page views didn’t match what the Stats section on Blogger was recording…I did some research and learned that the Analytic resource is a more reliable number. I don’t monetize now but if and when I see the pageviews increasing I’d really like to consider it. What fun would it be to actually make a little money on a hobby that I so enjoy!
Thanks for sharing what you learned at the conference.
Kelly says
Hi Holly! Thanks so much for visiting with me and loving on my post 🙂 I truly enjoy sharing all of this with you. Have a great end to your week. Hugs.
Nancy says
Kel, you’ve done it again….thanks for the info! You are a BLOGGING maachine! Will be starring this post for future reference. And FYI…hoping to launch my new blog this fall….will keep you posted, and maybe do another bloggy meet-up? 🙂
Love you, Friend!
Lucky 🙂
Kelly says
Awww. You’re too kind, sweet friend. Looking forward to seeing the blog launch this Fall. YAY!!! I would love another bloggy meet-up. Woo Hoo. Hugs, Hugs and more Hugs!!!
Jenn says
This is great. I just started to blog this week and although I’m not sure what my goal really is yet, I do find the number piece to be a very interesting game. I was anti putting up the GFC and Linky info right off the bat, and I am actually much more interested in wordpress over blogger. But I chose to start here because in talking to other newbie bloggers it seemed to be the way to make those first connections. Many people said that GFC, Linky and Bloglover are their main blog feeds and having that easy click option made them more likely to come back. I obviously want my number of page views to grow, but I would love to have people who enjoy coming back to my blog. I also want to create friendships with other new bloggers like me. Do you think that things like GFC hold a different importance at different points in blogging?
Kelly says
Hi Jenn! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂 Blogger is a great starting point; however, making the switch sooner than later will make the conversion easier. Just keep that in mind. I do not believe that GFC holds different importance at different points in blogging. I don’t recall seeing any changes in my pageviews due to the removal of GFC. Hope that helps. Hugs!
Kristin C. says
Very informative! I’m not thinking about monetizing right now but this was very interesting and something I would need to know down the line if I ever plan on doing so =)
Kelly says
Hi Kristin! Thanks so much. I appreciate hearing how helpful and informative this post has been. If and when you monetize — I wish you the very best. Hugs.
Tara says
Thanks for the info. I just opened an account and added it to my blog. I didn’t know about this type of account! YAY! Thanks for linking up to my party too! 😉
Kelly says
Hi Tara! YAY! Super excited you have your account set up and added 🙂 Have a fabulous end to your week. HUGS!!
Jenn says
Great post Kelly! I have always just relied on my blogger stats but I have finally figured out how to add the google analytics on correctly. Looking forward to the rest of your posts. I hope you had a great time at BlogHer! I would love to make it to a blogging conference one day.
kim says
LOVE it — straight to the heart. Analytics, analytics, analytics. All the other stuff is fluff. I haven’t made it to a conference yet, but I watch stats like a hawk. I don’t even have GFC but enjoyed your post and hopped over from the Thursday hop … enjoyed it. Brave of you to post your google analytics! Go Girl!
Kelly says
Hi Kim! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving some comment love 🙂 LOL on posting my google analytics…I needed a screen shot. I may not share that information regularly, but it served as an appropriate piece of information. Have a fabulous weekend. Hugs.
Gina says
Ahhh the numbers. They have a way of keeping one up at night & completely bumming me out at times. I’m glad you are talking about it because they are important even if I don’t want to think about it sometimes.
Kelly says
Hi Gina! Do what you do best — and hopefully those numbers will do their thing 🙂 Wishing you all the best!
Jaye @ Just Trying to Make Cents of it All says
Hi Kelly – Great post! It is so kind of you to share your wisdom and experience! Everything – and I mean EVERYTHING – I’ve learned is basically from hunting and pecking around blogland to try and find answers. I had to design my own blog because I couldn’t get a designer to get back to me. Guess they are really busy these days! It’s never ending and I swear sometimes it feels as I’ve sat in this chair and in front of this laptop for 10 straight hours! Looking forward to reading your other posts. Again, thank you for your kindness. You certainly didn’t have to do it!
Kelly says
Hi Jaye! Thanks so much for visiting with me and reading this post in my little series. What a shame that you never heard back from a designer. Blogging takes a great deal of time and energy.. I know I’ve spent 8 to 10 hours on my computer many days. THANKS again… it’s my privilege to help where I can. Have a fabulous week. HUGS!
Katherines corner says
Great post so informative. I agree completely about the GFC NUMBER I had nearly 5000 GFC followers but I had no isead how many page views i had. I just recently ( a week ago) realized that the google analytics that I had set up for my blog wasn’t working! So I am starting over with google analytics. Hugs P.S> thank you for sharing at the hop my friend 🙂
Kelly says
Hi Katherine! Thanks so much for stopping by. Big fat bummer on your google analytics. Hopefully it will all work out and you’ll know what those pageviews are sooner than later. YAY! Have a fantastic week. HUGS!
Alexandra Lindberg (@ropcorn) says
Very interesting post and information. I definitely agree with you on GFC, I have never used it on my blog… Though I do follow plenty of other blogs via that gadget. Anyway, look forward to your upcoming posts on this topic.
Thank you for sharing your experiences Kelly! 🙂
Kelly says
Hi Alexandra! Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my little series. Have a fantabulous week. xo
Marty Walden says
Great, great info! Thank you so much for sharing.
Kelly says
So glad you found it helpful! Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a lovely weekend 🙂 Hugs!!
Betsy @ Anna Nimmity says
Thanks, Kelly, for this well written and well thought out post. It’s definitely food for thought should I decide to monetize my {currently tiny} blog. 🙂
Kelly says
You are so very welcome! I’m tickled silly that you appreciated this information. Have a lovely day. Hugs.
Linda @ Fingers in the Dirt says
Hi Kelly, Thanks for this valuable information. As a “dot com” person turned blogger, this is the technical “meat” I’m looking for. I can’t wait to read your future posts on these topics!
Thanks for the clear overview!
Kelly says
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving some comment love, Linda! So glad you enjoyed the topic. Hugs!
Jillian @ Hi! It's Jilly says
Thanks for the great post! SO much good information! I’ve been a little wrapped up in the GFC-follower gaining-thing, but now I’m thinking I might need to rethink that. Ha! One question…I’m thinking about monetizing my blog, but I don’t want to monetize too soon (I feel like it looks greedy or something when people have a reaaally young blog with only a few followers and ads all over the place. Maybe it’s just me?). How many minimum pageviews/unique followers would you say someone should have before setting up AdSense or Social Spark, or selling ad space? Right now I’m just doing the ‘button swap’ thing, because I thought that would be a good jumping off point to get my feet wet. (Sorry for the crazy long comment!! Maybe I should have just e-mailed you. Ha ha!)
Kelly says
Hi Jillian! I don’t think there is necessarily any right or wrong number of pageviews to have before monetizing, especially with Social Spark or AdSense. I think when offering sponsorships/advertising to bloggers, you just need to be sure that your readers are getting a return on their investment. Does that make sense? Button swaps are an excellent starting point as well — that’s what I did 😉
CC says
Wow, great information! Thank you! 😉
Kelly says
Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a fabulous weekend 🙂 Hugs!
Liz @ Lizzie Jane Baby says
Hi Kelly! Great information! I just recently signed up for Clever Girls Collective and Social Spark to get more into the monetizing side of blogging. Neither one asked me what my GFC following was. 🙂 I’ve actually had a blog since 2009 but didn’t get serious about it until the end of 2011. I’ve even had google analytics on my blog since 2009, but my numbers are nothing like yours! 😉 I’m trying to gain more followers but just don’t know how to go about it. Can’t wait for the rest of the series! Thanks.
Kelly says
Hi Liz1 Thanks so much for leaving some comment love. Congrats on Clever Girls Collective and Social Spark — those are both great networks to be a part of. Looking forward to sharing some more tips and tricks. See you soon! Hugs.
Deana says
Great post I’m interested in your take on Page Rank I have been wrestling with the issue of getting mine higher……… I just can’t seem to figure it out………..I’d love for you to share this post at CountryMommaCooks Link party : )
Aimee Lane - It's Overflowing says
This is such great (true) information Kelly! You’re a wealth of information, I’m excited to follow the rest of your series. XO, Aimee
Laurie @ Gallamore West says
I LOVE this post!! I found myself shaking my head in agreement because it all just seems to make perfect sense! I too have gotten so caught up in the numbers game & get disappointed, but when I see my Facebook page I feel like I’m really interacting with my readers and that is more important than some silly number, right? I “follow” a bunch of blogs, but I haven’t actually visited their page in forever so that number can’t really mean much. I can’t wait to come back and read the rest of your series. THANK YOU for the fabulous post!!
xo,
Laurie @ Gallamore West 🙂
Kelly says
Hi Laurie! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving some comment love. It’s my privilege to share some of this information… I’m no expert, but I have lived and learned in bloggy world 🙂 Thanks again. See you around the blog next week! Have a lovely day. xo, Kelly
I am LOVD says
This is a truly great and necessary series, Kelly. Thanks for sharing your know-how and experience!
Kelly says
You are so very welcome! I enjoy putting this information together. Thanks for leaving some comment love. Have a beautiful Sunday, friend. xo
Sarah B. says
Awesome post woman! I totally agree about GFC! Do you mind if I share this with my readers? Thank you!
Kelly says
Thanks so much, Sarah! I apologize for the delay in responding… Please feel free to share a snippet and link back to me 🙂 THANKS again. Have a fabulous week. xo
Brook says
Thank you for this post. I just recently switched to WP and I’ve been checking my stats in Google Analytics, and it’s nice to see the higher numbers and not focus on {like you mentioned} the popularity contest of GFC. I do have a question though, I have both SiteMeter and GA, and of course the stats are different. My Sitemeter numbers are higher. Should I just use those or combine the two and take an average?
Kelly says
Hi Brook! CONGRATS on your recent switch to WP and YAY on seeing the higher numbers 🙂 Good for you. Google analytics are what most brands are interested in, so I’m not sure how to answer that question. Some may even ask for a screen shot, so an average would be inaccurate. Does that make sense?
TidyMom says
great post Kelly!! I had no idea anyone was still worrying about GFC
Kelly says
Can you tell I’m playing catch up? LOL. Yep, a lot of bloggers are still worrying about GFC. Silly, right 🙂
Christine says
Way to go Kelly! LOVE this post!! Looking forward to the next instalments!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Kelly says
Thanks so much, Christine!
Denise Adorian says
My husband and I are both retired. I blog for fun,never imagined it could help us financially.That would be a miracle for us,if We could make a little money from it. Denise from Coffeeberry Cottage
Kelly says
Hi Denise! Well, the skied the limit! Wishing you the very best. HAPPY RETIREMENT 🙂
Miranda @ The Pinterest Project says
This is SO helpful – we have been driving ourselves crazy trying to figure out which of the numbers meant what and held the most weight, etc. It’s really good to know which number is a good one to start focusing on 🙂 We took GFC off our blog for a little while and JUST added it back yesterday – now I’m rethinking that decision!
Thanks for a really good and helpful, thought provoking post.
Kelly says
Hi Miranda! Thanks so much for stopping by — and I’m so glad you found some helpful info 🙂 Please tell me you took that GFC back down???
Ginger says
Great post. Featuring YOU today! 🙂
Ginger @ gingersnapcrafts.com
http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/08/take-look-at-you-my-favorites_23.html
Kelly says
Thanks so much, Ginger. Always tickled silly to be featured over on your blog. Hope you’re having a fabulous long weekend!! Hugs!
Kaaren says
First of all, I really enjoyed your post. I found it most interesting. and informative. Just starting a blog and I have two questions, totally unrelated.
1. how often do you pull your stats? Daily or weekly? Can you go back to view previous days/weeks stats with this program?
2. In October I attended The Southern Bloggers Conference in Raleigh, NC. (also the first time held). I am on the committee for next year and wondered if there was any one or two subjects you felt were a big successful/must have topic or a speaker that was outstanding. Email me if you prefer. [email protected] Also any information about next years conference (date, where it is held, cost, etc) I would greatly appreciate it. Some of us may be interested in attending. Do you limit the number of attendees? OH! that is far more than 2 questions. Sorry
Kelly says
Hi Kaaren!
Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging!
In your Google Analytics you can pull your stats whenever you want. Daily, weekly, monthly,etc.
I’m a little confused by question #2. I didn’t attend that conference. Are you asking about the BlogHer conference I did attend?
In 2013, there are sooo many conferences to consider attending. BlogHer, Blissdom, SNAP!, Evo, Haven, etc.
I hope that helps! Wishing you all the best. Hugs, Kelly
Andrew Montgomery says
Hi Kelly,
Thanks for the post. Very helpful. I just wanted to mention that the bounce rate in your stats screenshots from GA looks unnaturally low. That’s not to say you don’t have engaging content, just that 0.6% is too low. Normally this is caused by having your GA code twice (or more) on your page – perhaps you have a GA plug in plus you have it in your wordpress theme? I’m afraid this also results in some page views also being counted twice.
This post was from 2012 so perhaps you’ve realised this already, but I thought I’d mention it.
Keep up the good work!
Andrew
Kelly Rowe says
Hi Andrew! Yes, almost a year after that post was written, I discovered that GA code twice and had no idea how that happened. It was quite devastating to say the least. Thanks for stopping by… Cheers!