Okay, so the last time we chatted, we discussed the most important number in bloggy land (for the most part) — Pageviews. If you missed that post in this three part mini series, you might take a peek at The Numbers Game in Blogging: Pageviews Win! I was overwhelmed with the wonderful feedback on the first post. You guys ROCK and it’s so rewarding to see that you find this information helpful. So, THANK YOU!
Now, let’s chat a bit about Social Media. How is Social Media defined?
Merriam Webster defines it as the following:
So, what social media outlets do you use? I tend to put my primary focus on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. I’m trying to put a little more focus on Google+, but I have to admit that is an area I’m still learning in that arena. Regardless of what you use — this form of communication is reaching your audience and/or your potential audience. Obviously those following you are your audience, but that share button on FB, the retweet button on Twitter, the G+1 button on your blog and repin button on Pinterest — well, those are avenues to reach your potential audience. Right? That’s kind of exciting to think about if you ask me.
Are Social Media numbers important in monetizing? Some are. Some aren’t. Have you participated in any paid campaigns? The numbers that the media groups are asking for lean towards Pageviews, Facebook (FB), Twitter and Google+. Obviously, you need an audience in order to work with brands on a campaign. The tricky part to this is that you can actually buy followers — and you can gain a lot of followers in “number” by participating in a gazillion giveaways. Sooooo, be careful here as well. If you tell a brand you have 3,000 FB followers and only have 25,000 monthly pageviews — that’s going to appear a little unbalanced. Wouldn’t you agree? Have I participated in a large giveaway to gain FB followers? You bet! However, I researched the giveaways. I wanted to be sure that it was an audience of blog readers — not just a bunch of people wanting to win something and could give two hoots about me and my blog. Does that make sense? We want to grow our readership (which then converts into pageviews), not just the number of followers.
If you’re spending money and working hard to simply increase your followers — I’m afraid if those new followers aren’t also translating into pageviews, you’re wasting a great deal of time, money and energy!
I guess, in a nut shell, I’m saying that I believe there are two potential audiences in social media, which then translates into your blog audience. I would say that most of us are using our social media to promote our blogs — and sharing some day to day fun along the way, right? Anywho, here’s my take on the audiences:
1) The Followers, those who may be following you via social media outlets, but are not (necessarily) reading your blog. Maybe they clicked that like button to enter a giveaway or joined your GFC followers to participate in a linky party or blog hop -and- never came back. I’d say we’re all guilty of this at some point or another. Right? However, what we’d like to capture is…
2) The Readers, those who truly READ your blog. They’re stopping by to see what you’ve been up to. They’re leaving you comments, tweeting your posts and showing you some bloggy {love}! This audience, your readers, is then translated into your pageviews. Here is where we do a happy dance! Readers=Pageviews.
The next post will talk a little bit on how to potentially capture some of those non-reading followers and keeping your current readers coming back for more. Ultimately, what we want to see is Follower —-> Reader —-> Pageviews or simply Reader —-> Pageviews. So, stay tuned {smile}.
Okay, so Facebook and Twitter have been around for quite a while. I’m guessing most of us are on the Pinterest bandwagon — where we’ve lost hours of precious time getting lost in pinning and re-pinning. HA! If you’re super new to blogging and your not familiar with Pinterest. It’s simply a virtual pinboard where you can save, organize and share all of the yummy recipes, lovely decor, fashion and/or crafty things you find on web. My warning to you is that it’s a bit addictive {smile}.
Let’s take a couple of minutes to talk about two specific means of social media that seem to be getting a little more buzz as of late, Google+ and Klout.
Do you have a Google+ account? If not, check out this tutorial and get one started. Google+ is a growing phenomenon and can have a HUGE impact on your Search Engine Optimization (SEO). If I could make one suggestion, it would be to take advantage of hashtags (#) and be sure to tag the the blogger whose post your promoting with the @ sign. Below is a screenshot of one of my G+1 posts. It originally looked like: It’s Party Time with @Alderberry Hill #linkyparty, and once published it converted to what you see below. The # and @ sign are large contributors to helping with the SEO and promotion of the posts your promoting — and YOU!
There was a session on Google+ at BlogHer as well. I missed it to attend a different session; however, Jenny did a recap — so take a few minutes to check out her post and you’ll leave with a better understanding as to what Google+ is and does! Also, Shasta did a Google+ series that you might find informational. Again, the world wide web and google can truly be your best friend for life, you just have utilize it!
I’ll give a quick tip on Klout here too. Do you know what your Klout score is? Maybe I should back up and say — Do you know what Klout is? “The Klout Score measures influence based on your ability to drive action. Every time you create content or engage you influence others. The Klout Score uses data from social networks in order to measure: True Reach, Amplification and Network Impact”. One brand said that the Klout score is important. I’ve heard a lot of conflicting stories on this, but — for the brands that do take this number into consideration — just be aware of what your Klout score is and what areas you are being said to have influence in (some are spot on and others I’m flabbergasted). I don’t think it’s anything to stresss over, just something to keep in mind. Twitter is the main influencer to your Klout score as well. I didn’t realize that, but found that tidbit of information to be interesting. So, be sure to spread the influence love and support one another. If someone has influenced you in some way — give them that virtual high five through Klout! If you’d be so generous to give me some {love} through Klout, you can do that {here}. Wouldn’t we all appreciate a virtual high five every now and again?
So, there you have it! A few tidbits of information to digest regarding Social Media and the impact those outlets might have on your pageviews, audience, numbers, followers, etc. All of which is very important to the blogger who is monetizing or wants to monetize their blog.
Next up:
The Numbers Game in Blogging: Let’s Grow + Engage
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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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Hi Kelly. Thanks for another helpful #s post. I’ve been wondering for awhile, can I check my Klout without registering with them? I’m not too interested in getting involved with the whole Klout thing, but am a little curious about my score.
Hi Jelli! I don’t think you can — you have to open an account and allow your social media to connect to your Klout in order for scoring. Kinda stinks, right? Sorry.
FYI If you use Hootsuite you see everyone’s Klout score when you look at their profile – so yes, I can see Jelli’s Klout score when I looked her up!! ……. but you know I’m not a fan of Klout scores 😉
Cheryl! You ROCK! I had no idea you could do that. Thanks so much… and I’m with you on the Klout score. It is what it is, I’m not going to sit around worrying about it. Hope to catch up again soon. HUGS!!
You are so sweet for including me in this post! You explained everything perfectly! Thanks so much!
Thanks for sharing your G+ tips 🙂 I trust you’re having a great week! Hugs.
Loving your sage like wisdom as always! Such great advice – I shall now Tweet, G+1 and hit you up on Klout! 😉
Thanks so much, Jill. Hugs!
sigh…I need a good twitter/google+ tutorial!
Don’t stress… take one thing at a time, Jessica. There’s a wealth of resources out there for you! HUGS!
Thanks for another very interesting post, Kelly! I have to admit that my largest audience is through G+ … it does, of course, matter how many people you have in your circle and vice/versa, but I have come to realize that the EXTENDED circles has a huge influence. The + button works it magic, even if only one other person does it, then one goes into the circles’s circles – if you know what I mean. Have a great week and I’m looking forward to the next post in this series 🙂
Linda
Hi Linda! Fabulous to hear that your largest audience is through G+ — that is great to hear. Thanks so much for stopping by and I trust you’ll have a great end to your week. HUGS!
Oh my, there is so much to learn and my little brain will only hold so much! Thanks for all the information. I just found your site so I am off to read more.
Hi Cynthia! There is a wealth of information to learn… take it one thing at a time. Super excited that you found us here at Live Laugh Rowe. I hope we can get a little better acquainted, so don’t be a stranger. HUGS to you!
Great post, Kelly! It was definitely informative and I learned a lot. 🙂
So, so, so informative…I still have oodles to learn…love the little screen shot of my party shout out, you’re the best!
Hi Sarah! I’m super glad to hear that this information is helping others out. Pretty sneaky of me on the screen shot, eh? HUGS! I hope you’re having a fabulous week.
Thanks for the post! I’ll admit it’s still very confusing, especially the twitter stuff. I don’t know why I have some kind of a mind block against it!
Awww. You don’t have a mind block, Jaye! Trust me — it’s an overwhelming amount of information. Focus on one thing at a time and it will all start to make a little more sense. I’ve had many days where I thought my head might explode. LOL. Have a fabulous day! Hugs.
Kelly, this is one of the many reasons you are so awesome! You give us news we can use! I still haven’t decided where I want my blog to go, but at least I’ll be making informed decisions thanks to you!
You’re too kind, Danni! Thanks so much for your sweet words. I enjoy sharing this information with all of you… blogging is a learning curve that can be a bit overwhelming. I’m glad you’re finding this information to be of help. HUGS to you!!!
Another great post in your series, Kelly. I love that you are pointing out the importance of PAGEVIEWS instead of # of followers. Sooo many people need to “get” that. Looking forward to part 3…….
Thanks for the shout out too…so sweet of you!
Shasta @InTheOldRoad
Thanks so much, Shasta — for your sweet words and for sharing so much on G+ over on your blog! Have a fabulous end to your week. xo, Kelly
Kelly – as usual, a wealth of fabulous information! I follow, I read, I like!
Kelly
Hi Kelly! Thanks for leaving some comment love — and making me smile! HUGS.
Thank you for taking the time to share this wonderful information. I’m new to the blogging community and feel I have so much to learn, so I’m your newest follower –> reader!
Hi Bonny! Tickled silly to have you join us here at LLR 🙂 Yes, there’s alot to learn in blogging — but take your time and enjoy the journey. Wishing you all the best. HUGS!
Thanks for all the great tips! Looking forward to the next part of the series.
Hi Erin! Thank YOU for stopping by and leaving some comment love! HUGS.
Kelly, this is so great! Thank you for sharing all of your wisdom with us 🙂 I am loving this series!!!
Hi Holly! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving some comment love. ALWAYS glad to hav you visit with me here at LLR 🙂 HUGS!!
LOVING this series Kelly!!!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Thanks so much, Christine! I always look forward to linking up to your party 🙂 HUGS!
Hi Kelly
I’m keen to get on board google + but not so keen to go public with my real name. For example, when I comment I want to be Desire Empire not Carolyn Da…..h. How does that work as google says when I switch over everyone will see me as my real name not my blog name. I am only joining to drive traffic to my blog. Just wondering how you feel about security.
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn! That’s a good question and I can’t say that I know the answer. My last name is a part of my blog title, so I can’t say that I have a strict security policy. I think you have to do what is the best for you and what you’re most comfortable with. I hope that helps. HUGS to you, friend. xo
I love these blogging tips posts, thanks for pretty much being the queen of them!
Hi Jessica! You’re most certainly welcome. I am no expert or queen *giggle*, just wanting to share some of my learning experiences. Hugs to you!
Thanks for this timely information for a new blogger like me.
You are most certainly welcome — and welcome to the blogging community! Have fun and be YOU 🙂
OMGOSH Kelly, this is awesome, so much to hold onto. I’m just about everyone one of the great social media platforms but to take on Klout…I just can’t find the time. 🙂 One day maybe…great post! 🙂
Thanks, Hilani! So glad you enjoyed the post. Cheers!
Thank you for this wealth of info! I have not yet dived into Twitter or Google+ . It all just overwhelms me sometimes. I will take the plunge someday!
Thanks, Kelly! You have to do what works best for you — wishing you the very best! HUGS!
Thanks for all of this amazing information (I just read all 3 posts about blogging.) I am almost 6 months in with my blog. I started my blog not knowing for sure if it was going to be anything that I enjoyed or had time for. I enjoyed visiting other blogs, but I was not sure if I was going to enjoy the actual blogging? With a few months under my belt, I am discovering that I am enjoying it so much! Now, I am wanting to learn how to take it to the “next level.” I appreciate you sharing this great info!
Hi Melissa! Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you found these posts to be helpful… and how exciting to hear that you’re truly enjoying the blogging. Wishing you the very best. Don’t be a stranger 🙂 HUGS!