Blog Statistics: The Details that Fascinate Me!

I’ve said this before, but blogging can get addictive. With my summers off from school, I have had more time to write which I have totally enjoyed. The more I write, the more topics I think of, the more time I spend writing, and the more energy I have! Writing is definitely one of my strengths as defined by Marcus Buckingham. (Check out my previous entries for more on that.)

The process goes something like this … First, I jot down ideas that I want to explore deeper, then I’ll go back later and actually delve into the topic. If you happen to read an entry right after I initially post it, you may find something quite different 24 hours later, because I often go back throughout the day and revise, change a word, move a sentence, add just ONE more thought. I can’t help myself. I am not a mass producer, but I love the process. It’s like having a party!

Besides the actual writing, I love the COMMENTS! It’s always the first thing I check, and I definitely appreciate those who share a sentence or two. It’s gratifying to know when something I’ve written or posted has touched someone. This is particularly fun when it’s someone totally new ~ not that I don’t appreciate every comment ~ but there’s just some extra excitement then. (Think: new guest at the party!) For me, the comments are like big hugs. It gives me juice! (I’m not sure, can I call that “ojas”?)

After the comments, I turn to the STATISTICS. I love to check the page loads or “hits” for the day. That’s more like how many friends actually showed UP at the party! By the way, MY party always seems to be just a bit more popular after a mention on Christina’s blog so thank you, my dear!

*Side Note: I’m nearing 10,000 hits on this blog ~ it’ll be a big day ~ probably tomorrow! Sorry, no prize if you’re the one. Just consider it a personal thrill, kind of like when your car odometer rolls over!

Finally, the one other piece of data that I find illuminating is the list of search words which directs people TO my blog. It is such a fascinating study to review the phrases that generate random hits. Professional bloggers will tell you to include certain key phrases in your writing to raise your readership. The fancy name for this practice is “Search Engine Optimization.” Simply put, it’s how we get more people to show up AT our party!

Frankly, when I review some of the phrases, I’m really not sure HOW folks ended up here, and I’m certain they’re wondering that as well. Sure, there are the reasonable “yoga photo” queries. Then earlier this week, I got one “grateful dead yoga song” Alrighty, so we know where that comes from. But how about the more curious “pam walsh our secret.” (Ooo…kay!) Still hands down, my favorite search phrase THIS week … “hate partner yoga anusara.”

Well … I certainly don’t think that friend will be coming back to my party!