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The Numbers Game

This morning was gloomy, grey and rainy and I felt sluggish.  Around noon, the sun came out, the snow was melting and I felt like a new woman.  I baked some bread, filled a bowl with bright green apples for my kitchen counter and was ready for Spring and all that comes with it…the birds chirping, the swing sets in motion, the daffodils peeking out of the soil.  I took advantage of the mood and the pretty light and completed one of my Spring project photo shoots.

I wish I had a project to share today, but I’ve been spending most of my work time lately on projects that will be published down the road.  I am going to pick up the slipcover tutorial series in the next few days and I have some new sign creations and furniture makeovers waiting to happen, so stay tuned. 
Until then, I recently passed the two million page impressions mark, so I’ve had numbers on the brain.  
I have to confess that I am a competitive person and I like numbers.  I like measuring progress, growth, change, earnings.  Anything.  This interest in stats can be a good thing and a bad thing when it comes to the blog world.  It’s good business to know your numbers and how to interpret them, but it can be a bad thing when you get too competitive and your blog becomes all about the numbers.  So, after blogging for about a year and a half, these are my thoughts on numbers. 
Everyone Starts Somewhere
It is true of every blog, from Pioneer Woman to the one that just started today, that we all started with one follower.  And that first follower is usually yourself, your spouse or your mom.  Don’t get discouraged in the beginning if you feel like you’re talking to yourself.  It takes time and a lot of attention to grow a blog, so just be patient.  You can’t put an acorn in the ground and expect to harvest mature oak the next day. 
Know Your Numbers
Don’t obsess about your numbers, but it’s good to know where you are.  It’s also a lot of fun to watch your blog grow, learn who your readers are, know which posts are most popular, and find out who your biggest referrers are, etc.  The best place to learn your numbers is with Google Analytics. 
Now What?
Now that you know your numbers, what do you do with them?  Well, it depends on your goals for your blog.  If you just blog for fun, it’s nice to know who is reading.  If your blog is a business, numbers help you know who your “customers” are and you have information when pitching yourself and your blog to sponsors, advertisers and companies.  For example, when Donna presented her book idea to a publisher, she also shared her blog stats and demographics.  The publishers had information to work off of to know if Donna was a good investment or not.  (They signed her on, by the way!)  
You May Be Surprised
My demographics were a real surprise to me.  I figured my readers were just like me…young 30’s, toddlers, etc.  I found out that most of my readers are closer to my mom’s age! Is that why all of you are telling me to get some rest?  I don’t just have followers…I have about 4000 additional moms!  Actually, a lot of my readers are in my stage of life, but knowing that the bulk of my engaged demographic are women like my mom makes me think twice about what kind of giveaways I host and what topics I tackle.  
You Are You
I know it’s so tempting to compare and I admit I do it sometimes.  “Why are her numbers there and my numbers are here?”  Well, we’re women and that’s just how we work.  Don’t let it control you, though.  If you’re obsessed with competition and numbers, it will show in your blog.  You should focus on your content, photography, uniqueness and your numbers.  Because your numbers aren’t just numbers, they’re people.  Focus on the people who read and love your blog and more will come.  Unless you’re Google, there is always going to be a URL out there with better numbers. 
Growing Your Numbers
I’m asked often how I grew/grow my blog.  Well, I’m sure it’s a number of things, but I did really work at it.  I linked up to parties right when they were posted to be at the top of the link list.  I left A LOT of comments on blogs I liked.  I posted often…sometimes two and three times a day.  I teamed up with other bloggers (like Donna) to generate some cross traffic.  Now, we can’t get rid of each other!  (Just kidding.  She’s my BBFF – Blog Best Friend Forever.)  There were a lot of really nice people who featured me and linked to me as well.  To boil it down: post good content, take good pictures, be original, be social and be nice. 
Why Bigger is Better
As your blog (and audience) grows, you do start to get some attention.  I never dreamed I would be featured in and writing for magazines.  I never knew it was possible for someone like me to write tutorials for HGTV.com.  I never knew I could make a good income from my blog.  I just started a blog one day with no strategy or goal.  I just thought it would be fun and it took off.  Now, I get all kinds of offers to try free things, attend events, get featured, etc.  Having a blog can really expand your horizons. 
When Bigger isn’t Better
You don’t only get positive attention.  There are some people who will leave nasty comments and there are even cases of people starting blogs simply for the purpose of picking on another blogger who rubs them the wrong way.  You also get a lot of offers from people who just want to use you and your numbers for their own good.  They don’t care about your content, your integrity or your readers.  You have to protect yourself and your readers from those kinds of offers. 
Numbers Aren’t Everything
Low numbers don’t mean that your blog stinks. It may mean that you just started, the word hasn’t spread, yet, or your content is not very broad. My dad has recently been writing a wonderful blog about the history of our family. He only has two followers…me and my mom, but what he’s writing about, though fascinating, is so specific. On the flip side, high numbers can be artificially inflated and are not necessarily an indicator of a great blog.  Just take it all with a grain of salt.  Write and relax. 

Those are my two cents on numbers. 

Ha!  After writing this post, feeding the kids, and running an errand, the sunshine is gone and now it’s snowing again!

Miss Mustard Seed

I forgot to mention where I found the demographics about my blog.  My great friend, Karen, introduced me to Alexa.com, a site that ranks all of the web addresses in the world.  Type in your blog address and you can find all sorts of information. 

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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83 Responses

  2. Great advice.

    I love all 6 of my followers 🙂 Just kidding, but I do love them all for taking the time to come and visit me.

  3. You do realize with your influence your dad will have more than two followers after today!
    I'm about 4 months into….I pay attention to my followers numbers but not much else on stats.Never gave much thought on it.
    Thanks for the informational post!!

  4. This was just on my mind today – thank you for this post – I love your blog, and this kind of solidified my thoughts that you are a genuine and sweet person :).

  6. That was a great post … especially because I find myself a bit obsessed with numbers lately.

    Thanks for hosting your link party – whenever I have a furniture project to link up, my numbers go way up. Miss Mustard Seed has a lot of readers!

  7. M your posts are always such a breath of fresh air. I started my blog for fun as well and now days feel sometimes obsessed with growing my numbers and like I'm in a competition even if just with myself. Sometimes it's not as fun as I originally intended it to be. I need to stop and smell the roses a bit more and enjoy my projects. Thanks for the reminder.

  8. Every time I'm questioning what I'm doing- you write something that keeps me going. Really. Every. Time.
    Thank you.

    Kate @ welcomedtempest.blogspot.com

  9. I haven't been blogging long, and I just went a whole month without posting anything on my blog. I finally posted today about having a Blog Inferiority Complex. I haven't really been sad about numbers, just that my little blog sometimes doesn't seem to measure up to the other wonderful blogs I follow. I don't think I've really found my blog-footing yet, but I realized that the only way to ever get it is to get back to blogging.

    Thanks for an encouraging post. I'm also looking forward to the rest of the slipcover tutorials.

  11. what excellent timing, and thank you so much for posting this! I have been thinking about this a lot lately, i have had a blog for a little under a year, but since I started it really only for myself and not thinking about readership, i sometimes feel now that it isn't adequate because no one reads it. It's really easy to have self doubt like that. I have decided to do a little more networking and reach out to people who seem to have similar interests, but I also have been thinking about how it really is the quality of readers/blog friends that counts, not quantity. I don't need people to add me just to have a number.

    Anyway, I am sure a ton of people are in my shoes, and this post was really reassuring and interesting.

    So, Thanks!

  12. Marian, I adore you. You give me such constant inspiration and encouragement. I wanted you to know that I put aside time each week just to learn from you.
    There must be several of us bloggers feeling this way right now. Maybe it IS the weather??! ha ha!
    Anyway, my post was very similar today- not quite as eloquent, but I invite you to read it if you like.

    http://pinkpostcard.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-ive-learned-about-blogging-newbies.html

    Thanks for inspiring all of us!

  13. Hi, I didn't know about the google analytics!Thanks for writing this post. I went to the bookstore today,and bought my cottages and bungalows magazine.Now i have all the directions for the slipcover.your pictures look fabulous!
    Thanks
    Kathy

  14. Thank you for sharing this info. Recently I keep seeing blogs listing their top referrers. I've been wondering how you find this out.

    As for your demographics (your moms) We watch bloggers like you in amazement! When my kiddos were toddlers there were days I couldn't even get a shower in, let alone makeover a piece of furniture!

  15. Let me add that leaving the blog world for 2 years (not totally, but only posting and reading in spurts few and far between) is worse than starting from scratch. I had a good thing going, then life got in the way. Now I'm having to start over and find the blog world has changed.

    I agree about Google Analytics. We sure can't go by comments. But comments are something *I* obsess over. I wasn't much concerned with followers until my friend just began blogging and has already passed me. Now I'm chewing my lip about that. LOL

    Wanda @ Just Vintage
    http://shopjustvintage.com/blog

  16. Thanks for the informative post! As a new blogger, it's always fun to hear how others have started out. I was SO excited the first time I received a comment. I couldn't believe someone I didn't know was reading my blog. I found out the next day that is was my sister using an alias 🙂 I grew from 25 followers to 74 in one weekend thanks to a well-established blogger mentioning me in a post. It was very exciting to watch my numbers go crazy. But, I also feel much more responsiblity now that it's not just my "real world" friends who are reading 🙂 Thanks for your words of wisdom!

  22. This was just the shot in the arm I needed. I abandoned my blog a while ago because I seemed to be talking to myself. I really just wanted to connect with other creative peeps out there. I love helping other people be creative as well but I didn't think it was working. Thank you so much for the encouraging words!

  23. Love this, love you…so I am really not crazy…LOL…oh, not sure how old your mom is…I am a 51 year old blogger…and love it…
    now get some rest….ha,ha..
    blessings…julie
    lifeatfirelakecamp.com

  24. You always have the right words to say when I am starting to feel a little blog down in the dumps, I come to your page nearly every day sometimes more than once I rarely leave comments just thinking you have tons you might not even notice mine lol. All in all your very inspiring and def motivational you give folks like me lots of energy to keep blogging and writing about the things I am truly passionate about. I was worried about numbers yesterday, but that is the past and I will focus on the future ; ) thank you

  25. This post could not have come at a better time! I've been brainstorming how to grow my blog and you totally inspired me. You rock Marian!

  26. Great post today, well actually all of your posts are great;) I just love to visit and see what you are up too. You are always inspiring. Thanks for that:)
    ~Debra xxx
    Capers of the vintage vixens
    P.s.
    It is snowing here too.

  27. Thank you for sharing this- I have often said blogging is a strange beast. I watch my numbers and wonder why I am where I am at. But when I look at it I know why I am where I am at. And I need to remember why I started my blog, and what my goals are. I want to stay true to my vision and have readers who enjoy what I am doing. It is hard not to compare- How did she get there so quickly. Anyways, Thank you.

  28. Thank you so much for all this info….Now that my blog is growing I think it's time for me to shape up and pay attention to who's reading and make me some blog friends:-)

    Great advice:-)

  30. Your post was very timely. I started my blog a month ago and there are days I get discouraged. Yours is one of the few blogs I look to for inspiration, you have excellent, relevent content are genuine,and generous. I don't really like the numbers game but it does feel good when you get a nice comment and realize someone is actually reading what you write. Thanks for the pep talk.

  32. What is it with us women and numbers, that is why I don't get too near my scale. Seriously though, this was fantastic information. As always, your posts are helpful, inspiring and help us all along our journey in blogging and expressing our creativity and talents. As far as demographics go, let's see, I would be more like your older sister, in my early 40's with older kids, and and teenager. I love the toddler stage, life truly is simpler, (but messier) then. Have a beautiful weekend. -K

  34. Thank you sooo much for such an informative post. I've just discovered the blogosphere and have started my own blog. There's so many talented women and great ideas. I really appreciate the how tos that you shared.
    -Paulette

  37. Thank you for sharing! I actually noticed tonight that it will be 2 years on the 15th of March that I started my blog! Up until a month or 2 ago I only had 9 followers. I now have 30 and I am beyond excited about that! I feel so grateful that most of my followers aren't even people I know, just women who like my blog and that, well that just makes me smile! You are right MMS, it's not about the numbers, thank you!
    Michelle

  38. Wow! This is such a timely post for me. I just started my blog 2 months ago and have been down about the lack of followers and comments I was getting from readers. Just yesterday, I was questioning my decision as to why I even started my blog in the first place – then I remembered, it was for me so that I could expand my own knowledge about design and decorating! For that reason alone, I am going to continue it! Thanks for this! {also, I am eagerly awaiting your 2nd installment of the slipcover series – I even posted about it yesterday – can't wait to start my own slips 🙂 }

    Ali

  39. Thanks Marian,
    I needed to hear this today. Yes…I am one of those Mom's you have as a follower.
    It is so easy to get caught up in the numbers game…thanks for putting it all in prespective.

    enjoy your weekend

    Janet xox

  40. I love all your input and advice. In fact, you've inspired me to start a blog. I'm putting on the finishing touches and hope to be up and running w/in the next week!

    Thanks for all your encouraging words and motivating projects but most of all thanks for being upen, honest, and above all else approachable!!

    Kaye

  41. Very informative post that made a lot of sense. I have been trying to understand the 'Stats' section on my dashboard. Do you think someday you can have some time to shed a little light on that?

    XO,
    Jane

  42. Marian,

    This is a great post. I think you nailed it all. From the "how to" to the "letting go". I think it is so easy to feel inferior and worry about numbers in this blogging arena.

    Thanks for sharing your insight and tips

    The Cottage Chick

  43. I am thankful that Marian has so many "Moms" it takes the pressure off of me as her "real" Mom. We have always thought of Marian as a performer on the stage – musical theater – playing "Annie" at 9 or a lead in "Oklahoma" or "Lucy in Charlie Brown. She has displayed talents in the last 2 years that we totally did not realize she had. Her Dad and I are so proud of her we could bust. Thank all of you for seeing Marian's talents and being so supportive. It's been an exciting 1 1/2 years of blogging. MOM

  44. What wonderful tips! Thank you. How were you able to determine the age of your readers? A poll? Google analytics?
    And truer words have never been spoken: "To boil it down: post good content, take good pictures, be original, be social and be nice."

  46. I really liked reading this, it's a great reminder for all of us out that that are a big obsessive–er, attentive to our numbers 😉
    I also loved that you boiled it down to the basics. content, photos, relationships… sometimes we need to remember that it's not a competition about numbers, it's about the experience. 🙂 Thanks!

  47. I enjoy reading these types of posts from you.. thank you.

    Can you tell us how you see your readers demographics (age)?

    I don't see that as an option on google analytics ..

    Thank you Marian!

  48. I always appreciate the time you spend on us (new bloggers) thank you so much. My son started my blog…he came home for Christmas break and said I started you a blog…it's been crazy…trying to teach myself how to blog! Now if I can just figure out how to get that google analytics to show up on my page! Been learning since Dec '10…keep the help coming!
    Debbie@

  50. This is such great information Marion. Thanks for sharing your 2 cents. I do find I get caught up in the numbers sometimes. When you feel you've worked practically all day on a post and you only receive two comments or so, it can really get discouraging. And the stats can be shocking too. I found that more people than I could imagine were "stopping by" and virtually NONE of them ever left a comment. Do you see that at all with your blog? I often wonder if we're better off not knowing stats kwim? And we with the few followers could just go on our merry delusional ways! *winks* Vanna

  53. Oh Marion! How funny that you wrote about this today. I was just looking at MY stats…from the whole 7 posts I've done. ha ha. I have 6 followers and am so grateful that even ONE person is reading it. ha ha. I have been so inspired by you, Im happier than I've been in a long time:)
    *Jodi*

  56. Hello,

    Thank you for your inspiring words to young bloggers. It's my first year blog anniversary this week. I am having fun and I really enjoy reading all these talented women and their blogs.
    Thank you for your post today. It really helps.
    Have a good weekend.
    Claudia

  57. I have to laugh at the demographics because I'm not sure how old your mom is but I am 52 so I guess I fit right in there!

    I followed your link and looked up my own blog on there and supposedly my demographics are 25-34 year old moms!

    When I first started blogging I wanted to really grow my blog, etc., but it does take time and I guess I just don't have that right now…….probably because I'm too busy reading YOUR blog, lol!

  58. Thanks for the great info and tips. It is all encouraging. Your blog is the reason why I started blogging. It feels really great to be able to inspire people, even with a small audience. I am really enjoying the ride and meeting great people. I cannot believe how helpful and generous everyone is, including you.
    Have a good weekend
    Au revoir
    Caroline

  59. this was a wonderful post thank you for sharing with us. I am going to go over and check the blog with the stats, I check mine but am not really sure what I am looking at! I love your blog, you are always so generous with your knowledge and full of inspiration. xoxo

  60. Thanks so much for this insight….tremendously helpful. I just started a blog in November after an appearance on the Nate Berkus Show, and I never knew there was such an interwoven community of bloggers ou there! I never really looked at blogs before, now I can't stop looking at them!

  62. Thank you for your insight. I really needed to hear that right now. I too started a blog in November, to connect with other crafty people. It's a blast! Your site is one of the first few I looked at. I was hooked. I really enjoy working with furniture, but it has been way to cold to do much right now. I am chomping at the bit for spring. Congratulations, and keep up the amazing work.
    p.s. I read your profile. My husband is a childrens pastor here in PA

  63. Great post! Thanks for the insight and the Alexa.com site is really cool. I've learned a lot from you and other blog talents out there – thank you for being one of them. 🙂

  64. Wow! This was incredibly insightful reading! Thank you so much for sharing! Congratulations on your continued success! You've earned it! Love your blog!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda – One Girl in Pink

  65. Thanks for this post. I needed to read this today, Marian! It's so easy to get discouraged in this blogging world because it is easy to compare yourself to everyone else. This is a nice reminder to just be yourself and (try) not to worry about the numbers 🙂

  66. You're so great about sharing information! I'm not a numbers person at all…dislike accounting, bills, all that stuff but this is interesting. 🙂

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend and that spring comes very soon. We have temps close to 80 today with bright sunshine and some annoying wind. I like it much better than all the snow & ice.

    Pat

  67. Let me talk numbers for a bit too….my blog's numbers have increased quite favorably since I began advertising on your blog, and they continue to grow. I have learned more, and been inspired more, by MMS than any other blog I visit (and that's saying a lot!) You have an eagerness to help others, and that really shows a generosity of spirit that not everyone posesses. So thanks for helping me with my numbers, I know they will continue to grow!

  68. Let me talk numbers for a bit too….my blog's numbers have increased quite favorably since I began advertising on your blog, and they continue to grow. I have learned more, and been inspired more, by MMS than any other blog I visit (and that's saying a lot!) You have an eagerness to help others, and that really shows a generosity of spirit that not everyone posesses. So thanks for helping me with my numbers, I know they will continue to grow!

  69. Great blog. I just started last year. I only have 24 followers, hoping to get more. I try to leave comments on every blog that I visit. I am taking your advice and hoping for the best.

    Susan

  70. Thank you so much for this… I am struggling with my new blog and you made me feel better! It is hard when you first get started (I just posted my 4th post)… Do you ever get over being uncomfortable constantly talking about yourself 🙂 I appreciate the reasurrance!

    itsjustlovelee.blogspot.com

  72. Wow. Now how perfect was the timing of this post? Kismet…… I just started a blog a couple of weeks ago. I only discovered yours a few weeks ago, and I have to say, so much of your content is precisely what my M.O. is….. Painting, designing, and treasure-hunting…….. Thanks for all your inspiration and motivation. I need that!

  75. Thank God for answered prayers! I really needed to hear this. I am a new blogger and am constantly wondering if I am just talking to myself. I have a full time job and doing this blog is a lot of work and takes a lot of time- so I get discouraged. But thanks to people like you who give me just the boost I need. Lovely post.

  78. Thank you for the great post. It really puts "numbers" into perspective. I know that giveaways are a great way to help increase traffic and followers, but I've often thought it could create an unrealistic inflation. What are your thoughts on giveaways? Giveaway etiquette? Positives? Negatives?

  80. Thanks for this post…It came just in time. I started my blog a few weeks ago & I must admit I was already feeling like it was a bit of a bust. After reading your post I realize that it will take time for it to really take off. I did start it for fun, but I wouldn't mind for it to be become something more. I'll be linking up next time those link parties come rolling around.
    ~Bernadette agirlandherhome.blogspot.com

  81. I blog for fun, not interested in making a living from it. I visit a blog twice, and if they don't return the visit, I don't go back.
    I try to visit anyone who leaves a comment on mine, just feel it is the thing to do!

  82. Awesome post! I hope you don't mind I linked it for my readers to see as well. Funny, My readers are my Mom's age too. I am thrilled in itself to have so many wonderful women care to even read my blog. I am still learning a lot myself…I am really enjoying your blog and all your helpful tips.

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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