I wrote that last post on cicadas because of two pieces of blogging advice I got on how to increase traffic. The first was to write about timely subjects so the blog will come up when people search the subject on the web. I figured since the cicadas are hot news right now, a lot of people would go to Google to get information on them. I thought a little winking piece on the media hype would be a good quick read. The other advice was from friends who told me my humorous posts are better than my others which can be somewhat didactic. I had a funny story about a bug so I added it to the mix. The result of following these suggestions was exactly two “likes” for the post. Two. That’s less than I got when I started my blog and just my family read it. I would have done better if I’d let the cicadas read it! I know it was a puff piece but I read many WordPress blogs and they’re not all high literature. Sheesh.
I honestly don’t know what to do anymore. This blog is 2 1/2 years old and I have only fifty followers and half of them follow as many blogs as possible because that’s another tip on increasing traffic. I only follow blogs that I know I would read even if I wasn’t blogging myself. I’m not saying I’m better than anyone. It’s just that it hurts my feelings knowing that some of my followers don’t really read me and I don’t want to be responsible for making someone else feel that way.
So I don’t know what else to do to get folks to read this blog. I’ve read every article on traffic that I’ve come across. I’ve advertised on social media sites. I’ve changed themes many times and spent hours finding or taking photos. I don’t blog everyday because I have a life and really, who has that much to say? I’m just about ready to give up. The About This Blog page states what my focus is supposed to be and I’ve stayed fairly close to that definition. I think I write well but apparently, I sound preachy when I’m pouring my heart and soul out and the stories from my life that I think are funny, in fact, are not. I have a pretty strong ego and stiff upper lip but after 2 1/2 years of really trying my hardest to make this an interesting “stop along the way”, I have to look at the possibility that my point of view is being rejected.
So be it. I’m not one to beg. I may post again and I may not. If I do it might be a re-blog of another piece that nobody read or it might simply be a reference or link to some pop culture piece by someone else. I know I don’t usually come off as this negative but I’m just being honest about my frustration.
Stop Along The Way 
[ Smiles ] You can now make that fifty-one followers; I am on board; you have my full support!
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Well, thanks Renard. I appreciate it. Btw- your blog is a keeper.
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[ Smiles ] Thank you!
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I like you and I’ve always loved your writing! So there…don’t stop!
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Thanks Anne. I know I can always count on your support. Love you.
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Not negative??? I beg to differ for those who know you outside ofvthe blogosphere. Hardy har har. I think this is one of your most genuine posts yet – keep it up. Also, I think there’s more you can do to increase traffic: go put yourself out there and don’t give an f- if they don’t like you!
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Thanks Nikki. (I think.)
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This comment is a few days overdue, but that is the story of my life, hahaha! I would be disappointed if you stopped blogging. I’m a stranger, a follower, and I enjoy your posts. I must admit, I missed the cicada post…probably on purpose (subconsciously) because I fear bugs! If it wasn’t for you, I would never have read The Bow, or learned about Tricycle, or learned about your sweet little person who makes me smile when you speak of her. You have inspired me, more than once, to do something differently in my life, and it has made me a better a person. Thank you! I don’t follow blog etiquette and I have more posts in draft form than I’ve actually posted, but please know that you make a difference to me!
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Thank you so very much. Your comment isn’t overdue at all. It’s exactly what I needed today. I felt embarrassed after I posted this for having a pity party for myself. But I feel better about it now since it prompted you to comment. It means everything to me to know that you are touched by anything I write and that I introduced you to The Bow. So thank you again and let’s keep writing together.
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Hello Friend…just stopping in to check that things are a-ok with you! I hope your silence in blogland is due to summer bliss and vacations, or just taking a break! But with all the crazy weather and such, I just wanted to make sure you’re still groovy 🙂 ^~,~^ (ddb)
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Hello there! I was indeed busy with summer and family stuff, maybe not bliss but certainly blessings. It means so much to me that you checked in, thanks so much! I hope all is well with you. Please stop back by since my blog is going through a redesign. I’d love to know what you think of the changes. -Kat
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Hi there this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get guidance from
someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
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My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was totally
right. This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I
had spent for this information! Thanks!
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