Tuesday, September 7, 2010

I Spy

So I mentioned the other day that I have noticed folks in my area of Upstate NY are reading my blog.  I never used to get any local readers so this shift has me so curious.  Are they preppy?  Crafty?  Like to cook?  Do I know them in real life?  So far these mystery readers are holding firm in their anonymity.  But I still have high hopes that they will leave a comment or send me an email to say hello.

That post resulted in lots of questions regarding how I know this information.  One word answer.  Sitemeter.  Honestly I can go more than six months without checking it.  But once in a blue moon I will think of it and pay attention for several days in a row.  It's fascinating.  It tells you how many people read your blog each day and what referred them to your blog and where they live (in general- not their address or anything creepy).  And what I know is a favorite of many bloggers, it tells you what google searches brought people to your blog.  That's a favorite because it is often so random and hilarious. 

I believe there are other similar programs out there but I can only speak to the free and easy download of Sitemeter.  So go download it now.  It's free and takes only a few minutes and they walk you through the steps.  It will entertain you and will keep you aware of people you might not want to read (boss, ex, mother-in-law).

They have not compensated me in any way to say this.  But I know when I first started blogging, and even still today, I really appreciated tips from more seasoned bloggers. 

So go forth and spy...

And don't forget that today is the last day to enter the TRUEly PREPpy giveaway!

5 comments:

Cari said...

I'm in NH but I read your blog every day and often check out your blogroll for new blogs to read! I use Blogger's new stats feature and I really like it.

An Inquiring Mind said...

This is a great tip! From a noobie blogger to a seasoned one, thanks!!

Susan said...

I so desperately want this. I'm going to download it. Thank you for the advice.

Beth Dunn said...

I'll have to check that out, I've always been curious who reads my blog
xoxo
SC

garden state prep said...

This is so neat - ironically I was just talking about site analytics at work but I never thought about something similar for my blog.

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