Back at the beginning of June I marked (or failed to mark in print) the 10th anniversary of my blog.
My blogging friend Andrea recently reviewed her stats and noted her most popular posts. I almost never look at my stats because I’m writing this for fun, not for fame, but I liked her idea. So because of her I’m going to review several things I found interesting when looking at my stats.
First up: Where in the world are my readers? One of the things I love about blogging is the opportunity to exchange ideas with people I’m unlikely to encounter otherwise. Not surprisingly, most of my readers are in the U.S., followed by Canada, Australia, and the U.K. generally. After that there are a number of European countries, other English-speaking countries, and some countries I never heard of!
A blogging friend in South Africa wrote about her borage, so I planted some and it’s beginning to bloom! The circle shows a little hitch-hiker I found on the plant.
I have had no readers from Greenland or most of the countries in the African interior.
Pinterest and the WordPress app itself are the most frequent source of viewers. I know people often click on pins (Pinterest) from my blog because of the pages on which they land when visiting me. Many visitors come to this post I wrote years ago about Jo Glover, one of the original Big Stitch quilters. I expect it’s because of the pictures of some of her work, including this one:
Some Big Stitch quilting by Jo Glover
As for other popular posts, of course many people visit the home page and About Me pages. Another frequently-viewed post is about AQS Quilt Week in Chattanooga in 2016, possibly also because there were so many quilts from there added to Pinterest.
But the thing I enjoy most about blogging, regardless of stats, is encountering other quilters and their ideas. I’ve only met one blogging friend in person, but I’m hoping to meet others one of these days.
Laura visited in 2021 and was the first blogging friend I met in person.
In looking at some of these older posts, I’m surprised to see how long I’ve been exchanging comments with some of these friends. Some blogging friends have disappeared, to Instagram or otherwise, and I’m sorry to see them go. I did finally subscribe to Instagram just so I can see what’s going on with my friend Chela (colchas_y_mas), but it isn’t really a habit yet. And I’m pretty busy, so maybe it never will be. I did manage to post one picture so far 😀
Based on this review, I have a suggestion for friends who are trying to get more traffic to their blogs: Post your stuff on Pinterest. And I have it on good authority that your blog can be sent over to Instagram. I haven’t figured it out yet, but that might drive traffic to your blog as well.
I’m just happy to have met so many people through my blog, regardless of traffic in general. And to all my followers and commenters, THANKS!
Zippy Quilts 
Hey Zip! Imagine my surprise to see my mug on your site! We have the unique distinction of having only met one blogger bud face-to-face: with each other! I enjoyed our visit and your gracious hospitality. Geez, 2021 seems so long ago…
Indeed, it does seem long ago despite the fact that time is clearly speeding up…
I know what you mean!
🙂
I looked it up in WordPress and I started following you in April of 2016! I have gotten so many good ideas from you — quilt patterns I would like to make, of course, but also the habit of having a yearly blog book printed up. I always enjoy your posts!
Thanks for being a long-time follower! I enjoy your posts as well 😀
Hmmmm…I don’t pay that much attention to my stats, either. You pique my interest. I shall have to do a review; not necessarily for a post, but for myself. I am not on Instagram, and don’t plan to be. I spend entirely too much time on the internet as it is! I also enjoy the interaction between bloggers! 🙂
Ha! Glad to find someone else who isn’t on Instagram!!!
It’s been a while since I checked stats too. I think it used to be easier. Now I’m curious. I’ve met only one fellow blogger but picked up blogs from other people I met at guild. Most of my IRL contacts come fro m listserv groups that had retreats. All cross fertilization is fun.
They’ve revised it (again) but it was still pretty easy to check stats. Have fun!
I was delighted to see your blooming borage plant. Made me feel as fuzzy as the leaves of the plant ! Was also delighted to see the photograph of our mutual friend Laura. Am a teeny bit envious that you have met her in person.
Congratulations on your decade of blogging. A marvellous record in both senses of the word. I confess I often check my stats.
Thanks for the tip about Pinterest.
I probably won’t check my stats again until next year, but it IS interesting to see where readers come from! The borage is attracting bees, which is a good thing.
What’s up with Greenland, don’t they know the pleasures of reading your blog?!?!? I found the same thing when looking at stats – no Greenland and no Antartica!
Congratulations on your blogging anniversary. That is so awesome you and Laura met in person.
Not sure what language they speak in Greenland, but it may not be English. Cheers!