Numbers – We Can’t Escape From Them

 59 Comments on Numbers – We Can’t Escape From Them 0 781

Numbers are everywhere

In the real world, we use numbers for our age, our weight, our size, our wages, our eye sight, the time, the speed at which we drive, how we’re graded in school, for the price of things, and the list goes on.

It’s often written, “numbers don’t lie”.

But, we know they can.

Today’s Lesson

It’s no surprise numbers are a tool of measurement in blogosphere.

A lot of bloggers measure their success by their numbers.

With blogs we have our visitor counts, page views, comment counts, feed reader subscribers, an Alexa rating, Google page rank, a bounce rate and if we monetize a blog, how much money we make.

With social networking sites there are the number of whom we follow, how many follow us and how many updates we’ve made.

In life, many people use numbers to compare themselves to others and/or to boast. It is often because of “the numbers”, some end up with an inferiority complex. In blogosphere it appears to be more of the same.

Since I’ve been blogging I have looked at the earnings, comment count, RSS reader count, Alexa ranking and/or Google page rank of others with thoughts ranging from “I’m impressed”, to “I’m envious” to “Those look like they’ve been manipulated”, to “I don’t care” and everything in between.

In some aspects I like that others show their statistics as it gives me an idea of what a blog is capable of. But on the other hand, I haven’t liked the negative emotions the numbers can ignite.

What about you?

Today’s Assignment

When you see the numbers for other blogs, what is your first reaction/feeling?

Have you seen instances where numbers are posted, but they’ve proven to be incorrect?

Raise your hand and share your thoughts.

~Barbara.

For great articles of how blog numbers can lie, see:

Blogs and the Art of Deception
False Profits – Why You Should NEVER Trust Online Income Earnings Claims

59 thoughts on “Numbers – We Can’t Escape From Them”

    1. Hi Barbara,

      Thank you for sharing the great reminder how it’s not the number of reader/subscribers a blog has, but the content. Like you said, many new blogs are blazing and have a readership of only a few.

    1. Hi Mike,

      Your comment reminds me of how when we’re new, we do notice the numbers on other blogs, but as we “age” (blog wise), the numbers begin to mean less and less.

  3. It’s useful as a tool for bloggers. With it, we know which of our posts do well with the readers. Knowing which ones do well will lead us to think why and how can we build upon them to engage the readers further.

    But of course you’re talking about metrics that get plastered on a blog’s sidebar. Yeah, I’ve read prior to your post that these can be manipulated. Isn’t that pathetic?

    I go around blog hopping looking for content to sink my teeth into. If enjoy the content, that’s it, I interact then I leave. Wasting my time marveling at stupendous metrics plastered on a blogger’s sidebar used to intrigue me, but not anymore. If my eyes landed on this proclamation of self-congratulatory numbers, a voice in me says, “Good for you. Congrats – if what you say is true.” Ahahaha.
    .-= Check out jan geronimo´s awesome post: When a Blogger Just Wanna Have Fun =-.

    1. Hi Jan,

      Yes, it is pathetic that numbers are manipulated, because they can be. Like you said, once we realize that, we begin to doubt if what is posted is true – even if it is.

  5. Oh Barbara, I love your emotional reactions to numbers, I do feel the same.
    We do keep an eye on our own numbers as that is an indication that what we write is attractive and resonates. We would like to get our message out there as it so works for us.
    However we can see that from the comments as well and I personally find that far more satisfying and indicative.
    I do not look at other blogs numbers anymore, only the one on Zen Habits I know and from that one I get to see what is possible and how far we have to go :).
    Personally I read blogs because I like what is written, not because to follow many sheep.
    But it is an interesting thing to boast with your numbers, hmm, I still rather do it with the content.
    At the moment that is all we have anyway 🙂
    .-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: Forget unfair and luck, integrity is what counts. =-.

    1. Hi Wilma,

      Are you a “number” gal, too? (I LOVE numbers).

      That’s true. When we see numbers (on reputable blogs), it does give us an idea of what we can do, if we choose. Plus, when we find out all the work a blog author has done to get where they’re at, we realize they deserve the applause.

  7. When I see numbers on other people’s blogs, I ask myself “why”? Why would they put these stats up? What is the purpose? Is it to impress? I don’t even look at my own stats. I don’t even know how much money my Adsense ads have made so far or how many people subscribe to my blog.
    .-= Check out carla | green and chic´s awesome post: Giveaway: Eco-Friendly Alternative to Paper Towels – SKOY Cloths =-.

    1. Hi Carla,

      Good question. Why do blog authors post their numbers? I read that if we post our feed numbers, others will assume our blog is worth following since we have so many “followers”. But if I remember right, it said not to post the number unless it was over a thousand.

  8. I love numbers!
    I hate numbers!

    I’ve always had a soft spot for statistics, even though I have a mental block on how to spell the word (I always spell it stastics – even when I type deliberately!) Literally I could spend hours analyzing any given set of numbers. When I was a paramedic with the University of California Santa Barbara, I compiled the stats for the rescue squad. It was always fascinating to me to learn that over time, Stork Hall was our busiest location on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 10pm (for example).

    Once in a while crowing about numbers is ok, but there is at least one blog I stopped visiting ’cause I got tired of his literary juggernauts, espousing his great numbers. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Bully for you, I thought.

    Like everything else, young grasshopper, it’s all about balance.

    George
    .-= Check out Tumblemoose´s awesome post: It’s the Writers Proximidade Show =-.

    1. Hi George,

      It sounds like you like crunching numbers, too. Isn’t that fun?

      That would get old if a blog author kept raving about their numbers. Granted, we’re happy for them, but like the others have said, “show me the content”.

  9. I’ve seen a blog that claims to have hundreds of subscribers, but then… has very few comments (that looked like they are written by the same person). The person also claims to control the contents of thousands of web pages while his blog is hosted on WordPress, using one of the default themes, and has a plug-in in the header that didn’t even update correctly. I thought to myself, “yeah right”.

    What the interactions in the comment section are like is more important to me than those numbers.
    .-= Check out Kelvin Kao´s awesome post: Sesame Street on Daytime Emmy Awards =-.

    1. Hi Kelvin,

      Blogs where the numbers are manipulated are pretty easy to spot, aren’t they?

      That’s a great point about looking what’s happening in the comment section. If we see a variety of comments (which link to real blogs), we can assume the blog author is being authentic.

  10. HI Barbara,
    I am still in the learning stages of the numbers game in the blogoshere. But i do love it that when my blog gets more readers. I feel like I must be doing something right. It does help in our level of confidence so to say..cause i am so new to all this.
    But i agree with Wilma’s comment. That other blogs numbers dont bother me much. I mean yeah when i see the huge number of readers and comments on a blog i do say Wow! But thats as far as it goes. I appreciate the blog and the writing and move on. To me if the content is not good, i couldnt care about how high the number of subscribers are or the number of readers…i just might not read it again.
    I personally feel your blogging success should be measured by your readers positive and insightful reactions rather than some set of numbers.
    BUt numbers are numbers and they are always going to remain…
    Maybe because i hate math so much i cant fathom this number business 😉
    .-= Check out Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s awesome post: What Each Must Seek{Inspirational Quote Of The Week} =-.

    1. Hi Zeenat,

      That’s true. Numbers will always remain, and are how we know if we are getting visits.

      Not liking math is probably working to your advantage as the numbers you see on other blogs don’t hold a lot of weight for you. Unfortunately I love math, so I may be doomed 🙂

  11. Hi Barbara. I don’t pay attention to numbers anymore… those on other people’s blogs anyway. I check my stats fairly regularly but have began to not worry about those numbers either. The worst part about getting a spike in traffic is the slide back down. And when the traffic goes down I feel myself getting antsy and wanting publish another post JUST to raise those numbers again. It’s a perpetual merry-go-round.
    .-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: At the End of the Day =-.

    1. Hi Davina,

      Yes. It can be a perpetual merry-go-round. It’s almost like although the spikes in traffic are great to see, we might be better off not having them and just watch the normal (hopefully up) progression of our blog.

  12. I do notice numbers, but they don’t really sway me in any way when it comes to if I’ll read a blog normally or not.

    If they do show a high number of subscribers, many times I’ll take a look at their design and see if I can find something that’s working for them which I can use, like a landing page or something.

    1. Hi John,

      That’s a good point. When we do see a high number of feed readers on a blog, by digging deeper we might be able to learn new techniques to grow our readership, as well.

  13. I’ve always liked numbers before… I found them comforting and predictable. Math was always beautiful and full of patterns that I could rely on. But ever since I started blogging, “numbers” have taken on a whole new meaning… they have a darker side.

    When I check my own stats, I find that I am encouraged and validated by positive trends, but then a little emotionally crushed by negative trends… even though I know they are completely arbitrary. These numbers feel so personal, so judgmental.

    When I see other people’s numbers, especially when they highlight them on their page, I always wonder about them. Why are you showing me this? Are these real? How should I feel about my numbers in relationship to yours? Blogs are so different and individualized, are we even comparing apples to apples?

    I’m finally learning to think of my blog more like another child. I don’t compare my son’s “numbers” to anyone else’s. If the kid next door started reading earlier, or the kid across the street is more coordinated, or my sister’s kid has discovered a cure for cancer, it doesn’t phase me. My son is perfect (to me) just the way he is.

    Now I’m starting to see my blog the same way. I love that little guy… no matter what the numbers say.
    .-= Check out Lisis´s awesome post: Adventure: Lessons From Niagara Falls =-.

    1. Hi Lisis,

      What a beautiful way of putting it. Our blogs are our babies and for what it’s worth, to us they become very precious and comparing them to others is fruitless.

      I like how you questioned if we’re comparing apples to apples. In most instances, the answer (as you know) is no. That’s a fabulous reason to not even think of comparing our blogs to others.

  14. Just like emotions, I try to use numbers as input to try and make better decisions. Sometimes, it’s not about the numbers. That’s why it’s really important how we define our individual success. We can lift ourselves up, or tear ourselves down, and sometimes it’s just a matter of perspective.

  15. Hi Barbara,

    When I first started blogging, I installed Google Analytics and after one day of looking at it , I removed it from my blog because I knew it would be trouble. I knew that if I kept it, it would become an obsession and I just did not want my writing to be effected by the numbers. So I settled for checking Alexa and Google Page Rank but then got tired of that because it started to bother me if the numbers dropped.

    Blog stats is like dieting. The more you look at the scale, the more upset you are going to get. It is better to go do our thing and then check in every now and then. At least that is what I think now.
    .-= Check out Nadia – Happy Lotus´s awesome post: Sunday Song for September 6, 2009 =-.

    1. Hi Nadia,

      That was smart on your part to uninstall Google Analytics knowing it would become an obsession. That does happen to a lot of us, and if we also watch what’s going on on other blogs, it can get worse.

  16. It’s not a good idea to focus on numbers. It has the capacity to limit your true abilities. Rather, it’s much beneficial to do your best at every waking moment. 🙂

    1. Hi Walter,

      Doing our best in whatever we do is sound advice.

      Although our numbers can help to analyze what’s working and what’s not, focusing on the numbers of others can start to create self doubt.

  17. Hi, Barbara!

    I tend to ignore my own numbers, but enjoy seeing other people’s. I look at them and think, “Wow, good for them!” That wasn’t always the case, but earlier this year I was able to drop the old comparison portion of my mind – the one that would make me envious of other people’s success – and instead recognize that when my fellow bloggers are successful and enjoying good numbers, that same energy rubs off on and is available to all of us.
    That being said, I don’t always know what a “good” number is in some regards, but the fact that someone has numbers to begin with makes me happy!
    .-= Check out Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s awesome post: Our Saviors (Quote from Richard Bach) =-.

    1. Hi Megan,

      You’ve raised a good point. If we are happy for our fellow bloggers, we create good karma for us, too.

      And I agree. What a good number is to one, may not be a good numbers to another. Hence, it’s best if we just concentrate on providing quality content.

  18. Hi Barbara,
    Interesting topic! I agree with just about every comment here. On other people’s blogs, I don’t pay attention to the stats, though I do notice how many commenters they have and if it’s a high number, I’m impressed! As for my own blog, in the beginning I paid more attention to the stats. It used to take me about four hours to craft a blog post–and in my first few weeks, I was lucky to get 8-10 readers, most of whom were probably friends or family! It was gratifying when the numbers started going up. But then there are those days when traffic really spikes. It’s glorious! But what Davina wrote is so true–the day after when the numbers fall it’s a bit devastating! The numbers have been helpful in showing me that Fridays are particularly slow days on my blog. I probably won’t ever post on a Friday again because of it. I consider that helpful.
    .-= Check out Jodi at Joy Discovered´s awesome post: Off the Shelf: 365 Tao~Work =-.

    1. Hi Jodi,

      There is something to be said for the number of comments a blog receives. Not only is it a reflection on the content, but on the author, as well. It seems like blog authors who answer their comments, and visit other blogs tend to get more. (with the exception of the big boys/girls – who get comments even if they don’t participate).

      That’s a great observation you made about your Friday posts. For reasons like that, analyzing our own stats does have advantages.

  19. Hello Barbara!

    I have to say that I just don’t often think of the numbers. I mean, I watch my my site is doing, but I mainly focus on the connections I am making with people. I am passionate about being a positive influence in this world. Maybe I should think of the numbers more, but at this point in time I tend to focus on what people are saying. 🙂

    Very good article Barbara!
    .-= Check out Keith´s awesome post: Your Mind The Helm, Your Thoughts The Rudder =-.

    1. Thank you Keith,

      From blogging for so long and my love of numbers, I can’t help but notice what others are posting on their sites (number wise), but like you said, concentrating on what people are saying (instead of the numbers), is actually a great way to know if our words are resonating with people. With blogging, that’s actually very important.

  20. When I first started, numbers were up front of my eyeballs. But as I reached my goal, I found that the numbers are not as important. However, I do watch the stats regularly to see where I need to improve and how my traffic testing is going. Other than that, those folks who have a need to manipulate the numbers are on the net for themselves selfishly.

    I think we need numbers for a variety of reasons and I believe alot of them have been mentioned here.

    1. Hi Linda,

      I hear you. When we’re new to blogging, numbers (ours or others) are a great way to measure our success, as well as where our traffic is coming from, etc.

      It’s sad to think some feel the need to manipulate their numbers. Although they may think they’re fooling their readers, they are only fooling themselves.

  21. Some great comments here.

    I’m picking up the general trend is for bloggers to no longer access their friends’ posts through aggregate readers, as they are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of new posts. Under my own WP “users,” a lot of those subscribers have been SPAMMERS! So, I wonder if subscriber amount really matters that much?

    I use my Alexa widget for fun, to see how it lowers or raises according to what I’ve posted, goes hand-in-hand with studying my Analytics to see what kinds of posts people like best.
    .-= Check out Jannie Funster´s awesome post: What To Do When The Power Goes Out =-.

    1. Hi Jannie,

      Good point. If some of our subscribers are spammers, it’s difficult to consider them as legitimate readers.

      The Alexa widget is fun to watch- although I’ve yet to figure out where they get their information from and how accurate it is.

  22. I enjoy looking at the numbers and always hope they go up rather than down, but once I achieved a “critical mass” of commenters — a community — I stopped worrying about them. What did hurt my feelings at first was watching others who started a blog at the same time I did have soaring numbers, while mine just chugged along slowly. My blog is not for everyone, it seems, but the community that has formed is a very good one, so I’m satisified.
    .-= Check out Dot´s awesome post: Comment on Lost by Dot =-.

    1. Hi Dot,

      I agree. Watching bloggers who start the same time as we do rise to stardom fast can be disheartening. But like you said, you are happy with the community that has formed on your blog, and that’s all that matters. It goes back to quality vs quantity.

  23. Barbara, I just came from Avani’s Mehta’s current post where you commented, “Comparing ourselves to others gets us no where, but maybe, depressed,” which reminded me that I was a little depressed over my traffic drop-off last week after the wild “Yes Kids Do Say The Darndest Things,” post Stumbling died down. It was pretty heady for me to get over 2000 unique visitors one day.

    So I have a choice on that… to either work very hard to reach a certain self-determined number of daily readers, or be happy with less.

    Thank you for reminding me I lose when I compare myself to others.
    .-= Check out Jannie Funster´s awesome post: What To Do When The Power Goes Out =-.

    1. You’re welcome Jannie,

      Unfortunately Stumbles and/or Diggs can give us false hope. Seeing the drop after a spike like that can be depressing, but like you said, there was a lesson to be learned. Thank you for sharing the options.

  24. Barbara,
    Numbers are very problematic for me with Dyscalcula. But I have had such a big drop in readers it has affected my getting an Ad for a group of products that I wish to promote and increase my income. At 400 readers they were interested at 200 readers they are not.

    Not many of my posts are Stumbled, which makes me think I am not writing something of quality or interest most of the time. I have no idea how many subscribers I have.

    I just keep writing and working on what I need to say.
    When my posts on the Biking Architect blog bring in work to my partner’s office then I jump up and down…and with only 58 reads a week – it is slowly but surely bringing in small projects. I comment on about 200 blogs for the 58 reads a week…and so far 5 incoming projects.

    I just get up in the morning and put one foot in front of the other and use my block of writing time to write. I hope that persistence will pay off over time.
    .-= Check out Patricia´s awesome post: Inspired to Make a Few Changes =-.

    1. Hi Patricia,

      What you shared is one of the reasons some bloggers feel the need to manipulate their numbers – so they look good to advertisers.

      And you’re right. An advertiser may back away if our numbers aren’t high enough, or if they do choose us (with lower numbers), then their advertising rates may be very low.

      I feel you’re on the right track and your persistence will pay off in the long run.

  25. Hi Barbara – I’ve always taken an interest in numbers, and will continue to do so – but like most people – here, anyway – don’t think they are the most important thing. When we see the huge subscriber numbers of big blogs in our niche, it gives us an idea of the number of people who would subscribe to this niche – it can be hard to imagine there are so many people out there!
    .-= Check out Robin´s awesome post: Love Gives Us Life =-.

    1. Hi Robin,

      That’s a great way of looking at the numbers we see on blogs in our niche. Like you said, it’s hard to believe there are so many who are interested in the same topic as we are – but knowing there are, can make us hopeful.

  26. I’ll admit I peek at the numbers but I’ve also learned not to obsess over them. I used to in the beginning (obsess over them) and in retrospect, it was very counterproductive towards my progress.

    When I visit other blogs, sure I peer at the numbers but it doesn’t influence my decision to stick around and subscribe. The content influences my decision to do that.

    As for myself, I’m happy to connect if even with one or a few people a day. It may not be thousands but based on the emails I get, I know I’m making progress.
    .-= Check out Ricardo Bueno´s awesome post: Building A Good Writing Habit =-.

    1. Hi Ricardo,

      You know, when we’re new at blogging, the numbers on other blogs are hard not to notice. Often they’re so impressive looking, they’re overwhelming, but on the other hand, it does show us what we can do, if we choose.

      I agree. Big numbers shouldn’t influence us to subscribe. If the BIG blog doesn’t have content that interests us, it would be fruitless to subscribe just for the sake of adding to their numbers and to be able to say, “Yea, I subscribe to that blog, too”.

  27. Hi Barbara .. I have to say I’ve not got to the point of worrying about numbers – though I am might glad when I get a new reader, and I am mighty glad when someone comments … because for all my apparent naivity I have readers and commenters where friends and family have been totally surprised and taken aback: how did I do it .. etc etc ..

    When I look at other blogs – I go for the veracity of the post, the veracity of the author, and the appropriate comments made by visitors.

    Then on some blogs, not many, I hang on in .. as I believe I may learn something or meet a new blogger; I comment I may not get a response – but I can wait .. my name (can’t help that one!) by keeping cropping up will become known and a relationship may develop.

    Google Reader – I’m about to try .. do we read them all? do we answer them all? Does it make it easier? I don’t know – can I do more than I’m doing now? Not sure …

    Numbers I gather are important if your blog is to make money .. mine isn’t, and in due time I’ll set my plans in motion .. when life is freer for me. And actually I like numbers and figures .. but I’ve realised it would be wasting my time at the moment and I need to concentrate on other things – but I’ll look when the time is right!

    So much for numbers and time .. must go!!
    Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
    .-= Check out Hilary´s awesome post: Nuts with Peepholes, a name for talking about … =-.

    1. Hi Hilary,

      As a new blogger with other responsibilities and goals, you’re smart not to get hung up on numbers. In the beginning I wasted tons of time looking at my stats, thinking ten minutes would make a difference. Ha.

      It sounds like you’re enjoying the process of blogging, reading and visiting other blogs, getting your name out there, not worrying about how fast your blog grows and keeping your priorities in order. I commend you for knowing you have time for all that other “stuff” and for enjoying the journey.

  28. Hi Barbara, I look at the numbers of other sites, but to me content is the key. I am amazed at some of the big numbers on sites with little relevant content. I also look at the amount of good comments as a barometer of a successful site. As for social networking: I need ten more hands and five more heads to keep up.

    peace,
    mike
    livelife365
    .-= Check out Mike Foster´s awesome post: Change Is Good =-.

    1. Hi Mike,

      Sometimes that’s puzzling, isn’t it? – landing on a site that shows over a hundred thousand subscribers and the content is just so-so.

      I can relate to what you’re saying about social networking. Adding that to blogging does require a lot more time, hands, and heads. Arghhhhhh! 🙂

  29. Barbara,
    When I see numbers or comments, I recognize improvement, and then that I have touched on a need. It helps me to be encouraged, but to also know that with that comes a responsibility to keep producing the best that I can – quality posts, and to continue to appreciate every ‘one’ of my readers by responding to their comments as they come in 😉
    I have found most freedom to recognize the love of what I do. At first I wanted more readers, but with my blog being young still, I am using this time to really build a strong quality platform and so I am showing up not for others as much as for the vision I have to be all that I can be, a steward of the gift I’ve been given. I think when we write from that responsible position, the numbers don’t matter as much anymore. There is something to be said of a good post – we know when we’ve done our best and with that comes an accomplished feeling regardless of who shows up! 😉
    thanks for sharing these helpful blog topics! They are so enjoyable!
    ~Jen
    .-= Check out Love’s Leading Companion´s awesome post: Leading Transparent Lives and Giving a Loving Response =-.

    1. You’re welcome Jen,

      You’ve raised an excellent point. When we blog to share our “gifts”, it really doesn’t matter who shows up, or if anyone does. Like you said, within we know we’ve done our best and have accomplished that which we set out to do.

      Building a strong platform is a wonderful idea. That way when your blog grows, and hundreds (or thousands) of readers begin to show up, your archives will be filled with quality posts – showing those who take an interest in your work, not only is your current post of the best quality, but so are those which were previously written.

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