Welcome to my second post in a new monthly series where I will share my blog income and stats with you. I was inspired to do this because I know of some bigger bloggers (like Pinch of Yum) who share their income and stats but I really didn’t see any smaller bloggers (like me! and maybe you!) who do so. I figured if I was looking for something that I wasn’t willing to publish myself that was pretty messed up so decided that I’d start sharing my monthly stats and income.
As I mentioned in last month’s post, I was concerned that I wouldn’t hold on to my new readers – September was a huge uptick in traffic for me and most of my new pageviews were coming from my post about cold weather running. That post has continued to be my number one post of all time and has now been pinned over 10k times on Pinterest. For me, that represents a HUGE number and I’m kind of still astonished at the reach of that post (and glad I thought about what to do with a viral post!). It turns out, I had nothing to worry about in terms of keeping my numbers high. October was a crazy good month for me in terms of numbers and I thought I’d just share a couple images with you from google analytics – my October stats plus a September / October comparison graph with you all – don’t worry I’ll break it down as well.
Okay, so in this first picture you can see that my pageviews went WAY up in October. Like 38k up. I know, it’s crazy and if I didn’t see it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe it. But, it happened and it’s pretty cool. What’s really interesting to me is that people are visiting more than one page – I wonder if that has to do with my new blog design (which has snippets on posts, but not the full post). I’m guessing it does. (click the image for better readability)
Here, is the comparison between September and October. I had 148% more pageviews in October, which means that people were definitely sticking around this month. I had a bigger number of people visiting and then when those people visited, they stuck around more. Which is pretty awesome! (click the image for better readability)
Now, on to income. I received exactly zero dollars this month. That number is a bit misleading. I earned $11 from BlogHer ads and $12 in Google Adsense ads but I haven’t received that income yet. I also have a sponsored post payment pending that should come in this month, but I’m not going to count that yet. I said last month that I would not list income until it comes in – I think I’m going to switch that and list ad income in the month it’s earned and sponsored post, etc. income in the month in comes in. So with that, here’s the summary of my stats for the month of October:
38,325 pageviews
$23 earnings
I’m excited that my blog continues to grow and I’m hopeful this upward swing will continue.
Do you use Google Analytics to track your blog stats? Also, if you are in US – please GO VOTE!
I love that you write these posts! It’s so helpful for small blogs like me, when people are so secretive about it!
Kelly recently posted…Thankful November: 3
Thanks – I don’t understand why everyone is so cagey about it! It’s just numbers 🙂
WOW! That is amazing! Great job lady!! I do use google analytics as well, but have no where near that following! Awesome work!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Intro to Yin Yoga: Runner’s Recovery poses
I’m still learning how to utilize google analytics but it’s cool to analyze! And I really think my new design contributed some to the higher numbers!
Way to go Courtney -148% is awesome! Glad that your new September readers saw how wonderful your blog is 🙂 I installed Google Analytics last January and it is pretty fun to look at. I usually look at the Page Views, Bounce Rate, and Keyword Search, but want to create some reports this winter (aka geeking out). 🙂
Jennifer recently posted…New York City Marathon Race Recap Part 1
Yes, I’m trying to learn more ways to utilize it as well! There’s so much information there!
wow, 38k is A LOT of web views, I’m kind of shocked you “only” earned $23. BUt I guess it will be a snowball effect, I have a feeling soon you will make a lot more money. Great blog!
Christine recently posted…October 2014
Well, I’ve actually earned more but am only counting ad revenue, not other earnings that haven’t come in yet. 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I just started using google analytics last months and am still learning my way around it but it definitely seems like a useful tool.
Chaitali recently posted…Armpocket review and give away!
I’m still learning it too 🙂
That’s interesting and thanks for sharing! I think my blog gets about the same hits. I always enjoy reading these sorts of posts. It’s funny because I feel like some people find posting stats, ect are taboo. Ido t know, I’m a pretty open person as well. LOL
Hollie recently posted…Run The Bridge 10k
yeah, i’ve never really understood what the big deal is, but it’s definitely not the norm to be open about that kind of stuff! 🙂
Courtney, I started using Google Analytics last month (realized I needed to install code for it to work because that’s how little I know about all of this!) and it is definitely fun to get an idea of who is reading what, etc. I would think that your new design has definitely contributed to more views – it’s great!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Marathon Training Week 12
I have Google Analytics and use it. But I need to dig a little deeper than I have this year. It’s a goal for 2015.
Shalama recently posted…Rockin’ on the pavement this week
wow, good on you!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Life After Marathon
Thanks, friend!!
Whoa I want to be at pageviews like that someday! Congrats!
Lauren recently posted…Floyo at Beachfit Baltimore
Thanks – it’s really been the past couple months with the big increases.
That’s great! Learning a lot from you as always 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Warm Fall Vegetable Salad w Lemon Dressing
What’s fun for me is that I’m still learning too!!
I am lucky if I hit 3000 monthly views a month! I am so inspired and impressed and am always curious where everyone else is at. Thanks so much for sharing! This is really helpful! 🙂
ANnmarie recently posted…Sprinkle a Little Goodness with Kickers! Review & Giveaway
I got 2000~ pageviews in October of 2013, so growth is definitely possible! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Wow Courtney! That is awesome! I’m so glad that your blog has become so successful. You always provide such insightful info!
Cecilia @ MommiesRun recently posted…10 things I learned from running Ragnar Tennessee
Thank you so much for the kind words 🙂
Good job on the increase!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul recently posted…Ask Me Anything: Online Dating
Thanks Erin!
Thanks!
I really enjoyed reading this post and your income details from a “smaller ” blog perspective. 🙂
I’m a “smaller” blog person too (although your recent 148% increase in page views is fantastic!! So can we still call you a “smaller” blog anymore? 😉
I follow Pinch of Yum’s income details too, their site is awesome. I have a lot of work and things I want to do on mine, it will take time though.
In the meantime I’m adding you to my bloglovin list so I can keep up with your excellent blog. Thanks for being inspiring! 😀
neil@neilshealthymeals.com recently posted…Tagliatelle Prawns in Tomato and Pepper Sauce
thanks neil for the kind words. i’m definitely still a “smaller” blogger 🙂 pinch of yum is just incredible. i still have a lot of work to do, but that’s where the fun is 🙂 thanks for stopping by!
Great job Courtney! I agree, using Google analytics is great for tracking your traffic. I still need to work on the Pinterest thing though!
Pinterest is now such a huge source of traffic for me!
congrats on a great run!
kristin @ W [H] A T C H recently posted…LANDED: NEW YORK CITY
congrats on a great run! OOPS! meant to say month 🙂
kristin @ W [H] A T C H recently posted…LANDED: NEW YORK CITY
Lol – I figured 🙂
This is great to see! I am still new to having a self hosted site, and using Google Ananlytics… so I’m still trying to find my way. 😉 It’s extremely interesting to see a little behind the scenes from a much more successful blogger! Thanks for sharing!
Karen G. recently posted…5 Essentials for a Long Run
I find this stuff interesting too!
Congrats on your blog growth, and WOW Pinterest….that’s amazing exposure! I need to figure out how to lower my bounce rate..that seems to be one of my many weaknesses…..
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Tuesdays on the Run: Cold Weather Running
I actually have no real idea how that works – I’ve read explanations but I’m not convinced 🙂
I use Google analytics also but to be honest don’t know how to use the data they provide me. Lol
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…My Favorite Things to Do After A Race
I’m still learning myself 🙂
I voted.
Great pageviews. You are growing, growing, growing.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Half Marathon Goals
Yay voting! I’m happy for less political ads 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement!
How exciting! I should really use Google Analytics but I think I’m a bit too much of a n00b to actually do something technological like that 😉
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch recently posted…metta movement chicago: #100miles100smiles
haha, i’m still figuring all this out as well!
Great job Courtney!! I am going back and forth whether to share my blog information for Femme Fitale Fit Club but until I come to some sort of conclusion I will continue to learn from those of you doing the thing!!!!! I think if I decide to do this I will list income in the month it was incurred.
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…Workout Wednesday Link Up #52
Thanks! I’m still figuring out how I want to format everything, so it’s very much a work in progress 🙂
Courtney, LOVE the blog! I think it’s great that you’re posting your income and traffic stats. It seems like you may have a conversion issue, since $23 is fairly low for the volume of impressions you’re receiving.
Have you tried moving ad spaces around and tracking with channels to determine optimal mix?
I’m a DC area runner too (Reston- so close) and wanted to let you know that I added you to Runner’s Blog Network. It’s a directory of top running blogs that I started as a way of tracking (and showing some love to) my favorite running blogs. So, I hope it brings you even more traffic!
Best of Luck!
-J
Thanks for the tips – I’m fairly new to using ads so still figuring it all out!
Wow on the page view increase! I’ve been thinking about changing to snippets too, mainly since some of my posts have so many photos that I fear it’s difficult for the site to load and for people to scan through on mobile quickly and I think snippets will help people find things better when popping on the site.
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! recently posted…Tri Talk Tuesday: 5 Triathlon Off-Season Training Tips
i like the snippets! do it 🙂
Woah! Congrats on the post getting a lot of hits and the continued growth! Awesome!
Amanda recently posted…10/12
thanks amanda — and for the record, i’ve enjoyed your no comments experiment!
You would see higher ad revenue but your ads are way TOO low on your blog. They need to be over the fold. You probably would see a great income from BlogHer and especially Ad sense if you moved them.
I had a post to go somewhat viral in 2013 and I didn’t have 38, 000 views and I made $50 that month from Adsense.
http://wannabite.com/where-to-place-ads-on-your-blog/
The Frugal Exerciser recently posted…Workout Wednesday – WOW! #52
I have an above the fold ad – its a requirement of BlogHer. 🙂
You need to put a 720 by 90 ad under your blog’s name. Your ad revenue would probably take off after that.
The Frugal Exerciser recently posted…Fitness And Wellness Freebie Friday
Thanks for the tip — I’ve thought about doing that but haven’t made my mind up yet entirely! I’ll put you squarely in the “for” column 🙂