I have mentioned this time and again that I did not start blogging after seeing other people blog. In fact, I had never even consciously read a blog before. I was not prepared since I had no idea what the online world was made of. I blogged because I wanted to write and be maybe even read. Being somebody, who just has one sibling, that too miles apart, and only a handful of people to truly fit in with, I have always found it incredibly difficult to share all of my rants and raves with either of my friends. I am the kind of person who loves a little bit of everything and an online presence before a sea of people, was the only delta to my river of thoughts. The journey for me has been more unforgiving than your average blogger because I had nobody to guide me. It took a lot of trial and error but at the same time I do take pride in learning everything on my own all along the way. My style is not inspired, it is true to who I am. (So modest! -rolls eyes-)
Your turtle of the race, finally reached a 100,000 pageviews after a good two years of blogging, on 28th of March, but not only that, I have also learned how to keep it up and going. Now, if you are somebody, who has struggled as much as I have with numbers, tell you what, get it out of your head! Focus more on how you can make your blog and content look better, add weight to that, build your own personality, and I promise, you will be granted enough opportunities solely based on your talent. I know patience is not everybody’s second nature, but this is the first thing you need to learn about blogging. There will be days when you might feel wilted, as many a times even the most experienced ones fail to distinguish the cream from the curd, but you are in this for yourself and you will always be appreciated based on originality even if you are not given everything. In the long run, after a string of dropouts who were just here to pluck the daisies, if you are still in the game, you still have a chance.
I do not want anybody to be as lost as I was, who did not even know for months that a local blogging community even existed. Therefore, I never turn anyone away who asks me for guidance through their own journey. So, in this special post, where you can tell I am opening up far more than usual, here are some tips on how to increase your pageviews as these were the things I had initially missed.
1. Make Friends (tons of them!)
Like I just said I had no idea about Pakistan’s blogging communities, but once I discovered them, everything got a lot easier. Of course, when you have people who can relate more to your climatic conditions and things like where you shop, you automatically develop a better audience. At the same time, I have never ignored any of my international friends either and I do get a major chunk of my views from abroad too. I believe in befriending everybody and visiting their blogs, leaving genuine comments, inviting guests over or guest posting oneself is also helpful as you get to exchange audiences.
2. Blog More Often
Blogging only once or twice a week and then waiting for enough views and comments on each post was the biggest mistake I ever made. I even feel embarrassed about it as I type. The increase in my blog traffic was always evident when I could put up more posts and as of late, I mostly hit publish right after I am done with a post, rather than holding it when I know I can churn out more. I would not say that blogging less often was always on purpose, in fact usually I am so occupied with other work that I could only write two to three posts together and then schedule them for weeks to come. Even with my current schedule, it is not unchallenging, but I have just learned to cope up. I still remember, when university started, I took a break from blogging months before my finals and gradually learned how to manage and juggle with both more effectively.
You might laugh at me, but I am so low on sleep, and here I am with a throbbing head, typing this post because that is how committed I feel. Obviously, I would not advise any of you to let anything affect your health.
3. Set Up Your Social Media
Social media is the actual driver. Rid your mind of thoughts like ‘it is unnecessary at this stage’. That is the most negative way to go about it. You need to be on each and every platform from the day you begin. Social media is important because it is quicker in every way. For a long time, I kept putting the idea of making my blog’s Facebook page on the back burner and trust me, I regret a wee bit now. Not only does it bring me heaps of new viewers but also a lot of my non-blogger readers do not have a Gmail or a Bloglovin’ account to follow my blog and Facebook, being the most popular social medium locally, keeps them updated on what has been going on here lately. In addition to Facebook, I find Twitter to be my second popular social medium in terms of traffic. Now this is one mistake that not I, but local bloggers make. If you want to connect with an international audience, you must own a Twitter account, the sooner the better. It is a great way to even chat with everybody else on a more personal level as opposed to a Facebook page. Other key social media platforms include Instagram and Pinterest. In short, get out there!
Hoping you had a good read today. I have been pushing myself a lot lately, I’m happy to see the results, but it still is nothing compared to what the world has already achieved. With such a fast pacing life, everything turns to sand as soon as it is built. The world is constantly moving and I need to too. I’m not too happy with my photographs either and I am well aware of my flaws. It is hard to catch the sun and work with indoor lighting. That is no excuse though. Posting often should not cut down my quality and I need to be more thoughtful but only 24 hours a day are insufficient to make it all work the way I want, bearing in mind I’m not a full-time blogger, rather a student blogger with a tough major that already requires me to focus on both medical and engineering and it is not even remotely related to the genres of my blog. I know this post is not the most modest sounding one, but if I do not tell myself to slow down and accept my work, I would soon turn into a maniac running down the street, pulling my hair in frustration.
Thank you, everybody, who gives my blog their precious time, reads or just scrolls through the photos and yet appreciate, even when I am not at my best. You mean a lot to me and if you need me, I am right here.
p.s: It is the last day to enter my Medium Ad. Space Giveaway!
Thanks for such a helpful post.Newbies like me can learn a lot from your work.Congrats on 100k pageviews.I can have a heart attack if my blog ever hits 100 k pageviews say in five years lol.
Happy to read that you found this helpful! 🙂 I could never imagine it myself and I'm sure you will get there sooner! 😉 x
Congratulations on 100k. You truly deserve all the praise for your hard work 🙂
You are so kind, thank you! 🙂 x
Congrats on ur 100k hun. A great milestone achieved MashAllah. You are such an inspiration for me and for many of us. Very helpful post and yes I agree with all you have said. Wish u all the best ahead <3
Thank you so much for all being so sweet and generous! <3
Congrats on 100K views! It's certainly a big milestone that I hope to achieve one day. I just started back in February and I'm still trying to figure out the right flow for me. I'm constantly trying out new things or looking into different things that can help and I hope I'll get a good rhythm going eventually. I'm not getting too caught up in being too hard on myself since I know its early days and it takes a while to truly get in the swing of things.
-M
http://www.violetroots.com
You will get there. Just keep going! Yes, do not be too tough on yourself. We blog because we enjoy it. 🙂 x
I found this really interesting to read, and definitely agree with the social media part. It took me about 10 months to make the use of what was already there and it's made such a difference. I love Twitter chats as well for finding new blogs and speaking with like-minded people.
Kristy | http://www.thevioletblonde.com
I am glad to know that you are finally utilizing what was at hand! Twitter chats are great! 🙂 x
Congrats on 100k. I'm mean I can't even think of reaching that number. I love your blog Jadirah especially your unique blog name. The reason I always stop by your blog is because the photography is great, your blog is so colorful, organized and the way you write is so awesome and graceful. This is my honest opinion of your blog, I'm not buttering, dude."winks"
*I
Thank you for your honest opinion! 😉 You will reach it! It is no big deal I tell you! You are already doing great! 🙂 x
congratulations dear j. for 100k wooh…..
a very big hug and thanks for sharing this helpful post with us like a new b. like me …..
Thank you so much! Good luck with your blog sweetie! ^_^ x
This is the kind of post I wanted to read! I have been struggling with being a newbie and even thought I am a misfit in the world of blogging but you have made me feel alot better! 🙂 I am so happy for you Jadirah and you are such an inspiration when it comes to hardwork and efficiency. Congratulations on your achievements! you truly deserve it 🙂 Keep rocking! 🙂 xx
Momina Haseeb | ๑ Divine Smudge ๑
Glad to read that! You know you can always talk to me! 🙂 Thank you so much for appreciating my work! ^_^ x
Congratulations for the 100k milestone ☺??
Thanks a lot! 🙂
Heartiest Congratulations Jadirah! and love the tips, Thanks…
Love XoxoX
Thanks a lot Isma! 🙂 x
<333 such amazing post!
Karolina Gerspucci
Thanks, Karolina! xx
Congratulations babe! All the best and keep it up. Hope you have another 100,000 views soon.
Nashia
http://www.makeupandbeautymayhem.com
Nashia, you are such a sweetheart! 🙂 x
I want to post more often, but the ideas don't always flow, that's why I only post 3x a week. when life gets tough, that becomes twice a week, but I try my best … I know that scheduling tweets helps a lot but it really is time consuming to schedule a tweet every hour for 12 hours in a day. and then repeat that for the next day. yikes!
I do have two blogs and other things I want to "advertise", but simply typing them can be exhausting, esp when all I did for 8 hours at work is type and stare at a computer all day.
Arianne
I think 3x is pretty good too. I agree scheduling takes a lot of time and I don't it regularly myself but I try every now and then to schedule for multiple days! You should dedicate an off day or some free time nce in a while to do your advertising! 🙂 Something is better than nothing.
when I schedule tweets, I schedule for 12 hours out of the 24 for that day… then I have to do it again the next day, which is the exhausting part… getting better at it somehow..
That's a lot indeed. You can always just share your link in between work and routine on Twitter too rather than scheduling all the time. 🙂 x
Congrats n Thanks for sharing all thus, no one usually do. Even I learned allot as I am a learner n will always be. N U know I love you bro!
Learning yourself gives you more command over all of it! Thanks, I love you too! 🙂 x
Haha this is nice! I am so bad in all of the above lol,still trying to fit in :p
Thanks for sharing it..xx
You will! 🙂 xx
It is no doubt a result of hard work and dedication and you surely deserve applause for managing your time and great content. Many congratulations and great tips 🙂
GlamupGirls
Thank you for sticking around!! 🙂 x
Congrats, boo <3 so glad you're living it up cuz i still remember how you called the first time you got enough exposure for sponsored posts
Big up!! :'D hit a million soon :*
Thank you so so much dear! <3
What a great post!!! Very inspiring! Congrats on reaching 100K views!! That is awesome girl! I appreciate your honesty, it was very refreshing reading this post. I wish you all the best, you have a very lovely blog!!
XOXO
Alethea
http://thepowerofthepretty.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for your kind word dear!! 🙂 <3
This is one of the great post I have ever read and trust me I mean it. Maa sha ALLAH congrats. You really are a hard worker and you manage it nicely. Thanks alot for such post 🙂
Aww, thanks a bunch! Your appreciation means a lot to me! 🙂 x
Great post, some great tips there! Although don't let your blog make you feel tired/run down… we'l always be here, honest.. even if you need a break (I speak from blogger burnout experience, it's not fun!)
Of course, CONGRATULATIONS on the 100k views, thats awesome – you must be so proud.
Lyndsay | Fizzy Peaches
Awww! Thanks, Lyndsay!! ^_^ I will bear that in mind! <3
Congrats on 100k Jadirah! You deserved it love x
http://www.meemmakeup.blogspot.com
Thank you so much Mariam! You are so sweet! 🙂 x
congractulations on 100k <3
Thank you Sorath! 🙂 x
Everything you wrote is true 🙂
Love it, following you now!
Greetings from Slovenia,
hope you check out my bloggie too!
Thanks Katja! I'll be sure to check! 🙂 x
Congratulations Jadirah 🙂
Thanks, Kiran! 🙂 x
This was a great read with some top tips. Congratulations on your milestone 😀
Love your blog name by the way.
Bex x
Bubblybex3.co.uk
Thanks, Bex! 😀 Happy to know that you liked the post! ^_^ x
I blog 3x a week as it is! I also try to schedule lots of tweets across all my blogs and youtube channel.. yikes.. I don't want to be repetitive so it's nice to have two blogs and a youtube channel and other things I can tweet about.. still, the pageviews are quite low, but I try not to stress about it. When I see I've had over 100 views on a previous day, that excites me.
Ayre
Wow girl, you have a lot to manage! You shouldn't worry at all about pageviews, they will increase with time. 🙂 x
Ma'sha Allah, this is quite a helpful post. I have been blogging for about two months now and I'm actively finding ways to build up a regular audience.