Originally my objective was to get at least 1000 visits a month. Now, the objective is to earn at least 1500 visits a month. Maybe this summer I will focus on consistently attracting over 2000. Hopefully I'll increase the number of listed followers as well.
In setting goals, one should make them specific, measurable, attainable, and ones that you can actually directly impact and reach, without great dependence on the actions of others. In this case, I can provide interesting content but, beyond that, whether individuals visit is largely out of my hands. Sure, I can post return links and such around the internet, and work to drive traffic to Up Around the Corner, but again, return visits by folks who find what I have to say or the interviews I do interesting isn't in my sphere of direct control.
It's like a writer starting today and setting a goal of getting a novel published by the end of 2014. It's not necessarily a good goal as, unless the writer is talking about self-publishing, the writer can only write the best novel he (or she) can, and research, and professionally submit it to appropriate agents and/or editors, and see what happens.
In the end, whether a publisher believes enough in a novel to offer a contract isn't in the writer's hands, or sphere of direct influence (other than writing an awesome novel). Beyond that the author has little control over when a contracted novel will be scheduled for edits, how long they will take, if there will be delays in ARCs and cover art, and even the publisher's release schedule. A better stated goal would be for the writer to determine to complete a novel and submit it for publication prior to the end of 2013, hoping that by 2014 it'll have been accepted (which is a very optimistic timeline).
Okay, back on topic...
I realize in the big scheme of things, traffic to my blog isn't much. More like a partially obscured turnoff on the internet (or Information Super Highway) and onto a narrow dirt road.
In any case, we'll see what happens.
I'm impressed that you've been blogging for five years. That's a major commitment. Many writers neglect their blogs after a period of time.
ReplyDeleteYour focus and dedication to your craft is evident in your novels and short stories.
Yes, I've been at it a while. And thanks for the postive words about my writing, Phyllis!
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