It doesn't help that I have a common name. My Own Private Idaho is a song from the B-52's, the name of a movie, and a lot of people use it. I have dabbled with more unique names (Spuds and Meth came to mind) but haven't found anything I really liked yet.
Yesterday was the first day I actually found positive results from google. I typed in "Mormon Discrimination in Idaho" and I was on the first page, like 5 results down. I typed in "Idaho Coffee Culture" and I was #1. Granted, these aren't major searches, but it's nice to see your name in a list of search results, especially on the #1 slot.
That's when I noticed that my Valentine's blog helped get me google results as well. People were searching for the Steve Irwin val: "Crickey, you got me in the heart" and 2 people were referred to my blog because of it. Woo!
I'm close to 275 followers now. I was averaging 250-300 views a day last week, and now I'm down to 175-225. I want to inject some life into this blog, and keep it climbing....
I ask you, my audience... What do you think of a name change? I like MOPI, but something more original would help me climb the google ladder... And do you work on improving your blog's search engine results? I'd love to hear from you.
ya I havent really thought much about this but good job man and Im gonna look into this.
ReplyDeleteName is important. My blog has a name that people would actually google for and that helped a LOT. I've been blogging for 3 years now and I can tell you that from late February until about June, people do not come on much at all--spring fever. It's the slowest time of the year. Then, from about mid June (when people are hot and cranky) through to the holiday season, they go crazy with August to October being the biggest time. So don't let trends get you down. So far as the name, think in terms of what it's about more than just Idaho. Not many people looking for Idaho, so that should be a bit more incidental. Consider something people might search for. When I go onto Google Blog Search, I look for things like "urban exploration blogs" and "paranormal blogs" and "horror movie blogs" but you might consider simply having a name you like and then let your post titles bring people in. One of my most popular posts ever was "sex with ghosts." Yeah, people google that. So, keep your post names titillating but also things people might search for like "restaurants in Idaho" and such, but maybe consider making the name "stranded in idaho: a long way from home." A name like that piques people's interest and they can relate. Nearly all of us are transplanted in foreign places without our families, so we know we're going to totally get your blog. Maybe even consider "permanent idaho tourist" or something like that. Hee hee. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteGratz on the followers man. Keep up the posting. Haven't commented on here in a while but I do keep up to date with your blog. I hate googling myself because I hate the fact random strangers can find things out about me that I wouldn't necessarily want to tell them.
ReplyDeleteI liked Spuds and Meth, honestly. I don't know how often that would be Googled though.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the front page of google for the terms "vidya games" and "Play vidya" :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's a good name. After your blog has become well-established over time, you'll have no trouble coming in the top ten results on Google.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to try that. How did you find those stats though, Google Analytics? I like the name as is though.
ReplyDeleteI need to improve my results too, and I like your blog's name, can't think about anything better atm, I'm too sleepy to think
ReplyDeletelol @autumnforest for sex with ghosts lmao
ReplyDeleteDayum, you getting some kick ass stats! I put you on my fav blog roll so I can spread the love! ;) your blog so flicks my bean!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I don't know what to tell you. I'm still very new to this whole blogging thing. Whatever you decide to do, good luck! ;)
ReplyDeleteIf you think your blog really needs a new name, go for it. But maybe you should think twice if your only motivation is to get more positive google results. Imo you should stick to the original.
ReplyDeleteAhy, it's not only about the google results. I don't want to blow up, be famous, and then have a knock on the door from the B-52's, saying "What the fuck, dude?"
ReplyDeleteBut yeah. I must meditate on this. Ohm........
searching for jwtechparts brings in results but as far as my actual blog name not a chance of showing up.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the name of the blog is important.
ReplyDeleteThe blog name is definitely the most important, and I really like yours and it caught my attention from the very start.
ReplyDeleteI personally love the name. I think the name of it should be something that means something to you, or at least something you feel fits.
ReplyDeleteAs for trying to gain popularity, I've found that most of the people that visit my blogg get there from comments I leave on other pages. So maybe you should just comment more?
I Agree with Choirchick22. Leave more comments on other blogs. Also, you should give Google Analytics a try, if you haven't already.
ReplyDeleteCheck out WooRank.com too, it tells you if your site is optimized for search results and offers many suggestions on how to improve your page rank. (found this website thanks to this guy)
u should start using google analytics. it will help you
ReplyDeleteMetalcore
I don't know if it's a good idea. People get used to their favourite bloggers' names and even the blog decor. I once changed my design and got rid of the little princess on her pedestal, and my readers were really pissed.
ReplyDeleteIf you want lots of hits though, use titles that have porno words in them...really! Sadly, this works!
i don't know about the name change... I like your current one actually and can't think of any other...
ReplyDeleteand about improving search engine results...
i'm very new to this all blogging thing and hadn't really thought about that actually... maybe you should do a post about it, for all of us newbies =]
i google me all the time
ReplyDeletewhat
are you thankful for?
the url name plays a part too, correct?
ReplyDeleteit's important to have a good name
ReplyDeleteIf alot of people use your name, would'nt it be worth to get ontop of that big list, it will just take a buttload of time to work at. But it will be worth it in the end if you stick it out.
ReplyDeleteWhen I search Jujjzz, they tell me that I've spelled it wrong and it's suppose to be "youjizz"...
ReplyDeleteSandra, that's a fantastic idea. Sadly, nobody correlates Idaho and porn, so it may not work for me.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the consensus is to stay the course. It will be hard being more popular than the B-52's, but I'm willing to give it a shot!
Hahaha cool now I'm curious to see if I can find myself.
ReplyDeleteThe name is very important.
ReplyDeletelol nice work. I can't find myself anywhere. Probably like a few hundred pages in... :(
ReplyDeleteOMG you guys. The last thing I need is my BF spending MORE time commenting on another gazillion blogs. Lol. :P But thanks for agreeing with me that the name should stay!
ReplyDeletethanks
ReplyDeleteHello. And thank you at once for such an amazing web site. I'll be visiting it on a regular basis.
ReplyDelete