Last year, I wrote about my most popular posts from January 2018 compared to the ones I enjoyed writing the most – a brilliant idea straight up stolen from the lovely Sophie from Glowsteady. Today I’m going to do something similar and look back over my 5 most viewed posts from the whole of 2018 another brilliant idea also stolen from Sophie. So to sum up today’s post before we’ve even began, I have no original ideas and Sophie is fabulous.
I kid (well, not really, Sophie IS fabulous) but I do find posts like these really interesting to both read and write myself. Albeit, a bit nerdy. So quickly before we get going, 2018 was a year for me, blogging wise. It was my best blogging year yet for a bunch of reason:
- My total views for the year were 130,499, more than double from 2017 (61,238)
- Most of my traffic came from the WordPress Reader, search engines and Twitter
- I received over 15,000 comments
- I hit over 7,500 followers (Last week, I hit 8,000!)
- I published 329 posts
- And I released an eBook – yay!
I’m hugely motivated by stats and figures and knowing that something’s working well judging by the growth last year. But what about the posts themselves? I’m also always intrigued to see which posts did the best and wondering why that is. It’s always a good indicator of what to work on going forwards too, if you start to notice a trend.
So, without further ado, here are my 5 most views blog posts from last year (only including the ones which were actually published in 2018, in case that wasn’t obvious):
1. 2018 Travel Bucket List
Overall views: 1,289
Post date: February 9th 2018
Likes: 498
Comments: 166
Interesting… I feel like this one might be a bit of a fluke as it was a sponsored post, which is really surprising because on average, sponsored content doesn’t tend to do quite as well as non-sponsored content. But I’m actually quite pleased about this post being top of the list because it definitely shows that when working together harmoniously, brand collaborations can be hugely beneficial!
2. A Beginners Guide to SEO for Bloggers
Overall views: 1,235
Post date: July 8th 2018
Likes: 177
Comments: 212
Although this one was also sponsored, I can’t say I’m too surprised about this being up the top because my blogging advice style posts always do the best in terms of views. Clearly there’s a huge demand for them, as the blogging world is getting bigger and bigger and people are always looking for advice on something or another so I always find them beneficial to post.
3. Sponsored Posts, Earning Money and Blogging as a Business – Tips and Tricks
Overall views: 1,230
Post date: January 11th 2018
Likes: 119
Comments: 167
Again, another blogging advice style post which ended up at the top of the list. This post was my first little foray into talking about blogging as a business and sharing my tips for getting sponsored content etc. and clearly it did quite well! I’ve learnt a lot more since then, though which is why I did a more updated post on the topic in January.
4. Poetry
Overall views: 1,053
Post date: January 23rd 2018
Likes: 372
Comments: 139
Okay I’m actually really embarrassed that this one is on here and I really have no idea why and it came as quite a shock. I’m no poet. I know nothing about poetry. But sometime in the last few years, I decided to venture into writing my own poems which I then (for some utterly unknown reason) thought was a good idea to publish on my blog. Clearly poetry is popular.
Update: I privatized this post
5. 25 Bookish Blog Post Ideas
Overall views: 999
Post date: June 11th 2018
Likes: 129
Comments: 78
And finally, although 2018 was officially the year I stopped reviewing books and took myself away from the book blogging “community”, clearly people thought my bookish related posts were good! I’m also quite surprised to see this one on here as I was never sure how well these “blog post ideas” posts actually did (despite having done a fair few of them).
And there we are! Wasn’t that jolly interesting. I’m not going to include the posts I enjoyed writing the most as well, like I did before because quite honestly, I can’t be bothered to sift through over 300 posts right now. But I definitely found this pretty eye-opening!
Such an interesting post to read. I love stats too, so reading this was fascinating to me! I always enjoy reading all your posts though. 😀
Sarah 🌺 || Boxnip
Thanks so much! 😌
Wow, these are amazing stats! You are doing a great job. The number of posts published clearly indicates you are hardworking. I get a small number of traffic from WordPress reader. Maybe you can share tips on how to increase traffic from WordPress reader. Thanks.
I honestly don’t have any tips because it’s not something I actively work on. I have been blogging for 6 years and built my blog following up so this’s probably all it took really!
So in a nutshell, if you have more followers on wordpress, you stand a high chance of getting more traffic. Thanks.
Well I don’t know, I have experimented with it. Like I said, it’s not something I’ve actively tried to improve but from my experience, the more followers I have, the more views come from the Reader.
My fave was the bookish posts one. For obvious reasons 🙂
Thank you 😌
Come back to reviewing books!! I need more book stuff from you, missy, and you’re definitely an inspiration for me to push my blog! Can’t wait to see what happens to you in 2019!
Dee xoxo | TheDeeWhoLived
Haha! Sorry! That ship has sailed for me I’m afraid! I’m quite happy to give you personal reviews via DM if you like 😂😂
One of your posts got 498 likes?!?! THAT IS SO AMAZINGGG! I’ve never seen so many likes on a single post. I checked it out and liked it so hopefully, it’ll get to 500 likes soon 😘
I love your blogging tips posts. They’re always so helpful and concise. I really loved the one about how to get sponsored opportunities ❤
Taiwo xx
Haha yep I’m not quite sure how that happened either!
Very interesting.
Thanks for a great post.
Thank you
I may have to steal this idea from you next year – I loved looking back on your posts! It’s so amazing how much you’ve grown over the past year, too.
Love,
Soph x
(http://www.sophie-elise.co.uk)
Thank you 😌 And you’re not stealing it from me, don’t worry! Was Sophie’s idea!
So lovely to see you doing so well. Your stats are great, and I’m pleased to see your travel post was the top one! This gives me some hope 🙏 haha. Well done girl you must be really proud. X
Travel is a hugely popular niche x
Your stats from last year are amazing, I’m very driven by them too and I’d love to be as successful on my blog as you one day! It seems that your most viewed posts were mainly those aimed to help other bloggers which is fab, I always find your tips and tricks posts helpful! My most viewed one last year was a review of an eyeshadow palette!
Jess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
xx
I’m focusing on more help related things this year for that very reason! Thanks so much 😌
I love this style of post, you can really see how far you’ve come x
Thank you so much 😌
I love looking back on old posts so I really enjoyed this blog post lovely, thanks for sharing 💜
With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com
Thank you x
Congratulations on a successful year of growth, and thank you for so honestly sharing your stats. I think it’s something that bloggers just don’t do enough!
I agree, I don’t know why.
Ohh I like this idea of a post.
It’s a great way to look at some blogging achievements.
http://littlemissmelanie.com
It really is x
I loved this little nosey you gave us with all the stats! Your growth over last year is admirable & inspiring; I’m sure 2019 will only bring more of that xx
twinklexthoughts.blogspot.com
Thank you and I hope so! 😌
Firstly, congratulations on a great year, you achieved a lot! Also, this was such an interesting read and I’ll definitely be looking back on my posts!x
I’d definitely recommend it! It’s really interesting 😌
Ooh this is such a cool idea for a post – and you’re right, Sophie is fabulous, aha! I know what my top post is but I’ve never looked further than that. Although to be honest, I know my review posts tend to do better than when I venture into other styles, so I’m not sure it would surprise me to much. This was great!
Oh really? See my review posts are always lower in views, funny that!
It’s interesting to see the variety in your most viewed blog topics! All great topics!
Congratulations 🙂
Dana
forthe20s.com
Right! I’m really surprised by that too!
Congratulations – they are some good looking stats!!!
Thank you 😌
Such. Great idea to look back on posts xx
It’s really good, I enjoy it x
This is such a good idea to look back at posts from the last year and see which ones were most popular, this has totally inspired me to go and check my most popular posts in a bit. Your view count for the year is amazing!
I bet you’ll be surprised at some of the things you find! And thank you 😘
I love your piece on Sponsored Posts and where to find them etc! x
Thank you! 😘
what a great post jenny! not to sound super cheesy and like a kiss ass but your success with blog is something that has motivated me to work towards. you had an incredible year, i know i read a few of those posts for sure but can’t recall if I read all of them. I’ll have a look see at them all again though just to make sure. i really enjoy all the pieces you’ve written xx
mich / simplymich.com
Awh thank you so much and not cheesy at all! 😘😘
Congrats on a great year of growth. I’m not surprised to see blogger information posts up there, as there is a huge demand for informative posts among new bloggers. Keep up the great content!
Britt | http://alternativelyspeaking.ca
Totally agree! Thank you 😌
What a great idea for a post! (Well done Sophie, haha). I’m also motivated by stats – seeing how many views, comments etc I get on particular posts helps me to improve my blog and come up with more content that people enjoy. I’m going to read some of your posts mentioned here that I missed throughout the year. Thanks for sharing!
Nicola
http://nicshealthylife.co.uk
It’s a fab idea! Sophie’s great 😘
Wonderful idea. Those stats are amazing. As someone who also blogs poetry, I need to check your poetry posts!
Thank you! I only have one but hope you like it!
It’s no wonder that some of these were your top posts of the year; I’m definitely about to go away and read most of them. Tips and Tricks for sponsored content are always posts I find useful but then I also love reading more thoughtful, wordy posts similar to your poetry one. Can’t wait to see what you create and post of the next year.
Sarah x
http://www.saraheliza.co.uk
Thanks so much – I agree, I like reading a range of post styles too 😌
Wow! I just reread your posts on SEO for bloggers and sponsored content. No wonder they were among your most viewed posts on the website. So helpful! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Love,
Anjali
http://www.laughingmirror.com
Thanks so much 😌
Some amazing posts right here my lovely!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Thank you 😌
This is such a great idea for a blog post. I haven’t seen this or spotted Sophie’s post about this idea! Such a great way to reflect on the past year and all that you have achieved. Sounds like you smashed last year. Congratulations on releasing the EBook such an amazing achievement. Thank you for sharing xx
Thank you 😌 I’d definitely go check out Sophie’s posts too!
I will, thanks hun x
Your blog stats are amazing Jenny! Hopefully, 2019 will be even more successful for you! This is a really interesting blog post idea too. I love your ‘A Beginners Guide to SEO for Bloggers’ post and found it extremely helpful- I’m probably responsible for a lot of those views haha.
Eve | http://www.evemorganinteriors.com
Haha! Well a massive thank you 😘 xxx
Jenny you never fail to amaze me with your posts and this one was so different! I’ve been reading your blog for a number of years now and yet I still love to look back on reflective posts such as this! Your content performed SO well in 2018 and you should be so proud of all your incredible achievements! I can’t wait to read more of your content in 2019! xx
http://www.imjustagirl16.co.uk
Thanks so much lovely! I really am chuffed 😘 xxx
Congratulations Jenny, those stats are impressive! 130K views in a year is awesome, you are doing so well girl! I always love reading your blogging advice posts, I can see why they are so popular, you always offer fab tips and I learn something new every time 🙂 It’s great to see sponsored content doing so well too! Thanks for sharing, I’m sure 2019 will be another fantastic year for you! <3 xxx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Thanks so much 😘😘
I get why those blog posts got so many views. We always look for travel inspo and tips about blogging. I loved your SEO guide and blog on sponsored posts! They were so helpful!
Thank you!
Wow you did so well last year! Your views are amazing I can’t wait until I hopefully get that many. I loved your post about SEO it was so helpful and your travel bucket list! Well done xx
Thanks so much! Glad you liked the SEO post 😌 x
Wow, more than 300 posts in a year ??
That’s actually insane!
Keep up with the good work!
Haha yep, I’m a full time blogger so being consistent is pretty important for me!
I loved all of these posts x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
Thank you x
Your top 4 are so close in view numbers! Jenny, that intro 😂😂. Thank you so much *shies away awkwardly because I can’t take compliments*. It’s nice to see that sponsored posts did so well! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Haha! 😘😘 I meant every word! And yes I love that there’s some sponsored posts in there too!
It’s so nice to go back over your blog at the end of each year and see how much you’ve achieved! I absolutely loved your bookish blog post ideas! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Thanks so much! 😌
This was a lovely post to read! It reminded me that I was meant to be writing my 2019 travel bucket list..
Thank you 😌 Can’t wait to read it!
Lovely post, Jenny!
Congratulations on your brilliant blogging achievements, here’s to many more.
I’ve read most of these posts that you have mentioned but I haven’t read the poetry one so I’m going to head to read that one now!
Eeek hope you like it! I’m still nervous at the fact I put that post out there!
This was a really interesting blog post to read! Perhaps I’m just really nosey, but I love delving into stats and seeing what people’s most popular blogs are. The ones mentioned here and some of my favourite. I found the SEO one especially helpful; I had no idea that putting text before photos affected ranking, but after you mentioned it, it totally makes sense! I’ve never done anything like this myself on my blog, but I do love going back and looking at my most popular posts. Last year, my most popular posts was “The Difference Between Meltdowns & Shutdowns” at 2882 views after one of my Pinterest pins went “viral” in the Pinterest autism community. I’m quite shocked by that number, because my average is far lower (like, under a thousand views) but I’m not complaining! Here’s to another year of great blog posts!
If you find the right community and the right sort of people to be reading your posts then there’s no surprise one of them went viral! 😌 It is very interesting though isn’t it and definitely! Here’s to more fab posts 😘 xxx