Forget about the numbers
Gary Bloomer | SHAKING THE TREE #167
How many people will read this?
How many will share it and comment on it?
I’ve no idea and to be honest, I don’t check on my numbers much these days.
I used to.
Page views, likes, shares, and comments become the metrics that define success. It's easy for online authors and publishers to get caught up in the pursuit of numbers.
And yet, when left unchecked, this relentless focus on quantitative measures stifles creativity, diminishing the joy of writing and publishing.
So, it's time for all of us as online content creators to shift our attention back to what truly matters: the actual writing and publishing of our material.
Access to internet and a range of less and less expensive tools and resources has democratized the world of publishing in ways that would have been unimaginable a few decades ago.
Today anyone with an internet connection, a keyboard, and video camera can share their thoughts about practically anything with the world.
It’s empowering!
Yet, this newfound freedom has also led to a culture of over-optimization and self-promotion.
Bloggers and content creators often find themselves spending more time tweaking titles, crafting meta descriptions, and scheduling social media posts than they do actually writing or making content.
While these strategies may help attract more readers, they can also detract from the core purpose of blogging: to express ideas, tell stories, and connect with others.
When we prioritize numbers over content, we risk producing mediocre work that lacks depth and originality.
By obsessing over algorithms and trends, we lose sight of our unique voice and the impact we can make.
Instead of chasing fleeting metrics, bloggers should focus on cultivating a genuine passion for writing.
This means setting aside time to read, experiment with different styles, and explore new topics. It also means embracing failure and learning from mistakes.
The best writing often comes from a place of vulnerability and authenticity.
Of course, it's important to track your progress and measure your success.
However, this should be done with a healthy dose of skepticism. Not every post will go viral, and not every reader will love your work.
The key is to find a balance between data-driven insights and creative intuition.
In the end, the most valuable asset of any blogger is their ability to tell a compelling story.
By prioritizing writing and publishing, we can create content that resonates with readers, inspires action, and leaves a lasting legacy.
So, let's forget about the numbers and focus on the words.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … What I learned this year.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Originally from the U.K., Gary Bloomer is a writer, branding advocate, marketing specialist, and an award-winning graphic designer.
His design work has been included in Creative Review (one of the UK’s largest design magazines). Since 2009, he has answered over 5,000 marketing and business questions in the Know-How Exchange of MarketingProfs.com, placing him among the top 3% of contributors. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.