No matter where you are in your blogging process, it’s good to have a way to measure how well you are doing.

Keep in mind the obvious…the day you start your blog people will not miraculously find you online and become loyal followers. It takes time to build your skills and content.

Here are 2 major resources to utilize.

1.

http://www.google.com/analytics/ Add this to you blog to acquire insights into your website traffic and marketing effectiveness. It’s easy-to-use and allows you to write better-targeted ads, strengthen your marketing initiatives and create higher converting websites.

How to add to WordPress Blog: 

First set up a free account with Google Analytics and follow the instructions to add your blog to the account. Next, find the tracking code from any Analytics report, by clicking the gear icon in the upper right corner. The profile settings for that report are displayed. Check that the URL at the top matches that for your website. Click the Tracking Code tab at the top right of the Profiles tab. Once you find the code, copy it and then switch over to the back-office of your blog to paste it in the appropriate place as described in the following paragraph.

Your theme may already support Google Analytics. If so, on your left side control panel click on your ‘theme.’ I personal use a Woo Theme called Delicious Magazine. Then click on ‘Theme Options.” You will see a “Tracking Code’ section where you can paste your Google Analytics tracking code. If you do not see it within your theme you will need to add a plugin for Google Analytics.

http://www.google.com/analytics/

2.

http://www.alexa.com/ Search Alexa to discover the most successful sites on the web by keyword, category, or country. Use the analytics for competitive analysis, benchmarking, market research, or business development.

How to use Alexa:

Go to the Alexa link and enter the url of the website you wish to research. Click the search icon and once the next screen comes up click on ‘Get Details.’ Here you will find a ton on information on traffic to your blog. I encourage you to spend some time reviewing your results and then find a competitor to analyze as well. This way you can start to set some goals and review your competitors content to see what they are doing that may be attracting followers.

http://www.alexa.com/

As with any program, there are advanced options and as your blog matures you will naturally learn more about these programs. It’s amazing who you can reach from the comfort of your office.

Happy Blogging!