Star Tech

Number One On The Hit Parade

Here’s another common question I get asked. The reason every newspaper in the world has a circulation manager is to keep track of (and increase) sales. That policy is no different with blogs, but each blogger is his or her own circulation manager.

How do I install a hit counter?

The best way to keep track of who's visiting your blog is to install a hit counter. There is first-rate archived information on this subject at the Google Blogger Help site. Hit counters – as the name implies – provide information about the number of hits/ visits your blog attracts. These counters are free and widely available. I opted for Site Meter, which provides a wide range of stats and information that I find really useful. Installation is simple. Just go to SiteMeter.com where you can review the variety of counter styles available. When you’ve chosen one, you just have to sign up for a new account which is self-explanatory. In addition to real-time reports on who’s visiting your blog, you also get weekly email reports on your site's traffic. In terms of reader research, it is an invaluable tool, because you can see at a glance where your reader base lies and the amount of time people are spending on your blog.