So last week we went right through the top five posts on ProBlogger 2014 in each of the categories of monetization, creating content, social media, writing, and general tips. Some of them were surprising, but most weren’t – good advice is good advice, after all! I know a lot of you have seen real results from making these changes to the way you work.
So what we wanted to know was – what is the most popular post on your blog this year? Can you see why it was popular? And more importantly – what can you learn from it that will help you for your content next year? Is it a topic you can find a new angle on? Something you can update for your readers? Something you can turn into a series, an eBook, an eCourse? Is it a topic you enjoyed writing about? Is there a way you can repackage it, say as an audio file or a slideshare? The possibilities are endless, and having information you know your readers already resonate with is a great place to start.
So link up your most popular post in the comments and share it with the ProBlogger community. If you read one you love, tweet it to your friends and followers. I can’t wait to see all the different genres everyone covers.
Stacey is the Managing Editor of ProBlogger.net: a writer, blogger, and full-time word nerd balancing it all with being a stay-at-home mum. She writes about all this and more at Veggie Mama. Chat with her on Twitter @veggie_mama (cat pictures welcome!).
By far my most popular post was “Sydney Mum risks possibility of third son”
http://the-thud.com/sydney-mum-risks-possibility-third-son/
It was viewed 75,000 times in the first week and still brings in about 50-100 views a day even though it was posted three months ago….
I honestly don’t know for sure why it has been so much more popular than anything else I’ve written, but it’s great that so many people like it and can relate to it. It obviously resonated big time with mums of multiple boys. It was only my sixth post on my new blog, so everything after that has been pretty tiny in comparison!!
ahahaha, so hilarious! no wonder your readers loved it :)
thanks for sharing!!!
My most popular post was this one on 6 ways Xtend Barre has changed me http://lifeatnumberfive.com/2014/10/13/6-ways-xtend-barre-changed/
It’s largely been so popular because the Xtend Barre franchises picked it up and shared it on their FB, Twitter and Pinterest so I keep getting traffic for it. Pinterest is definitely the biggest referrer for this post after the initial 1 week or so lifespan on it.
My post on stories of schizophrenia during Mental Health Week won out as my most popular.
http://www.potential.com.au/new-blog/2014/10/7/mental-health-week-looking-for-something-to-read-or-watch
Very gratifying as it shared the experiences of others – a message I really wanted to get out there.
For me is was my productivity article on how I use the awesome Workflowy : How I use Workflowy to do my best work. http://Www.worklikeanartist.com/workflowy
Thanks Darren!!
My most popular posts usually involve my face palm moments! I’m a douche sometimes, I’ll wear it! I got plenteeee more to share. Merry Christmas everyone, looking forward to a Ploblogger kind of year – Perth tickets booked, the main event, savings start right after holidays xx
http://www.youhadusathello.com/bump-into-anyone-famous-this-festive-season/
My most popular post this year was back pain differential diagnosis for USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills exam. It was so popular because it is unique mnemonic and easy to remember.
http://usmlestep2csmnemonics.blogspot.ca/2014/01/back-pain-differential-diagnosis.html
I couldn’t pull out the one post from 2014 (blogger doesn’t have that feature) so I am sharing the post that is an all time favorite. :) I hope you like it too.
3 Lessons I Learnt in My Life So Far..
http://www.womanatics.com/2013/04/3-most-important-lessons-i-learnt-in-my.html
My most popular post this year was the first of a new series of posts about everyday women that inspire me to play a little harder at life.
http://calmtoconniption.com/inspiring-ladies-love-tanya-waterson/
Closely followed up by my sum up a bad fortnight in the life of a FIFO wife. There is a lot of women out there that can relate.
http://calmtoconniption.com/fragile-fifo-wife/
Merry Christmas everyone!
My article about teachers going above and beyond – and why we should appreciate educators.
http://richmondmom.com/2014/04/27/going-above-and-beyond-teacher-appreciation-week/
Being fashion and lifestyle bloggers is certainly a crowded market – but both my blog partner and I both turn 40 within a few months of each other (being the oldies in the fashion blogging genre is our niche!!) and Bev’s story about the life lessons and observations about turning 40 resonated with a lot of our followers!! I turn 40 early next year – eeeeek!!
http://thestyletrust.net/2014/11/21/40/
My most popular post was my tips for Styling Your Home to Sell.
http://www.gallerieb.com/styling-tips-to-sell-your-home/
Fortunately the house did sell! :)
Here’s a strange one.
My blog is about cycling but my most popular post this year – by a factor of TEN – was a rogue post offering a solution to a common Android issue.
http://www.scarletfire.co.uk/fix-android-insufficient-storage-available-problem/
This poses a slight dilemma because the site bounce rate has gone up.
Should I delete the post??
It gets around 300-500 views per day but they’re not my targeted audience. They just find the solution to their problem, then leave.
What would you do?
Ideas gratefully received!
It looks like it will be this post about the upcoming general data protection regulation and the privacy icons proposed in it (and how they are absolute rubbish):
http://www.keek.be/2014/why-the-eu-privacy-icons-are-disastrous/
(Alternatively, I had a Slideshare presentation on Designing Dashboards for Control, but I’m not sure if that counts as a ‘post’? :))
Hi
My most popular post in 2014 was 100 seductive ways to get more comments on your blog
After sharing this post I got so many new friends and also got noticed by a few influencers. It was referred and mentioned at so many blogs and in return I got huge traffic at my blog.
thanks for sharing, very helpful!
merry Christmas!
My most popular post this year was http://oururbanbox.com/yes-baby-bump-dont-ask-pregnant/
It was shared across FB and I gained some new followers from it.
Blogging is on my to-do list for next year, so I’ll be going through the examples people are posting here to get some tips! Great place to compile some good examples of what really works. Thanks everyone!
My most popular post was this one… A personal story of loss and love
http://my2morrows.com/2014/11/02/the-circle-of-life-part-2-maddis-daddy-2/
Hi, thank you for sharing this post. Well, in my blog, the most popular post related to how to start investing in stocks, because mt blog is related to investing and personal finance.
My most popular post used a blog format that borrowed from storytelling and had a strong visual component. Here’s the post: it reminds readers that when you talk to people about your services, you are talking to a person, not a target.
http://arlenetaveroff.com/people-dont-have-apples-on-their-head-a-visual-story/
My most popular post on 2014 was 5 Things I Would Say to a Young Pastor.
I also developed into an infographic
ttp://growahealthychurch.com/5-things-i-would-say-to-a-young-pastor/
My most popular post this year was called Ten Things Every Parent Needs in their Potty Training Bag.
http://www.christinetrevino.com/2014/03/05/ten-things-every-parent-needs-potty-training-bag/
My most popular post was “Neville Goddard on Letting Go: How to Let Go to Manifest Easily”.
http://www.applythelawofattraction.com/neville-goddard-letting/
It generated a lot of discussion, shares, and new followers. It still brings in new views even though it was posted months ago.
My most popular post was 5 Things I Would Say to a Young Pastor
http://growahealthychurch.com/5-things-i-would-say-to-a-young-pastor/
My most popular article this year was about the Bahama Princess Resort, with 4,045 page views. The page features a vintage postcard from the resort, plus a youtube video about a fire at the resort. http://www.catobear.com/wordpress/bahama-princess/
My most popular post is: http://www.simplystacie.net/2014/01/easy-slow-cooker-recipes/
People love their slow cookers!
My most popular blog post was a story about worms…
http://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/personal-development/38-the-worm-story
I wrote this post, not sure how people would react. Was it too new-age? Too touchy-feely? I bit my lip and hit “publish.”
Who knew, it went off the charts. Maybe the lesson is we’re all trying to learn about ourselves. Maybe because Deepak Chropa was involved. Maybe people couldn’t resist my 8 year old self building a snowman. Whatever the case, it was a great lesson.
http://lauriestonewrites.blogspot.com/2014/11/who-are-you-three-questions-to-ponder.html
Mine was the story of how I built a multi award winning 6 figure blog http://www.matthewwoodward.co.uk/tutorials/how-i-built-a-top-100-blog-in-12-months/ with with 100,170 views!
Didn’t realise it had even hit that level until I looked – thanks for the push :)
This post on a small backyard chicken coop. http://www.simplyeasydiy.com/2014/06/diy-small-backyard-chicken-coop.html
It has a couple YouTube videos with it, but YouTube is not the leading driver of traffic to that post. It’s surprising sometimes to see where the traffic comes from for different projects. This one has been viewed, shared and linked to more than any other project post I have done.
I love this thread, and look forward to visiting new articles!
Our most popular post is a resource guide to the Best of Ireland, A-Z – linking to posts that share the best of Ireland from a slew of websites. Ireland is such a magical country, and it seems that everyone who goes there feels that and wants to learn more. It also got featured in a pinterest newsletter around St Patrick’s Day, which helped it gain momentum.
http://www.wanderingeducators.com/best/traveling/best-ireland-z-guide.html
Roundup post where TOP TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHERS share their favorite locations around the world for taking pictures:
http://www.phototraces.com/photo-location-guide/top-travel-photographers-reveal-their-favorite-photo-locations-around-the-world-part-2/
In 2014, my most popular post was 3-D Leadership in a Changing World
http://www.wired4leadership.com/2014/02/18/3d-leadership-in-a-changing-world/
The blog described the myriad challenges facing leaders and shared ideas for addressing them. It was great so many people enjoyed and shared my ideas.
Love this linky and discovering more incredible blogs.
This has been my most popular post to date since starting my blog in 2010-My Career as a Professional Blogger: http://honestmum.com/career-professional-blogger/ closely followed by my time at the Cannes Film Festival: http://honestmum.com/my-time-at-the-cannes-film-festival/ (sorry I overshared with 2)!
Thanks for having me (twice)!
My top post for 2014 is:
If it’s important you’ll find a way. If it’s not, you’ll find an excuse.
http://www.danieldecker.net/if-its-important/
Love reading through some of these other posts. Good stuff!
The most popular post I wrote in 2014 was one where I showed and provided a tutorial for an autumn decoration, a garland that featured real leaves.
http://www.loulou.to/plants-and-garden/bringing-some-fall-colours-inside-making-a-garland-with-maple-leaves/
I think it was well received because the idea was original and the diy was easy for anyone, living where the leaves change colours in the fall, to make. Also, the project had no negative environmental impact, as it could all just be composted after being displayed, which people seemed to like.
Thanks for the opportunity to share,
Loulou
There are lots of post in 2014 on my blog that I love. But, the one that I always love to read is:
http://www.bloggingtechniques.com/quick-guide-to-find-lsi-keywords/
As, this post is very clear.
Our most popular post is a roundup of great articles about Ireland (people love Ireland – those who have been are THE most loyal readers!):
http://www.wanderingeducators.com/best/traveling/best-ireland-z-guide.html
It got a huge traffic spike when it was featured in a St Patrick’s Day pinterest newsletter.
Lovely articles to read, here!
My website is on project management and leadership. I wrote out of real life frustration a post on project information management. I didn’t think it would be the most popular. It is less strategic and more project administration. It shows that we are not allways the best person to forecast results. ;-)
http://www.project-aria.ca/2014/02/07/project-information-management/
Isn’t it surprising sometimes what becomes popular and what doesn’t? Thanks for taking an interest and allowing us to share!
I have two popular posts:
1) The Himmeli Wreath I made which is modern and crazy-awesome: http://the20what.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/create-sexy-geometric-himmeli-wreath/
2) A bold, inspirational 2015 wall calendar I designed called FRESH START (because who isn’t eager for a fresh start when the new year rolls around?): http://the20what.wordpress.com/2014/12/20/fresh-start-calendar/
The international Diner en Blanc (white dinner) came to Albuquerque for the first time ever and this blog post helped spread the word. We discussed it on TV, as well.
http://www.morethanturquoise.com/2014/09/08/a-gathering-of-friends
One of our most popular posts on WritetoDone in 2014 was, “How to Write Better: 3 Secrets of Transmitting Naked Emotions”, http://writetodone.com/how-to-write-better-2/
This post weaves in and out of a dramatic story about how my horse and I nearly perished in quicksand. The story carries the reader right through the post as I made use of the “Zeigarnik Effect” which glues readers to the page by using interrupted story arcs..
In between the story segments of this post, I explain how to use the power of emotions as a writer. This is like a second level of information. As Glen Long from Boost Blog Traffic said in the comments: “The very best posts are an active demonstration of the principles they teach – and this post certainly does that. Like everyone else I wanted to know what happened to the poor horse but I managed not to read ahead.”
Some of my readers have suggested I put together a course on how to write better. Let’s see …
My most popular post for 2014 was a communal effort. I asked Australian bloggers to video themselves reading mean comments left on their blogs.
Putting it together was so much fun.
http://www.cookerandalooker.com/bloggers-read-mean-comments/
Hi Stacey! My name is Eva. I run my blog in Russian and English, but mostly I spend my time working on my blog as Russian is my native language. I love to read Probloggers. Your blog helps find the best way to run my English blog :) Thank you a lot! Saying about the most popular post in my blog in 2014. It is a post about hairstyles for long hair (82 000 views). This subject is very popular for Russian girls because we love long hair and I have it, too. It’s great to follow your audience expectations.
http://ko-te.com/beauty/pricheski-na-dlinnye-volosy-2014-foto-samyx-modnyx-ukladok-sezona
Thank you a lot for your blog tips! I wish you and Probloggers team the Merry Christmas! :3
My most popular post is one I wrote about the Landwasser Viaduct in Switzerland. Its gotten pretty consistent traffic over the past 6 months.
http://www.classichistory.net/archives/landwasser-viaduct
Although I’d say my latest post has done the best given the short amount of time since it was published.
http://www.classichistory.net/archives/silent-night
A couple of posts on school change and grading were particularly popular, but something I posted just today – http://crowleym.com/2014/12/22/a-christmas-childhood-james-joyce-nora-barnacle-and-me/ – “A Christmas Childhood: James Joyce, Nora Barnacle and Me” looks set to be my most popular post. This is unexpected, perhaps it is the seasonal theme, no idea.
“Creating a new start” was the most popular post.
http://www.mypathguide.com/2014/01/creating-new-start.html
http://annalaurabrown.com/10-reasons-not-to-use-essential-oils/ This was my most popular post. I think one of the reasons is that I focus so much on reasons you should use them that writing about why you shouldn’t got people’s attentions and made them click.
I never thought that this article will be the most popular blog. But it ranked top on google. This article’s still giving me huge organic traffic. It’s an old post and the writing style wasn’t really good at all. I wonder how it made to the top.
http://www.techabrel.com/2013/12/how-to-hide-any-folder-or-files-in-android-without-any-third-party-app.html
With over 30k facebook shares and millions of views I’m very proud to report that this blog went viral 4 times this year: http://katevrijmoet.com/blog/broader-economic-implications-donating-your-art/
http://www.thebestoftrendy.com/2014/10/get-up-offa-that-thing-100pm-today-10.html Right now this is my most popular post. I had two causes this year before this that had as many or more hits. I think they all share the same formula. Call to action. Meaningful video. Nice blurb that wraps up what this post is about.