Jenn McKinlay: Recently, an acquaintance asked me what it would take to have a successful blog. She said she wanted to have a huge following and lots of sponsors and all that jazz but she couldn't think of anything to post except pictures of her and her kids.
When I mentioned the word "content" and pointed out that followers want more than just pictures and cute captions, that they'd want blog posts that meant something to them personally, she blinked. Okay, then.
Here's the thing, having a successful blog (or a successful anything) is a lot of work. A LOT.
Now I've been on the Jungle Red team for two and a half of its twelve years. It has been a delight (albeit a bit more work than I anticipated -- see above) and I am always surprised by what fabulous guests appear on the blog and the interesting, creative, informative, and fun posts that my fellow Reds put up.
Because my friend got me thinking about the effectiveness of the blog, I decided to do an informational deep dive into the Jungle Red Writers's stats. I wanted to see how much impact we have, how far our reach extends and how people find us. It was so interesting, especially seeing which post had the most hits, that I decided to share my findings with you, so here's what I've discovered:
Jungle Red Writers has been viewed 6, 261, 460 times. Over Six Million Views! That's crazy!
We have a global audience that looks like this:
Our average views per month is 73, 635!
Most of our readers find us through Facebook or Google.
And the blog post with the most views (almost 40K) is this little gem right here:
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So, enough with data and numbers and my own opinion. Jungle Red Readers, chime in and tell us why you follow the blog? New authors? Established authors? Writing tips? The love of life and books? Or the sense of community? Let us know!
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ReplyDeleteJoan EmersonJune 2, 2019 at 12:39 AM
Wow! That’s pretty amazing, Jenn . . . .
Why do I follow the blog? Well, I must admit that there’s something quite special about having the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas with some of my very favorite authors. Besides that, I learn new things, get to meet interesting people, and find out about books I might otherwise have missed. It's a great blog!
thanks Joan, and we love seeing you here, almost every day, and almost always first!
DeleteEnd it is so reassuring to see you ‘Joan! You are such an important part of our community! Xxxx
DeleteJoan, no pressure, but if I don’t see you, I worry and my day is weird :)
DeleteYou are all so kind . . . thank you. You made my heart smile . . . .
DeleteWhen you think about it, Jungle Red Writers' content amounts to seven thought-provoking essays every week, all year around. Even the Sunday recipes have content beyond "chop this, add that." That's far more than we should expect from any one individual. No wonder your friend can only think to put up pictures of her grandchildren! Everybody is going to run out of ideas eventually if they're working alone.
ReplyDeleteSo I think one secret to Jungle Red's success is that there is a team of you, and you rotate authorship, so nobody has come up with more than seven thought-provoking essays once every seven weeks. The rest of the time you're free to gather ideas, guests, and material to make your week in the spotlight memorable. Different voices, experiences, and perspectives keep it all interesting and fresh.
I think the other thing that keeps this blog interesting is that you have attracted a core group of commenters, and after a while we get to know each other. I know, for instance, that if Joan isn't the first to comment, something is seriously awry in the universe. I know I can count on brisk humor from Finta (Ann), the lovable curmudgeon's take from Jay, and thoughtful. relevant commentary from Edith, Karen, Coralee, Kristopher, David, and all the rest. We're all nice to each other. There are no flame wars here. It's a lovely way to start the day--like having coffee with friends. I would never dream of starting a blog that didn't have content worthy of Jungle Red Writers.
You are spot on about the community of commenters Gigi--we love hearing from each of you--your personalities shine through exactly as you described. I wasn't one of the original four bloggers, but came on soon after that. In the beginning it was only one blog per week. We can all thank Hank for pushing us to be better and reach higher!
DeleteWhat she said. Exactly!
DeleteGigi is speaking for me as well!
DeleteCoffee with friends is exactly what we said when we discussed it all those so many years ago… Thank you thank you thank You!
DeleteAw, I love this. The sense of community is definitely the highlight for me!
DeleteI found the blog because I was trolling the internet for more information on when the next Deborah Crombie and Julia Spencer-Fleming books would be coming out. I've stayed because of the content--from the rotating cast of authors, guests, and the community of commenters. I discover new authors, new books from old favorites, and new perspectives on a variety of subjects. The conversation is always lively and often thought-provoking. The tagline on the blog is: 'It's The View. With bodies.' And I would add, without the drama and meanness. The stats do not surprise me.
ReplyDeletethanks Flora--thank goodness we don't have drama and meanness--we'd all be fleeing! and thanks for being an important part of the community.
DeleteI love hearing this so much… Thank you, dear Flora. You were one of the very first to believe!
DeleteFlora, you’re so right! If there was meanness, I’d be history.
DeleteI follow people and blogs that make me laugh. JRW is a regular winner.
ReplyDeleteAwwwwwwww... always a treat to see you here!
DeleteFabulous numbers. I've been a regular follower and commenter for most of those years if not all. Why wouldn't I follow some of my favorite authors (a few also being New England friends and mentors)? I love being part of the back blog community, and it's been fun to meet some of my fellow commenters in person over the last few years at conferences or author talks. I'm also honored to be allowed on as a guest to share my own book news. I come for the community, the book news, and a glimpse into the lives of successful authors in my genre.
ReplyDeleteOver at the Wicked Authors blog, we definitely took this blog as a model when we started six years ago. We wanted to build a similar community of reader/commenters and it's working, slowly but surely. So thank you, Jungle Reds, for showing the way.
Love the wickeds!
DeleteEdith, the Wickeds is a super cool blog! Readers, check them out here: https://wickedauthors.com/
DeleteI don't really remember how I found the Reds, or even when, but reading this blog every morning helps shape my day. I cannot begin to imagine my life without checking in here. Living alone I need that companionship - it really does feel like family.
ReplyDeleteMeeting new authors and discovering new books are more than icing on the cake!
Thank you, Reds!
I always learn something, too… Whether it’s my week or not. And then, sometimes, when I meet people in real life… Our first connection was here on the blog!
DeleteThe new authors that come through are fabulous - totally killing my TBR pile, however!
DeleteDebs invited me to have a look at Jungle Red a few years ago, and now I feel as if I've been here since the flood. I'm not much of a blog follower, although I visit one or two others when the spirit moves me. Now that I've been to a couple of conferences, I have met all the Reds except for Jenn and Julia, something I hope to correct in October.
ReplyDeleteI'm a serious fangirl, a voracious reader although not a book-a-day one like Karen, but a 3-4 books a week one. I'm not a reviewer although I will certainly write one if A. I like the book, and B. I know the author. I don't usually bother with writing them for people I don't know. And if I don't like the book, I won't say anything, because I know how hard writers work to bring a new one to publication, and no one deserves a lousy review -- period.
My mother told me that if I couldn't say something nice, I should say nothing at all.
I'm amazed at the numbers of people in China who are following this. Seriously, have any of us gone looking for a Chinese blog? Or one from non-English speaking country for that matter? Note to self: Go have a look at something outside that comfortable virtual space.
The days I enjoy Jungle Red the most are the ones where you write a thoughtful essay. I'm all for encouraging other writers to visit to let us know about their upcoming publication, but I admit I rarely to never get past ordering a sample. (Catriona, you're an exception, but you know I stalk you anyway.) It's mostly about my TBR stack being so tall that I can barely lift my Kindle already!
Thanks you all of you for taking one week out of seven to keep me entertained. Gigi, at first I was afraid to respond here, standing a bit in awe of real writers, but then I realized I was the sum and total purpose they wrote! Well, partly anyway. If I happen to amuse someone, so much the better.
Best of all, I know get ARCS to enjoy and the odd bottle of Key Lime juice -- thanks to Coralee.
Pie day cometh. Stay tuned.
Yay Pie! Isn’t it amazing to meet someone in real life? Hilarious! Will we see you in Dallas?
DeleteFinta, you’re wonderful and I love your take on reviewing. Then you said “pie” and now that’s all I can think about!
DeleteOh yes, will be in Dallas for sure. And my daughter is coming along, as well as Julie. We are all staying at Deb's house. Aren't you?
DeleteI found JRW a few years ago when I googled Julia to find all her titles and their order. In the Bleak Midwinter had been recommended to me because of her character, Clare, and I was immediately hooked. I have been reading it ever since, but in this last year after I retired, y'all have become part of my morning routine. I drink my tea and read the blog and all the comments, and recently I have been brave enough to write a comment or two. I agree with Gigi's comments about the community of commenters - I feel as if I know you. You have made me think, laugh, cry, read new authors, even try a recipe. Thanks to everyone, Reds and readers, for such a wonderful space to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThis is so much fun to see! Thank you!
DeleteThank you, Mary! I love that you enjoy the blog with tea - so perfect for a mystery based blog!
DeleteI came here from TLC on Hank's invitation and from the very first moment I felt the appeal to the wide variety of subjects and guests. I'm a passionate reader and few people around me understand this. With bloggers and commenters here, I found a real community of lovers of writing and books. More, everyone here gives me hope for the future because they are not afraid to share their opinions but they share with love, care and respect of others.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, thank you! Yes, and I have always treasured the respect that is so present here… it’s such an oasis, isn’t it?
DeleteAs a former librarian, I know the love of books is a binding trait in a community - pun intended ;)
DeleteI started reading the blog after following Julia on Facebook. Then I realized that I read many of the other authors also, Deborah and Rhys. I kept reading and was introduced to the other Reds (whom I have now also read) but even better, every morning or at least during the day, I could read about more books or more information that seemed pertinent to me, a reader. Who knew that you all were such good cooks. Thank you for your recipes and advice. Julia, I am now a complete convert to Trader Joe's chili lime spice. And I agree that it is a community of commenters. I may not always agree but I am never bored and usually intrigued. I have a few other blogs that I visit occasionally but JRW is my daily mainstay and the only one that I have shared with friends (who are now daily readers also). Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt’s actually, come to think of it, kind of a reflection of all of our lives, reds and readers, you know?
DeleteI gain so much as a writer from the diversity of opinions here - it is actually quite helpful with my writing in regards to character development, so here’s a belated thank you to you all!
DeleteJRW is part of my morning routine, coffee in hand. Keep up the good work. Time to get a-weeding.
ReplyDeleteAnd then can you come over and do mine? Mine is a...Jungle out there :-)
DeleteLOL, Hank!
DeleteHAH! Last year the yard police turned us into the village for an unkempt yard (tons of rain, chigger mites). The village threatened to slap us with a lien unless we cleaned up the yard to their exacting standards. Someone turned us in again for a tree "obstructing" an intersection. Five minutes with a pruning saw took car of the problem. Honestly, I have a phone number, email, and a mailbox. Just slip me an anonymous note instead of getting the village involved.
DeleteAs the nearest neighbour, I'm surprised that Canada comes only on the fourth row .
ReplyDeleteAnd as one of the Canadians commenters , I would be curious to hear from the other country's reading this blog.
Yes, I am too! And I wonder about all of the people who are reading but not commenting… Today is a great day to weigh in!
DeleteI have to admit, I was chuffed about our global reach! So cool!
DeleteI'm another TLC refugee. Nancy Martin, I think, gets credit for showing everyone how to do it, since The Lipstick Chronicles did this first: providing an essay a day, almost never about book selling, always either amusing or thought-provoking, and at the end of which an invitation to comment further.
ReplyDeleteThose are all ingredients to success on their own, but the secret sauce is in the follow-on: mein hosts hang around and interact with the commenters, graciously, kindly, and charmingly, as good hosts should. There are a lot of blogs, and many successful ones, but the back and forth comments page conversation is the icing on the delectable cake that JRW already is. And I'm willing to bet that is part of the reason for the amp in page views, as well. I know I generally refresh the comments page at least a couple times a day, because I want to see what Ann, or Judi, or Diana, or Rick, or Jay, or Gigi, or Danielle-momo, et al, have to say. And I also want to see if my own comments sparked further conversation, too.
It really is like having a wonderful coffee/tea/whatever club every morning, with a chance to revisit throughout the day.
And of course, the fact that you are all such truly good writers adds to the interest. I will always read all your books. Meeting you all (except Jenn) has been even more fun.
May you have continued success, my dears.
Yes, I agree and wholeheartedly applaud this … Nancy Martin is the queen of all blogs, absolutely my hero. She completely taught me how it was done.
DeleteTLC ruled! Plus, I’ve been a Nancy Martin fan girl since her very first book. The first time we met, she came up to me and said, “Jenn McKinlay, hi, I’m a big fan. I’m Nancy Martin.” Like I wouldn’t know who she was - I almost fainted. LOL!
DeleteExactly Nancy!
DeleteI too start every morning with coffee and JRW.
ReplyDeleteI discovered the blog via a google search on Hallie. I have stayed because...community. Really I think Gigi has said it all for me. And Lucy, your response to her warms my heart.
Thank you all so much.
Love seeing you here! Awwwww...
DeleteLyda, it is a very special place! So glad you’re here with us.
DeleteI found the blog with Hank invited me to guest. I stayed because of the content (although SOMEONE here needs to answer for my teetering TBR stack - really, I'm not responsible :)) and because of the interaction. The Reds reply to comments, the blog guests reply to comments, and the regular (and even semi-regular) commenters develop dialogues.
ReplyDeleteReading and commenting on the Reds is more like coffee with friends. A rare blog environment.
Why jungle red is like coffee: many people love it, it is reassuring and delicious, it’s good hot or cold, in any season, and sometimes, it keeps you up at night! Xxxxx
DeleteI love meeting the visiting authors! It makes going to conferences so much more interesting when I feel as if I really know people.
DeleteOk, so does that mean it's like the View with coffee and bodies? I'm in!
DeleteWow! Wow, such great comments, and such a warm community. How did I find JRW? Well a mutual member of the congregation at St. Luke’s, invited me to a church supper and said that she thought I would enjoy hearing Julia S-F’s talk on her latest book, “To Darkness and to Death”. I remember being fascinated with her explanation as to what intrigued her about working out the several time lines in the book. Of course I was hooked and a little shy with knowing such a talent (are you laughing yet Julia?). So of course one thing leads to another, and finally to JRW blog where at that time you all were sharing parts of the book in process. I was a sometime visitor, but have joined the community more full time over the past couple of years. So I second all the nice comments above. I am also honored by Julia sharing a couple of my recipes as well as her great shout out to Victor and I for our Golden wedding, such a treat. I also had some posting issues as I could not post under my name when on my iPhone. This was frustrating. But I found that through several steps with Google, logging into my account etc. and clicking publish at every opportunity, that I could post and publish too. I am very grateful to this community and long may your writing hold us, and more, reading.
ReplyDeleteCelia - my iPhone has been persnickety, too. Thank you for persevering - it wouldn’t be the same without you!
DeleteThank you Jenn, I am really looking forward to reading more of your work. But now I have to think up recipes!
DeleteI organize my blog reading into a set of different blogs to visit with coffee each day of the week. JRW, however, is on the list every day, because there's always something new and interesting each day. And I keep it for last, so I can savour it.
ReplyDeleteYep, as others have said, regular bloggers, the guests and the commenters. It's all good.
And this is where I find an endless supply of book recommendations. Thanks to JRW, my TBR list will never be empty.
Keep on keepin' on, folks.
Susan, I am the same. JRW is my last stop in the morning so I can take my time with it. So much to enjoy, I don’t like to rush!
DeleteI came to JRW's fully ensconced on my Game of Self Pity Throne. I feeling old and unheard. I was delighted to find a group of positive, articulate women sharing thoughts. This group was not about self promotion. This group is about creating a community, This group offers an insiders view of professional creation. When one of you (Hallie I think it was) responded to my comment, I was over the moon. I read you. Now y'all proved that you read me. My pity pot throne began to dissolve. I invited folks I met on this blog to join me on Facebook. My Facebook page became readable -- discussions instead of pictures of food.
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought to be an ARC reader/reviewer without the encouragement found here. Thank you all so much. I love the reviewing process; it feels like I can help authors. I write promotional reviews hoping they are mindful and useful. My self pity throne is gone, I now sit in the catbird seat.
Aw, Coralee, what a wonderfully honest and gracious post you’ve written. I am so glad JRW busted you out of your solitude. We’re most definitely a family here!
DeleteSo fabulous...awwww
DeleteAnd your reviews… Hooray hooray hooray! Xxxxxx
Delete::Blush:: My greatest loss in 2018, and perhaps for this decade was missing the Red's presentation at Bouchercon 2018. A stupid flat tire kept me 29.4 miles away. (sob)
DeleteI love this essay, Jenn, and all the comments today! I've been visiting my friend in Kansas City the last few days, where I've had no cell phone service, and no internet until the AT&T guy came last night, and I have missed you all! The blog is demanding, but so worthwhile. It keeps my TBR pile teetering, I learn new things every day, but most of all I love our community and the friends I've made over the years. Raising my coffee cup to you all! Xx
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your trip, Debs! We’ll see you when you get back!
DeleteI'm going to have to paraphrase Sally Field here: We like you! We really like you!
ReplyDeleteEven though I don't comment every day, I do read almost all of the posts (and comments). You are cool, interesting people who share your lives, thoughts, families, travels, recipes, reading lists, gripes and dreams with us all and for a somewhat housebound introvert like me, you are friendly voices in a quiet world.
Aw, thanks PK - I’m so glad you’re with us.
DeleteI tune in for all those things, Jenn, plus inspiration and humor! I can't start my day without this blog.
ReplyDeleteSame here, Cathy!
DeleteThe sense of community, the on line companionship of fellow book lovers, the presence of many of my favorite authors, the opportunity to learn about new authors(and add them to my list of favorites), the sense of community ...So many reasons for me to love JRW!
ReplyDeleteDebRo
I really love meeting new authors through the blog! Definitely a highlight!
DeleteJRW is my reward for getting through the news each morning. You folks lighten my mood, broaden my horizons and heighten by TBR pile. I'm only an occasional commentor (commenter?) but I read every word every day.
ReplyDeleteIndeed - JRW is great antidote for the real world! LOL!
DeleteI found this blog searching for Julia's next book. I checked in a couple of times before I realized I could add a comment. I thought, originally, that the commentators were all professional authors. Imagine my delight when I realized plain old people like me could make a comment, FABULOUS!
ReplyDeleteLike so many others, I usually read this blog in the morning but am often delayed in commenting. I love you all, but telling the bosses, probably on a daily bases, I was late to work because I was so engrossed in the blog and my comment that I lost track of time....the dog ate homework?
Like so many other comments, my TBR pile is growing in my Kindle and on my shelf because of all the recommendations and notification of publishing dates.
The acknowledgement and encouragement when you all respond is genuine not just lip service to make a sale. Thank you. And you include your families and real life...
Thanks, Deana! I, too, am late getting to work frequently because of the blog!
DeleteLove all this -- long live the Reds! (And thanks for the warm welcome all of you, bloggers and readers/commenters extend to guests like me.)
ReplyDeleteLeslie - it’s always a pleasure when you visit!
DeleteI found the Jungle Red authors and this blog when I attended my first Bouchercon in 2013 in Albany, NY. I was doing lots of reading for the event, and I was so fortunate to find Debs', Julia's, Hank's, Rhys', Hallie's, and Lucy's books. I didn't completely catch up with their books before that Bouchercon, but you dear authors are the ones I read the most of before it, and I finished catching up shortly thereafter. The blog was a natural progression from finding you amazing authors to keeping up with you, and when I met all of you in Albany, I knew I wanted to keep up with you and get to know you better. Nobody makes their fans feel more welcome. And then there was Susan Elia MacNeal and now Jenn. So much talent and love here, and a family of same interests and caring.
ReplyDeleteThe statistics are really interesting. I'm surprised most that the UK isn't second though.
Thanks so much, Kathy! I’m surprised the UK wasn’t second, too. So fascinating!
DeleteJungle Reds is my first go to blog in the mornings before I read the news or check Facebook. I feel that this blog is a good start to the day.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I love this blog? Reading different topics. Discovering new authors. Discovering that a new book is released and being pleasantly surprised to discover that a book mentioned in the blog is available at the bookstore and the library! Often on Instagram, many bookstagrammers on Instagram receive ARCs of novels that will not be released for a while!
And I enjoy reading the comments by different people who read your blog. Love the interaction too.
Yes, it is a challenge writing a blog. I have been writing a blog for a while now. Which reminds me. I need to update my blog with reviews of books that I read in May!
There was another blog that I used to follow called The Naked Literature and I often read posts by Jacqueline Winspear and Patricia Smiley. Trying to remember the other people from that blog. The blog stopped several years ago.
Diana
It’s amazing how many blogs have stopped. It is hard to find things to talk about sometimes but then usually a topic just leaps out - like today!
DeleteJungle Reds is always a joy to read even though there are times when a topic is new to me. Sometimes I do not comment, though I do read the comments.
DeleteMy blog is really simple. Mostly, they are mini book reviews of novels that I read and liked. It takes a lot of discipline for me to update my blog more often.
Yes to all the above. The posts by the Jungle Reds are fun and varied. The guest posts are interesting. And I love reading through the comments, especially on a topic I'm interested in.
ReplyDeleteI always want to check in and see what you are talking about every day. I may not always comment if I don't feel I have anything to add, but I at least check out the post.
We love having you here, Mark. As you know I value you as a tough but fair reviewer!
DeleteI like the variety of topics. TV shows and movies. Fashions that should never have been. Authors and books. Travel stories. Spouses and children. I think I found the Jungle Reds through Julia's website.
ReplyDeleteAnd it is fun to read everyone's takes on all of these subjects.
I do have a soft spot for the bad fashion posts- LOL!
DeleteI came to the blog to find out more about my favorite authors and their books. Stayed because I enjoy the guess authors, and the talk about food, movies, TV, etc. Since I'm not a write, I skip over some of the technical writing tips but love the stories behind the novels. Since I've been following for years, I know most of the regular contributors. It's nice to see them on other blogs like The Wickeds or Mystery Lovers Kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI make time for my friends but am often home alone so enjoy my blog friends as well as my person Facebook friends.
Same. I really enjoy getting online and see familiar faces.
DeleteMy viewing day goes like this: E-mail, Facebook, Jungle Reds. Wouldn't miss it for the world! Every day. I was first attracted to the blog because of three of my already favorite writers: Rhys Bowen, Deborah Crombie, and Margaret Maron. I stay on because I like learning more about each of you, what you love, what compels and propels you, what you're reading and viewing and wearing--everyday stuff. I love meeting new writers and adding them to my HUGE wish list. Writing tips? Not so much. I find all the tips I need just by reading what the seven of you are writing. By the way, I'm 86 and have been reading mysteries since I had the mumps at age nine and my mom had to make my library run for me. Until then, I borrowed mostly animal stories, but Mama chose a history, "Thee, Hannah," and a mystery, "The Mystery of the Black Tulip." And, of course, there was always Nancy Drew. I thrive on JRW--keep it up, friends!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lenita! We will do our best!
DeleteDoes it sound odd to say I'm a second generation Jungle Red reader? My mother, the amazing Dottie Mackeen, followed and occasionally forwarded JRW posts to me. I started following myself and then doubled down after my first Bouchercon (yes, I was definitely fan-girling while there). I'll second Deana and say that it never occurred to me that those of us in the reader rather than writer community would be able to comment. It feels a little like getting a backstage pass at your favorite concert to be invited into the JRW world each morning. I'm setting off shortly on my next work trip and am madly downloading so I have something to read when I'm very off the grid later in the month. I'm bringing two extra powercells with me and frankly - it's for the kindle rather than the work laptop!
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