The first stat checker I installed on my blog was used for businesslike purposes. I wanted to know what keywords brought people to the blog and how long they were staying. Once I found that out I would force myself to write more posts on those topics to get even more visitors. That was out of selfish ambition and all of it changed when I gained my new “heart” perspective.
The reasons I use a stat counter now is to connect with those who are reading or visiting but not letting me know via comments or email. Each comment represents a person; a soul. God rejoiced over finding just one that was lost (Luke 15:3-7). I rejoice when I am given the opportunity to be a small part of helping Him find them. Each number is one more reason I praise Him.
Another use for my stat counter is to cover the readers and visitors in prayer. I don’t do this every day but once every couple of weeks I will check it and the numbers and IP addresses provided give me a link – a tangible thing to look upon while I pray for the person attached to it.
Having your stat counters in place will also give you lots of fun information like where people are from or who is linking to you. Send them a thank you or a shout out. I actually owe Elizabeth from In the Heart of my Home a big THANK YOU! When I was researching and looking at my stats in preparation for this post I noticed that she sent hundreds of readers to one of my posts (Prayer for my future daughters in law or “in love”) a while back. I don’t get all worked up over stats anymore. I used to and it drove me away from the purpose of my blog. Don’t get caught up in the numbers for the sake of popularity. Get caught up in them for His sake. Use them wisely and with a pure heart.
I use all of the following services to get a variety of features (all free): GetClicky, StatCounter, or Google Analytics.
Find the rest of the series here: 31 Days to Online Ministry
Also check out:
- Missed BlissDom 2011? Get It Here. It’s just like being there!
- ? 31 Days to Build a Better Blog – Easy step by step ways to improve your blog presence!
LOVED. this. post! Anybody who ever tries to build their blog wrestles with this very issue – and I appreciate your transparency and the reminder of the ultimate PURPOSE for blogging in the first place. Awesome series!!!
Oh, I needed to hear this! I was just lamenting the lack of comments on my blog’s first ever Giveaway! Using stats as a prayer facilitator is a brilliant way to get over the “me, me, me” mindset of blogging. I’m in!
Thank you for sharing about what stat counters can do when you aren’t writing to gain numbers, I appreciate it!
Amy,
I do appreciate all the hands on information that you post. It is a great help to me and I am sure to others. Continue on with the instruction, please.
Blessings to you and your family!