If you're a blogger like me then page views are probably pretty important to you.
Unless it's a private blog, we all want a good number of unique users and plenty of clicks, don't we?
The thought of tens, or thousands (or even tens of thousands!) of like minded people tuned into your blog is a great feeling.
Lots of lovely people enjoying your content, connecting with you and supporting each other.
That's one of the great things about blogging, isn't it?
BUT...
What if your precious page views are just pie in the sky?
What if your 'Audience' doesn't really exist?
What if your blog is the victim of Bots?
What is a Bot?
A bot is an automated programme that has been created to perform a repetitive action many times... much faster than a real person.
Spambots, for example, crawl (or spider) your website looking for email addresses to 'harvest' ready to send those unwanted spam emails to.
Some bots can leave comments on your blog posts, and leave links behind that you may be tempted to follow.
DON'T.
If you suspect that a comment left on your site is spam, delete it.
If you suspect a link is not in keeping with the usual 'traffic source' to your blog don't click on it.
Check the traffic sources page in blogger and ignore any dubious referrals.
{I made the mistake of clicking through once and found myself looking at some pretty eye-watering pornography... and I'm no prude!}
These bad bots can also slow your site down and can even stop your genuine readers being able to access your content.
Now that sucks!
Don't worry though... All is not lost.
Google Analytics is a great way to keep tabs on your GENUINE followers and real page views.
Connect your blogger account to google analytics.
(See how to do that HERE)
As a rule of thumb, simply ignore your blogger stats and use google analytics.
(Although some bots can affect the those stats too... which is another matter... it's like opening a can of worms!)
If you suspect you are receiving dodgy page views then please make sure you report it to Blogger by clicking on the [Send Feedback] button (bottom right in your account).
Blogger help forums are also really useful, if you have any questions.
If you are in doubt about the validity of your page views (Like a few days ago when I had 10,000 extra views in the space of a few hours) just ignore Blogger's stats altogether and stick to what google analytics is telling you.
The numbers may not be as flashy, but they actually mean something!
(My 'blogger stats' monthly page views are over double what google analytics tells me.)
Much as that may seem a depressing thought it's more important to engage with real readers, right?
Big numbers are nice, but they're not the be all and end all of blogging.
Luckily the Web is stuffed full of help and, if there is anything you're worried about there will be a web page (or chat feed) that can help you:
- The Blogger Help forum is great, and they answer almost immediately!
- This page explains the different types of Bots.
- This page explains how to stop them, and block them.
There are loads more out there to learn from too!
Have you been on the receiving end of over inflated page views?
Do you do anything about it?
Do you try and block spam?
I'd love to hear about your experiences!
