My blog is not popular. Most of my posts garner from 100 to 200 hits. I don't write for the masses :-). Actually I write for my own pleasure. But I like to think my writings go to only the most discerning readers. But some posts surprise me and have readership in the thousands. Why is that? Thanks to Google no doubt.
But, let me speculate.
1. Titles that play well with Google get lots of accidental views, like this one perhaps, or the attempt at satire How to Hire a Programmer that fakes out hiring managers looking for tips. There's a lesson there - be careful following random links. Miss Woods Training School for Teachers of Young Children hits several search hot buttons. Minnesota Not So Nice attracts Iowa readers.
2. Mayhem, death and destruction seem to play well. Mayhem in Ben Wade Township, Death & Destruction, The Bank , Mitmoen Revisited
3. Most anything Lowry related draws a crowd. Lowry Area Honor Roll, Lowry's Latvian DP's, Photographic History of the Village of Lowry, The Red Brick School, The Rink, Big Time Tales, Doris the Riveter, Lowry Pioneers, Herman and Dave's Excellent Adventure, Town Team (6 posts), Melting Pot, Nicknames, Martin and Marian, Lowry to the Rescue,
4. Pope County area posts are occasionally popular. GHS 1927: Absolute Zero, Pope County Arcana, Red River Ox Carts, KCMT.
5.Humor and advice columns are risky as you are bound to offend someone, but sometimes it works. How to do Lutheran, Weighty Matters, Men Listen Up
6. Pictures & recipes are an easy win. Backyard Wonders, Scandinavian Delicacies.
7. Posts about the Twin Cities score pretty well. Minnesota's Hidden Ford Plants, Nicollet Island, Minneapolis Nordeast, Bridges of Hennepin County, Diversions
8. Surprisingly, my immigrant stories are fan favorites. Johanna's Journey, My People - The Journey, The Family Name, Fageras to Brandon 1886, Immigrant Stock
9. Personal stories I love to write. Hoplin & Nelson Hardware, USSBB62, A Prairie Salt, Twinkie Factory, Workup, Brain Drain, A Life, Othelia's Story (8 posts) with companion posts Serendipity , Serendipity 2, Serendipity 3
And of course, shameless self promotion is sometimes effective.
This post took an inordinately long time to "write" as I ended up reading most of those referenced. Some I found passable (see above statement)
Copyright © 2025 Dave Hoplin
Almost an Internet influencer, you are.
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