Happy Lunar New Year! I know the calendar reset back on January 1, but let’s be real—sometimes it takes a few weeks (or months) to really feel like you’re starting fresh. That’s where I am now: in reset mode. And what better time than a new season to talk about one of my favorite topics—blogging.
Over the past few years, Instagram has become the go-to platform for influencers, with some people relying solely on it to grow their brand. But here’s the thing: Instagram is crowded, the algorithm is unpredictable, and you don’t technically own your space there. A blog, on the other hand, is yours forever—a digital home base that gives you creative freedom and a stronger way to connect with your audience. Not to mention, it’s still one of the most lucrative ways to monetize your influence.
So, how do you know if your blog is thriving? Let’s break down the key ways to track growth and measure success.
1. Get Comfortable With Metrics
Before you can improve, you need to measure. Setting up Google Analytics (or another analytics tool) is essential. It’s free, powerful, and tells you exactly what’s happening behind the scenes of your blog. A few key metrics to keep an eye on every month:
- Page Views – Look at which posts and pages get the most traffic. This helps you understand what resonates with your readers and what doesn’t. For example, if styling guides consistently bring in visitors, it’s a good sign to create more of that content.
- Session Duration – This tells you how long people are sticking around. If your audience spends several minutes on certain posts, consider expanding on those topics or creating related series.
- Traffic Source – Are people finding you through search engines, social media, or email? Understanding this helps you figure out where to focus your efforts. Years ago, I realized I was neglecting SEO—once I invested in it, my traffic grew steadily.
- Bounce Rate – Everyone wants a low bounce rate, but blogging niches vary. Linking to related posts and creating easy navigation are simple ways to encourage readers to stay longer.
Think of these metrics as temperature checks for your blog. They show you what’s working and where you can improve.
2. Build and Track Your Email List
Here’s the golden rule of the internet: the only audience you truly own is your email list. Followers on Instagram or TikTok are great, but they don’t guarantee long-term engagement the way subscribers do.
Tracking your monthly subscriber growth is an important sign of your blog’s health. Start a spreadsheet (or use your email platform’s built-in reports) to see how many new sign-ups you gain each month and what content encouraged those sign-ups. For example, did a free style guide bring in more subscribers than your regular weekly newsletter? Did a particular blog post drive an unusual number of sign-ups?
The best part about having an email list is that subscribers are usually your most loyal audience—they’re the first to open your updates, click your links, and support your collaborations.
3. Pay Attention to Engagement
Traffic is great, but meaningful engagement is what builds community. Comments, shares, and thoughtful feedback are clear indicators that your readers feel connected to your work.
Ask yourself:
- Which posts spark conversation?
- Are people leaving detailed comments related to your content, or just quick one-liners?
- Do you notice patterns in what drives engagement?
Treat engagement as a pulse check—it shows you not just how many people are reading, but how deeply your words are resonating. And yes, this applies to social media too.
4. Track Your Conversions
At the end of the day, one of the strongest indicators of blog growth is conversion. This looks different depending on your niche:
- For lifestyle and fashion bloggers, conversions often mean affiliate link clicks and product sales.
- For coaches or consultants, it might be new client inquiries or course enrollments.
- For creators, it could be collaborations or partnerships sparked through your site.
Tracking conversions not only tells you how well your blog influences behavior, but also gives you concrete proof when pitching to brands. Numbers speak volumes—especially when you can show that your audience doesn’t just read, they act.
5. Remember, Growth Takes Time
It’s easy to compare your journey with others and feel discouraged when your numbers don’t skyrocket overnight. But here’s the truth: all growth takes patience and consistency. Each metric, subscriber, comment, and conversion is a building block toward long-term success.
Blogging isn’t about instant wins—it’s about creating a body of work that’s authentic to you, nurturing your audience, and continuously refining your craft.
So if you’re not where you want to be yet, don’t panic. Keep tracking, keep experimenting, and keep showing up. Over time, your efforts compound in ways you might not even realize until you look back and see how far you’ve come.
Final Thoughts
While Instagram might be the flashy tool of the moment, a blog is the foundation of a lasting digital presence. It gives you space to expand on ideas, connect more deeply with readers, and monetize in ways that aren’t limited by algorithms.
If you want your blog to flourish this year, make tracking part of your routine. Monitor your metrics, grow your email list, engage with your community, and keep an eye on conversions. But above all, give yourself grace and patience—success is rarely instant, but it’s always worth the wait.
How do you currently track your blog’s growth?
