Did you know that in addition to being a low-sodium foodie, I also play CUPID to people from around the globe? It’s true! Sort of like Santa but with a far smaller suit, I spread my love of LOVE worldwide, thanks to the wonders of technology.
Shortly after launching my low-sodium website, The Daily Dish, I created an adjunct personal blog also known as… The Daily Dish. Hint: it’s what you’re reading right now. My blog allows me to share more of myself and write (rant) about whatever I want, without turning off or alienating my recipe readers, many of whom would prefer not to read about (for instance) my 18-year old towels.
Beginning in 2008, I wrote a series of posts highlighting Valentine’s Day and my adoration of its specialness. I did silly things, like send other people’s loved ones “Secret Admirer” cards on their behalf. I talked about making things for my own loved ones. And I wrote this post, Great ideas for Valentine’s Day. Creative. Thoughtful. AND CHEAP!!
Never in a million years did I imagine that post would become popular. I penned it in an hour, simply hoping to help out the next guy or girl. But over the course of the past 4 years, it’s become the blog equivalent of a snowball rolling down the hill.
Just after Christmas, the hits begin. Only a few at first, but growing in number with the days. By January the daily count is in the hundreds and by February 1st – WATCH OUT! Last week, when daily hits on the post were hovering around 5000, I decided to do a little research.
I started looking at the search terms people were using to find the post on my blog. The phrases were very similar, just slight variations of one another. I plugged one of them into Google just to see what came up and I couldn’t believe it.
Just beneath the “Top-3” advertised links, in the #1 spot on Google was MY POST. I couldn’t freaking believe it. How was this possible?? I tried variations on the same search theme. “Valentine’s day ideas for my guy / for my man / for my boyfriend,” etc. Over and over again, my post came up, if not in the #1 spot, just below it on the first page!
As someone who’s been blogging for 5 years, who’s never been Freshly Pressed or otherwise honored for her writing, this means the world. Like Rupert from Survivor, I’ve won – just for being me!
That is AWESOME. And I absolutely adore your Valentine’s Day posts! They are creative, fun, and happiness…Google totally nailed it!!
Thanks so much, Hayden. I always knew I loved LOVE a little more than the average gal, never did I imagine I’d get to play cupid on such a grand scale! LOL
Yeah! You deserve all the attention, your blog is amazing! Congrats!
You’re a star, Darla! Thank you for the lovely comment – I feel exactly the same about you.
good god, i best get over there and read that immediately! Sounds great. c
Hope you enjoyed it, C. 🙂
How fun!! It’s lovely when something like that happens and not having a hand in it – just a life of its own.
A beautiful way of putting it, my friend.
Very cool! Congrats!! I love your Valentine Day banner. So sweet.
Thanks babe! I found the valentines last weekend & thought they’d be perfect. My only sorrow? I mailed all but one! Guess which one I kept… hahah
That is so FUN!! I love that you are #1.
Thanks lady – ME TOO! 😉
That is MAJOR! I feel like maybe I should add your #1 Google Champion title to your bloggy wedding note 🙂
Ooooh so glad you got it! Been meaning to mail it for a coon’s age – glad it arrived before the ceremony – lol
Just as an aside, the post stats are going through the roof. Yesterday was the greatest number yet – over 11,500 – can’t wait to see how many today.
You know, I had this happen with one of my donuts4dinner posts, and someone told me that Google shows your posts, your friends’ posts, and posts from blogs you’ve looked at before first. Not that your post isn’t waaaaay up there, anyway, I’m sure. And hey, if you’re getting 10k hits a day, monetize this sucker with ads, baby!
Yeah, seriously – too bad this blog’s still on WP or I’d have it papered w/ ads!
When Google updated its privacy policy, I knew it was custom-tailoring searches by person, but even logged out of Google, it comes up in the same place.
Happy V Day to you & Kamran!
That’s pretty impressive! It’s too bad that you couldn’t add some ads. With that amount of traffic, you should be able to make a nice little bit.
Thanks Binky! Going to have to figure something out before next Valentine’s Day…
Google did some good work, there!
Congratulations, Dishy! That is cRaZy cool (and so well deserved, too)!
🙂
Thanks Ink! If only those hits translated to something tangible for ME!
Yes my friend…you won…not just for being viewed by tons of people but you won our hearts with each beautiful post, each story filled with joy and love, with each dish that stirs our senses. Your cupid in so many ways…you inspired us to strive and follow our passion. thank you …..you are a blessing to those who come across you blog. wishing you all the blessings in life.
So good, so true!!