Using the magic of Google Analytics, a website owner like myself can, at any time, peep at a live map of who is on which pages of her blog.
For example, right now I can see that there is a visitor to my site from Australia, and two people are reading my new baby photos article.
Seeing these stats swirl and shift is more exciting for blogging geeks like me than watching a live puppy cam!
Even more thrilling, however, is watching a post “go viral” in real-time. When an article really takes off, the entire map of Google Analytics Real Time lights up. Orange circles representing current site visitors pour over the globe, making the site owner’s pulse quicken with the delight of being READ!
But… what exactly MAKES a post go viral?
As a twist on a New Year’s “most popular articles” post, I’m going to run down my 10 most viral posts as of the start of 2014, explaining what made each take off. Perhaps this information will help you in your own publishing endeavors! Or maybe it will just be a fascinating journey into what makes humans tick, and what makes them click.
#10: Surprising tourist attractions.
My tenth most viral post, with 9,230 views by the start of 2014, was “Great Mayan Ruins of Belize.” Ancient ruins in a lush tropical jungle? Facts about a deadly sports game? A lesson on how to not get lost while walking hours on a Central American highway? So alluring to click!
#9: Shocking realities.
Humans crave seeing things they’ve been previously insulated from, like the piles of rainbow trash in “Startling Photos of Paharganj, India“ which has now been viewed 10,486 times.
#8: An “About” page.
My “About Lillie” page isn’t exactly viral, since it’s had steady clicks for years to reach 12,986 views, and “viral” connotes a post that gets thousands of views in a short time period. But on any website, the background information page is usually the second place any new visitor clicks, so all sites should be sure to have one.
#7: Getting people angry.
The article, “How to Travel With a Timeshare, But Avoid Buying“ has accumulated 14,790 views because it’s apparently enraged the timeshare sales industry so much that they’ve been sharing it out of fury. Every week I get a new screaming comment on it from a salesperson saying I’m a cheap punk… and every week I throw the comment in the trash. Hey– it’s my site, so I don’t have to publish rudeness! But rest assured I will never travel via timeshare pitch again.
#6: FOOD PICS!
As evidenced by the fact that “Photos of a Chocolate Tour to Make You Drool“ has had 15,170 views so far, people seem to like luscious dessert photos. Who knew?!
#5: Bright Colors in Nature.
Any post that makes the viewer gasp: “Such bright, pretty colors!” while looking at nature photos garners clicks. “Amazing Fall Foliage“ has received 19,131.
#4: A Guessing Challenge.
People love a challenge, especially when the answer is as funny and clever as in the article, “Why is This Wall Decoration in India Genius?“ which now has 20,319 views.
#3: Incredibly Useful Advice.
Of all the articles on this list, “4 Tricks to Never Lose Anything“ is my favorite because (if I may humbly state) it’s so darn useful. 24,869 readers seem to agree!
#2: Sunrises or Sunsets.
Photography featuring rainbow-colored skies does well online, as the 33,237 visitors to “3 Stunning Lake Sunsets in New Hampshire“ prove.
#1: Beaches or humor… ideally, both!
The absolute most viral article on this site, with 54,756 views as of now, is “Our Witty, Pretty Resort in Placencia.” It is the perfect combination of escapist vacation photography (don’t you want to dive through the screen onto that beach chair?) and the funniest hotel pamphlet ever.
Voila! Those ten characteristics made these articles go viral this year. Of course, having those elements doesn’t work every time, but they do tend to make humans click!
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misstache says
These are really helpful tips! Thank you so much for sharing :)
Christy Root says
Really, one of the best post I had came across, thanks for sharing.
#7: Getting people angry. was the best one.
Drew Goldberg says
Thanks for sharing this awesome info! Still awaiting my first post that’s gonna go viral :)
Cheers and happy travels!
Drew
Leif says
This is so true. I always end up writing stuff that really isn’t very controversial but end up getting a few people pretty mad. But since they end up sharing it, I couldn’t care less.
Ross says
Good insight into what people go for. Some stranger than others. I like the timeshare one, any publicity is good publicity eh?
Micki says
Those are all fantastic articles, Lillie! I have to say, though, that I’m partial to the “Photos of a Chocolate Tour to Make You Drool“ post. In fact, about 1/3 of the 15,170 views may be from me :)
Lillie says
I can hardly look back at that article because it makes me so hungry!!!
Lauren says
I always enjoy travel and life tips the most. It’s thanks to you and other travel bloggers that I went off to Asia for 9 months last year. Thanks!
Lillie says
Yay!
Chanelle Boshuizen says
Is this kinda prediction or something? :D If Yes, then this post is starting to go viral! I love your post.
Bethaney - Flashpacker Family says
Now I’ve just got to read this enraging timeshare post!!!! ;)
Elena says
Great tips– Pinterest has helped a few of my posts as well.
Deborah says
Great article and tips, Lillie. I will definitely be trying some of these.
wanderingeducators says
and the photos! you always have such amazing photos!!
Jennifer says
I have a friend who is a “mom blogger” and she thrives on the “controversial issues” types of posts that go viral…but I don’t think I could tolerate that much online hate pointed at me! So I guess I’ll have to stick with pretty pictures of pretty places. ;)
Cat of Sunshine and Siestas says
Great take on your year-end review! I had just one viral post this year…about six things I don’t like about living in Spain! Seems that my readers like it when I talk about negative stuff, which is hard when I’m a mostly positive person! Wishing you and your brood the best for 2014!
Raja Adnan Safdar says
I have Noticed a Post going viral Among Bloggers is “Which Types of Posts Go Viral”
Good Idea and Happy New Year :)
Lillie says
Haha!
Carlene Lowe says
I am always for food pics and sunrise/sunset. Food always catches people’s attention and nature as well. Great list to go viral this year. Good luck!
Travelogged says
Very interesting — thanks for sharing! Have a feeling this might go viral too :)
Penny Sadler says
Hey Lillie, great tips. I’m going to try a few. I added a food category recently and one of the recipes has been viral and continues to drive traffic. If only I’d known sooner. :) I have tons of good beach photos so going to try that next. :)
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
Great list! Branding and social media helps to make posts and blogs go viral, also! :-) Happy New Year!!
Michel says
Your number one surprise me a little bit as most people when the think about beaches they associate it with romance or family. I will try it on my website.
Dan says
If you’re angering timeshare sales people then you’re definitely doing it right!
Lillie says
Hehe :)
Hogga says
yes to controversy and getting people angry!
Rashaad says
I had never heard of Google Analytics until now. Also, the information about what makes a blog post go viral is quite interesting. As someone who has a blog, I would like to get more traffic (although I have so many other more important things to worry about), so that advice was helpful.
Lillie says
Gasp! I’m glad to have introduced you to Analytics!
Globe Guide says
Thanks for the tips, that timeshare article is hilarious! I find that timeshare ‘sharks’ can be especially bad in Mexico, but that ‘can’t afford the monthly payments’ tip is brilliant.