I went from a ranking of 365,452 to 110,234 in two months.
Alexa ranking is certainly not the “power player” when it comes to site metrics and analytics. Depending on your blog niche, the number can easily become diluted or infiltrated.
Websites are ranked, by Alexa, according to those who have the Alexa toolbar installed. When you have the toolbar installed your metrics and online activity is measured – thus allowing Alexa to get a grasp at what sites are being visited most. It’s certainly not a perfect traffic statistic science – because not all online users have the toolbar installed. Alexa has stated before, that they’re really only the most accurate measuring websites that are under the 100,000 ranking level.
Although it falters in multiple ways – Alexa is still a powerful tool. If anything, it’s fun to watch your ranking climb (I guess lessen, like in golf).
An issue of pride.
For this reason I decided a few weeks ago to do my best to increase my Alexa ranking. I’m proud to say I brought it from 365,452 – to what it sits at today. 110,234. This was all accomplished in around a two month period of time.
[Although I'm fairly certain there are many out there who have done much more, in less time - for their Alexa rank.]
I attribute the Alexa ranking success to a few things. I’d like to dive into them a little further.
Commenting
I’m going to put it right out there. I’d say the single most important part of my increase in traffic and improvement in Alexa ranking must be commenting.
Over the past few weeks I’ve spent copious quantities of time commenting on other blogs – and it’s helped in many ways. Many blogs “give back” with CommentLuv, DoFollow and other meaningful extras.
Apart from the benefit, it’s been a real joy. It’s a great way to learn from others, learn from yourself, and become more involved in the community.
Commenting, to me, is like sitting at the dinner table. You give some. You listen. You enjoy. You relax.
Social Networking
I’ve upped my social networking package on a whole.
- The extra time I’ve spent on Twitter (using HootSuite) has really paid off.
- The time I’ve spent commenting has been a benefit.
- The increased interaction via email has been huge.
- Often I send “thank you” emails to bloggers I enjoy.
- When available, I give my blog info to people who are interested in the “real” world.
Social networking isn’t attributed to one, single activity. It’s a conglomerate. A living entity. When you mix and mash it all together it becomes – YOUR SOCIAL NETWORKING PLAN.
By upping my connectivity with other bloggers, it’s been incredible to see the response. Thank you.
Backlink Building
I cheated here. I admit it. When I first began my Alexa experiment I immediately linked my other websites, communities and blogs towards SmartBoyDesigns.com. This helped to boost the traffic received here, and thus an increase in Alexa ranking followed.
Backlinks have also come from kind, dedicated bloggers who have enjoyed the content here – and felt in necessary to link to blog posts and services.
What’s the takeaway?
Be a person.
With my whole heart I believe it’s important to first be a genuine, unique individual when going online.
You might see others with the upper-hand when it comes to creating backlinks, huge Twitter followings, etc…but you have just as powerful of a tool. Your personality. Your life experiences. Your radiance. Connecting with others via social networking & producing valuable, unique content can quickly become priceless. More valuable, in my opinion, than even a team of so-called “SEO gurus.”
When you do your best to produce AWESOME content and connect with others – the increase will come. Visitors will line up to visit your blog. Your Alexa ranking will climb higher as a byproduct of this experience – and you’ll be rewarded by something much more important than riches and luxury…
…you’ll meet friends and bring smiles to faces.
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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
Read more about Christian 
{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
Good post and great reminder. I always forget to comment when reading other blogs. I should know better!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 26, 2011 at 1:45 pm
There’s a huge benefit in commenting, some of which I’ve mentioned above. Many others you begin to realize after you’ve made the plunge.
Nice article. Keep the good job
Hey Christian,
So you’re saying your 10k or so away from the big time? Sweet.
You deserve it. You’ve put the time in. It couldn’t be happening to a nicer guy.
Good work.
Live it LOUD!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 26, 2011 at 10:03 pm
Thank you Rob. Quite possibly a few away from that 100,000 mark, but I’m not too worried about it right now. Just so happy to be involved in the community – and to become integrated and networked with fantastic people.
Behind every good blog – is an even better person.
You’re the best.
Christian
Great article Christian!
It’s true, it takes some effort, but you get so much more in return!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 27, 2011 at 8:16 am
Blogging certainly isn’t something that’s done well with no heart, but I think those that do their best to put in the time – do some great things.
Twitter: Faryna
April 27, 2011 at 12:41 am
Congrats.
It’s awesome when things happen.
A few questions have come to mind. I hope you don’t find me too brash for asking them.
1. Has your improved Alexa rating resulted in a measurable number of new followers/readers? For example, 1000 more human visitors per day?
2. Has your improved Alexa rating resulted in more comments to your blog posts? For example, has the number of comments doubled every week?
3. If yes to 1 or 2, how do you connect with all the new people beyond the blog post?
4. Why don’t you use comment luv? Can you recommend other link back tools that encourage comments?
Warm regards,
Stan
My Novel about hope and desperation starts here: http://wp.me/pbg0R-98
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 27, 2011 at 8:29 am
I don’t mind at all. Thanks for stopping by Stan. Happy to answer your questions.
The reason for an increase in Alexa ranking has certainly been a direct indicator of increased traffic. Traffic has increased by over 50% the past few weeks, which is why I’m assuming the Alexa ranking has also increased in correlation.
Blog comments have certainly increased along with an increase in Alexa ranking. I was getting around 0-2 comments per post a few weeks back – but now drumming up around 15-20 comments per post depending on the amount of content I’m getting out onto the blog. It takes more work and interaction on my part, but it’s worth it.
Beyond the blog post I’m spending more time connecting with people via Twitter, email and other blog posts. It’s a connection much deeper than a superfluous “hello” but more of a connection based on care and trust. I think it’s helped in many ways.
I haven’t had too much experience in using commentLuv, but I’m going to look into it soon. I’ve always been of the opinion that if the content is good – they will come, they will comment, and they will enjoy. But it’s true, I’d like to reward them too in some ways.
Checking out your blog now too, so thanks for sharing!
That is very impressive and I must say good for you. I have noticed that you have been very active of late and by the looks of things, it is working very well in your favour. I hope it only get better!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 27, 2011 at 8:31 am
Glad to see you stop by Gerri. You’re always a good face to see!
When there’s an increase in blog posts, comments and anything really – it seems that the return is always multiplied in some way. I think that’s really why it’s so important to keep going on your blog, no matter the difficulty. If you push through the hump, some great things will happen.
Christian,
That is some pretty impressive numbers for a small amount of time. I am even more impressed by your openness to share exactly how you did it. I respect that. I haven’t used the Alexa tool to track my ranking and performance yet. I use a few different methods but I believe the small amount of success I have has come from using some of your tips. Commenting and increasing my presence has definitely pushed up my numbers. Even better the community I have joined has made what I do a lot more enjoyable.
Thanks for this great post!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 27, 2011 at 8:35 am
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Frank. It’s great to receive some positive feedback, and know some of the effort it writing is valuable and used for some good!
I’ve been rather impressed with your blog lately too. Your posts really cause me to sit back and think. Especially your latest. And although it’s a guest post – you attract those kind of posts and people into your life because you’re much the same. People really DO need their dreams. We get older – and quickly forget.
Keep on truckin’ on. You’re doing a great thing within the community.
Christian
Good post Christian – and glad to know your commenting strategy worked (not just as a ranking strategy, but as the human-relationships builder too!) as it’s something I’m doing more of now too
Sometimes it can get a bit disheartening not having comments on your blogposts – always get a buzz if someone has stopped by and interacted on the blog.
Cheers
Tanya
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 27, 2011 at 10:02 am
You’re right – it’s certainly good to see a response from what you write. Whether good or bad, it’s all a fun trip.
Through out my experience, alexa is usually not accurate, but as you said, it’s nice to see ranking climbing up:) Anyway, you have great achievement. Hope, one day i will be able to say the same about myself!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 28, 2011 at 8:15 am
I’m sure you will John! Keep up the work, be diligent – and websites/blogs always climb. There’s only room to go up!
Great guide for helping to increase traffic, Alexa ranking, and effectiveness!
Thanks for posting it!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 28, 2011 at 9:48 am
You’re welcome. Looking forward to seeing where it takes your blog, and the success that’s waiting for you!
Excellent post Christian. And thanks for stopping by. Somehow you ended up in the spam box for a while. sorry about that. I haven’t been too preoccupied with my alexa ranking, but helping a friend with his business site has made me alexa obsessed, so thanks for the great post.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 29, 2011 at 10:52 am
Alexa can quickly become something that’s fun to watch grow. It’s amazing how much you can see your progress being tracked and rewarded through Alexa. It’s a decent indicator.
No problem on the spam comment problem. It seems one of my emails I use is often marked as spam. Many years ago it was part of a clustered server that had lots of clients. Many sent out spam email, so I was hurt in association it seems.
Thanks for visiting!
I do not understand why people believ in alexa rankings and use it to measure a sites popularity even after knowing that only those who have the alexa toolbar installed help it track visits.
My blog’s rank on alexa is a very big number and I really don’t bother about it. The techniques mentioned here can as well be used in general to increase search traffic, visitors from social networks and the like.
-Ranjith
Ranjith (SR) | A light hearted talk recently posted..The journey to heart breaks via happiness
Twitter: smartboydesigns
May 3, 2011 at 9:06 am
As I mentioned above, the statistics and reliability of Alexa rankings don’t become anywhere close to accurate until you’re below the 100,000 ranking mark. Otherwise, you’re right; it’s not that great of a measurement.
Thanks for stopping by Ranjith!
well written article on Alexa. I just realized i have wasted whole lot of time not commenting on useful articles i have read. Anyways i will do so from now on in the process increasing my Alexa rank.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
May 4, 2011 at 9:55 pm
Sounds fantastic Arun. Excited to hear your progress, as you begin to comment on more blogs! I’m sure you’ll be rewarded richly.
Thanks for these valuable tips.
TheShadow recently posted..Subscribe to Download Free SimpleRed Icons
Twitter: smartboydesigns
May 18, 2011 at 10:17 pm
I’ve been very pleased with the results of tracking my Alexa ranking. Broke the 80,000 barrier today.
I’ve been a fan of this blog for a while now. Nice work on your traffic ranking and thanks for the reminder to comment on blogs! Hope all is well.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
June 3, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Thanks for the comment Sean. Just subscribed to your blog, so I should be around often.
You my friend, are a hero. And looking at your current alexa rank, you’ve dropped it even more. You’re asking the right questions and executing your plans well. I’m trying not to get too caught up on the alexa rank business, but it sure is nice seeing that little digit drop.
David | Almost Bohemian recently posted..Nine Benefits of Living in a Warehouse
Twitter: smartboydesigns
June 14, 2011 at 10:05 am
I think that’s a good way to look at it, David. Don’t get too caught up in Alexa, but keep it in the back of your head as maybe just a “small” pressure to work a little harder.
Thanks for stopping by. It’s fantastic to have you here.
Thank you for sharing your Alexa Story, Christian. I like the way you see commenting as sitting at the dinner table. i must develop this habit of giving quality comments in blogs I generally read.
This is my first visit to you blog and I have bookmarked it.
Cheolsu recently posted..Mac Login
Twitter: smartboydesigns
June 23, 2011 at 11:48 pm
Thank you Cheolsu for visiting the blog. I’m really happy you’re enjoying your time here – and thanks for bookmarking. How long have you been involved in the internet?
Great tips Christian!
I’ve been working on getting my site down as low as possible. Right now I’m hovering right above 100K but think I’ll break it before the weekend is over!
The goal is to get down below 50K by the end of the year. It may be a bit ambitious but these tips will help plus I’m up for the challenge!
Pam
Pam Lawhorne recently posted..How To Motivate Your Employees Or Freelancers
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 25, 2011 at 10:02 am
Keep up the challenge. Great to hear you’re about to break the 100k mark. It’s surely possible! At the beginning of the year I was at around 350k, and now I’m at around 48k. You’ll do it by the end of the year! YOU’VE GOT MY SUPPORT!
Thanks Christian! Wow! That’s impressive. Makes me look like a slacker! LOL.
Pam
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 25, 2011 at 6:32 pm
You’re not a slacker. Probably just out conquering the world and doing more important things. Plus, not all value is based on numbers either.