Gurgle gurgle gurgle...

1. 94

   FatFreddysCatposted 8 years ago

   That sound you hear is my traffic spiraling down the drain.
   
   Every time I've checked my stats this week it's gotten worse and worse. I haven't had #'s this low since I was a noob Hubber just getting started.
   
   (Me, three years ago: "Wow, 40 views in one day! I'm kicking ass!")
   
   If this keeps up my traffic will be low enough to limbo under a caterpillar!!
   
   (SIGH) @#$%ing Panda. What did I ever do to you??

   replyreport
   1. 77

      Barbara Kayposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Mine just went way down today. It was getting better and then down the drain even lower.

      replyreport
   2. 97

      eugbugposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      After optimistically creeping up slightly over the last week, whatever happened yesterday, my traffic just went over another cliff. Must be a Panda aftershock!

      replyreport
   3. 60

      The Examiner-1posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      FatFreddysCat,
      Did you check it on Google? They usually have more showing.

      replyreport
   4. 67

      cfinposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      My traffic has plummeted again today. Not sure why everyone else is doing so well, but I'm happy for them. I'm back down to record lows after a short period of recovery.

      replyreport
2. 61

   LindaSmith1posted 8 years ago

   Mine went up today after doing ALT tags in images.

   replyreport
   1. 94

      FatFreddysCatposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I've read two forum threads about "alt tags" today and I must be too dumb for the room, cuz I still don't have a clue what an "alt tag" is, or how to implement them.

      replyreport
      1. 60

         The Examiner-1posted 8 years agoin reply to this

         Keith,
         Go to this link where it explains about alt tags:
         http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute

         replyreport
      2. 31

         Writer Foxposted 8 years agoin reply to this

         Start here to learn about Alt Tags:
         http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/125769#post2655392
         
         There's much more content on the site now and more competition for search results which will only show one or two pages from the same website on the first page of search results.

         replyreport
   2. 31

      Writer Foxposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Some of those visits might have been yours while you were making the changes.
      
      You can look at the stats for each Hub to see when Google last crawled your Hub.  Then it will take Google a few more days to index the changes you made.

      replyreport
   3. 65

      Rhonda Lytleposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Linda, where to you insert the tag?  Typically, I just insert the image and the credit using the workshop.  Where do I put the tag?  Since I'm using the workshop add image, I never write the code.  I'm lost as to how to do this in the editor.

      replyreport
      1. 61

         LindaSmith1posted 8 years agoin reply to this

         Rhonda:
         
         The tag is built in the caption portion of your photo capsule.  We cannot see it, but Hub Pages has alt tag built in already.   We would use the HTML Alt Tag on our own blog or website.  We don't need to write one on hub pages, because it is already done.
         
         I will use one of your hubs.
         
         Pics:  Remove your name, etc.   
         
         Caption: Fairy Light, Flameless Flower Fairy Light etc.
         
         Just put what people are looking at in the caption box.  Less than 10 words that are straight and to the point. 
         
         Your images belong to you.  Put a text capsule at bottom.  All images, unless specified differently, are mine.  Then put you name, initials.

         replyreport
         1. 65

            Rhonda Lytleposted 8 years agoin reply to this

            Thank you!  For such a simple question, I sure was stumped and you cut right through to my issue.  I don't need to write the code.  Thank you so much.

            replyreport
            1. 61

               LindaSmith1posted 8 years agoin reply to this

               I thought I was going nuts on this until Millionaire stayed with me, going over it and over it again, until I got it.  It is so simple that it is stupid where HP is concerned.

               replyreport
3. 0

   Snakesmumposted 8 years ago

   Traffic?   What's that?    Think I'll go look it up in the dictionary.
   
   Seriously though, my traffic hasn't been this bad since I came to HP.

   replyreport
   1. 92

      Jodahposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      My traffic is down about a third compared to this time most months.

      replyreport
4. 86

   JoeYoung22posted 8 years ago

   For me, the gurgling has stopped and all I hear is the occasional drip of residual water falling from the plughole. I have become seriously disillusioned with online writing; I never expected to make money at it, but if people aren't even reading my stuff then I have to ask if it is worth the effort.
   
   I have read hubs and forum threads about how to get along on HubPages, and I have taken that advice to the best of my ability. I have 29 hubs to my credit and I had seen slow progress in my traffic figures, but then BOOM! I'm down to about 2 views per day - Thrillsville.
   
   Add to this the fact that my AdSense account has been under review for 18 months, and you'll understand why I am looking offline for new outlets for my writing. I have about a dozen hubs in various stages of development, but I'm not sure this is the best place to post them.
   
   I rarely visit HubPages these days - which is sad, because I did enjoy this site.

   replyreport
5. 75

   Engeltaposted 8 years ago

   Alt tags? I just heard about it now, I guess I have to do my research!

   replyreport
6. 61

   LindaSmith1posted 8 years ago

   WF  Gotcha!  But, I am also seeing traffic from Bing, Yahoo etc that I was not getting before, except once in a blue moon.  I have single and double red arrows like I have not seen in a long time.

   replyreport
   1. 83

      Dale Hydeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I was just mentioning to my wife where I am seeing views topping Google from Bing, Yahoo and even Pinterest on some hubs.  Used to be rare, but it is becoming more common now when I look at the stats.

      replyreport
7. 94

   FatFreddysCatposted 8 years ago

   OK, thanks to all for educating me about Alt Tags. Will have to try this out and see if the adjustments will make any difference.

   replyreport
8. 88

   Buildrepsposted 8 years ago

   Gurgle gurgle gurgle indeed, FatFreddysCat. Just checked my stats - only 91 views this day! This is a historical day, my washbin is nearly empty - †

   replyreport
9. 94

   FatFreddysCatposted 8 years ago

   If you're referring to Google Analytics, nope. I tried signing up for that a while ago and couldn't make heads or tails out of how to make it work. The ways of SEO and the Big G make my brain hurt.

   replyreport
10. 61

    LindaSmith1posted 8 years ago

    FatFreddysCat:  Personally, I like Google Webmaster tools better than Google Analytics.

    replyreport
11. 96

    jansharesposted 8 years ago

    Ugh!! Traffic is so bad.

    replyreport
    1. 92

       Jodahposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Worst I've ever experienced.Jan..my earnings haven't changed in 4 days...this month is pathetic.

       replyreport
       1. 61

          LindaSmith1posted 8 years agoin reply to this

          Jodah: Did you check to see if your earnings have been updated?

          replyreport
          1. 92

             Jodahposted 8 years agoin reply to this

             How do I do that Linda? I've only been checking the amount shown at the top of my accounts page.

             replyreport
             1. 92

                Jodahposted 8 years agoin reply to this

                The summary says "yesterday pending" and 0.72 in last seven days....

                replyreport
             2. 61

                LindaSmith1posted 8 years agoin reply to this

                Go To My Account
                At top:  Click on Earnings Report
                
                Look down to HubPages Earnings Program Settings
                
                To the right you will see the 3 programs.  Click on Ads Program Reports
                
                When that page comes up, scroll down and set box for ad program and then choose what dates that you want. Click submit button.

                replyreport
       2. 96

          jansharesposted 8 years agoin reply to this

          +1 I feel like I used to when I was new and the going was slow. But alas! I did publish a new hub. I need to get to a round number before I go into hiatus, at least for a few weeks. My goal is 75 hubs.

          replyreport
12. 0

    Lorelei Cohenposted 8 years ago

    The sad fact of the matter is that we are all currently at the mercy of Google and that almighty search engine has decided that any non-corporation run multi-person publishing platform appears to be unreliable - spam - disreputable content creation.
    
    That opinion is hurting a lot of real people at the time of year when they most need the income they rely on from their creative endeavors.
    
    So why is it that the great Google can judge the work of so many individuals so easily yet it still cannot do what it set out to do in the first place. Why can Google rank creative content as spam while still allowing spamming plagiarists to post rampantly on the internet with their stolen duplicate content?
    
    Get your act together Google!

    replyreport
    1. 92

       Jodahposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Great points Lorelei.

       replyreport
    2. 96

       jansharesposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       So true, Lorelei.

       replyreport
13. 80

    Silva Hayesposted 8 years ago

    I am at a loss.  My traffic has increased dramatically.  I have Up arrows and Double-Up arrows all over the place, which I've never had before. 
    
    Yet at the same time, my earnings have DROPPED over 70%. 
    
    I would so love an explanation.

    replyreport
    1. 93

       Solarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       This has happened to a number of accounts, mine included. I assume that Google has updated what advertisers are willing to pay for certain keyword groups, and has adjusted them lower.
       
       Check Google Adwords, and see what the suggested bids are for your keyword groups. Mine have dropped to to 11 cents in some instances. If yours are very low as well, that would be the reason that your earnings are dropping while page views are on the rise.

       replyreport
    2. 60

       The Examiner-1posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Check Google Analytics to see if you are getting many views but not being read through all of the way.

       replyreport
    3. 77

       Barbara Kayposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I think it just depends on what advertisers are willing to pay. I am getting more traffic than ever for my website, but Adsense earnings are down this month. It seems like the Halloween hubs would be earning well right now ad advertisers compete for them.

       replyreport
14. 61

    LindaSmith1posted 8 years ago

    http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/111849
    
    Apparently revenue from the Related Searches to right of our hub and ads on bottom, are not shared with us.

    replyreport
15. 61

    LindaSmith1posted 8 years ago

    My page view time is okay, but I know bounce rate is high.

    replyreport
16. 61

    LindaSmith1posted 8 years ago

    For the past two days, mine was up, even with double red arrows.
    
    Today: If I deleted every hub with a blue arrow, I would delete most of my hubs.
    
    Traffic is down the toilet again!!!

    replyreport
    1. 93

       Solarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Mine too....

       replyreport
17. 61

    LindaSmith1posted 8 years ago

    I did one Halloween hub just to see what would happen.  The traffic has been bad from the word 'get go'

    replyreport
    1. 31

       Writer Foxposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       HP now has 29,100 Hubs in the Google Index which use the word Halloween.

       replyreport
       1. 80

          Mark Ewbieposted 8 years agoin reply to this

          Lol.

          replyreport
18. 80

    Mark Ewbieposted 8 years ago

    Some of the gurgle may be my hubs disappearing. 
    
    Whoops!  There goes another one.

    replyreport
    1. 93

       Solarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Where are your hubs going?

       replyreport
       1. 80

          Mark Ewbieposted 8 years agoin reply to this

          Sorry but I don't have news of a great new writer's site to join!
          
          If my hubs earn less than a few cents a month they are going.  They are worth nothing to me or HubPages.
          
          About half of those low traffics are being deleted.  Those that I consider worth keeping are moving to my site which is my new baby / hobby for now.  It is up to me to maintain my own quality.

          replyreport
          1. 85

             rebekahELLEposted 8 years agoin reply to this

             Mark, I think with the right tools and knowledge, you could have a successful blog.  You have natural talent to compose quality content.  I don't know if this will help, but I saw this today while browsing the moz blog (which always seems to have quality, helpful articles).  How to Launch a Successful Blog.  It may be worth a read.

             replyreport
             1. 93

                Solarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

                What a brilliant article - Thank you for sharing it.  My head is still spinning.  I need to take a break to digest half of the info then dive in for more.  So many mistakes I made with my own blog lol

                replyreport
             2. 31

                Writer Foxposted 8 years agoin reply to this

                That is a really good article to recommend.

                replyreport
             3. 77

                Barbara Kayposted 8 years agoin reply to this

                That article gave a lot of good info and lots of ideas I haven't used. I found out my site gets more traffic from referrals than search engines which surprised me. Now I need to work at getting to the top of Google again. For my niche, this could take some real doing. Thanks for the link.

                replyreport
             4. 83

                Dale Hydeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

                Wow, that is a lot to digest.  These folks must have much more time than myself, but the end result is looking positive.  I think if I were to pursue what these two are doing I would have to give up my regular full time job (56 hours a week being full-time).
                
                Investments made is rather high as well.  I do have a blog (link on profile page) but I have not invested anything in to it cash wise other than buying my own domain name for a few years at a time.
                
                Thanks for the link.  I have it bookmarked and will delve into it when I have more time, deeper.  My hours require soon that I sleep as I rise at 3:45am.

                replyreport
                1. 92

                   Jodahposted 8 years agoin reply to this

                   I am getting more traffic from other sources eg. Pinterest, Hub Pages, Yahoo etc than Google too.

                   replyreport
          2. 93

             Solarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

             That makes me sad...I understand  though. Are you familiar with "The Oatmeal?"  It seems like it might be a similar concept you your new baby.

             replyreport
          3. 77

             Barbara Kayposted 8 years agoin reply to this

             Mark, We will all be sorry if you leave.

             replyreport
             1. 85

                rebekahELLEposted 8 years agoin reply to this

                +  For anyone who follows Mark, yes, we would be very sorry.  Maybe he could leave some of his work here that ranks well.  It looks like he ranks well for 'stickman humour' with some of his images and one hub.
                
                I'm happy that some of you have found the link helpful.  It's very comprehensive and obviously is written by someone in the industry.  It's a great tutorial and has helpful tips for anyone who publishes online. The author's food blog looks great.  He did a super job, plus it has some amazing recipes.  He did his homework and it looks like it's paying off for him.

                replyreport
          4. 94

             Phyllis Doyleposted 8 years agoin reply to this

             I would be sad to see you leave us, Mark. Whatever you do, I wish you all the best. Hopefully, HP traffic and earnings will pick up again soon and you will stay, yes?

             replyreport
19. 79

    ologsinquitoposted 8 years ago

    It's up and down all over the place. My blog that got hit now has more traffic than my main blog.

    replyreport
20. 0

    Tilecleaninghubposted 8 years ago

    Google is testing and prepping for the next penguin update.  Nothing going on now matters.  After the update you will see the real deal.

    replyreport
21. 93

    Solarasposted 8 years ago

    Yes, Mark, you should leave your best ranking hubs here to link back to your new site.  We all want you to keep a piece of yourself here! Not just for our own selfish reasons, but to keep any link juice you have flowing.

    replyreport
    1. 80

       Mark Ewbieposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Hey guys - those that have some traffic will stay - I'm not cutting off my nose, etc.  And I WILL read that article later!  UK times - been asleep.  Now 5am and time to wake up for work.

       replyreport
22. 94

    FatFreddysCatposted 8 years ago

    It's been about a week since I started this thread... and I hate to be a whiner but sh*t ain't getting any better.
    
    
    
    (shakes fist) CURSE YOU PANDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

    replyreport
23. 61

    LindaSmith1posted 8 years ago

    Maybe 2 days of what looked like some improvement, and then it sank like a ton of bricks again.

    replyreport
    1. 92

       Millionaire Tipsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       It is disappointing to see traffic go down, especially when there should be more due to the additional content.  However, it is normal for traffic to go down on the weekend.

       replyreport
24. 61

    LindaSmith1posted 8 years ago

    The up side is that if it goes any lower there won't be any traffic at all.
    This all seemed to start tanking in September.
    
    I thought traffic seemed to slow down in October until after the holidays. But we have gotten slammed early.
    
    According to Quantast traffic is down 7-9 percent for USA
    Globally: down 11-13 percent.

    replyreport
25. 88

    Buildrepsposted 8 years ago

    I'm wondering how long it takes until HubPages has hardly no traffic anymore. There's something weird going on here. Like someone else already said - it's starting to look like a digital (0-1) list. Even the big traffic old-timers are dying...

    replyreport