I tried to keep a positive outlook, but this slump is getting me down.

1. 86

   Sherry Hewinsposted 6 years ago

   I've posted several new hubs lately, and I guess I'd be doing even worst if I hadn't. Still, I find myself becoming depressed looking at my numbers. Maybe it is better for my mental health if I just don't look at my traffic for a while. If I take a little vacation, maybe it will all be good when I come back.

   replyreport
   1. 88

      poppyrposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Don't give up! Like the others have said, this may only be temporary and the best thing you can do is keep writing and share your current articles. Do you post your hubs to Pinterest and Flipboard? That always makes them more visible. Just concentrate on content right now and don't worry so much about your earnings. I lost a third of my earnings (comparing September and October). It does suck, but it should just motivate you to write more and more and look forward to December when we tend to get lots of earnings I hope you feel better soon.

      replyreport
      1. 91

         celeste inscribedposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you for the motivation Poppyr. I too have seen a dramatic drop in earnings and I can't help feeling a bit down about it. I will follow your advice though. Sherry, I am also going to try to ignore my earning in November and peek at them in December. Cross fingers and toes it all gets better.

         replyreport
   2. 100

      chef-de-jourposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      You have 60 articles so I'm certain you could spend some time editing/improving some of them? That sometimes can be a worthwhile exercise and means you could perhaps learn some new tricks in the process? Revising/editing can get you in the mood for writing new ones.
      I have over 300, some real veterans among them, and am constantly editing them bit by bit, step by step. There are always surprises (shocks!) to the system - how could I have written THAT. YUK!
      So yes, a break can be beneficial - recharging and all that - but I'd keep things ticking over, sustain the interest.
      Christmas is coming up, with higher CPM figures and what not and with your Christmas articles it may be a good idea to read through them, update, edit, improve?
      I wish you well. Persevere.

      replyreport
   3. 87

      weezyschannelposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Don't feel bad, I'm almost in tears. Checked my numbers this morning and they have plummeted to the lowest ever since I even remember. You you can't make any Amazon sales if you don't have the views.
      
      And I know I'm not even near a prolific writer on here, but I give it my all and I've worked hard, conscientiously and honestly to the best of my ability.
      
      No one from HP is giving us any information and they have to know something. Whether it's a Google algo or something else, any information would just be helpful.
      
      I've been hit like everyone else with the Google algo updates, but I've never even dropped this low, or even close. at all. I am under 70 views a day, down from 300 two weeks ago on my best article- "according to HP". Just keeps dropping.

      replyreport
      1. 77

         lobobrandonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         Lisa, I just sent you an email with a few tips for your Pethelfpul hub, I hope it's not in your spam folder.

         replyreport
         1. 87

            weezyschannelposted 6 years agoin reply to this

            Thank you !!

            replyreport
   4. 75

      TIMETRAVELER2posted 6 years agoin reply to this

      I learned some time ago that when these things happen, the best thing to do is go back and start upgrading your hubs so that when things pick up, they'll REALLY pick up.  It's amazing to see how much you can improve on your work, and the upgrades always seem to pay off.

      replyreport
   5. 0

      promisemposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Working online is like investing in the stock market. Never put all of your eggs in one basket.
      
      I've seen many websites come and go over many years. Others rise, fall and rise again.
      
      Try to think of it as business and not personal. It helps to avoid getting emotionally attached to it.

      replyreport
2. 77

   lobobrandonposted 6 years ago

   The best thing you could do is continue writing (if that was your original plan) and follow all the best practices. You've been here for a long time too and we all know that there have been many ups and downs, things always worked out. Maven is a new variable in the equation, but I doubt they will let the niche sites die as they were (hopefully still are) some of the biggest contributors (unique visits a month) to the Maven piggy bank.

   replyreport
3. 94

   Kenna McHughposted 6 years ago

   It can seem bleak, but keep writing and applying what works. I wouldn't give up just yet. You have a positive track record, and this might be a temporary slump.

   replyreport
4. 86

   Sherry Hewinsposted 6 years ago

   Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I wasn't at all thinking about giving up, just maybe hiding my head in the sand for a while.

   replyreport
   1. 87

      weezyschannelposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      It's okay Sherry, I need a shoulder to cry on about it too.

      replyreport
5. 92

   Rochelle Frankposted 6 years ago

   Taking a break is sometimes necessary. For most of us HP is part of our lives, not necessarily the primary focus. Keep a pen and pad handy to jot notes when inspiration strikes.
   We don't wan to lose you -- vacations are allowed.

   replyreport
6. 97

   CYong74posted 6 years ago

   On average, I lost around 20 to 25 percent traffic in October. The actual loss is possibly higher because I had some niche entries right before this.
   
   After several days of analysis, I concluded I lost massive traffic for hubs that were weak in SEO. Weak, not bad or lacking. And so for the moment I've placed aside creating new hubs in order to focus on improvement. Whether this works, or not, remains to be seen. However, it somewhat comforted me by giving the drop a reason of sorts. The change in work nature is also, admittedly, refreshing in a way.

   replyreport
7. 77

   lobobrandonposted 6 years ago

   I personally am working on a new hub. I'm trying to get a few tomato hubs in there before next summer as this summer was fantastic. I hope by then things are sorted out. For me writing on HP was always a long-term thing and even though I get frustrated with the drops, I see the number of people who've read my work, the amount I've made over time, the thank you comments, etc. it makes it worth the effort, not worth the irritation and frustration though haha.

   replyreport
8. 94

   Kenna McHughposted 6 years ago

   TT, I agree. I upgrade my articles whenever a downtime occurs.  I am surprised at what I discover and correct. Shocking!!!

   replyreport
9. 60

   paradigmsearchposted 6 years ago

   Do your own website for fun, consider the money as a bonus; can't make a living from it, but it does keep one engaged. Had 4-digit views last month. I just contribute to society and call it a day; we do what we can.

   replyreport
10. 98

    Peggy Wposted 6 years ago

    I wondered about the drop in views as well as income.  It is probably another algorithm snafu of sorts.  Those of us who have been around a while have seen many of them over the years. They usually self-correct after a time.  Reworking older articles seem like a good plan for the moment.

    replyreport
11. 93

    dredcuanposted 6 years ago

    I've been a member for a couple of years now, but lie low for a very long time. When I came back, all my articles were removed because all didn't pass the new HP article standards. Everyday I saw my HP score dropping - for as low as 25 - everytime I'm adding new content. It was so frustrating yet I never gave up. Luckily, within 5 to 6 months, I was able to recover just a bit and gained HP friends as well. I haven't reached my target, yet the journey gave me that courage to continue.

    replyreport
12. 83

    Kain 360posted 6 years ago

    I feel a similar way. I've been on HubPages for years, but went off intermittently. I did some ghost writing, but not that much. I used to write on another HP account. Last year, I did quite well. It still was not as good as 2011, though. The end of that 2011 was mindblowing. That was before the niche sites. I've never been able to top 2011. It's rather disappointed in that regard.
    
    Google & Hubpages have implemented so many changes over the past several years. I know there have been many algorithm changes etc.
    
    Quite frankly, the articles I put the most work into do poorly, while the ones that were easier to write & took less time do better. It's ridiculously ironic. I don't fathom it.
    
    I'm not sure what's been going on recently, as I've not been that active on the forums. I've just heard there have been changes that affect Hubpages and other websites.
    
    I've finally decided to start writing a novel this year. That fear manifests in me: what if all my efforts are in vain? This existence is ephemeral after all.

    replyreport
    1. 93

       ziyenaposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       I think that we all sympathize with you.  I too remember those heydays of crazy traffic before the Google crackdown.   Most of my articles are niched now and I'm getting almost zero traffic save for one.  It seems to be the reality for now but I keep hanging on.  You're definitely not alone

       replyreport
13. 87

    Nell Roseposted 6 years ago

    I've been on hubpages for 9 years, and this is the lowest readers/earnings ever! driving me insane!

    replyreport
    1. 60

       paradigmsearchposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       Personally, I'm in resignation mode. Whatever happens, happens.

       replyreport
    2. 88

       poppyrposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       A moderator mentioned in another post that they’d found the problem causing low traffic and fixed it. So things should balance out soon.

       replyreport
    3. 77

       lobobrandonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       Until you get all your hubs moved to the niche sites that's going to be the case. The HP domain doesn't rank well anymore nor will it ever with the way things are currently laid out. The niche sites are doing great, worse than a few months ago, but still better than what HP ever did ever since the Panda update. Nice seeing you here

       replyreport
14. 92

    Natalie Frankposted 6 years ago

    My views showed a rebound in the past few days and earnings came up yesterday though whether they will stay there is impossible to say.  For those who have been away from HP for a while and come back to find their hubs unfeatured, it can be really frustrating.  Yet keep in mind it is likely just a matter of HP changes in policy and guidelines based on changing Google priorities and algorithms not your ability or skill.  It can also be overwhelming when you look into what the guidelines are now and realize just how different they've become.  It may seem like the amount of work needed to get your articles featured again isn't worth it.  But once you get the hang of the new standards and requirements so that you not only get your articles featured but moved onto niche sites, the difference in earning should be substantial and worth it.
    
    It's nice that so many hubbers that were gone for a while are coming back to the fold.  You were missed.

    replyreport
    1. 75

       TIMETRAVELER2posted 6 years agoin reply to this

       It really isn't as hard as sit seems if you develop a formula that works consistently.
       
       Create a really interesting and searchable title on a topic that is not going to get killed by the competition.
       
       Make sure your content supports the topic and that your subtitles tell the story for those who wish to browse rather than read.
       
       Write at least 1000 words, making sure to put at least two photos, one or more videos and a poll or map into your article.
       
       Limit links as much as possible, especially those that take readers away from your site.  Make sure the links are from credible sources and do not contain spam.
       
       Make sure your capsules are short and are written in easy to understand language and also that they reflect the topic and do not veer off into non topic information.
       
       Write a beginning, a middle and an end, and do it in correct English.
       
       Make sure your photos are legal, have at least 1000 pixels, and relate directly to your topic.
       
       Put your first photo after your introductory paragraph and write text on it so that you can display it on Pinterest more effectively.
       
       If you make statements that require sources, be sure to link to them.
       
       Use in text ads for products that will help the reader, not just products you want to sell.
       
       I have used this formula for some time now, and it has worked well for me.  If you browse through some of my hubs, you'll see the same pattern over and over.
       
       Every single one of my 152 RV articles are on niche sites, and all but 4 of my Dreamworker articles (about 69 in all) also have been moved to them.
       
       If they sit too long, I go back in and update them to see if that will help, and it usually does.  If it doesn't, I delete them.
       
       Hope this helps.  I know each person has his own techniques, I'm just giving you an example of what I do that works for me.
       
       Good Luck.

       replyreport
       1. 77

          lobobrandonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

          This is what works for me too.

          replyreport
       2. 92

          Natalie Frankposted 6 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks but I was providing general advice for those who have been away for a while not asking for it.  Though all of this is always good to review.

          replyreport
       3. 93

          ziyenaposted 6 years agoin reply to this

          I always appreciate the helpful reminder.  Doesn't matter if we've heard it a hundred times before.  I'm failable and forget things as do other seasoned hubbbers.  We should always keep each other in check.  Appreciate your helpfulness and sharing the steps that have made you such a success.

          replyreport
          1. 75

             TIMETRAVELER2posted 6 years agoin reply to this

             I learned these things the hard way and am really hoping that they will see me and all of us through this current crisis.  My views are now about 50% of what they have been, but I've had the most successful year ever in 2018 so am not complaining.  If Paul is correct and the error gets fixed within the next 60 days, things should go back to normal, but until they do, there definitely is cause for concern.

             replyreport
    2. 92

       Natalie Frankposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       I spoke too soon - everything bottomed out again today.

       replyreport
       1. 86

          Sherry Hewinsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

          HP seems to think they know what happened, but they did say it would take a while for Google to process the fix. So, hopefully things will improve over the next couple of months.

          replyreport
          1. 92

             Natalie Frankposted 6 years agoin reply to this

             Here's hoping.

             replyreport
15. 87

    Nell Roseposted 6 years ago

    I haven't been this low in views since about 8 years ago! sniff....better get the hat out and stand on the bridge for handouts....lol!

    replyreport
    1. 77

       lobobrandonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       Not surprising though. From what I see, a majority of your articles are not on niche sites. As more and more articles are moved from the HP domain to the niche sites, your articles tend to be orphaned and don't have the authority that comes with a lot of articles on the topic. If you have the time to spend on this, moving your old top performers to niche sites is a good thing to do.

       replyreport
16. 92

    Natalie Frankposted 6 years ago

    I'm hesitant to say anything since it seems whenever I do it heralds a huge drop right after
    Views today are up to almost where they were before the drops started and earnings are about where they were as well.  Hoping this is a trend and not just a three day occurrence.  If it is and I can build from there life will be smiles, hearts, flowers and unicorns!

    replyreport
17. 96

    Susana Sposted 6 years ago

    Nell, to get your articles moved you probably only need to remove the Amazon capsules. It's absolutely worth doing because your traffic will increase massively once on the niche sites.
    Once they're on the niche sites then go through your hubs from most trafficked to least and add in a personal recommendation for the product you want to add and use an Amazon text link.
    Your income would probably exceed your very best ever by doing this.

    replyreport
18. 60

    paradigmsearchposted 6 years ago

    Thanksgiving week and yet my totally non-holiday articles are going up in traffic this Monday. Pleasantly surprised.

    replyreport
    1. 77

       lobobrandonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       Mine are going up today too Glad to see you happy for a change haha.

       replyreport
       1. 60

          paradigmsearchposted 6 years agoin reply to this

          Alas, still in writer burnout mode due to the reasons previously mentioned.

          replyreport
19. 86

    Sherry Hewinsposted 6 years ago

    Blue arrow blues again. It seemed like a recovery, but the past 2 days are the lowest of the year. I know the holiday is partly to blame, but darn.

    replyreport
    1. 60

       paradigmsearchposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       Yeah, I've decided to officially stop caring until January; it's the only way to stay sane.

       replyreport