A look at Search Engine Results on the eve of a trip

Eric of Backward Five has a really interesting post about how traffic to his site goes up and down based on its Google ranking. I can't say I understand most of it, but I am very interested in these questions as I try to get more traffic to the Charlottesville Podcasting Network. The key is multiple links, as well as well-written content. I've certainly got content. My own look at Alexa over the weekend has us listed as having 21 posts a week, which sounds about right.

But, what about visitors? To be honest, I don't quite know what metric to use as a success. The most satisfying metric is to get a written response from someone. I've had a few people say they use the Gateway Virginia Headlines but comments are awfully hard to come by, for that, or for other shows. Is a lack of comments an indicator of a lack of audience?

Not according to my stats counter, which I keep behind the scenes. I know what works and what doesn't, or at least, I have a sense of what works and doesn't. And, I'm enjoying playing with the so-called long tail. I've got at least 750 pieces of unique audio on the site. There are plans to create even more.

The site will go on a bit of a hiatus over the next two weeks, as the family and I head to England for another visit. I've got a couple of things in the can, and the Headlines will take a break until March 15th. I doubt I'll post anything from England, though I am taking equipment with me.

But, I'll also be thinking about ways to make the site better. Should we go in the non-profit direction? How should we break the podcasts onto separate pages? How can we get more people involved? Where will this all go?

I'm following Eric's advice to some extent - my own satisfaction with the site is somewhat independent of its Google rating. I know what we're doing is a public service, and that it will grow with time.