How to Drive Traffic to Your Blog

I'd like to think people read my blog because I write engaging posts on interesting and original topics. I craft every post with care, trying to make each one both meaningful and brief enough to hold readers' attention. I strive to maintain a consistent output of social criticism and advertising insights. But I've realized recently it's not interesting articles that bring readers to my blog. No, it's something much, much simpler. Pictures of attractive female celebrities.

Since linking to a picture of Mila Kunis in a post last month, I've gotten at least 8-10 hits a day from people searching for variations on Mila Kunis, including "mila kunis eye," "mila kunis porn," and "mila kunis odd eye." If these people find the picture they're looking for and then linger on the site, I'm happy. But I'm sure they rarely explore my posts beyond the Sarah Marshall entry, leaving the real meat of my blog unseen and unenjoyed.

It's disappointing, but I guess if you can't beat 'em, give 'em what they want. Keep reading...

NOLAF

An outstanding example of an engaging, entertaining microsite. Reloading the home page results in several different introductions to the site, encouraging visitors to explore the site and discover hidden easter eggs and videos. The actor who plays the guide has spot-on delivery; his sardonic tone is unexpected coming from someone of his age, bt perfect for the target market.

The brand responsible for the site cleverly (and impressively) hides its identity, except for a few brief moments. I won't spoil the surprise. Keep reading...

Today I buried a squirrel

The last time I handled a dead animal was in 9th grade biology, and I certainly never intended to do it again--I don't even like touching bugs. But I made an exception today. While mowing the lawn, I saw a squirrel lying on its side just a few feet from my driveway. The poor thing looked to be recently deceased, given his still-fluffy appearance (it always amazes me how squirrels can get hit by a car, but still look as cute as ever). I'm not usually one to get involved with dead animals, but I felt I had a duty. Given his proximity to my house and still-intact guts, I thought I could get over my squeamishness and save him from any further post-thanatopic trauma.

I picked out a suitable spot in the yard as far from the house as possible, and dug a good-sized hole. Then I took the shovel and scooped up the limp body of the squirrel, carrying him back to his grave. On the way I noticed a striped feather on the ground, which seemed like a fine funereal object to bury with the squirrel.

I slid him into the hole and dropped the feather on top. After replacing the red dirt, I did my best to conceal the grave with sticks and pine straw. Burying this squirrel was one of the most satisfying experiences I've had in a while. I felt connected to the earth, and proud of myself for overcoming my fear of (dead) animals. And it was fulfilling to know that I'd given one of the countless, carefree creatures killed every day the treatment it deserved. It's easy to get desensitized to seeing splattered squirrels smushed into concrete day after day, but it's good to slow (life) down, get out of your car or house, and do something about it.

Somewhat surprisingly, I have yet to attend a human's funeral. But today I took my first step towards becoming more comfortable with death, and it was an experience I won't soon forget.

Keep reading...

More Data Visualization Sweetness from NYT

The Times continues to produce incredibly well designed statistical visualizations. This graphic shows the various components of the government's Consumer Price Index, as well as the percentage change in price of each product in the past year.

Link Keep reading...

Zohan meets Baron Davis

Some creative advertising from Sony for their new film, "You Don't Mess With the Zohan." The film itself seems like quite a gamble for a major studio; its protagonist is an effete ex-Israeli secret service agent who pursues a career in America as a hairdresser. An undeniably original premise, but probably not a movie with mass appeal. A marketing move like this, however, is a step in the right direction.

This spot parodies the commercials currently running to promote the NBA playoffs, which pair players whose teams are facing each other. I am impressed with the spot for several reasons--its timeliness is impeccable, it draws viewers by successfully imitating an already-popular campaign, and it makes a film with an outlandish premise more accessible to the general public. With its potential for viral popularity the commercial could spark interest in the film, which may otherwise find it challenging to attract moviegoers' dollars. Keep reading...