What Is Important? Claps, Views, Followers, Or Reads?

Just Say It

Have you heard of “Vanity Metrics” lately?

Yes, this refers to claps, views, followers, and other features that do not count.

Metric is a system of standard measurement.

I have found out that though claps do not add to your bottom line, it has a lot of merits.

Claps encourage you to keep your writing spirit high.

Claps convey a sense of solidarity and comradeship amongst writers and readers.

These people are cheerleaders who are always ready to offer helpful hints and comments that make you feel that you are not alone.

It’s an assurance that you are not wasting your time.

They are actually sending a message that you should keep going.

This gesture has inspired many writers to continue to show up with renewed strength and vigor.

Without this group of readers, writing would be boring and uninteresting. Claps may not magically impact your pocket, they can adequately boost your morale.

Claps should not be considered an unnecessary waste of time.

The medium promoters know better, that is why they retain that feature.

Claps enable a writer to gauge the reach, impact, and relevance of his story.

Views

When readers quickly browse over your story and move on, it could be that they are looking for something else.

They may not be interested in your headline, or the subject didn’t ring a bell.

They might read a line or two before making up their minds.

By the way, views can be internal and external.

I agree that views don’t really count.

What About Followers?

Lately, I began to realize that followership may really be another vanity metric after all.

How could someone with over 500 followers find it hard to command the attention of at least 50 of them on a story? Not even 20 any time.

You might argue that probably the writer is not good enough, but the same thing is happening to established writers.

There is a virus in town, it is called short attention span.

More and more people are finding it increasingly hard to read. Period.

It’s all about video and audio.

So, what is the purpose of having followers who are mere numbers and are not reading your posts?

Maybe they are probably your guardian angels sent from heaven to protect you, or they might be some kind of monitoring spirits to observe how well you are doing.

Reads

This is it.

Those readers who are kind enough to read your story through to the end for various reasons:

They probably find the headline attractive and interesting.

It may also be an answer to a particular question they are having.

They can relate to a point of view raised.

A shared experience and value could also act as a magnet to a story.

However, a superior argument can also win many readers.

The truth is that readers will only read when they derive values.

It’s all about them.

They want to be entertained and educated with proof of authority.

Many are also looking for advocates for their causes.

Some would appreciate a new line of thought concerning old issues.

Others want to be inspired and motivated with a touch of empathy.

There is no doubt that writers play different roles at different times in the lives of their readers.

Final Thoughts

Aim for what matters

Do your best, be your best

Create great values