Is Google Analytics accurate?  According to my stats this year, visits to my Irish & Celtic Music Podcast were at an all-time low, about 750 visitors.  That's down 100 from last year and down about 3000 from the year before that.

Because last year's numbers were down, I worked extra-hard this year to promote my websites, and looking at Google, it feels like it was all for naught.  Once upon a time, I understood Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  I don't any more.  That's why I don't mess with it much.  In fact, my most-successful podcast that I posted on YouTube was the one I didn't spend much time thinking about the name.  I'm not surprised, just a bit disappointed with SEO.

That said, I'm not disappointed with the overall results of the St. Patrick's Day season.  For me, it starts in January and culminates with the actual day. While Google SEO promotion was largely a failure, I think the rest of it was a success.

Victims of Irish Music did not stay in the top 25 for “Irish music”, but it still hovered at the top of the charts for much of March.  My newest compilation Best Irish Drinking Songs, however was in the top 25, at least until the actual day.  My other “Irish drinking songs” compilations did fairly well too.  Sales look like they were good overall.  I'll know just how well in about a month or two when iTunes pays out sales.

More important than all that was the fan response.  The main reason I spend so much time with SEO is because I try to attract new listeners who will become fans.  That's not nearly as important as making my current fans happy.  However, I can't actively measure that stat except by how people spread the word about the podcast and my music.  I felt like there were a LOT more people who were activated and excited about sharing the podcast, the free Irish music downloads, the compilations, and even my music.  I saw lots of shares on Facebook and Google+.  It felt like people were more excited.  I'm thankful for that.

What's the plan for next year's St. Patrick's Day?

So what's the plan for next year?

• I will cut out the Search Engine Optimization on Google.  
• I will still blog a lot about my websites.  But I'm gonna vary it up a wee bit more.  
• I will release only two St. Patrick's Day specials of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and one (maybe two) for the Pub Songs Podcast.
• I will release at least one new compilation for iTunes promotion to promote my variety of music.
• I will promote Halfway to St. Patrick's Day too.
• Content, content, content.  That's always most-important.  So I will continue to do my best to provide you with the best, most-interesting, and entertaining Celtic music content out there.

So thank YOU for all your help with this year's promotion.  I really wouldn't succeed at all without you.

I need your feedback

What did you like about my promotions this year?

What did you dislike?

What could I have improved on?

Any thoughts on what you saw about Celtic music in your community?

Did you get any feedback from helping promote the podcast or my music? 

How was your St. Patrick's Day?  What did you do?  

Will you share some pictures on our podcast facebook page?  

Thanks in advance for all your feedback.  I really, really appreciate all your help this year.  Slainte!