Google gadgets usage and pageview numbers
I was discussing with some people Google gadget page view numbers and I was surprised by how many people didn’t know this, so here is a quick tip.
The best way to track usage is using analytics, but since Google is determining the value of your gadget by it’s internal numbers, it is good to know where you are at in their eyes.
Google states approximate numbers of gadget usage and page views, but they do it in a couple of different places. One of those place is more actively updated than others.
I have a Kayak Travel search gadget and if you go to the Google gadget “add” directory you will see this…
Notice how it says there are less than 1000 users and less than 10,000 page views?
This number is actually wrong. Most people who have a gadget check their numbers by looking at this, and are disappointed when they watch for weeks and weeks with no change.
That is not the only place to see numbers.
Here is the same exact Kayak gadget in the Google gadget syndication directory (the syndication directory is the same Google gadget directory database, however it gives users an option to “add to webpage” instead of “add to iGoogle”).
It also is used more, and has better numbers.
Now you can see that this gadget has over 7,000 page views per week.
When you are checking your gadget numbers, make sure that you check both places, and you will stress out a little bit less until you get your gadget to the 10,000 plus range.
The syndication directory will give you more actively updated numbers (it updates every few days).
