Shortly after launching the website I started this blog, which began as a way to go updating the site with new content and eventually evolve into what is now almost a necessity to materialize, in writing, reflections and thoughts that I have on my freelance work as an architect but also about many other things.
This effort to write interesting and potentially compelling content has become a pressing need, which I miss when I have no time to do so. Apart from making me regain the need to write (which I probably always had) it also allowed me to organize my thoughts in a much better way on an infinity of subjects. And also to identify the issues that people who read me appreciate the most, by the feedback they provide.
Today there are some free tools, such as "Google Analytics" that allow even a layman like me to understand how Internet users interact with his site. What they see, when, how long and where they accessed the site. In the latest version of the program this data is even available in real-time. If for instance someone in Singapore enters my site I have that information immediately while viewing "Google Analytics". This useful tool has allowed me to draw some conclusions:
- After the initial interest, it is really in the times when I publish texts on the blog, I present new projects or refer news about their publication in the press that the website records higher turnout. Of course that, as I mentioned in one of my first posts, the disclosure in social networks helps to maximize the impact of all this information.
- In this short time since it is online, the site was visited by almost 3000 people from about 60 countries, just over half of which of course from Portugal. It is a matter of great satisfaction that so many people from such varied backgrounds, have an interest in my work or my ideas. And that so many people have been monitoring my website and interacting with me. This reinforces my wish to continue what I have done so far and encourages me to improve, to increase my level of personal demand.
And now the question that is surely in the mind of many people reading this text:
- Okay, this is all very interesting, but is reflected in more architectural work?
The answer isn’t easy. Or rather, it is: Yes and no.
Yes, because the reality is that I've had some work I wouldn't have if I hadn't made such a great effort to disclosure. And I had several surveys to potential orders from people who felt empathy for what I do and that may result in concrete work.
No, because in the end, I can't say yet that I'm with lots of work as a result of my presence on the Internet.
But the fact is, these days, almost no one is exactly with a lot of work, as you know. And as an optimist (and strong-willed) I am, I believe that persistence will eventually bear fruit. As such, let us be seeing round here!