Update: Google’s Blog compass was rolled back in July 2019 and is no longer active . WordPress app, however, is still going strong
Google’s Blog Compass was launched with an eye to Indian Bloggers.
Many of us at Indiblogger(another site which is now on its last legs), got a chance to beta test its usability and give our feedback. While testing new apps is a lot of fun, this was extra special. It was Google and an app for Blogging! Whatever I have learned as a blogger, it’s because of Google. The books to read, blogs to follow and people to learn from, were suggested by Google. It was a pleasure trying out the app, in various stages of its development.
I downloaded the final version and after using it for the last ten days, I am writing Google’s Blog Compass Review.
Unfortunately, Google has stopped updating this app and its no longer functional.
7 Reasons I loved Blog Compass App:
1)It currently has an Android-only version. Obviously! Google has the exact data about how many people use Android and iPhones.So optimize for Android users. Extra tips that make you feel special.
2)You need to be a WordPress or Blogger user. Covers more than 90 percent of blogs.
3)You need to install Jetpack. This helps WordPress get your stats in place. Jetpack and Blog compass, share data and you can check the most important data points. Blog compass gets data from Google Analytics and Search console to give you at your fingertips:
- Page views
- Traffic numbers
- Traffic source
- Demographic data
4) Blog compass has encouraging badges to unlock, as you publish a specific number of blog posts and have a higher number of Blog visitors. A nice feature for social sharing. Encouragement is always appreciated.
5) You can easily approve comments, just like on the WordPress app without signing into your blog backend.
6)You can find trending topics in the categories of your interest with search volumes! This is gold as it also gives you long-tail keyword target. All this without leaving the app!
7)You have an amazing database of education.Google tells you exactly what you should know about managing your blog.Don’t miss this treasure trove of knowledge.While Google blog articles were always available,this education hub is streamlined to make sense of the chaos.Plus you know this is the real thing.No beating about the bush.
Only one problem:You actually have to read it. Just having it on your phone, will not make you a pro-blogger.
Comparison with WordPress app
- The WordPress reader option is a boon. Google Blog compass currently has no option to discover new blogs.You are alone inside the user interface.The community factor if included will be excellent. But this app I feel is targetted for charting blog growth with numbers.This is crucial for making blogs financially free. But how helpful it is ,only your work and time will tell.
- The Blog compass does not let you write or publish posts using the app, which the WordPress app does. But honestly, I have faced problems with the bulky WP app too, which allows scheduling and then the post doesn’t get published.It’s a horror for busy bloggers who are traveling a lot.
- No education hub for Bloggers in WP app. Google scores here.Can you imagine something better,than ths Google people teaching you?
- The keyword and category options is very good as a starting point, especially for new bloggers. No such feature with WordPress app.Google’s Blog Compass scores again!
- Both the WP app and Blog compass celebrates blogging milestones.
Serious pros for Serious Bloggers:
It’s a one-stop App for stats, especially when you are traveling, need to get your stats for brands, P R or just to check the backend stuff. It’s easy to approve comments on the go too.
The one thing you still need:
Ability to write and publish a blog post from the app itself, but with better features than WP. Maybe they will join hands and make blogging truly mobile!
Final Verdict:
A must download the app if you like blogging on the go. It’s handy, educational,easy to use,motivational and trying to teach bloggers the right things to focus on. When Google gives you a gift, it’s bound to be amazing.
Blogging changes each year, keeping up is important. Even now WordPress App survives,that’s good enough reason for it to be the winner.
Resources
Starting a Successful Blog :Secrets to take your Blog from Kickstart to Amazing
7 Blogging Challenges for a Successful Blog
Anchor App Review :Podcast App to change Podcasting in India
thanks for sharing will download this app.
will it be useful for new blogger since i don’t have any techie knowledge much
Hi Ayushi, it’s easy to download and setup.But you need Google analytics setup and Jetpack-enabled
Google has been targeting the Indian market well and good. This, for one is. And we all know the recently launched Tez payment app. It’s been renamed as Google Pay. I’ve got good experience using Google Pay.
Will try Google Pay !
I liked point 6Trending topics . Didn’t know about such app. It looks very useful.
#MothersGurukulreads #Myfriendalexa
It is !
Does it actually work? It didn’t work for me yaa. Gave me error ???? Sounds super promising ????????
#MyFriendAlexa #vigorousreads
Oh yes, it worked for me. But the GA setup needs to be done right and must include all your website properties.
That’s a nice review .This review make me to install the App. 🙂
That’s nice to know.Hope you enjoy using it.
That looks like a super cool.. I liked the way you compared Google Compass with WP app.
Thanks Sanjota
I love this app. Specially the feature where it shows the clicks against each keywords.
Yes it’s cool.
I never knew about the blog compass until I read your post. Thank you. I will try it now.
Let me know your experience.
Very useful… Just warming up with all the stats and stuff… Thanks for sharing
Good to know.
I was testing it and feel it still needs several improvements for me to ignore Webmaster and Analytics and jump on to this on-the-go.
Oh it’s not a replacement at all. It’s more like an exam notes copy. A quick overview which prevents overwhelm for new bloggers.
I have installed it, still have not use it. Your insight will help the blogging community. Thanks
Glad you found this useful.
The ability to write and schedule posts is a must and as you rightly pointed out doesnt work very well in the wp app too
That’s right.But its still extraordinarily useful
I am looking forward to get my hands dirty with this one and luckily am an android user so I should be able to start doing it this week. Thanks for your detailed review
Its a good app .
I am eagerly waiting for putting my hand on this, bcs its not for my Iphones yet. Being a pioneer user for any google products including the Orkut, this is really a disappointment for me. Can’t use on desktop, and not on other than Android phones 🙁
Hee hee, Google made us Non-iPhone users very happy!