I established the first of these ancestor landing pages more than 6 years ago, and expanded until now I have 14 such landing pages. Each tells the story, in brief, of an ancestral couple or family. When I blog about one of those ancestors or families, I update the landing page with a link to the newest post. This enables anyone who searches for that surname to see, at a glance, what I've learned about that family and what I'm still learning or wondering about.
In addition, I have a landing page devoted to hubby's Mayflower ancestors. The remaining 3 landing pages include links to free genealogy resources, sample templates for family history, and my genealogy presentations.
McClure, Larimer, and Schwartz
By page views, the three most popular ancestor landing pages are:
- Halbert McClure and family from Donegal. This is the Scots-Irish ancestor of my husband who had enough money to sail, with many members of his family, from the north of Ireland to Philadelphia. The family then walked to Virginia to buy farm land.
- Robert & Mary Larimer. According to my husband's grandfather, family lore has it that Robert Larimer was sent from the North of Ireland to America to make his way in the world. Alas, he was shipwrecked en route and forced to work off the cost of his rescue.
- Schwartz family from Ungvar. This is my maternal grandfather's family. Born and raised in what is now Uzhorod, Ukraine, Grandpa Teddy was the first in his family to leave for America. Soon he sent for an older brother and together, they saved their nickels and sent for a baby sister.
My landing pages are attracting thousands of views, so I know people are finding them via online search. Sometimes people even leave me a comment or write me c/o my blog to discuss possible family connections.
More than once, a cousin I didn't know I had (or couldn't find) has landed on my blog and gotten in touch with me. Genealogy blogs are excellent cousin bait, and ancestor landing pages increase the odds of being found via online searches.
Your landing pages are a great idea, Marian, glad you're meeting lots of cousins from them.
ReplyDeleteYou've made it simple for cousins to find you. Every blogger should have a toolbox, especially with landing pages.:)
ReplyDeleteI read about your landing pages before and had every intention of following your lead. I have tabs for certain family lines but never think to update them. Too easily distracted, I guess.
ReplyDeleteThanks, ladies, for reading and adding a note. Wendy, I don't remember to update my landing pages exactly on time but once every month or two. Distracted by current research, most likely!
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me! I have just created my first ancestor landing page over on my blog and have credited you :) Thanks!! Such a cool idea.
ReplyDeleteTeresa, I hope "new" cousins find you via your blog! Thank you for reading and leaving me a comment.
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