How to Generate Free Website Traffic
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If you're not averse to some blood, sweat, and tears, you can generate traffic on a lean budget. Here, I share some broad ways to attract audiences and, more importantly, capture leads.
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How to Generate Free Website Traffic
- 1. + How to Generate Free Website Traffic November 19, 2016
- 4. + Do Some Keyword Digging
- 6. + Go for the Long Tail
- 10. + Join HARO
- 11. + Use a Content Aggregator
- 12. + Go to Events and Conferences
- 14. + Interact in Online Forums and Groups
- 15. + Marketing
- 17. + Get Social
- 19. + Start Some Word of Mouth
- 22. + Send an Email
- 23. + Write Some Words (then Write Some More)
- 24. + Remember Your Visual Aids
- 25. + Explore Other Types of Content
- 26. + Make Your Content Shareable
- 27. + Add Your URL to Everything
- 29. + Questions? Erin Feldman is Write Right http://www.writerightwords.com
Editor's Notes
- When it comes to your website, you want more than traffic. You want leads and referrals, i.e., conversions. To get those, you should use PR, marketing, and other methods. Think of the tactics as exits on a highway, beckoning travelers to come rest a while. You might pass on the exit for McDonald’s, but you can’t pass on the one for Arby’s.
- Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process used to generate free, or “organic,” search traffic. Resources: http://searchengineland.com/guide/what-is-seo, https://moz.com/beginners-guide-to-seo
- If you want to create content that generates traffic, you should get into the mind of your audience. What are their interests? How do they talk and input search queries? How old are they? Why are they searching for information, a product, or service? Where do they live and where do you provide services? Answer the questions and base content on them. Resources: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jaysondemers/2014/09/03/why-knowing-your-audience-is-the-key-to-success/#4f9de0306104, http://searchengineland.com/human-side-seo-power-personas-255747 Image: Marc Veraart, Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/5edk7f)
- You can guess at who your audience is, or you can know. With tools like Google Trends, Google Predictive Search, Google Keyword Planner, and KeywordTool, you’ll know, relatively quickyly and easily, what content to create. Resources: http://searchengineland.com/keyword-research-key-element-seo-content-marketing-246418 Image: OXLAEY.com, Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/rUKUv1)
- Besides optimizing your content with keywords, you should optimize it for mobile. Other key elements to ranking in search: relevancy, quality, user experience, site speed, and internal links. Meta descriptions and tags, images with alternate tags, and strong headlines also help. Wordpress plugin: Yoast SEO Resources: https://searchenginewatch.com/2016/01/21/seo-basics-22-essentials-you-need-for-optimizing-your-site/, https://searchenginewatch.com/2016/04/04/how-does-google-determine-my-local-ranking/ Image: NH53, Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/8Qz2Vw)
- Long-tail keywords (three to four words) achieve greater results because they relate to specific search terms. When people are closer to the point of purchase, they tend to input more specific, rather than general, search queries. If you use the phrases in content, the pages will appear in search results. Resources: http://www.wordstream.com/long-tail-keywords, https://www.wordtracker.com/academy/keyword-research/technical-guides/three-good-reasons-to-target-long-tail-keywords Image: Sinead Friel, Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/cDpiDm)
- Public relations is defined as “the professional maintenance of a favorable public image by a company or other organization or a famous person.” The definition’s vague, and most PR professionals talk about the subject in terms of paid, earned, and owned media. All play a role in maintaining a “favorable public image.”
- Interviews aren’t for the well-known bloggers and established businesses. Many thought leaders will talk with you if you just ask. Once you have the interview, share the link with the thought leader and tag them on social. They’ll retweet and reshare the interview, increasing your reach and potential traffic. Resources: http://www.forbes.com/sites/shelisrael/2012/03/05/what-makes-a-thought-leader/#59c11a17137c, https://www.fastcompany.com/3003897/golden-rules-creating-thoughtful-thought-leadership Image: Ken Bosma, Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/4NiVFV)
- To establish your own authority and opportunities for back links, you should write guest posts for key publications. Look for ones within niches, both your own and your customers’. Resources: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/guest-blogging-effectively-boosts-credibility/71327/, https://www.semrush.com/blog/5-common-challenges-for-guest-post-beginners-and-how-to-conquer-them/
- Help A Reporter Out (helpareporterout.com) helps you find sources and be one. It makes it easy to get quotes from thought leaders or to be included in their work. Resources: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/help-a-reporter-and-yourself-out.html, http://www.livingfornaptime.com/blogging-tips/get-exposure-blog-using-haro-help-reporter/
- Content aggregators like Alltop gather content for reuse and resale, creating back links to your website. If people like the republished content, they hypothetically will come to your website to find more of it. Resources: http://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/content-curation-vs-content-aggregation-basics, http://tomakeawebsite.net/5-best-content-aggregator-websites/
- In-person events are ideal for growing your network and sharing contact information, including your website. You don’t have to spend a lot of money; many local networking events and learning opportunities can be found via Meetup, Facebook groups, and other sources. Resources: http://www.contentmarketingworld.com/importance-person-events/, http://www.marketergizmo.com/in-person-events-content-marketing-tactic/, http://www.marketingprofs.com/opinions/2012/23499/four-reasons-to-love-in-person-events
- Speaking and teaching opportunities present chances to establish your authority and share your website. And, the content presented at the events can be published online, giving it extra mileage and opportunities to grow website traffic. Resources: http://www.forbes.com/sites/steveolenski/2015/04/13/7-benefits-of-using-public-speaking-to-build-your-brand-authority/#7768fd9a1463, http://99u.com/articles/6276/why-public-speaking-is-good-for-you-your-brand Image: aphid dew, Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/6ejp6h)
- LinkedIn forums and Facebook groups offer opportunities to network, find work or collaboration partners, and increase website traffic. Resources: http://sheownsit.com/reasons-why-should-participate-online-forums/, https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223493, http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/network-with-facebook-groups/, http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/use-facebook-groups-for-business/ Image: aimee rivers, Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/9aJfTX)
- Marketing is “the action or business of promoting and selling products or services.” Again, a broad definition. Most marketers tend to specialize in certain aspects of the discipline while maintaining a general awareness and knowledge of it.
- If you want to generate free traffic, look at what your competitors do well. What kind of content do they publish? Where? Then, look for ways to replicate their ideas, as well as stand out from them. You might be in the same industry and offer the same service or product, but some quality makes you different from the rest. Resources: http://www.marketingprofs.com/opinions/2013/23874/five-reasons-why-market-research-matters-and-five-tips-for-using-it, https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/242521, https://www.visioncritical.com/competitive-analysis-beyond-your-own-industry/ Image: Tambako the Jaguar, Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/nnTzzq)
- You should use research on your audience, industry, and competitors to decide on social networks. You don’t need to use ALL the social networks, only the ones that will impact your brand and grow website traffic. Once you choose your channels, focus on ways to stand out on them. On Twitter, for instance, you would want to use images and Twitter cards to stand out from the stream of tweets. Resources: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7832-social-media-for-business.html, https://blog.bufferapp.com/how-to-choose-a-social-network, http://www.cio.com/article/2925995/social-media/why-twitter-cards-are-key-to-social-media-marketing.html Image: Alan Levine, Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/acguVd)
- Influencers are key to getting your message out to not only more people but also the right people. Influencer marketing has become a paid initiative in many cases, but not always. Some influencers will work with you because they love what you do and want to share it with the world. Buzzsumo is a tool that helps you identify key influencers. You can also use the tool to research the competition and discover ideas for content. Resources: https://www.tapinfluence.com/blog-what-is-influencer-marketing/, http://www.adweek.com/socialtimes/10-reasons-why-influencer-marketing-is-the-next-big-thing/623407, http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2016/10/16/8-influencer-marketing-trends-that-will-lead-you-to-success/#639e5a705662, http://blog.marketwired.com/2016/03/17/5-steps-to-creating-your-influencer-marketing-program/
- Word of mouth marketing (WOMM) involves getting people to talk positively about you on social. To amp up WOMM — and increase website traffic — you should identify key brand advocates. Figure out what resonates with them and interact with them. The more cared for they feel, the more buzz they’ll create. Some could potentially be influencers, too. If so, they can be incorporated into an organized influencer program. Resources: http://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2014/02/20/seven-ways-to-identify-and-engage-brand-advocates/#3e7229474b81, https://blog.hootsuite.com/community-management-tip-brand-advocacy-program/, http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/30490/The-Qualities-of-a-Powerful-Word-of-Mouth-Marketing-Strategy.aspx#sm.00006cxppyg3aee8xc21jypl9g0e6, http://www.nielsen.com/id/en/press-room/2015/WORD-OF-MOUTH-RECOMMENDATIONS-REMAIN-THE-MOST-CREDIBLE.html Image: Curt Hart, Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/KNb3L)
- If running a local business, it helps to ask for reviews and check-ins. Each amplifies your online reach and potentially increases traffic. Yelp, Google, Swarm, and Facebook are good starting points when asking people for reviews and recommendations. Resources: https://www.shopify.com/retail/119916611-how-online-reviews-impact-local-seo-and-why-they-matter-to-your-bottom-line, http://www.business2community.com/infographics/impact-online-reviews-customers-buying-decisions-infographic-01280945#V2OjLmGPZ7Y0Xu7U.97, http://marketingland.com/incentivized-check-ins-white-hat-trick-getting-reviews-yelp-120607, http://www.revlocal.com/blog/local-search/12200_how-do-check-ins-affect-local-search-/
- User-generated content (UGC) can be a great way to increase traffic and engagement. ArtSnacks, for instance, shares subscribers’ artwork, which keeps them engaged and entices new customers to sign up. Resources: http://www.blogherald.com/2016/04/06/use-social-media-user-generated-content-boost-traffic/, https://www.searchenginejournal.com/ugc-part-seo-strategy/93557/, http://www.getstorybox.com/blog/4-ways-to-increase-website-traffic-with-user-generated-content/
- Well-written email newsletters can increase website traffic. The key is using targeted and personalized calls to action that drive people to a) visit your site to perform an action and/or b) share the content with their friends. Resources: http://searchengineland.com/3-simple-ways-email-can-drive-seo-results-200346, https://www.campaignmonitor.com/blog/customers/2015/04/buzzfeed-email-marketing/, http://blog.wishpond.com/post/66108935355/12-tips-how-to-use-email-to-drive-traffic-to-your
- Blogging remains more-or-less alive and well, but don’t forget about creating evergreen content. Also consider other written words such as thought leadership articles, educational materials, and interviews. The key to success is consistency. Establish a rhythm for posting so that the audience knows when to return for new information. You should also wed content initiatives with other marketing, PR, and SEO tactics to see the most impact. Resources: http://writtent.com/blog/4-ways-to-increase-website-traffic-with-content-marketing/, http://www.frac.tl/how-content-marketing-increases-rankings-and-traffic/ Image: Austin Kirk, Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/CrkViv)
- Images connect immediately, so use them with blog posts and other content. Images also attract attention and should be used when sharing owned content on social platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Other visual content: infographics, SlideShares, and memes. Resources: https://blog.kissmetrics.com/visual-content-you-need-to-use-in-your-marketing-campaign/, http://elevatoragency.com/why-visual-content-must-be-part-of-your-inbound-marketing-strategy/, https://www.bannersnack.com/blog/visual-content-examples-marketing-strategy/, http://contentmarketinginstitute.com/2015/11/visual-content-strategy/ Image: [cipher], Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/ocq4qk)
- If the sound of writing yet another blog post sounds like a death knell, explore other content. You — and more importantly, your audience — may do better with video or audio content. Both mediums perform well when it comes to increasing traffic and leads, though the two do require time and effort. Resources: http://searchengineland.com/rise-video-8-tips-boost-sites-seo-227498, http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/use-video-to-drive-traffic-and-conversions/, http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/proof-that-podcasting-will-benefit-your-business/, http://www.editorandpublisher.com/feature/the-rising-popularity-of-podcasts/, http://www.businessinsider.com/podcasts-are-becoming-more-popular-among-listeners-and-advertisers-2016-6 Image: Gage Skidmore, Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/o9mFSq)
- If you want traffic, make your content easy to share. Hardly anyone will go to the trouble to copy and paste a link into their preferred social network. Resources: http://www.socialmediatoday.com/social-business/3-reasons-why-no-one-sharing-your-content, https://socialmediaweek.org/blog/2016/03/4-things-think-websites-social-sharing-buttons/, http://coschedule.com/blog/social-media-buttons/
- Don’t be afraid to add your URL to an email signature, business cards, and swag. It might not increase traffic greatly, but it can cause a slight uptick. Resources: http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/31054/10-clever-ways-your-email-signature-can-support-your-marketing.aspx#sm.00006cxppyg3aee8xc21jypl9g0e6, http://www.yesware.com/blog/email-signature/
- To increase traffic long-term, you have to track the data. Decide on objectives; gather pertinent data; analyze it; and fine-tune efforts going forward. Resources: https://www.quicksprout.com/2013/12/30/how-3-simple-google-analytics-reports-will-increase-your-search-engine-traffic/, http://www.cio.com/article/2379548/web-analytics/8-ways-to-use-web-analytics-to-increase-online-sales.html Image: James Royal-Lawson, Creative Commons (https://flic.kr/p/cDW4QQ)
- Erin Feldman is Write Right. http://www.writerightwords.com