HOW TO: Drive Traffic to your Website
Unless you're spending thousands on above-the-line campaigns, you are most likely familiar with the dilemma…how do I get more traffic to my website?Likewise, you know that without a steady stream of traffic to your site there’s no way to communicate your services to potential customers. The opportunity to ‘make the sale’ is lost and our competitors pip us at the post.Here are some tips for generating some visibility online. 1. Publish new content frequently on your websiteThe fresher your site is and the more frequently you update it, the more traffic you get because the search engines are indexing your content more frequently. Update your site with relevant information that is useful for your visitors. 2. List your site with relevant directoriesCheck where you have your business and site listed; are you making good use of online directories? Are you listing your site and business on www.finda.co.nz, www.gumtree.co.nz, and any and all relevant directories?Remember there are many good FREE online directories you can be listed. 3. Make sure you can be found online Businesses miss out on traffic by failing to include links to their website as part of their email signature or as part of other communication. Use your email signature to your advantage; your signature should include your website, blog or other links that show where you are online. 4. Surveys and pollsDo you like being asked for your opinion on something? Chances are you do. Why then not ask visitors to you site for their opinion on your services, industry or something topical that relates to the business sector you are in. There are a few online resources you can use such as Polldaddy or SurveyMonkey.You will be surprised that people who respond are likely to also let others know of the survey/poll you are conducting, again helping to get more traffic to your site. 5. Respond/Comment on what others are sayingShow respect for what others are saying. If you see something online that others are talking about, be it on their website, blog or other social media channels; and provided it’s something you have a sound view, understanding of, leave a comment. You don’t always have to agree with what people are saying. The point is to show some interest.For more on why this is a good tactical move, read about outreach.For real impact you can target influential blogs, make a point to read them on a regular basis, and contribute to what’s being said. Most blog sites will allow you to include the URL to your blog or site. 6. Guest postingOther people are sometimes looking for contributors to their blogs; offer your expertise and reach a bigger audience. This will have an impact on traffic to your site. Writing on other people’s blogs can introduce you to a new audience and create a surge of new traffic to your blog.7. Article marketingA great way to attract visitors to your site is through “Article marketing”. By posting your articles on EzineArticles.com you will reach another group of readers. With EzineArticles.com you are able to have a personal profile, in here you will be able to include a link to your where people can find you online. When setting up your account include the option to have your contribution auto-tweeted, this will immediately attract attention.These are only a few of the things you can do to help drive traffic; we’re sure there are many more, and will offer further tips in future posts. If you have some that work well for you and would like to share them, please email editor@socialmedianz.com