One of the first questions I receive from my clients is "How do I increase website traffic?" Now that they have a new website up sometimes they expect website traffic to automatically start coming in and bringing sales.
I wish it was that easy! There needs to be a strategy created though.
Before you can see results, building a strategy is necessary. Consistency is a key component too. It can't be about quantity either. I tell my clients that you should focus on quality too.
While a new website definitely helps, it takes time to bring more visitors to your site. Nevertheless, there are ways you can improve your chances quicker.
After you complete your website, you can't wait for the rest of the world to see it, provide feedback, and monitor its progress. There is only one little snag. It takes time and effort to build an audience and attract excellent visitors to your website.
Building a consistent stream of traffic takes time and is a continuous effort in most circumstances.
Let's Begin!
Set Up a Google My Business Account
A Google My Business page will increase your chances of getting noticed in local searches if you have a physical presence. When someone searches for a business in your region, there's a good chance that your information and website will come up first. It takes only a few minutes to set up.
A detailed profile also helps you appear more professional, and previous customers are more willing to offer reviews, photos, and ratings if you have one. All of this adds up to a better presence and an additional source of traffic for your website. I prefer to use Wix for my site because it is an easy-to-use platform. Wix makes it simple to create a Google Business profile directly from your site dashboard.
Regardless, it doesn't matter what online platform you use. Google My Business is a must-have for small businesses and startups.
Add Your Website to Online Directories
This is a simple strategy that is often missed because you may think it's a bit outdated. It's not. Adding your site to different online directories is a sure method to build traffic over time.
Sites, directories, and social platforms based on user-generated content abound on the internet. These platforms attract a large number of people, making them a great area to increase your visibility and potentially help you rank better in search engines.
Your contact information should be consistent across all directories. To begin, create a profile with your contact information and a link to your website. Including links to your site in profiles or posts on platforms with high traffic is also beneficial to your backlink strategy.
Post Consistently on Your Blog
At the same time, you'd be shocked how many people want to learn from you if you're an expert in your business or area. People utilize the internet to study and investigate since it is free. It is also an excellent means of learning.
Blogging has the potential to be tremendously useful to a wide range of individuals and for a variety of reasons. Blogging is no longer just for businesses! I've profited personally, professionally, and financially by blogging. Writing has evolved into one of my favorite pastimes. I tell almost everyone I meet about my blog.
You can check me Why You Should Start a Blog for Your Startup Business if you want to understand how blogging is essential for long-term traffic growth.
Share on Social Media
Social Media is a big component of website traffic.
What are the advantages of utilizing social media in the workplace? Consider the fact that there are currently over 4.2 billion active social media users worldwide. You can humanize your brand and make it relatable too. A brand that is relatable and connects with consumers is a sure winner.
You're missing out on a quick, affordable, and efficient method to reach almost half of the world's population if you don't include social media in your digital marketing approach.
Social Media can skyrocket your small business. What makes social media incredible for small businesses is that you can reach a large audience for free. The key is to engage with your target audience and be consistent with your content.
Avoid posting content that is aimed at only sales though. Content should be useful and resource-driven. Creativity plays a big role in social media.
The social media channels you should consider include the following:
Pinterest
Tik Tok
Instagram
Facebook
Tumblr
YouTube
Twitter
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are obvious places to contact new and highly targeted potential clients, with over half of the world's population using social media.
Do you believe that on social media, individuals only interact with businesses they are familiar with? Consider this: 83 percent of Instagram users think the platform helps them find new items.
Stillhouse Spirits had a 17-point improvement in ad recall after running a Facebook campaign to raise brand recognition among outdoor enthusiasts.
Guerilla Marketing Tactics
One of the best tactics I learned as a Marketing Director was Guerilla Marketing. What is Guerilla Marketing?
Guerrilla marketing is the employment of unorthodox or creative ways to increase sales or generate interest in a brand or business. These techniques are frequently low-cost or free, and they entail the extensive usage of more human connections or viral social media messaging.
There are different types of Guerilla Marketing.
As specialized as guerilla marketing may appear, there are a few sub-categories:
Guerilla marketing ambush at an event. Using the audience at a live event, such as a concert or a sporting event, to advertise a product or service in a conspicuous fashion, generally without the event sponsors' approval.
Outdoor Guerrilla Marketing is a term used to describe guerrilla marketing that takes place Adds something to pre-existing urban surroundings, such as a portable monument or temporary artwork on sidewalks and streets.
Indoor guerrilla marketing is a term used to describe guerrilla marketing that takes place Interior guerrilla marketing is similar to outdoor guerrilla marketing, except it occurs in indoor settings such as railway stations, stores, and university campuses buildings.
Experiential Guerrilla Marketing is a term used to describe guerrilla marketing that is based on. All of the above, but done in such a way that the general public is forced to interact with the brand.
Now it may not be something you can do unless you have permission, but I can offer you an example of Guerilla Marketing.
Graffiti marketing takes advantage of city streets and alleyways as a large canvas. While smaller, more discreet organizations are free to leave their imprint anywhere they wish, most firms should get permission from the property owner before going Monet on their walls.
The point of Guerilla Marketing is to be creative. I had one client leave flyers in a public city subway station. The next day they received tons of calls and website visitors. You don't need to do everything digitally to find success in building website traffic.
The Bottom Line
These free strategies are a great way to start building traffic. The important element to remember is that it takes time.
Many small businesses owners may be asking how to generate traffic to their website in order to maintain it current and noticeable. Instead of focusing on features, try focusing on outcomes. It's a process. While I prefer to have a strategy that incorporates many different channels, it's not always necessary.
For instance, if you're a small shop that sells jewelry, Instagram may be your best bet in driving traffic.
It really depends though. No one strategy fits every company. However, when you don't post on a potential channel, you're missing out on potential traffic.
Maintaining repeat visits and obtaining potential leads and new clients need a focus on your website traffic. Increase your website traffic, stay focused on your target audience, and improve your conversion rates. All of this, and more, will aid in the development of a good website, and thus a successful business.