Generating traffic for your website, albeit challenging, can become easier over time if you put a plan into effect. There are tons of tactics at your disposal, but the key to being successful with it is to try different tactics and see which works best for you.
I’ve compiled a list of various ideas and have rated them according to popularity and overall usefulness. Keep in mind you may have to re-evaluate the star rating system to reflect your industry. This is not a one size fits all system.
Report Legend:
Highly effective
Moderately effective
Fairly effective
The 3 Star Traffic Generation Report
Create Great Content
Creating great content will always be one of your greatest ammunition in not only to help you drive traffic to your site but to also help elicit repeat visits. Offering exceptional content/products is the driving force for any website. You can implement all traffic generating tactics listed below, but without great content to retain your visitors, all would be in vain.
Key Tip: Although the content you are sharing may not always be “new”, your view of the content is. So always strive to put your own unique spin on something to keep the content fresh.
Paid Advertisement
Paid advertising can be a very effective means of also driving “targeted” traffic to your website if your advertisement campaigns are set up strategically. Much care needs to be put into this medium when setting up campaigns. Also, setting up metrics on the onset in order to measure your progress will be helpful as it can prove to be a costly tactic.
Although Google Adwords is still a major contender with paid advertising, more and more site owners are taking advantage of Facebook advertising due to its low cost/highly targeted advantages.
Key tip: If you plan on experimenting with Google Adwords I would suggest getting ‘Ultimate Guide to Google Ad Words, 2nd Edition: How To Access 100 Million People in 10 Minutes’ by Perry Marshall & Bryan Todd. The $15-$20 for this book will possibly save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.
Hosting a Contest
Contests are beneficial on many different levels. Contests promote social sharing, excitement and are effective means of creating a “buzz” for your website. Be sure to be clear about the purpose of the contest, the contest rules, the prize(s) being offered as well as giving people ample time to participate.
Also, if you are hosting the contest on a third party site such as Facebook, make sure to abide by their terms & conditions concerning contests. Check out third party apps such as WildFire and EasyPromos is you are looking to run a contest on Facebook.
Key tip: A powerful strategy in hosting a contest is to encourage social sharing of the contest details by making that a prerequisite to participate in it.
Video Syndication
With the ever growing rise of video views every day, you would be remiss not to take advantage of this powerful tactic in some respect. YouTube gets hundreds of millions of visits per week! Taking a well thought out video and syndicating it out to multiple video marketing sites via the use of TubeMogul can result in tons of traffic.
Key tip: Creating a great and valuable video is only one part of the equation. If you want to get the most out of possible views you will need to optimize your videos with keywords in your title tags and descriptions. Also, but sure to include your website link!
Podcast Marketing
Podcasting is becoming and ever growing tool that many site owners are beginning to take advantage of to help broaden their reach and generate more traffic. Simply creating an audio file (many computers already have a built in sound recorder) and uploading the file to your website, you can start sharing content in yet another dynamic way.
If you are running your website with WordPress, this Codex gets into further detail on how to upload and share your podcast.
Key tip: Utilizing the powerful social aspects of sites such as iTunes as a podcasting client, can expand your reach exponentially. This document gets into further details on how to set up this podcasting client.
Integration Marketing
This method is the sharing of virtual real estate with other site owners. For example, this may be as simple as requesting someone to place your eBook on their thank you page, download pages, etc. In exchange you can return the favor by doing the same or promoting their content via other methods such as sending out emails to your list, placing their link or banner on your website, etc.
Key tip: This is a powerful method of traffic generation so be sure to be strategic with it. Make sure to target joint ventures with like-minded individuals. As well, make sure that you are well related with your partner and can stand by their products and services since you will be promoting them.
Hosting webinars
Webinars are not only a great way for you to provide value to others but to help drive unique visits to your website. Hosting webinars allow you the opportunity to provide value as well as market your products and services.
Some services to look into:
- Freebinar (free)
- Zipcast (free)
- UStream (free)
- GoToMeeting (paid with 30 day free trial)
Key tip: Offer to do a webinar for a collaborator with a substantial email list size as well as offering webinars to your list. This will be the key factor in maximizing your efforts using this method.
Setting up Social Networking Accounts
Social Media is currently and will continue to be a powerful tool in traffic generation. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, are just a few of the social networking mediums that if used as it’s intended can drive large amounts of “targeted” traffic to your website.
Key Tip: The key factor in using social media for traffic generation is to really engage and participate within these mediums. Don’t forget the “social” in social media.
Listing your Website with Free Services
Sites such as Google Places, Local.com and Yelp can potentially produce good results in generating website traffic. These sites get thousands of views daily. Many people will look to their local markets to seek help; these sites will help you tap into that pool of prospects.
Key tip: To maximize your effort with these site, request other clients or collaborators to rate your services and products, write reviews and share your profiles.
Forum Participation
Depending on your niche, forum participation can be a highly effective way of driving traffic to your site. Forums are unique mediums in that they consist of a community established around a commonality of issues. Participating in forums with the intention of helping solve another user’s problems will establish you as a leader in your industry. With this recognition comes trust; a powerful force in any business.
Key tip: Forum participation will be most effective if you are a regular member of the community. One post here and there will probably do little for you; it’s the long term commitment that’s going to help you stand out from the crowd.
Networking Events & Meetups
One of the biggest advantages of local networking events and meetups is that you have the opportunity to connect with people related to your industry. This can result in future collaborations that you may have not had otherwise.
Key tip: Make it your intention to truly connect with a few people as oppose to passing your card to as many people as you can. The key factor in networking events is ‘in the connections’ as oppose to ‘in the self-promotion’. Also, don’t forget to take business cards and brochures!
Create your own Radio Show
Creating your own radio show is just one other powerful medium in driving targeted traffic to your website. Blog Talk Radio is one of the most popular mediums today that makes “sharing your voice and growing your audience” simple; and you can easily get started in under a minute with their free package.
Key tip: Radio shows are a huge commitment, so if you plan to use this method, plan your work and work your plan and don’t expect overnight success.
Email Marketing
Email marketing will not only benefit in creating and building a relationship with your following, but also allow you to encourage sharing of your content. And as your email list continues to grow, your reach grows exponentially.
Key tip: Make sure to include a sharing call to action in your emails, such as “please tweet about…” Most email management services allow you to embed social sharing icons in your emails. If that is not the case, utilize services such as ClickToTweet to create promotional tweets to place in your emails.
Another invaluable tool is WiseStamp. This application allows you to add strategic verbiage and social links in your email that can further promote your website.
Create Free Software
Creating an application to be given out freely to the public can be another effective way for you to market your website. It can potentially draw tons of traffic to your website and at the same time establish you as an expert in your field. Unless you are a programmer, creating a piece of software can be a costly affair. Check out BuildItWith.Me in partnering with someone. This is bootstrapping at its finest!
Key tip: To increase your chances of getting a developer to partner with you, offer a very good compensation package such as 60/40% or 50/50% equity split.
Give away Free Downloadable Publications
Creating and sharing free publications such as eBooks, whitepaper and manifesto’s are a very effective way to get the word out about your website. You can create new content from scratch to publish or you can collect a multitude of previously published articles, refurbish it and create a publication from it.
Key tip: The power tip for this method is to include your website and social sharing links. As with Email Marketing, be sure to include a “Share on Twitter” and “Share on Facebook” link at various points in your publication. Once again, check out ClickToTweet for Twitter sharing. For Facebook sharing, create your link using this service link.
Content Syndication
Taking an already published article and leveraging it by converting it into other forms of content sharing forms can potentially produce great traffic results. Check out sites such as:
- Tutorialized – tutorial submissions.
- New-List – submit content to newsletter publishers.
- Free-eBooks & GetFreeEbooks – convert your content into pdf’s and submit them as eBooks.
- Slideshare.net – share slideshow presentations of your content.
- Scribd – Submit your pdf’s to a large community of readers.
Key tip: Some of these sites will require upgrades in order for you to maximize your exposure. Be sure to read thoroughly through FAQ’s and How-to docs to get the most out of these sites.
Link Exchange
Link exchanges will do little for you in terms of ranking; one way exchanges are what you should always strive for. However, one of the benefits to link exchanges is recognition and the opportunity for more eyes on your site.
Key tip: Look to exchange with site that compliments your niche, not ones that are direct competitors or are non-related to your niche.
Blog Commenting
Commenting on blogs and getting related to other site owners and their readers can be a tedious task yet beneficial. This process although time-consuming and slow to see results, can ultimately generate a fair amount of traffic.
Key tip: The essential thing to remember here is to provide something valuable in your blog comments that will help you stand out from the crowd. Also, seek out blogs in the same boat as yourself. You will have a better chance of creating a relationship with other blog owners with similar readership numbers as you. This is not to say you shouldn’t seek out to comment on popular blogs, just that your chances of creating relationships with site owners of very popular blogs are a bit more challenging.
Twitter: ditesco
says:
Talking about being unique
Great and solid advices Michele. Liked particularly the “key tips” and the way you drilled all this methods by importance. Integration marketing is indeed a powerful method and one that I should really be putting in a bit more of effort. Thanks for the heads up.
ditesco recently posted..Why Article Marketing Should Not Be A Part Of Your SEO Strategy
Hey DiTesco,
Appreciate the wonderful compliment. Coming from you that means a lot!
Don’t forget to share the pdf… there’s some link luv in it for all you awesome sponsors.
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Ciao for now.
newbizblogger recently posted..How To Create a Landing Page That Converts
Twitter: commentluv
says:
this is a really excellent article! I never realized there were free webinar sites now. That’s good to know!
well done, good luck with the contest
Andy Bailey recently posted..Guest posters. It is ready for you! PR6 and HIGH traffic
Hi Andy,
Good to know I can teach you a thing or two…LOL.
Thanks for the best wishes, I’m going to need it. Some great competitors I’m up against.
All the best.
newbizblogger recently posted..How To Create a Landing Page That Converts
Twitter: JohnKomatsoulis
says:
I give this post 3 stars
Great job Michele, these tips are great for IM beginners and veterans.
It gave me some great new ideas, thanks a bunch.
Coaching with John Komatsoulis recently posted..How to NOT Network – 5 Tips for Making Yourself Invisible
Thanks John! I’m so glad you found it useful. I really wanted to create something people can sink their teeth into.
Thanks for the wonderful comment. All the best.
newbizblogger recently posted..How To Create a Landing Page That Converts
Twitter: wongjiajun
says:
Creating great content is indeed the highest rating traffic building+building readers method.
Recently I wrote a blog post which go viral and gain hundred of likes and shared, that even shock myself. as my normal posts will only receive less than 10 likes or shared.
That is really a peak for me, feel great when many people like my post.
At least it means I had done something right.
Thanks for the sharing. =D
jiajun recently posted..The Not-To-Do List- 18 Common Habits You Should Stop Right Away
Hi Jijajun,
With headlines like that, I’m not surprised your articles are doing well.
Much continued success and thanks for your input. Take care.
newbizblogger recently posted..How To Create a Landing Page That Converts
Twitter: wongjiajun
says:
Thanks newbizblogger.
All the best to your blogging too.
Jia Jun recently posted..100 Little Tricks to Fill Your Life With Happiness
Hey,
I really liked the point of creating a radio show. Didn’t know radio shows could be a method to drive in traffic. Thanks for sharing.
shree recently posted..Manage Your Projects Effectively With Project Management Tools
Hi Shree,
I’ve listened to many radio shows (in particular blog talk show) that the host begins and end the show with promotional info; websites, products and service info. Once you get a following there, it’s a no-brainer to get them to your central hub.
newbizblogger recently posted..How To Create a Landing Page That Converts
Hi Michele,
Great tips. I like the rating concept. When you are early in this game, there’s a lot of advice on how to build traffic, but much of that advice does not address the potential ROI of the different techniques. Your post really helps establish the relative value of the approaches, helping bloggers put their energies where they can yield the greatest results. Thanks!
Adam Toporek recently posted..7 Reasons Success Sucks
Perfectly said Adam! At the beginning of my online business venture I was constantly spreading myself thin try to do EVERYTHING! I learned soon enough that this was not effective and I had to concentrate on those mediums bring me the most return (traffic and income wise) and less on those that didn’t.
Just a matter of setting priorities.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
newbizblogger recently posted..How To Create a Landing Page That Converts
Twitter: AnsonAlex
says:
Great article! I’m definitely going to try out TubeMogul!
Thanks again,
Anson
Anson recently posted..Which Internet Browser is the Best- IE- FireFox- Chrome or Safari
TubeMogul is fantastic Anson! My only suggestion to you is, the first couple of times around to check your sites individually after submitting your videos through TubeMogul. This will let you know if you have to make any manual adjustments afterward.
Good luck!
newbizblogger recently posted..How To Create a Landing Page That Converts
Twitter: AnsonAlex
says:
One question about that… I already feature my videos on YouTube. Will using TubeMogul interfere with that by uploading duplicates or anything like that?
Anson recently posted..Which Internet Browser is the Best- IE- FireFox- Chrome or Safari
Not at all. When setting up your account for the first time, you will be asked to put in login details of all the video sharing sites; youtube, vimeo, flickr, etc. This will be the most time consuming part, but thankfully you only have to do it once.
The best way to go about it is to set up all accounts except youtube initially and upload the videos you’ve already submitted to youtube previously. This way it does not get syndicated automatically to youtube. Once those videos have been syndicated, then you can add your youtube account.
Otherwise, you can set up all your accounts and I believe you can ‘disable syndication’ of youtube individually when uploading videos already published on that site.
newbizblogger recently posted..How To Create a Landing Page That Converts
Twitter: thatgirlisfunny
says:
I love the star rating system. Very helpful, just like Netflix! Because you mentioned webinars, I’m reminded that I’m scheduled to listen to two different ones. Almost forgot! So, I’m already taking your advice. Well done
thatgirlisfunny recently posted..How To Build a Confident Teenage Girl Like They Did in the Seventies
LOL… “just like Netflix” – I like that! I already rate for other things systems as well. You just gave a me a fantastic idea. I like you already.
Soak up some webinars girlfriend!!
newbizblogger recently posted..How To Create a Landing Page That Converts
Twitter: FSYAonline
says:
These are all great ideas! I like the star rating system also. Now I know where to focus my efforts.
LaTisha recently posted..Key Terms Every Investor Should Know Part 1
Hi LaTisha,
So glad you liked it. Just make sure it’s tailored for your business… remember this is not a one size fits all. Although I think it’s pretty much on point.
Best of luck. And by the way great niche. You should check out Ramit Sethi if you haven’t already. He’s right up your alley.
newbizblogger recently posted..How To Create a Landing Page That Converts
Twitter: dotcosecrets
says:
Thank you very much, traffic generation expert!
I haven’t read any traffic generation article like this before. This article is very detailed and systemic. Thanks and thanks.
In fact, some methods of driving traffic I haven’t tried, or even haven’t known before. I have got enlightened.
dotcosecrets recently posted..Is Article Marketing Still A Good Way To Do Better SEO
Well I would say expert as to more like enthusiast. That being said, I’ve been working with online ventures for three years now and I’ve learned a thing or two about traffic.
Mostly what has worked for my business and blogs in general.
Really glad you like it!
newbizblogger recently posted..How To Create a Landing Page That Converts
Twitter: Tech2Hack4U
says:
I like this post….
Rating = A+
Thanks for sharing..
Ankit Saini recently posted..Most Common SEO Search Engine Optimization Mistakes
Twitter: craftybegonia
says:
Learned some things. Great article. Thanks for sharing!
I use all the options you have published your post, but the main is
Create Great Content
Hosting a Contest
Integration Marketing
Listing your Website with Free Services
Forum Participation
Twitter: techwork_dk
says:
Hi Michele
Great post. A lots of great tips and nice to see how you rate those tips. I think I have to begin and work with some small videos soon. I think that would be good for my niche and I haven’t tested the impact of that yet.
Thank you for a great post Michele.
Thomas recently posted..10 Awesome bloggers I follow
Hey Thomas,
Your niche would be a prime candidate for videos. Nothing better than watch tutorials on how to do that techy stuff step by step.
Good luck!
newbizblogger recently posted..How To Create Social Sharing Links In Your PDF
Twitter: backngroovemom
says:
I am going to have to read this list many times – so much great info!
glad to hear your positive opinion on BTR. I have been given varying advice on BTR, but I think it is valuable! Rachel
Rachel Blaufeld recently posted..a few little gems to keep you & me sparkling
Twitter: _cosmin
says:
Hello Michele!
Great insights! I’ve read all the articles in the contest and you mentioned some things that weren’t said.
Good luck!
Cosmin Stefan recently posted..Is Guest Blogging the Future of Article Marketing
Hey Cosmin,
Thanks! Going to need it. Some great contenders.
All the best!
newbizblogger recently posted..How To Create Social Sharing Links In Your PDF
Twitter: fengshui1988
says:
I never knew there were so many ways to generate traffic (maybe that is why I am not getting all the traffic I want on my blog). I will learn more about Content Syndication and see i can use it. thanks
Nicholas Teo recently posted..Daily Feng Shui Calendar- 11 April 2011
Where do you promote your contests? I have 1000 – 2000PVs a day on SE but visitors doesn’t participate well on my postings.
agentmango recently posted..Ninja Saga Secret Black Ops Training
So just checked out your site. May be due to your type of target market. However, what kind of prizes (or rewards) or you offering for participation? Are they relevant to your target market?
For example, I’ve participated in various contests (including this one
) which offer something that would really be of interest to me; cash, services, ipads, books related to my industry, etc.
Your best place to hold the contest is where ever you interact most. Looks like you have a huge following on FB. I would start there.
Best of luck!
newbizblogger recently posted..How A Simple Connection Can Lead To A Promising Collaboration
Twitter: GrowOnlineBiz
says:
Hi Michelle,
Wow – excellent and comprehensive article! I loved the star rating system – clever idea. These are fantastic traffic generation methods you’re sharing here.
I use most of them and I have just started doing integration marketing. I must admit, I have never thought of creating my own radio show. You’re right, it’s a huge commitment so one has to plan it very well and be committed to making it a success.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Michelle and good luck with the contest!
Mavis
Mavis Nong recently posted..Traffic Generation Blogging Contest – Get the Inside Scoop!
Mavis,
You never cease to amaze me. There’s something to attraction marketing.
Thanks for the support and the well wishes. I’m really glad you enjoyed it.
Best of luck to you too.
newbizblogger recently posted..Installing the Facebook Fan Box Cache Plugin in WordPress
Twitter: expertsgalaxy
says:
One more awesome article,through this contest I really explored alot and found many great webmasters
neerajrawat1 recently posted..Free Panda Security Software For 6 Months
Twitter: Alexwhalley23
says:
Wow Michele!
This is one of the best posts in the contest in my opinion.
And I am reading them all – so trust me on that!
Bloody hell Michele with one L – you hit this out of the park
Alex recently posted..Use Buffer and Increase Your Impact on Social Media- Tweriod
Alex,
That has to be one of the best compliments (and comments) I’ve received! Coming from you that means an awfully lot!!
Just wished I had promoted it more… little time. Next contest.
All the best.
newbizblogger recently posted..Tweet It Forward- Want to Play
Twitter: bivori
says:
Loads of tips each better than the other. I wonder why you named them only 3 stars?
Good luck with the contest.
Suresh Khanal recently posted..Insights Does Smart Interlinking
Hi Suresh,
Thanks for the wonderful comment! Three stars was just the measure I chose, but I could of easily done 5 stars or a grading system… just arbitrary.
Have a wonderful week!
newbizblogger recently posted..Tweet It Forward- Want to Play
This has helped me a lot as I am just beginning to learn about this stuff. I spent awhile doing almost everything you had put down as one star haha. Guess I have a lot of room for improvement.
silent recently posted..Black Ops Escalation Gameplay
Twitter: CashCampfire
says:
Hey Michele,
Awesome work! I absolutely love your three-star traffic generation system. And your key tips are seriously helpful!
I especially love the first tip when you say, “Although the content you are sharing may not always be ‘new’, your view of the content is. So always strive to put your own unique spin on something to keep the content fresh.”
I couldn’t agree more! You don’t want to just regurgitate content; that doesn’t help you, and it most certainly doesn’t help your readers. You also don’t have any chance of standing out, because you’re just repeating what someone else had said. So, yes, keep the content fresh and unique – talk about your experiences on the topic, hurtles you were able to go around, and put your opinions and personality into your writing.
As for advertising, I’ve tried paid advertising before (when using free credits I received for Google Adwords), though results were pretty poor. I did some research beforehand, though it was my first time putting up ads for my site, so I won’t be surprised if I was just doing it all wrong. I’ll be checking out that book for sure though!
And advertising with Facebook also sounds like a good opportunity, especially considering how many people access Facebook on a daily basis.
I also absolutely love contests! I’ve hosted quite a few myself (currently hosting one now called the Remarkable Contest – you should definitely join in; you’d be a good candidate!), and they’ve always been received well. I hadn’t even thought about making social sharing a prerequisite for joining the contest, though I’ve seen it plenty times myself! Awesome advice – and something that I’ll use in the future.
This was seriously awesome, Michele, and I’m going to print it out for future reference! Great tips, and thanks for sharing them with us! You rock, girl.
Christina
Christina Crowe recently posted..What’s Your Biggest Blogging Business Challenge
Well said one mode of generating traffic may not work for another form of business. The best of optimizing any website is to learn the root of the business, their customers, their habits and so on. These will increase the overall effectiveness of the campaign.
thirdresources recently posted..A Solid Web Existence with Software Development Solutions