Increasing website traffic is the name of the game on the internet. However, it is important to note that there is nothing that can generate instant traffic or continuous sales. It is a combination of strategies that promote contact and networking.
Not all strategies work for everyone, so it’s important to know what the options are, use some that seem appealing, and stick with what works for you.
Here are some tips and strategies that have worked for me. Try them all or maybe just one. Anyone or everyone can make a healthy difference:
1. Write a press release
A press release is not a sales pitch and sales hype is not allowed. However, it is your opportunity to provide your business story, which can be a powerful form of marketing. When writing your press release, you’ll want to provide the who, what, where, when, how, and why of your business. Generate interest by detailing who you are, what you do, why you got into business, and most importantly, how your customers have benefited.
An effective press release can create a newsworthy story that is capable of creating buzz and interest all over the web for a long time.
2. Create a blog
Whether you have a website or not, a blog is an ideal tool to give yourself and/or your business a favorable presence.
Think of a blog like a journal. Create your blog posting your products and information. Then, on a daily or weekly basis, add additional products, information, or comments. Invite comments from others and before you know it, you’ll have a steady stream of visitors.
If you don’t have a website, creating a blog is a great place to start, and you can create one for free. If you have a website, a blog will help you generate visitors. The beauty of blogging is that you can also add Google AdSense ads for extra income.
3. Create special offers
A limited-time sale offer will encourage your visitors to take action. If you have customers who are interested in your products, give them an occasional boost by making a sale. Chances are, they’ve been eyeing your products for some time, and with a special offer incentive, they could make the jump.
4. Use pay-per-click advertising
Every internet business owner should consider pay per click advertising. It’s fast, it’s targeted, and it can be cheap if done right. Therein lies the key, you need to research how to create a profitable pay per click campaign.
It is not an exact science. You simply need to write a compelling ad, research relevant keywords, and understand your ROI. This means that if your product generates $20 per sale, then you shouldn’t pay more than 20 cents per keyword, preferably less. For example, on average, your ad will generate one sale for every 100 clicks on that ad. If 100 clicks lead to a $20 sale, then you just paid $20 for that ad (100 x .20) and you broke even. Therefore, your goal should be to pay less than 20 cents per keyword, but no more. Finding relevant and less popular keywords is the goal.
Of course, the better the ad and the better your website sales copy performs, the more sales you will receive.
5. Write an article
Don’t put this off. The internet is designed to deliver information and what better way for you to spread the word about yourself, your business and your expertise than by providing relevant and useful information. If you sell scrapbooks, write an article on how to make scrapbooks. A well-written article can show someone how easy it is to scrapbook, increase their interest, and therefore encourage a sale.
If you don’t think you can write an article, have it written for you, it’s inexpensive and one of the best ways to drive traffic to your site.
6. Carefully optimize your site for search engines
Don’t build your site and forget it. Use the search engines to your advantage by taking the time to optimize your site. Optimization doesn’t have to be complex. Simply create a title that clearly describes what your site is about, and write a description that accurately describes to your readers what information you have to offer. Research relevant keyword phrases instead of single words, and repeat that phrase in your title, description, and throughout your page.
7. Create a newsletter
Your goal should be to keep your viewers coming back to your site time and time again. The best way to stay in touch with your viewers is by publishing a newsletter or periodical that offers beneficial and useful information.
Post a newsletter form on your site and specifically direct your viewers to sign up. Don’t wait for them to notice you have a newsletter, direct them there and be specific about what your newsletter offers.
By publishing a weekly newsletter, you remind your readers about your products, sales, or upcoming events. Avoid push sales tactics and sales hype. Just offer useful information, tips and advice. Make your newsletter something valuable by keeping them interested and upbeat.
It is important to remember that it takes an average of 7 visits for a viewer to buy; they are not likely to visit seven times without a reminder.
8. Offer something for free
We all like free and the Internet is no exception.
– If you publish a newsletter, offer a free eBook or free eCourse in exchange for an email address. In your newsletter, also offer a section of free tips related to the topic of your site.
– If someone makes a purchase, consider offering a free bonus, this often leads to sales.
– Offer free teleseminars. This is a great way to let your viewers hear your voice and experience who you really are. Build trust and they won’t soon forget who you are and what you’re all about.
9. Make a donation
Create a promotion where you will donate a percentage of your profits to your favorite charity. Donating money or services to your favorite charity builds trust and a positive image for your business. I’d rather buy from someone who donates a few bucks to a good cause than someone who doesn’t.
10. Participate in discussion forums
Take the time to find online forums that are relevant to your business. By answering questions, offering advice, or posting your articles, others will see you as an expert in your field and someone willing to help. Posting weekly will allow readers to become familiar with you and your business, as well as consider you a respected authority.
When registering for a forum, be sure to create a signature file that includes your website address. This will publish your website address every time you post on the forum.
Your business will do well to perform each and every one of the strategies mentioned above, however, performing just one of these powerful marketing strategies will improve your chances of attracting visitors to your site, but more importantly, help keep them coming back.