17 fast and easy steps to more web traffic
July 29th, 2008
Anyone who has ever looked at a successful blog, or website will tell you that the reason it is probably successful, is because of the content. There is usually lots of copy, and even with the large quantity it is still extremely easy and not overwhelming in the least bit to navigate. Set some goals, grab a cup of joe, and improve your traffic right now!
Edit: This post was featured over on noupe.com for their Websites you shouldn’t have missed in JULY 2008 article.
1. Content
As we just briefly went over, content is king. The best and most organic way to keep and grow users is by writing quality content. Let them come to you…easier said than done. It will definitely take time (okay, this one isn’t so fast, but it definitely is the best).
- Keep paragraphs short and to the point
- Make use of semantic HTML tags:
- ul, ol, strong, em, etc. - people scan pages, and look for the quickest possible answer
- RSS Reader and Email Subscribers
- Optimize your posts if you use FeedBurner by implementing FeedFlare, which essentially makes it easier for users to share and promote by adding links to the bottom of each post.
2. Newsletter
Some might say this is dated, or not worth your time based on spam filters and whatnot, but I say to give it a shot. If I have been reading a blog for a while, or it looks like it has some worthwhile content, I will be more likely to sign up to the newsletter. Get in the habit of posting updates on a schedule, and keep them once again, short and to the point.
3. Start a series of posts
Recently I started a series of posts called “Friday’s Five”, where I post my top 5 picks of the week for: logos, websites, blog posts, photographs, and illustrations. I have noticed a steady incline in subscribers, and visits since starting. The key here is to be as consistent as possible with posting schedules, in my case I try my hardest to get them out by 11am or so each Friday.
4. Promote your posts
You’ve worked hard on your posts, so why not promote the hell out of them? There are plenty of sites out there to promote your news, and articles on. CSS Leak posted a nice article offering 19 sites to promote your design news. Some sites require signing up for, some don’t, and some are better than others. Check your site stats to see which sites are sending the most links your way, and stick to those.
5. Have a WORTHWHILE Contest
You have probably read before about people offering FREE stuff for completing some stupid survey, or commenting on a post, blah blah blah. If you are going to run a contest, make it worthwhile, otherwise you look pathetic. Give away some stock photography, or icons, or something neat!
6. Exchange posts
Ask a fellow blogger if they would be interested in writing a post for each others blogs, then in turn write a post on your own blog linking to your post on their blog. This is a great way to make some friends, and build an audience, while probably gaining some subscribers all the while. Anyone want to trade posts with me?
7. Promote offline
I’ve mentioned this before, but promoting offline is very important as well. We get locked up in our little “web-worlds” when we are at work, and sometimes forget that there is life outside the cubicle. Save up some money and print some cheap stickers, shirts, pins, fliers, rear-window URL stickers for your car. Get creative.
8. What are related sites doing?
What seems to be working on the sites you idol? Take a minute and compare your site to theirs. I am not saying exact look and feel copy, but see what they are doing for posting schedules, topics, calls-to-action, etc. Write some notes.
9. Mobile Stylesheets
This is another one I think I have mentioned before, but how many times have you been in a waiting room, and you hop on the web on your phone just to check out some sites, and been deeply disappointed when you look at how awful they lay out on a phone? Take some time to create a nice mobile stylesheet, and promote it for people to take a look at it on their phones.
10. DO NOT Change Your Theme Daily
Consistency is key here, and nothing is more confusing than when sites completely change their theme frequently. You might think this is a good idea so people can keep coming back to see what it looks like now! No, wrong. People like to see something that is visually appealing, and expect it time and time again. Only do a redesign when you are ready, and in need of one. Take time to plan it out so it lasts longer than a week.
11. User News Submission
Noupe has done this recently, and other sites also offer this, but it is a nice driving force for traffic. Let users submit their news to you, and then let it be seen on your site. This is something I am in the works with, and will have it with my redesign in the next few months.
12. Where are the images?
While images are nice to look at, they are not always necessary. Try to keep your images to being relevant to the post, that enforce the message.
13. Use Gravatars & Favicons
Free and easy to use, painless, and a great way to promote your brand. Not every blog uses this, but the ones that do, will only help to remind people about your site. Favicons are also great, and an easy way to add another level of identification to your site. Use them.
14. Participate on messageboards and forums
Another great way to gain some web EXP (Diablo 2 reference) is to sign up on some forums and give back to the community. Post quality feedback, and make use of the signature option (if available) in your profile to add a link to your site, blog, or popular post.
15. Submit a sitemap to Google
Sitemaps are another easy way for Google and other search engines to know about your site. If you are using Wordpress or other blogging platform, plugins are available sometimes. I tend to use the one from Audit My PC, it works great.
16. Advertising
Offer it on your site, or pay for some on another. Do not go overboard, and do not overspend if you have nothing to back up the traffic. Be cautious with this one.
17. Write a tutorial
NETTUTS and PSDTUTS both allow you to submit tutorials to them, and GET PAID. You will get an immense amount of traffic from them, and money, what else do you want?
This list is in no way the end all be all of guides, so please help out by adding to it. The key to getting most of this stuff is consistency, and not being completely annoying and obtrusive. Hang in there, and so will I.
- Posted at 11:20 am in resources
- Leave a comment