From SEO to Influencers: Drive Website Traffic for Free with Proven Tactics

Welcome to the digital crossroads, where websites have evolved from just pixels and code into the lively beating hearts of businesses. Your website is basically your brand's 24/7 ambassador on the entire internet. But here's the unspoken truth: a website without traffic is like a stage without an audience—full of potential yet lacking the applause it deserves.

 

We're not just talking about any traffic; we're talking about relevant traffic. It's the magnetic force that not only attracts visitors but the right kind of visitors—those genuinely interested in what you have to offer.

 

The old “set it and forget it” no longer holds true. Websites aren't just static pages but dynamic ecosystems thriving on the energy of organic traffic. Ready to grant your website the engagement it deserves? Let’s dive in.

 

Why a website is important for business

A website is more than just a virtual business card. In a world where first impressions often happen online, your website is like the charismatic speaker at the podium. 

 

This isn't just about having any website; it's about having a website that’s finely tuned for success. A professionally designed and strategically optimized website isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Why, you ask? 

 

Let’s look at several roles that your website plays in your marketing strategy: 

 

• Digital ambassador

As we’ve mentioned, your website is more than a collection of web pages. It's the face of your brand in the digital space. Your website acts as an ambassador that never sleeps, always ready to welcome potential clients and tell them the story of your products, services, and what makes your brand special.

• Worldwide reach ensurer

Whether you operate on a local or global scale, a well-optimized website breaks geographical barriers, connecting you not just with your neighborhood but with a global audience. With the right SEO strategies, your website becomes the gateway for local customers and a magnet for a global clientele.

• Trust builder

Consumers seek reliability and trustworthiness. Trust is the new currency, and a well-designed website is your vault. It exudes credibility, telling visitors that you're not just here for today but for the long run. When potential clients trust you, they are more likely to choose your products or services.

• Marketing hub

Your website is not just a static brochure; it's a dynamic marketing hub. It doesn’t just wait for visitors; it actively generates leads. With strategically placed calls-to-action and lead capture forms, your website becomes a powerful tool for lead generation.

 

So in the digital universe, an exceptional website isn't just a preference. It is the key to marketing success.

 

The importance of relevant traffic

You want your client to stay on your page. You want your website to be relevant and transform clients into leads. What is the solution? Relevant traffic. 

 

Relevant traffic is about attracting not just any visitors but those genuinely interested in your products or services. Whether your goal is lead generation, sales, or any other conversion metric, it’s not just about numbers. 

 

Relevant traffic is more likely to engage with your website’s content. Visitors who find value in your offerings are ready to spend more time exploring your pages, consuming content, and interacting with your brand. This engagement fosters a positive user experience, lowers bounce rates, and contributes to building lasting relationships. This is something you can’t achieve without relevant traffic.

 

Moreover, search engines, such as Google, prioritize relevancy and user satisfaction. When your website attracts relevant traffic, it sends positive signals to search algorithms. This, in turn, contributes to improved search engine rankings. Quality traffic enhances your website's authority and relevance in the eyes of search engines.

 

Besides, acquiring a customer is just the beginning. Relevant traffic often transforms into long-term customer relationships. Visitors who find what they are looking for are more likely to become repeat customers, increasing the lifetime value of each customer acquired through your website.

 

Ways to drive traffic through marketing channels

There are many ways you can increase traffic to your website. Below are some of the key ways that will definitely drive relevant traffic to your website:

Increase traffic to your website with SEO

In the SEO universe, the right actions can turn your website into a star. SEO is the process of improving a website for search engines (hence the term "search engine optimization") in order for it to appear higher in search results. And here’s how you can use it to drive traffic:

 

Target long-tail keywords

Keywords are words and phrases that individuals enter into search engines. Some keywords are more popular than others. Keyword research tools like Google Search Console for SEO, Semrush, or Ubersuggest provide basic keyword data like volume, difficulty, CPC, etc.

Picture this: You run a pet food store. Instead of just targeting "cat food," aim for "best dry cat food for sensitive stomach" or "best cat food for kittens". Targeting long-tail keywords involves optimizing content for specific, highly relevant search queries.

 

Optimize landing pages and on-page SEO

Landing pages and on-page SEO are critical elements for search engine visibility. Effective optimization includes aligning content with user intent, ensuring clear call-to-action elements, and sticking to on-page SEO best practices, which are:

• Making sure your keyword is in your URL;
• Optimizing your page title;
• Tagging headers;
• Including keywords in your body copy;
• Incorporating images, graphics, and other visuals;
• Adding a meta description;
• Optimizing visuals with alt-text;
• Adding internal links;
• Adding external links;

Use a meta description

The meta description serves as a concise summary of a webpage's content. It’s like your website’s movie trailer. Crafting an informative and compelling meta description aids in click-through rates from search engine results. Remember that it should be between 155 and 165 characters. At the same time, it has to indicate the value the reader will get out of the post, and it has to be actionable.

Don’t underestimate backlinks

Backlinks, or inbound links, are crucial for establishing authority. Gaining high-quality backlinks from reputable sources enhances a website's credibility in the eyes of search engines. The more links you have from credible sites with high domain authority, the higher your ranking and, thus, the higher your traffic. Free domain authority checkers like the Bulk DA Checker Tool can help you check your score.

Try internal linking

Internal linking involves connecting relevant pages within a website. This practice aids in distributing page authority and encourages users to explore more content. For instance, in one of our previous articles, you can see multiple internal links to related topics that guide you from one interesting stop to another. 

 

Refresh content

Periodic content refreshment maintains relevance and sustains SEO efforts. The digital landscape evolves, and so should your content. A news website, for instance, regularly updates and republishes evergreen articles to ensure ongoing relevance and reader engagement. A blog post on "Digital Marketing Trends" can be refreshed annually with the latest insights. Take a cue from HubSpot, consistently updating and republishing their old content with a note “[New data]”.

Keep an eye on your website blog

A blog serves as a dynamic platform for providing valuable information and engaging the audience. A blog is used to share expert insights, analysis, and commentary, establishing authority and attracting a loyal readership.

 

For example, check AutomatedRules’ blog. It’s not just a knowledge repository; we try to create a conversation. Regular, insightful posts keep the audience engaged and eagerly anticipating the next update.

 

Control your site speed

Optimizing site speed is crucial for the user experience and search engine ranking. Users won’t wait for a slow page to load. Google's PageSpeed Insights is a tool commonly used to assess and enhance site speed. A faster website enhances user satisfaction and contributes to improved search engine performance. Google rewards speed; visitors appreciate efficiency.

Drive website traffic with social media

One of the numerous advantages of social media marketing is the increase in website traffic. How? Social media offers a dynamic environment for content distribution, encouraging direct connection with the audience. Unlike traditional channels, social platforms enable real-time interactions, allowing brands to adapt content to specific demographics, trends, and user behaviors. Here are a few ideas for converting these large platforms into traffic generators for your website:

 

Share your content on social media

Creating outstanding content and hoping that others stumble upon it is not enough. When you publish, for instance, an article on your website's blog, promote it on your target audience's most popular social media channels. A good example is Vogue, which strategically employs Instagram Stories to announce live streams, podcasts, and articles.

 

Think of hashtags

Hashtags are potent tools for content discovery and brand identity. Using hashtags effectively amplifies content reach on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. They serve a dual purpose: aiding users in finding specific products or topics and acting as a brand's unique signature. Adidas, for instance, has successfully embraced the hashtag #ImpossibleIsNothing, turning it into an inspiring message that resonates with their audience across various campaigns.

Add social share buttons

Including social share buttons on your website is an easy approach to encourage readers to share your information on their social networks. These buttons act as digital ambassadors, allowing visitors to effortlessly share articles, products, or pages of interest with their followers. This seamless sharing mechanism significantly influences traffic by potentially reaching a broader audience beyond the website's immediate visitors.

Post consistently

The key to social media success is consistency. Regardless of the effectiveness of individual content strategies, without a consistent posting schedule, it won't have a great influence on traffic. A regular publishing schedule combined with engaging material keeps your brand on your audience's radar, encouraging brand loyalty and long-term traffic.

Get traffic to your website with online directories and review sites

Online directories and review sites can help shape a brand's online presence. Online directories serve as centralized databases where businesses list their information. Review sites offer a space for users to share their opinions, creating a collective voice that guides others in decision-making. Trust in these platforms is fostered by the authenticity of user-generated content and the democratization of information. Traffic from these sources is relevant as users actively seek information about businesses or products, making them a valuable source of potential customers.

 

Google Business Listing

Google Business Profile is a feature provided by Google that allows businesses to showcase their information directly on Google's search engine and maps. Users can find Google Business Listings by searching for a specific business or service on Google, and the listings appear prominently in search results and on maps.

Optimizing your Google Business Listing is crucial for attracting relevant traffic. By providing accurate and detailed information, businesses increase the likelihood of appearing in local search results. Encouraging satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on the listing not only enhances credibility but also influences potential customers who rely on reviews to make informed decisions.

 

Build credibility with review sites

Positive reviews build credibility and foster consumer trust. The influence on traffic lies in the fact that users often turn to review sites like Trustpilot to evaluate the reliability and quality of a business before engaging.

A well-maintained profile on these platforms, featuring positive testimonials, can significantly impact the decision-making process of potential customers, driving traffic to the business's website.

Drive traffic to your website with content

With content, you can create a digital ecosystem where your audience finds not just information but an ongoing dialogue with your brand. Compared to other forms of marketing, content acts as a lighthouse, drawing in users who are actively seeking information, solutions, or entertainment. It aligns with the principles of inbound marketing, where users discover your brand organically through valuable, relevant content. This approach not only attracts users who are genuinely interested in your offerings but also positions your brand as an authority in your industry. It builds trust, credibility, and, most importantly, a consistent stream of relevant traffic.

 

Post regularly to your blog

Maintaining an informative and regularly updated blog is important for gaining relevant traffic. Useful, long-form content serves as a magnet for users seeking in-depth information. Value-packed articles not only contribute to a one-time visit but also create a reason for users to return. Consistency in posting fosters an ongoing relationship, establishing your blog as a go-to resource within your niche.

 

Add video content

The visual and auditory elements enhance engagement, making it a valuable tool for gaining relevant traffic. Videos can serve diverse purposes, from product demonstrations to storytelling, providing a multi-dimensional experience that resonates with a broader audience. Consider creating a YouTube channel with videos on various topics relevant to your industry. You can redirect viewers to your website, where they can find more information, which is an easy way to increase website traffic.

Keep up with industry trends

Creating content that aligns with current trends presents an opportunity for a short-term traffic boost. For example, articles explaining the newest TikTok trends get substantial readership due to the platform's popularity. However, it's crucial to recognize that trend-centric content might not always align with your long-term strategy.

 

Create evergreen content

In contrast to trend-centric content, evergreen content focuses on topics that remain relevant over time. These timeless pieces become foundational elements that accumulate traffic and links steadily. Evergreen content consistently attracts users interested in fundamental aspects of your industry.

 

Post on external platforms 

Aggregators, such as Medium, provide a broader audience base and the potential for increased visibility.

Publishing articles on Medium, for instance, can expose your brand to a new set of readers who may not have discovered your content otherwise. It acts as a supplementary channel, directing interested readers back to your website for more in-depth insights.

Other ways to drive traffic to your website

Looking outside the box when it comes to promoting your website can result in significant visitor increases. Think of what else might grant you relevant traffic. Here are some ideas:

 

Launch email marketing campaigns

An excellent way to interact with clients and deliver product knowledge is by sending out newsletters and promos via email. Maintaining contact with people motivates them to return to your website. To seem more official and professional, think about employing a company email account for your campaign. Use email marketing services such as MailChimp to create an email marketing campaign. Still, don't send too many emails to your subscribers.

 

Try out affiliate marketing 

Affiliate marketing is a pay-for-performance method that rewards individuals or organizations (affiliates) for promoting products or services. Affiliates receive a fee for each sale or click generated by their unique referral link. This strategy assures that marketing efforts closely correlate with measurable outcomes, making it a cost-effective method of increasing traffic and revenue.

 

Discover influencer marketing

Influencer marketing is centered on leveraging the popularity and reputation of social media influencers, which can greatly increase brand exposure. Influencers, with their engaged and committed followers, may legitimately showcase your products or services. People are more likely to trust suggestions from influencers they admire, making influencer marketing an effective way to broaden your brand's reach.

 

 

The significance of driving relevant traffic to your website cannot be overstated. As you implement these strategies, remember: the journey to increased website traffic is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring consistent effort, adaptability, and a keen understanding of your audience. In a world where digital footprints define brand narratives, let this guide be your compass, navigating through the landscapes of online visibility.