With so many companies out there competing for the same audiences, how can you drive website traffic? How can you differentiate your business? Most importantly, how can you generate traffic and leads when you’re a small business with a tight budget?
It’s easier than you think to get more, higher-quality website traffic. Start by networking with your target audiences online, targeting relevant keywords, investing time in an email marketing campaign and consider guest blogging partnerships.
Keep reading for more details!
Network, Network, Network
Maybe one of the most underrated methods when it comes to increasing your website traffic is online networking with potential customers in your business space. There is huge potential in making your presence known in popular industry-related forums, blogs and social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and so on.
Because here’s the thing: if people don't know your business exists, it can be challenging to drive qualified traffic. The trick is meeting them where they already hang out online. For example: if your potential customers are on Twitter every day, find the hashtags they’re using and join the conversation.
Find people interested in your niche and reach out to them. Monitor social media conversations and let prospects know you may have a solution to their problems. Don’t oversell it though! You want to appear genuine and helpful, not self-serving and sales-y.
Related: How to Rank on the First Page of Google
Target the Right Keywords
While it’s true that keywords aren’t as important as they used to be, they’re still a vital part of Google’s search algorithm. And when Google is paying attention to something, marketers should, too.
So how do you choose the right keywords to target? First, do some research – what and how are your ideal customers searching? Identify their problems and how and to solve them. Then, take those keywords and focus your content strategy around them. Having content relevant to your customers’ searches will help to generate traffic to your website.
The Google Keyword Planner is a great tool to figure out what keywords are working well and which keywords have the potential to boost your website’s ranking. Look for untapped keywords that your competitors are ignoring and reach out to these audiences.
Start an Email Marketing Campaign
Don’t listen to anyone who tells you that email marketing is an expensive or time-consuming strategy. It’s not true at all! You don't have to be a content marketing guru to create engaging content, reach potential prospects, and get them hooked on your products and services.
Make sure to keep it simple; don’t spam your prospects with unwanted communication. Send emails that provide useful information that your audience may find interesting. Encourage them to check out your website for more information.
A few tips to keep in mind:
- Be as helpful as possible! You want your audience to think of you as an industry leader. Try sending links to blog posts your customers should read.
- Decide on an email schedule. How often do your customers want to hear from you? Make sure your business stays top-of-mind without pestering people.
- Show your personality. No one likes a boring email! This is your opportunity to shine, so be sure to show off your sense of humor, your business savvy or whatever makes your brand personality unique.
Related: Google Adwords for Newbies: 5 Easy Tips
Start Guest Blogging
It’s hard to drive website traffic, especially to your blog, when you’re just starting out. It takes time to build your ranking. Luckily, there’s a clever way to tap into audiences you know will be interested in your business – guest blogging.
Guest blogging is when a blogger creates content for another blog, often in exchange for links back to their website. It’s a win-win situation. The influencers get quality content for their site, and you drive traffic to yours. This is a great tactic to expand your reach without a great deal of work.
To maximize your efforts, find other blogs in your business space with large, engaged audiences. Look for popular influencers in your niche, reach out to them and pitch your article ideas. Make sure your content is relevant to their audience and adds value to their blog so they won’t ignore your proposal.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest: building and growing an online business is a difficult task. But you don’t have to do it alone!
Here at Ironmark, our passionate professionals will help establish your online presence, no matter the size and needs of your company. Reach out to our digital marketing team today and start driving traffic to your growing business!