5 Simple Ways To Increase Website Traffic

When it comes to SEO (search engine optimization) most business owners have a hard time determining what the best course of action is to boost their website traffic.  It can be mind boggling and a bit intimidating when it comes down to it.  However, there are some tried and true techniques that you can do.

1.      Keep it fresh

Change the content on your site often.  Google and other search engines like this simple strategy.

2.      Do your research

Stuffing your site full of keywords used to be standard practice but that technique has become outdated and is not recommended.  In fact, you can be penalized for this practice.  The best way to utilize keywords is to use the Google Adwords Keyword Tool to search for local queries that have been generated for your industry or product.  See what key words people have searched the most and then pick a term that has a high search result that is not too competitive.  For example; if I chose the term “Tennessee Dentists” I would not get as high in the ranking because it is too competitive.  However, if I changed my focus to “Pediatric Dentistry in Nashville” or “Oral Surgery in Chattanooga” I may receive a more desired search result.  Once you have established good keywords for your business, use them in all of your online content.

3.      Build Solid Backlinks

Backlinks are links on another website that direct traffic to your website.  Again, this is a tricky area and abuse has led to Google penalties.  Avoid link farms and content farms.  Seek out legitimate backlinks on sites such as a chamber of commerce directory, a local business that will share your link on their website in return for you doing the same for them and local business directories.  This will give your site credibility and increase traffic.

4.      Create A Social Media Presence

No one can be on every social media platform out there.  However, you need to have a presence on the most popular. Create a business page on Facebook, create a Twitter account, and add Goole+1 or Pinterest. When you post or tweet, try to include a link to a special product or web page on your site.  Make the link relevant to the post.  This will draw traffic to your site.  Add social media icons to your website so people can share if they like what they see.

5.       Create A Blog

The first rule for a blog is to give the customer value.  Educate and make your blog a resource.  The fastest way to turn someone off is to be one huge commercial for your business.  Find a creative way to work in sales information that directly pertains to your blog article. Think of this as subtle product placement.  We see this technique in movies all the time. 

Try these simple tips and you should see a rise in website traffic.  If you don’t see the traffic increase desired then you may need to invest part of your marketing budget in an SEO campaign.