10 Easy Ways To Boost Your Website Traffic

Sure… creating a website might seem like a piece of cake, right? After all, everyone has one.

But before you jump to throw up a shoddy website remember that there are tons of details to keep in mind, like choosing a user-friendly layout and creating compelling, quality content.

Before you get started there’s some key things you need to do to make sure you get traffic and more importantly, return traffic. But the most crucial thing you should do is…identify your target audience and their needs.

Here is a checklist of ten things you can do to make sure you’re  doing everything you can to boost your internet marketing, because after all, you can have great content, but if you no one’s stopping by, you’re just talking to an empty room and wasting your time.

1. Always tell the truth. State the facts clearly and avoid hype, buzz words, and jargon. If you’re stating your opinion, make it crystal clear that you’re merely giving your opinion, not quoting facts.

2. Employ appropriate technology to ensure that every element of your website is easy to use. Keep in mind that use of the latest technology doesn’t always produce the most effective Web site. Ease of use is especially important with large, complex sites. Make sure all links connect properly.

3. Make your site lively and entertaining. A good majority of internet marketing is creating great content that visitors will look forward to reading. Give advice, the latest news, and plenty of “how-to” explanations. Include anecdotes, jokes, industry gossip, tips, contests, surveys, and discussion groups. Award prizes and give discounts on merchandise.

4. Keep content updated so that the information you provide is always correct.

5. Remember your website is a research tool. Visitors will depend on you for reliable information and won’t use your site if your information isn’t current. Provide information that’s updated regularly such as daily tips or monthly articles to boost your traffic.

6. Notify people via e-mail about significant news developments, updates to your website, and other information that may be of benefit or interest to them. Create a link in your e-mail messages to your site so those interested can easily access your site.

7. Deliver what you promise —if you can’t deliver it, don’t promise. As previously stressed, results are ultimately what count, and once you get past the glitter, results are what visitors to your site want. If you don’t provide as advertised, you’ll lose credibility and most likely your business and traffic.

8. Update the look of your web site so it’s consistent with your other marketing materials. Periodically freshen it by adding content—press releases, articles, blog posts, event listings, and more. Consider adding some interactive components to your site to allow registered visitors to also contribute content.

9. Never litter the Internet with spam. Don’t host or use services that specialize in circulating spam. The wide distribution they offer is more than offset by the resentment they arouse. Sending spam can also cause you to lose your account, which can result in lost business and gives internet marketing a bad name.

10. Provide added value. What information or services can you provide that will cause visitors to return to your site? Fill your website with newsletters, industry analysis, calendars of events, industry directories and other interactive services. Create a website that visitors will want to return to and recommend.

If you’ve got questions, use honest family and friends to give their unbiased opinion of your site.

And always test your website thoroughly to make sure that it’s easy to use, informative, attractive, reflective of your mission, and quick to download. You want to make sure you stay true to your mission—and don’t lose your traffic to the competition!

-Rick