How can I draw more traffic to my blog or website?
I am a young entrepreneur, trying to grow my small business. I find it difficult to win customers or draw their attention to my kind of business. How can I convince people to patronize my trade?
I am a chef by trade. I wanted to get on a show called chopped. I felt the best way was to get my name out as much as possible. I used the web though twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus, Yelp. As many sites as possible adding friends that would contribute to reading my blog. It took a lot of work but time I would usually have called dead time where I didn't feel productive I used this time to work on building my exposure.I also did a lot of video blogging posting on FB and Twitter. It work so well for me not to get on Chopped but I was offered to do two other shows and became one of the top 40 celebrity chefs that year because of the web presence I built. My way is a long drug out but it worked for me. Once the momentum gets going you have to keep it up. If I had nothing to say I posted a quote, usually something that pertained to a situation one of my 5000 FB friends and 530 followers were discussing so they had a message to them. People air their lives on these sights. putting something that hits home or gives them an inspirational answer to their issues bring them looking at all you have to offer.
Thats an inspiring story Gil, thanks for sharing. Everything comes with hard work and dedication and repetition. I personally believe that Google Hangouts are one of the best ways to drive traffic to your website nowadays, whether it be as a guest or running your own show. Like with everything it does require you to put the effort in and give it time. I have found that Google Hangouts have given ordinary people a voice and its also a free broadcasting platform to share you message.
Loved this answer Gil. I also liked Laura's. I normally encourage people to find where their market hangs out, talks to each other and go there. I also don't normally advocate marketing "everywhere". And then, there are sometimes that's what works!
Can you share a link to your website for us to get a better understanding of what your website is and what shape it is in? Your questions has to do with SEO and Content like many of the other people stated. Social media is also a great way to get things started. But, before that you need to look at making quality content and ramp up your websites' SEO.
There's a saying that you don't choose your clients, the clients choose you. So - by putting out valuable information and quality content, you will attract clients that need what you provide.
One recommendation is to recognize the importance of face-to-face networking. People do business with people they know, like and trust. This is difficult to achieve if you don't get your personality and self out there. Lining up speaking engagements, attending network events where your target niche or clients will be, going to places where your target clients go, doing things that your target clients do, etc are ways for your future fan-base to get to know you.
Don't just expect that people will automatically find your blog or website. Get out there and allow them to get to know the real you.
Quick trick - go to LeadFerret.com and search for "influencers" in your industry. You can search for media types, bloggers or just decision makers in your industry. Then email them an invitation to read your blog, download a report or even contribute to your blog. That will encourage them to subscribe and share.
Steps I follow:
1. Occasionally blog about your services. Do not directly try to sell your services, try to prove your expertise.
2. Be active on LinkedIn groups, interact with others in your field. Try to use the InMail feature.
3. Use twitter along with hashtags to generate traffic to your website.
Most importantly provide a good service and make sure your website has quality content.
Hi Charles ,
You can help get your business recognized by creating your business's social media profiles such as Facebook , Twitter. Filter your search to people who cater to your business and connect with them. It is very important that your customers relate to your product/service.
Also , If you can share more information about your business, I can give you a precise answer.
Thank you.
I'm a little biased being in the video marketing field but I can confidently say that there is no medium on the web right now more engaging than video. With the cost to produce a high quality brand video growing cheaper and cheaper, I would certainly try to engage your prospects on your homepage with a content story that is compelling using a homepage video.
Remember strong, concise content is the key in a descriptive video to attract customers. With the extended reach of social media platforms a small investment in time to make great video content can go a long way in pushing your prospects towards a desired call to action.
People for me are defined by their compassion, willingness,integrity and life experiences not what they do and you need to demonstrate those qualities in your opinions how you feel about events people place and things.
Title your website pages and blogs using keyword phrases that consumers would type in to google your type of business. For example, if you sell tires, a blog title might be something like How to fix a flat tire by yourself, or How to know when to buy new tires. Web pages can be titled Old tire tread, or Best tires in Chicago, etc.
Good luck!
There are lots of tips and how-to's to build your business and brand awareness on-line however the first step I look at with entrepreneurs like you Charles, is what is your specialist area?
What is your personal brand?
Once you have developed this, you can go 'inch wide, mile deep' and really focus on the target audience you are after through developing a cascade of influence, with key opinion leaders all referring you.
Once you have your niche, you simply post content and generate links and SEO that focuses everything on that specialisation and clients will be attracted to you.
A confused mind never buys - be clear with who you are and what you offer. ..People will come.
What business are you into?
Your approach to drive traffic should be based on the internet usage, age group of your target audience...
pl elaborate
Charles, install WOT plugin on your browser and go to your site. From your linked, I was redirected to TripleClicks and WOT plugin issued a warning that this site has been reported for scamming. I don't think anyone who has installed WOT, go to such sites
Using local SEO directory services like getListed.org, Yext.com, and other services like MerchantCircle.com, Restaraunters, Yelp, Linkreferral to get various reviews... Follow up with social platforms ie... Twitter, Blogger, GPlus, FriendFind, Facebook, LinkedIn... Channel your efforts toward local business coupons ie... CouponMe
Go into aggressive marketing and blogging strategy mode while creating unique quality content...
Also you may want to get the assistance of a good copywrite to optimize your efforts...
Use my STRETCH YOURSELF four point process that will attract the customers you want to your business. And that is; Interrupt, Engage, Educate, Offer. Use your advertisement to INTERRUPT them and it has to be a question that your customer or prospect customer may be thinking. ENGAGE them by answering that question, Next EDUCATE, through mini videos, your blog, and other avenues. Lastly, OFFER free promotional for them to visit your business, not for you to make money but for you to invest in gaining attention and customers. Example: Have a happy hour that offers a free items between the hours of 2-5 or a discounted featured item. Find the HOT button that is the value that your business brings and you'll be on your way to gaining some customers and increasing your bottom line
Target Your Content to an Audience Likely to Share
Participate in the Communities Where Your Audience Already Gathers
Make Your Blog's Content SEO-Friendly
Use Twitter, Facebook and Google+ to Share Your Posts & Find New Connections
Install Analytics and Pay Attention to the Results
Add Graphics, Photos and Illustrations (with link-back licensing)
Search on "SEO". You'll get thousands of answers to this question. Try an outfit called HubSpot which has some very useful guides to a more effective web presence. Don't expect instant results.
Charles - great question. In short, write stuff that not only provokes thought... write stuff that provokes ACTION. Wright what's memorable...
SEO will only get you so far. SEO + bad writing won't equal sales... it WILL result in everyone saying, "You Suck"
SEO is the mechanics of blogging... writing epic, authentic, value, purpose based stuff will bring people back to read more... it will also inspire them to share your blog which will in tern attract more readers...
Tell your readers what to do... You want to provoke action? What kind of action?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIkcWaTQ96k
By promoting it online & offline using various work methods such as Social Media, SEO, etc...
add lot of useful good content about your business and perform full SEO or get a SEO professional to help you. This will improve your credibility and bring more organic traffic to your site.
Gil, This is a great story. All i can say is nothing comes easy, but we have to start from somewhere. Great example.