When I ventured into the world of blogging, I embarked on it with no understanding of how to attract an audience. I held the mistaken belief that by simply writing blog posts, readers would flock to my site naturally.
Regrettably, my lack of knowledge regarding SEO and the functioning of search engines like Google resulted in a barren readership. In hindsight, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it made me realize that the content I was producing lacked value and quality.
Once I grasped the fundamentals of blogging and driving traffic through Google, I became deeply engrossed in the subject. I dedicated numerous hours every day to expand my knowledge. To this day, I actively engage with SEO podcasts and blogs, recognizing the ever-changing and evolving nature of the field. Gaining insights from a variety of perspectives remains crucial.
It's important to acknowledge that many individuals share common, essential tips. This is not a negative thing; it is necessary. I understand that there are people like me who initially lacked knowledge about SEO and would greatly benefit from learning the basics.
In this article, I will present three lesser-discussed strategies for boosting website traffic:
Prioritizing repeat visitors: Emphasize the significance of nurturing and retaining your existing audience. Recognize the value of building strong relationships with returning customers who can become loyal advocates for your website.
Exploring beyond your niche: Consider venturing into related or complementary niches to expand your reach. By tapping into new audiences and demographics, you can attract fresh traffic and broaden your online presence.
Diversifying search engine focus: While Google may dominate the search engine landscape, it's important to acknowledge the presence of other search engines. By optimizing your website for alternative search platforms, such as Bing or DuckDuckGo, you can tap into additional sources of traffic.
It's worth mentioning that understanding the fundamentals of keyword research, crafting compelling content, and establishing a strong website foundation are essential aspects that can significantly impact your traffic numbers. These core elements should not be overlooked, as they form the backbone of a successful online presence.
Shifting the Focus to Existing Customers:
Prioritize nurturing your current website visitors rather than solely focusing on acquiring new ones. While the majority of SEO advice revolves around attracting new users through various means such as targeting new keywords or increasing social media followers, we often overlook the importance of our existing audience.
Rather than solely chasing after a constant influx of new visitors, it is essential to invest in the VIPs—the individuals who are already engaged with your website. Recognize that your current visitors have already shown an affinity for your content or offerings, indicating a level of satisfaction or interest.
By redirecting some of your efforts towards enhancing the experience and value for your existing user base, you can build stronger connections, encourage repeat visits, and potentially generate positive word-of-mouth recommendations. Don't underestimate the power of catering to your loyal audience, as they can be instrumental in driving ongoing growth and success.
In a traditional business setting, acquiring repeat customers tends to be more cost-effective, as these customers tend to make larger purchases compared to new customers.
Recognizing the value of these returning visitors is crucial; they represent your most valuable asset. So, how can you effectively focus on nurturing and engaging with your returning customers? Here are some strategies to consider:
Foster a Community: Building a community goes beyond creating content. Utilize platforms like Facebook Groups, email lists, Discord or Slack groups, and blog comment sections to establish a sense of community. When people feel part of a community, they are more likely to return to your website repeatedly.
Encourage Engagement: People naturally crave acknowledgment and validation. Take the time to engage with your audience. Reply to comments on your blog posts, express gratitude to those who share your content on social media, and promptly respond to emails or messages from visitors. Showing genuine interest and appreciation helps strengthen the connection with your returning visitors.
Seek Input through Questions: Once you have an established community, let your visitors know that you value their opinions and feedback. Conduct surveys and seek insights from your audience. This not only gives you valuable information but also demonstrates that you prioritize their needs and preferences.
Diversify Your Content:
While topical relevancy is essential for building credibility with search engines like Google, don't limit yourself solely to your niche. Writing content outside your primary topic can help attract a broader audience.
For example, if your blog focuses on dog food, consider covering related subjects such as dog training or pet care. This approach allows you to expand your reach and cater to a wider range of interests while still maintaining your expertise and authority.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively focus on nurturing your returning visitors, cultivating a sense of community, and providing a valuable and engaging experience that keeps them coming back.
While it's advisable to primarily focus on your niche, there can be valid reasons to explore content outside of your established niche. However, it's important to note that this expansion should occur once your website has gained some traction and recognition. If you have fewer than 20 blog posts, it's best to concentrate on your niche for the time being.
Once you have built a solid foundation, it's worth considering branching out into related topics. However, before diving into a new niche, it is crucial to understand your audience. The topics you explore should align with your audience's interests. For instance, if you run a vegan blog, writing a post about the best way to cook a steak would be off-topic. Instead, focus on health-related subjects that are likely to resonate with your audience, even if they are not directly tied to veganism.
A notable example is Business Insider, a prominent content website that predominantly covers business, technology, and markets. However, they occasionally venture outside of their niche.
For instance, they may publish articles about WWII veterans or provide movie and video game reviews. This strategic approach allows them to cater to a broader range of interests while still maintaining their core focus.
Remember, branching out into new topics should be done thoughtfully and with a clear understanding of your audience's preferences to ensure continued engagement and relevance.
While the majority of their content is centered around business, it's worth noting that they occasionally diversify their topics.
This presents an opportunity to engage with a different audience segment who might not typically visit your site.
Furthermore, branching out into related but distinct areas offers the chance to have your content shared by competitors. While a vegan blogger may hesitate to share your vegan dessert recipes due to competition, they may readily share an article like "The 5 Best 2022 Gym Deals" since it appeals to their audience without directly competing with their content.
Additionally, it's crucial to pay attention to other search engines:
Undoubtedly, Google holds the lion's share of the market. When someone has a question, the instinctive response is often "Google it." However, it's essential not to disregard the potential impact of other search engines like Bing or DuckDuckGo. While their reach might not match that of Google, diversifying your optimization efforts can yield valuable traffic and visibility from alternative search engines.
While the majority of individuals concentrate solely on obtaining traffic from Google, it's essential to recognize that there are millions of users on other search platforms. For instance, Bing holds a market share of 5.85% in the U.S. search engine market, signifying a significant portion of the population that often gets overlooked.
To illustrate the potential impact, consider my personal experience. I launched a brand new website in October, and astonishingly, 95% of my traffic originated from Bing search. Had I not taken the initiative to set up Bing Webmaster tools and submit my sitemap to Bing, I might have remained oblivious to these visitors and the specific search terms I ranked for in Bing's search results.
Optimizing your website for alternative search engines can yield a substantial influx of new visitors each month. By neglecting these platforms, you miss out on valuable opportunities to expand your audience and boost traffic.
While it's crucial to prioritize mainstream online marketing tactics, it's equally important to embrace new approaches when the time is right. Growing your website's traffic organically necessitates consistency, as well as the willingness to explore new strategies. By remaining open to experimentation and trying something different, you can uncover untapped avenues for sustainable traffic growth.
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